Ayuthaya was the crown jewel and powerhouse of ancient Southeast Asia. It was the majestic capital of Siam (name of ancient Thailand) and a major trading center for the whole Asian region. Its size and splendid were unmatched at the time. Unfortunately this made the neighboring Burmese envy, so in 1767 they raided the city, smashed it to pieces and burned the rest. This means of course, that today the only surviving structures from the glories days are the ones that were made of bricks, like monasteries and towers. But there are still heaps to see and it is still darn splendid. And all this is just a tranquil day trip from buzzing Bangkok.

Chiaw Lan Lake was artificially created in 1982, when they build the Ratchaprapha dam. While it is never nice to flood a national park, the result seems rather genius. Steep, vertical limestone are now rising high out of the green, warm freshwater. Some outcrops reach more than 950m straight up into the sky. The best way to take in all this beauty is to stay at some of the cool raft guesthouses made of floating bamboo tied together, and go exploring early in morning in a kayak. Though most people come here on a tour, it is easy to get here by yourself and then you can choose which area of the lake, you want to stay at.

Adorable little Pai up in the mountains are the hill country's answer to Railay Beach in Krabi. The formula is equal shares of amazing jungle scenery, adventures like river rafting, elephant riding and jungle trekking, and a laid back vibe with the usual blend of big Thai smiles and Bob M. The winding roads are best appreciated on a motorbike. Rent one in Chiang Mai and do the northwest loop, going through Mae Hong Son. The view shifts from rice paddies to lush jungle leaning over the road, and there so many good side trips along the way (waterfalls, hot springs and hill tribe villagers) that you shouldn't count on doing too many kilometres every day. Local tourists have finally found Pai, so it's best visited off season from April to October.

Mae Hong Son is a charming hill town nested in a valley close to the border of Myanmar (Burma). Surrounded by mountains and misty forest it is a great base for trips into the tribe villages. Some of these places are actually refugee camps for fleeing tribes from Eastern Myanmar, like the famous Padaung tribe known as "long necks" and another Karen tribe called "long ears". Some have called these camps "human zoos" and it is not hard to figure out why; entry fees, souvenir shops and a trickle of tourists. But if you can get your mind around that the people are super friendly, easy going, and the tourist income actually gives them a better living than back in Myanmar. So if you choose to go, consider it more as an opportunity to get some insight on the Burma issue instead of pretending it is a visit to a happy-dappy tribe village.

Khao San Road is not a place, it is an experience. Previously just a street with dirt cheap hotels to crash while passing through, but now it has morphed itself into something more. A 24/7 backpacker haven covering not just the original street but the whole neighbourhood, offering anything from visas, beers and Indian tailors over fire-dancing equipment, tattoos, and fake designer clothes to Starbucks, teeth bleaching, and cocktail sipping. It is now such a popular party zone that it even attracts the trendy Thai youth. But the toothless old fellow with the hammocks is still walking around. This place is unique.

It is a bit of a miracle that this pristine slice of dense jungle is not more visit, consider it is only a few hours drive north of Phuket. All the big game are advertized to roam the national park, but the chance to see a tiger, leopard or sun bear is probably pretty slim. A wild elephant, on the other hand, is not impossible. The park's proud botanic attraction is the world biggest flower, Rafflesia (Rafflesi kerrii). This giant flower (50-90cm) is both rare and weird (smells of rotten meat), and blooms only in dry season form January to March. There are several trails throughout the park to waterfalls and viewpoints. You can not sleep inside the park, but the guest houses right outside is famous for treetop bungalows.

By reputation Ko Phi Phi is the iconic beach paradise with sparkling white beaches, rugged mountains, and excellent snorkeling in aqau blue water right at your bamboo bungalow. Reality is however a bit less glossy. Phi Phi has been solid on the tourist map for decades. What started out as a true backpacker hideaway is now taken over by Scandinavian families and Japanese package tourist in matching orange life vests. Hordes of daytrippers from Phuket are descending on the popular beaches and fill the bays with tour boats. But yes, Phi Phi is still darn nice. So if it fits your wallet, please join the crowds on this slice of commercialized paradise.

The largest island in Thailand is Phuket. It is so big that it does not fell like one, which is kind of good for the place is welcoming several millions tourists every year. Most only make it to the main strips of sand at Patong, Karon and Kata, leaving a fair bit of beaches and green countryside to travellers seeking more than Starbucks, jetskies and expat bars. Phuket admirable manage to offer something for everyone. Even the Old Town of Phuket city is inviting and is a great base for the money tights more interested in exploring the island than spending money on prime beach location.

For an idea of the different beaches on Phuket, check out the photo gallery.

The area around Khao Lak was one of the worst hit when the tsunami, on the 26th of December 2004, washed away the west coast of Thailand. People, locals and tourists alike, were totally taken by surprise by the first disappearing and then fast rising sea. Thousands of people lost their life and the survivors lost everything they owned. Beach resorts were demolished and boats were lifted kilometers inland. Today it is hard to see the scars from the tsunami. Most hotels and houses have been rebuild, but in Khao Lak you can still find some tsunami leftovers. The Similana resort, or rather what once was the Similana resort, was stripped bare from the waves (and later thieves) and lies now abandoned and overgrown. The ground is easy accessible from the beach, but you better hurry before hotel investors reclaim this prime location.