Thailand is without a doubt the most popular destination for those looking to experience Asia for the first time. The country is easy to tour around and provides a very nice introduction to this so fascinating continent.
Meet the ethnic groups of the northern mountains
Sunbathe on heavenly beaches
Meet some of the most adorable people you can imagine
The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.
To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.
A trip to Thahiland is ideal for first-time travellers to Asia, but less so for experienced travelers who might find the destination over-saturated with tourism.
You should go if
You want to meet the continent's most delightful and engaging people
You'd like to meet the indigenous people of the northern mountains
You enjoy the bittersweet taste of the world-famous, sophisticated cuisine
You want to get a suntan in a beach paradise
You're organizing your first trip to South East Asia
You enjoy traveling in a safe, secure environment with a good standard of comfort
You're looking for a destination where the prices are low
You dream of discovering Bangkok, the craziest of all of Asia's vast urban areas
You shouldn't go if
You don't like crowds
You think the destination is too touristy
You don't have at least three weeks to spend exploring
You think there's something perverse about going to see the giraffe-women in the refugee camps on the Burmese border