Thailand's 76 provinces

Thailand's 76 provinces can be conveniently divided into five geographic and cultural regions. · North - Chiang Mai, hill tribes, and the Golden Triangle · Isaan - the great undeveloped north-east - get off the beaten track and discover backcountry Thailand and some magnificent Khmer ruins · Central - Bangkok, lowlands and historic Thailand · East - beaches and islands within easy reach of Bangkok, and, oh yes, Pattaya · South - hundreds of kilometers of coastline and countless islands on both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, plus Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Tao and many more of Thailand's famous beach spots Cities · Bangkok - Thailand's bustling, frenetic capital · Ayutthaya - a historical city, world heritage site and the old capital city of Thailand · Chiang Mai - the capital of the North and the heart of Lanna culture · Chiang Rai - gateway to the Golden Triangle · Hat Yai - largest city in the Southern region · Kanchanaburi - home of the Bridge over the River Kwai · Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) - main city in the Isaan region · Pattaya - one of the main tourist destinations · Sukhothai - Thailand's first capital Other destinations Islands & beaches: · Ko Chang - once quiet island undergoing major tourism development · Ko Lanta - sleepy island near Krabi · Ko Pha Ngan - site of the famous Full Moon Party · Ko Phi Phi - backpacker favorite where The Beach was filmed · Ko Samet - the nearest island beach escape from Bangkok · Ko Samui - hippie mecca gone upmarket · Ko Tao - where the world learns to scuba dive · Phuket - the original Thai paradise island · Rai Leh - stunning beach by the limestone cliffs of Krabi National Parks: · Ko Chang National Park - in Trat Province · Tarutao National Park - in Satun Province · Similan Islands - in Phang Nga province