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Southern Region

Southern Region is the fourth and last region of Thailand’s Administrative Regional System.  The Southern Region of Thailand is on the Malay Peninsula, bounded to the north by Kra Isthmus as the narrowest part of the peninsula.  While on the east side river plains dominate, the western part has much steeper coasts.  The southern region of Thailand lies between the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean to the west and the South China Sea of the Pacific Ocean to the west. Tapi located in Surat Thani is the largest river on the south.  Combined with the Phum Duang River, it drains more than 10% of the total area of Southern Thailand.  While the northern most part of the peninsula was under direct control of Bangkok, deeper south belonged to the Malay sultanates of Pattani and Kedah.  Hat Yai City for Lower Southern, Surat Thani City for Upper Southern and Phuket City for West coast Southern are the regional economic hubs of the region.  Although parts of the west coastal area of Thailand were hit hard by the tsunami of December 2004, but all infrastructures have long since been repaired, and with the growing of tourists during recent years has brought rapid development of accommodations and facilities to cater to tourists and visitors.  

Krabi

Southern Thailand is climatically split into the south east and the south west.  Each section is affected by a different monsoon through the year, thus regardless of where you're in southern part of Thailand; you'll be able to get a chuck of good weather somewhere. On the west coast region (Phuket), the monsoon period that brings heavy rains is from May to September. November to February is the monsoon period for the northeastern (Chumporn province).  

                                                Beautiful view of Phuket

The landscapes of southern region  are ranging from basin areas for cultivation of paddy and vegetables, wild jungles, mountains, beaches, seaside resorts, waterfalls, caves, lakes, beaches and islands of all sizes, the Southern Peninsula offers spectacular scenery throughout.  Although this southern region is covered with tropical dense rain forests; however, the natural beauty attracts fame to this region is its abundant beaches and islands which are scattered all throughout the region.

                                     Wat Chedi Phra Baromathat in Nakhon Si Thammarat

                                       

                                                        Typical local cruisine 

Unsurprisingly seafood features prominently on the menu for this southern region. While the traditional southern Thai food includes milder coconut-milk based curries popularly associated with Thailand; the dry, Malaysian-influenced Panaeng curry and Indian-influenced Massaman (Muslim) curry with potatoes and nuts. The region also offers a wide variety of international cuisines in the many resort towns.  Visited by millions of overseas tourists every year, this southern region often becomes a home to many expats. 

If Southern region of Thailand is your next travel destination, be prepared to enjoy the wide variety of water sports this region has to offer, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, yachting, cruising and many more.

The south consists of 14 provinces, occupying an area of about 70,715 square kilometers. The famous Phuket, Samui, Phi Phi, Krabi and Phangnga are located in the southern part of Thailand.

1.    Chumphon      ชุมพร 

2.    Krabi   กระบี่  

3.    Nakhon Si Thammarat  นครศรีธรรมราช                

4.    Narathiwat      นราธิวาส        

5.    Pattani    ปัตตานี        

6.    Phang Nga      พังงา  

7.    Phatthalung     พัทลุง  

8.    Phuket   ภูเก็ต

9.    Ranong   ระนอง         

10.  Satun   สตูล    

11.  Songkhla         สงขลา

12.  Surat Thani      สุราษฎร์ธานี   

13.  Trang   ตรัง     

14.  Yala     ยะลา    

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Thailand

http://www.travelfish.org/region/thailand/southern_thailand

http://thailand.com/travel/overview/overview_south.htm

http://www.tuktukaonang.com/2012/10/krabi-province-thailand/

http://blogs.siambackpack.com

http://www.travelblog.org

Central Thailand

The third region of my report on Thailand is focused on the Central Thailand also known as the Central Plain.  This region is separated from Northeastern (Isaan) region by the Phetchabun mountain range, and the separation of Tenasserim Hills from Myanmar to the west.  The Central plain was the center movement of the Ayutthaya kingdom, which was a capital of Thailand for many years.  In 1782, Bangkok (55 miles south of Ayutthaya) became the capital of Thailand after the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invasions, but they did not take over the city.  Bangkok also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร) is the most populated region in the country. It is also the home of Thailand’s Royal family. 

          The ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya.

