Hatsanai Chisri, Regional Marketing Director for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in the Middle East, highlighted Thailand’s diverse tourism destinations and experiences, emphasizing the country’s ability to meet the interests of different segments of travelers, from beach and island enthusiasts and water-sports lovers to those seeking nature, adventure, culture and culinary experiences.
Chisri said Pattaya is an ideal option for travelers interested in marine activities, particularly diving and snorkeling. He highlighted Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island, which is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty. The island can be easily reached by road from Bangkok via Pattaya, offering an alternative to flying to Phuket or Krabi.
He also pointed to Pattaya’s cultural attractions, particularly the Sanctuary of Truth, a remarkable wooden architectural landmark built using traditional woodworking techniques. The structure reflects Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
The TAT regional marketing director also recommended Kanchanaburi as a destination worth exploring, noting that it can be reached from Bangkok in approximately two hours by car. The province combines mountains, lush landscapes, floating resorts and important historical sites, while also offering opportunities for camping and outdoor activities.
Kanchanaburi is home to several historical sites associated with World War II, including the famous railway line, whose construction took place under extremely difficult conditions and resulted in a significant loss of life. The province also offers a wide range of floating resorts, providing visitors with unique accommodation experiences surrounded by nature.
Chisri added that Surat Thani, in southern Thailand, offers a distinctive combination of nature and adventure. Visitors can stay at floating resorts and enjoy a variety of activities, including wildlife viewing, safari experiences and nature-based excursions.
He further highlighted Khao Yai National Park, located northeast of Bangkok, as one of Thailand’s most important natural attractions and the country’s first national park. The area is known for its forests, waterfalls and scenic landscapes, as well as villas, resorts, farms and flower gardens in the surrounding areas.
Among Khao Yai’s most famous attractions is Haew Suwat Waterfall, which gained international recognition after featuring in the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The waterfall has since become a popular attraction for visitors and photography enthusiasts.
Turning to southern Thailand, Chisri said Phang Nga and Krabi offer a wide variety of destinations and tourism experiences, with several areas also providing quieter settings and pristine natural surroundings.
He explained that traveling by road from Phuket to Phang Nga takes approximately one and a half hours, followed by another one-and-a-half-hour journey to Krabi, allowing travelers to explore a number of attractions and scenic spots along the way.
James Bond Island in Phang Nga remains one of the region’s most iconic attractions, while Khao Lak serves as an important gateway for travelers looking to explore the islands of the Andaman Sea, offering a wide range of marine excursions and activities.
Chisri also clarified that although the Phi Phi Islands are commonly associated with Phuket, they are administratively part of Krabi Province and geographically located between Phuket and Krabi, making them an important addition to southern Thailand’s island-hopping programs.
He added that Hong Island in Krabi is another outstanding destination, known for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular natural scenery. Visitors can also enjoy viewpoints offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and landscapes, making the area particularly attractive to nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Krabi also offers unique culinary experiences, including The Grotto, a restaurant located inside a cave at the Rayavadee resort. The venue combines fine dining with a spectacular natural setting and is particularly suited to couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic experience.
Chisri emphasized that Thailand’s tourism offering extends far beyond beaches and islands to include local culture and traditional experiences, including the famous Thai traditional massage, as well as cultural performances and events that allow visitors to gain deeper insight into Thai traditions and lifestyles.
He also highlighted Thailand’s growing focus on food tourism as an important component of the country’s tourism offering, pointing to a special food-related event scheduled for November 25, and encouraging visitors to experience the event and discover the diversity of Thai cuisine.
Chisri stressed that the diversity of Thailand’s destinations and tourism experiences makes it possible to design programs suitable for different traveler segments, including families, couples, honeymooners, adventure seekers, nature lovers and water-sports enthusiasts.
He concluded that Thailand offers visitors an integrated tourism experience combining beaches and islands with nature, culture, history, cuisine and authentic local experiences.
