Hua Hin

The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is located just under 60 kilometers south of Hua Hin on the Gulf Coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. It was established in 1966 as Thailand's first coastal national park and covers around 98 square kilometers, about one-fifth of which is marine area.Limestone mountains, mangroves, the white sand beaches of Laem Sala and Sam Phraya, and Thailand's largest freshwater swamp area characterize the park. The most famous destination is Phraya Nakhon Cave with the Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion, which was built in 1890 for King Chulalongkorn's visit. Through an opening in the cave ceiling, light streams into the cave in the morning.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in Ratchaburi Province, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Bangkok, on a 32-kilometre-long canal dug between 1866 and 1868 by order of King Mongkut to connect the Mae Klong and Tha Chin rivers. Vendors sell fruit, noodle soups, and snacks from flat wooden boats.The market is very well-known and heavily geared towards visitors: Besides the vendor boats, souvenir stalls crowd the banks, and longtail boats take groups through the canals. It's busiest between approximately 7 and 9 AM; the market remains active until midday.Prices are negotiable, including for boat trips. An alternative with a predominantly Thai audience is the Amphawa evening market in Samut Songkhram, which takes place from Friday to Sunday.

Pattaya, on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, was originally a fishing village. From 1959, US soldiers came here for recreation, and during the Vietnam War, it grew into a resort town. Today, it's a city with high-rises along the beachfront promenade, about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.The Walking Street in the south is the center of nightlife, heavily dominated by bars and red-light establishments. Those wishing to avoid this are better off staying further south in Jomtien or north in Naklua, where it's quieter.Two cultural highlights are: the Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua, a temple built entirely from wood with intricate carvings, and Wat Phra Yai on Pratumnak Hill, offering views over the bay. From Bali Hai Pier, boats depart for Koh Larn island, whose beaches have clearer water than the city beaches.The drier months from November to February are the most pleasant time to travel.

Nakhon Pathom, west of Bangkok, was the largest settlement of the Dvaravati culture. Historically, the place is therefore more significant than its current image as a provincial town suggests.The centre is the Phra Pathom Chedi, at around 120 metres, Thailand's tallest stupa. Its orange-brown tiled bell shape covers an older structure and is an important pilgrimage site. Viharas with Buddha figures line its circumambulatory path.On the outskirts is the Sanam-Chandra Palace of King Vajiravudh, its buildings currently closed for restoration. In the markets, you'll find pomelos from the province. Nakhon Pathom is on the Southern Railway and can be visited from Bangkok as a half-day trip.

The Chao Phraya is Bangkok's most important waterway and one of the most revealing perspectives on the city. Along its banks, temples, old trading houses, cargo piers, and modern high-rises line up. In the Riverside district, historic hotels stand next to large shopping centers on the Thonburi side.The Chao Phraya Express Boats operate between numerous piers and are often the most practical means of transport for visitors: Sathorn Pier connects to the BTS Skytrain, and further north are the piers for Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. Small cross-river ferries connect the two sides of the river.In the evening, dinner boats cruise up and down the river, and waterside night markets and restaurant terraces open. For those who prefer peace, stroll through the alleys of Talat Noi and Chinatown, which reach right to the riverbank.