                                           Night time over looking Bangkok

The culture of Krung Thep represents Thailand's center of wealth and modernization. The Krung Thep region has long history of being the portal of entry of Western concepts and material goods.  Therefore it has been accepted and merged with Thai values to variety of degrees by its residents.

 
             Kanchanaphisek Bridge

 

           Floating Market of Damnoen Suduak

Krung Thep as a shorter term used by Thais is now a major regional force in finance and business.  It is the heart of the country’s investment and development.  It is also an international hub for transportation and health care, and is emerging rapidly as a central region for the arts, fashion, and entertainment.  

    

                          Suvarnabhumi  Airport (สนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ) 

                               

                                        Inside Suvarnabhumi Airport

                                      Variety of Central Thailand dishes

The food in Central region is milder than of Northeastern region (Isaan), although upon request, you can have it much spicier.  Most of the dishes you may find are offered in Thai restaurants all over the world.

                                           Pattaya Bay famous for tourists.

The provinces of Central Thailand.
According to the four-region grouping system, Central Thailand is divided into 26 provinces. 

1.     Bangkok
2.     Samut Prakan
3.     Samut Sakhon 
4.     Samut Songkram 
5.     Nakhon Pathom 
6.     Nonthaburi
7.     Pathum Thani
8.     Nakhon Nayok
9.     Ang Thong
10.   Singburi

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Thailand

http://wikitravel.org/en/Central_Thailand

http://hellfirepass.org/tours_floating_market.html 
http://www.airport-technology.com/news/newssuvarnabhumi-airport-undergo-19bn-expansion

http://www.wecare999.com/

http://www.pbworld.com/capabilities_projects/kanchanaphisek_bridge_.aspx

Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand is geographically considered as vast mountain ranges, which continue from the Shan Hills in bordering Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, and the river valleys which run through them. Though like most of Thailand, Northern region has a tropical savanna climate. Because it’s relatively high altitude and latitude, this region offers a more noticeable seasonal temperature vibrant, with cooler seasons than the other regions. 

Culturally, Northern Thailand shows heavy influences from the neighboring cultures of Myanmar and Yunnan (China). Furthermore, it is related to the Lanna Kingdom and its culture historically.

            Northern hill tribes

Northern Thailand natives speak their own dialect of Thai called Kham Meaung (คำเมือง); however standard Thai is commonly used and understood.  Also, the hill tribes speak their own languages.

 Most dishes in Northern Thai food are milder than those of others regions, such as Northeastern (Isaan), and modeled by Burmese influence. Although rice has always been the main dish, but most of Northern Thailand prefer sticky rice, with curries being secondary to the meal. 

Some of the Northern Thailand most popular dishes are kaeng Hang Le, a spicy pork curry with ginger, tamarind, and turmeric; Khao Soi, a mix of eggnoodles and meat, heavily laced with coconut milk, and served with onions, pickled cabbage, and slices of lime; Nam Phrik Ong is a northern-style chilli-dip served with dried shredded pork and freshly cooked vegetables; and an hors d’oeuvre called Miang (tea leaves).

                                                                   

  

                              Wat Doi Su Tep on mountain top in Chiang Mai

                                                      

 

                                     Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai     
 

                                 
                                                           Elephant Trek

Northern Region Provinces

The Northern region of Thailand is divided into 17 provinces.

                                                                             

1.    Chiang Mai

2.    Chiang Rai

3.    Kamphaeng Phet

4.    Lampang

5.    Lamphun

6.    Mae Hong Son

7.    Nakhon Sawan

8.    Nan

9.    Phayao

10.  Phetchaban

11.  Phichit

12.  Phitsanulok

13.  Phrae

14.  Sukhothai

15.  Tak

16.  Uthai Thani

17.  Uttaradit

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand

http://wikitravel.org/en/Northern_Thailand

http://www.thai-food.in.th/Northern-Thai-Food.html

http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/popular_northern_thai_food.html

Thai Isaan

Northeastern Thailand has been officially known as Isaan (อีสาน) since the beginning of the 20th century. The term "Isaan" means "North East direction". The Isaan region covers approximately 62,000 square miles; about half the size of Germany; and slightly larger than the size of England and Wales combined. The region is divided into 19 provinces (Jungwat, จังหวัด). Each province has its districts (Amphoe, อำเผอ); each district has its sub-districts (Thumbon, ตำบล); and each sub-district has its smaller villages (Ban, บ้าน), which all are under province control. 

