THAILAND Fact Sheet – Focus on Phuket, Ko(h) Samui and Hua Hin
Basic Thailand facts:
- constitutional monarchy since 1932
- 76 provinces
- 79 national parks
- 89 wild animal reserves
- official languages: Siamese Thai; English as secondary compulsory language taught in schools
- approx. 420 radio stations in the entire country
- 9 television channels – only one national: Channel 9
- Bangkok harbors the Asian Technology Institute founded in 1959
- unique national sport championship: King’s Cup Elephant Polo
- Lights Festival – Buddhist and Brahman rites on the full moon night of the 12th year month
- National currency: Baht (1 USD = +/- 40 Baht)
PHUKET
- location: 867 km south of Bangkok
- the greatest island in Thailand
- named ‘the pearl of the south’
- more than 46,500 inhabitants
- pearl shaped island, 21 km long
- white sand beaches and clear water
- Phuket Fantasea: exciting amusement park with special water adventure sports and exotic attractions
- National Museum of Thalang
- Ko(h) Si Re, the unique gypsy village
- Patong, the most developed beach of the province
KOH SAMUI
- location: 700 km south of Bangkok, in the Thai Golf
- the third greatest island in Thailand
- distinctive tourist sights: the butterfly garden, the snake farm, the monkey training center, the waterfall of Namtok Na Mueang (20 m high), the
- Than Sadet waterfall, Ko(h) Tao (the Turtle Island), Hin Ta – Hin Yai rock formations
- nautical sports centers and tranquil beaches suitable for water sports
- neighboring island: Ko(h) Pha-ngan, 20 km from Samui
- luxury relaxation spas
- popular with diving fans
HUA HIN
- location: 190 km south of Bangkok
- named “the royal beach resort’
- ancient fishing port
- current holiday destination for Thai aristocracy
- particular architecture style: the Hua Hin train station built by king Rama VI
- ancient and modern art museum on Naepkehat Road
- spectacular cave: Tham Phraya Nakhon
- national park of Khao Sam
- tribal villages: Lao Song & Thai Song Dam
- BRC Adventure Park of Kao Yoi for sports exploits
- Historical temples, palaces & pavilions: Phra Thinang Kuha Kharnehat, Khao Takiap, Klai Kangwon & Phra Nakhon Khiri
