First Things First

Although Thailand is a great place to visit, when you venture out of the main cities and tourist locations, you will often be confronted with third world conditions. While this is nothing to be alarmed by, it is something that all travellers should be aware of.

Theft and poor food preparation and hygiene skills are something that you may notice in certain areas, which is why it is important to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Not only will this cover your medical bills should fall ill from something simple such as gastro (even treatment for this illness can be expensive), but if something should get stolen, that too could be replaced, depending on your policy.

Discover Thailand

Some of the most popular places for tourists in Thailand are Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi Island and Koh Samui. However, there are many more destinations that should be seen, to really be believed:

• Chiang Mai - full of traditional heritage

• Chiang Rai - situated 785 kilometres north of Bangkok

• Kamphaengphet - the name means "strong as walls" or "forts made of diamonds"

• Lampang - famous for their horse-drawn carriages

• Lamphun - located on the bank of the Kuang River

• Mae Hong Son - this town has been isolated from the western world

• Nakhon Sawan - where the rivers of Ping, Wang, Yom and Nam all meet to form the Chao Phraya River

• Nan - a province rich in rock salt deposits

• Phayao - intriguing religious sites

• Phetchabun - the name means "land of crops and food"

• Phichit - several crocodile farms can be found in this province

• Phitsanulok - a great base for those wishing to adventure throughout the north and western northeast

• Phrae - one of the largest reserves of teak forests

• Sukhothai - the first truly independent Thai kingdom

• Tak - known for the area's beautiful mountains and forests

• Uthai Thani - rich with native wildlife

• Uttaradit - a well known port for goods transportation

Now, if that seems like a lot of places to visit, there is still so much more! The aforementioned provinces are only the ones located in the north of the country. The central, east, north-east and south are also there for you to enjoy!