The main economic activity is agriculture.  Due to socio-economic conditions and extremely hot and dry climate, the production falls behind the rest of the country. Although Isaan remains Thailand's poorest region, public roads, education, electricity, and communication lines have been improved over the years. 

               Farmers planting rice

The most spoken language is Isaan, which is a dialect of the Lao (ลาว) language, but it's written in the Thai alphabet. Isaan food is much more distinctive than of Central Thai cuisine. Some of the most well-known Isaan food are sticky rice (kow neow, ข้าวเหนียว); papaya salad (Somtum, ส้มตำ), which can be made from mild to very very hot; chicken or beef salad (larb, ลาบ); and grilled chicken (kai yang, ไก่ย่าง). Sticky rice is a main staple of Isaan cuisine, and can be accompanied just about any type of meals. 

 
                        Papaya Salad

Variety of Isaan food 

Some other distinctive features of Isaan are folks music (morlum, หมอลำ); Thai boxing (Muay Thai, มวยไทย); cock fighting; and rocket festival (boon bung fai, บุญบั้งไฟ).  

                                                                   Rocket Festival

The Northeastern Provinces

The Northeastern Region "Isaan" is consists of 19 provinces. The map and list below identify the location of each province. 

1.   Loei

2.   Nong Bua Lamphu

3.   Udon Thani

4.   Nongkhai

5.   Sakon Nakhon

6.   Nakhon Phanom

7.   Chaiyaphum

8.   Khon Kaen

9.   Kalasin

10. Mukdahan

11. Maha Sarakham

12. Roiet

13. Yasothon

14. Amnat Charoen

15. Nakhon Ratchasima

16. Buriram

17. Surin

18. Sisaket

19. Ubon Ratchathani

References

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isan

thaiwebsites.com

eatingthaifood.com
hale-worldphotography.blogspot.com
thaiblogs.com

Some of the best beaches in Thailand

Thailand offers some of the best beaches in the world, but there are so many to choose from. Sources from several sites have recommended some of the top beaches listed below.  Each has its own unique style, so you're sure to find the one that fits your needs.

                                                               

                                                                 Patong Beach, Phuket

                                                             Pretty and Popular

The country's most popular and largest beach on the island of Phuket. This place is loaded with a wide coastline, soft white sand, warm water and plenty of hotels, restaurants and shopping within walking distance.  If you are looking for peace and quiet, you might want to look elsewhere because this place offers  vibrant nightlife that attracts a partying crowd and the jet skis keep the volume cranked to high during the day. 

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                                                              Riley Beach, Krabi

                                                               Quiet and Sporty

Riley Beach is only accessible by boat and has clear blue waters, small islands on the horizon and majestic cliffs surround the beach. The beach is normally not crowded except during peak season. 

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                                                       Maya Bay Beach, Koh Phi Phi

                                                                 Just gorgeous

This small stretch of sand on this beach might just have the best scenery of any in the country. Since accommodations are unavailable, you can only visit Maya Bay by boat during day trips. High volume of people visit during peak season, but the beauty makes dealing with the crowds worth it.

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                                                         Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin

                                                      Convenient and family-friendly

Located on the Gulf of Siam, this place is very popular for locals and international visitors because of the flat stretches of beach and offers variety of things to do. Since it’s not the best beach for real swimming, it’s a great place for families with small children.

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                                                                     Kata Beach, Phuket

                                            Relaxed

Kata is quiet and very relaxed beach in Southern Phuket. Kata has everything, such as palm trees, warm water and awesome scenery, but it offers no high rise hotels or shopping center. This place can be a great place to surf during low season because of intensity of waves. 

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                                                                                 Lamai Beach, Samui

                                                                                     The perfect balance

Although this place can be very busy during peak season, but you cannot avoid the pretty scenery, good swimming and other variety of things to do.  The scores of bars and restaurants turn Lamai Beach into a party scene at night. 

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                                                                                Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

                                                                                               Chilled out

If you are into scuba driving, this is a place for you. Ko Tao has more to offer than just a place to eat and sleep between dives. This place offers plenty of inexpensive accommodations and restaurants. The closest airport is in Samui, so getting there involves a ferry trip and keeps the beach relatively uncrowded.

Reference:
gothailand.about.com

Songkran Teaser.