Destination: Thailand

Top Tens

MUST-SEE FILMS

If you're interested in Thai cinema's 'new wave', these are the best rides so far in descending order of excellence.

  • Mon Rak Transistor (2001)
  • Nang Nak (1998)
  • Mekhong Full Moon Party (2002)
  • Satree Lex (Iron Ladies) (2000)
  • 6ixty-nin9 (1999)
  • Fun Bar Karaoke (1997)
  • Ong Bak (2004)
  • Blissfully Yours (2002)
  • Child of the North-East (1983)
  • Tropical Malady (2004)

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Virtually every week of the calendar a new festival opens somewhere in Thailand. Here's our pick of the ones worth seeking out.

  • January - That Phanom Festival, That Phanom
  • February - Phra Nakhon Khiri Diamond Festival, Phetchaburi
  • Late March/early April - Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung Festival, Buriram
  • April - Songkran, Chiang Mai
  • May/June - Phi Ta Khon Festival, Dan Sai, Loei
  • May/June - Rocket Festival, northeastern Thailand
  • Mid- to late July - Khao Phansa (Candle Festival), Ubon Ratchathani
  • Late September to early October - Vegetarian Festival, Phuket
  • November - Loi Krathong, Sukhothai
  • November - Surin Annual Elephant Roundup, Surin

NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

Thailand has well over a hundred national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and you could spend a lifetime exploring them all. To help prioritise your choices, we have provided our list of favourites:

  • Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani
  • Um Phang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak/Kanchanaburi
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi
  • Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
  • Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan
  • Nam Nao National Park, Loei
  • Thaleh Ban National Park, Satun
  • Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan
  • Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, Phetchabun/Phitsanulok

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