thailand
ABOUT THAILAND
Located in the continent of Asia, Thailand covers 510,890 square kilometres of land and has a population of 67,091,089. Known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha it has vastly become one of the world's most popular holiday destinations.
© Ben Lowes, Bangkok, Thailand
bangkok
Bangkok is Thailand’s capital, it is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple.
© Ben Lowes, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Thailand
chiang mai
Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious centre. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.
© Ben Lowes, Kanchanaburi Station, Thailand
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a town in west Thailand. It’s known for the Death Railway, built during WWII. The line crosses over the River Khwae Yai via the Death Railway Bridge. Displays at the JEATH War Museum honour the prisoners of war who died building the bridge. The Thailand–Burma Railway Centre explores the wider history of the railway. Nearby, thousands of Allied soldiers are buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
© Ben Lowes, JW Marriott, Khao Lak, Thailand
khao lak
Khao Lak is a series of villages, now tourist-oriented, mainly in the Takua Pa District and partly in the Thai Mueang District of Phang Nga Province, Thailand. The name "Khao Lak" literally means "Lak mountain".
© Ben Lowes, Koh Phi Phi Beach, Thailand
Koh phi phi
The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the west Strait of Malacca coast of the mainland (the islands are administratively part of Krabi province) and famous for the island featured in the blockbuster hit "The Beach" (Maya Bay).
© Ben Lowes, Treehouse Villas, Thailand
Koh Yao Noi
Ko Yao Yai is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea, halfway between Phuket and Krabi. It's characterized by sandy shores, mangroves, rubber plantations and fishing villages. Beaches include Loh Paret and Loh Jark, the latter with a pier for ferries and long-tail boats. The surrounding waters are rich in coral and dotted with dive sites, like the King Cruiser Wreck near Anemone Reef, and the pinnacles of Shark Point.
© Ben Lowes, Pai, Thailand
Pai
Pai is a town in the Mae Hong Soon Province of northern Thailand. It sits in a valley on the banks of the Pai River. It's known for its nearby gorges, hot springs like the Tha Pai Hot Spring and waterfalls like Mo Paeng Waterfall. Downtown, food stalls and handicraft shops line Pai Walking Street. West of town lies Baan Santichon, a traditional Chinese village with clay houses and eateries serving Yunnan cuisine.
© Ben Lowes, Phuket, Thailand
phuket
Phuket, a rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, mostly situated along the clear waters of the western shore. The island is home to many high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants. Phuket City, the capital, has old shophouses and busy markets. Patong, the main resort town, has many nightclubs, bars and discos.
© Ben Lowes, Railay Beach, Thailand
railay
Railay, also known as Rai Leh, is a large peninsula between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand. It is accessible only by boat due to high limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access.