BANGKOK is the capital of Thailand, and despite its growth and status it has remained true to its cultural and spiritual roots as the city’s many Buddhist temples can attest to. But because it is the country’s capital, expect to also see skyscrapers that glimmer in the sky and colorful cultural street markets nestled very near cosmopolitan shopping malls. Thanks to the Skytrain, getting around the city is easier than ever.PHUKET‘s west coast has often been considered the “tourism side” of the island, but with the advancement of time the entire area can be considered a tourists Mecca. Of course, most of the well-known beaches (like Patong and Karon Beaches) are located on the west side. There is one swimmable east coast beach in the south of Phuket (Laem Ka) and it is well-known for its deep hued water on a sunny afternoon.KOH SAMUI is the country’s third largest island in the Gulf of Thailand where it is surrounded by 60 other smaller islands. Having a population of about 50,000, Samui can be both a busy place in certain parts, but also a quiet, secluded respite as well. Opposite of Phuket, Samui’s major beaches are on its east coast with the island’s main port Nathon, on its west coast, facing nearby mainland and Surat Thani.KRABI PROVINCE is the place to go if you want to escape crowds with many backpackers using the provincial town’s guesthouses as base camps along their discovery. If you’re into something more substantial than a guesthouse, rest assured that Krabi also offers upper-end resort and spa accommodation in secluded settings (some five star) and everything else in between! The pearls of Krabi are its many stunning and deserted beaches that line its coastline.PHI PHI is located about halfway between Phuket and Krabi ans is described as being “at once seductive, vibrant and fascinating with its colorful scenery and prolific nightlife.” Enjoy more than ten individual beach locations with many offering shoals of colorful tropical fish that are sure to delight even the most seasoned snorkeler.