Thailand Western Thailand

Kanchanaburi is a town municipality in the west of Thailand and part of Kanchanaburi Province. In 2006 it had a population of 31,327. The town covers the complete tambon Ban Nuea and Ban Tai and parts of Pak Phraek and Tha Makham, all of Mueang Kanchanaburi district, and parts of the tambon Tha Lo of Tha Muang district. In the late 19th century, Kanchanaburi was established by King Rama I as a defensive outpost against possible Burmese attacks in what is now Lat Ya subdistrict. In 1833, the town was moved about 16 km towards the south-east along the river to its present site during the reign of King Rama III. Its attractions include poignant WWII memorials.

Hua Hin, the seat of regional government, is a beach resort town. Popular activities in Hua Hin include fishing, boating, fitness, martial arts, elephant camping, Thai massage, spa, cooking courses, trekking, walking, cycling, arts, water sports, pony-riding, and golf. Golf in particular is becoming especially popular, with Hua Hin increasingly being recognized as one of Thailand's premier golfing destinations. Several boat trips are available in Hua Hin-Pran Buri area such as touring the river and watching birds or cruising the Gulf of Thailand with a teak boat for swimming, fishing, and feeding monkeys at Sam Roi Yod National Park. Other attractions include the beach and waterparks.

Phetchaburi is a town in southern Thailand, capital of Phetchaburi Province. In Thai, Phetchaburi means "city of diamonds". The Phetchaburi River runs through the middle of the city. The region is mostly flat, save for a single hill (called Khao Wang) on the outskirts of town. The royal palace named Phra Nakhon Khiri and one of the many wats are on top of Khao Wang. Phetchaburi is known for its traditional Thai desserts. Its attractions include several temples and nearby natural features.

Mae Sot is a city in western Thailand that shares a border with Burma to the west. It is notable as a trade hub and for its substantial population of Burmese migrants and refugees.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is a town in southern Thailand. It is the capital of Prachuap Khiri Khan province and is on the coast at one of the narrowest stretches in Thailand, only 10km from the Burmese border. The town is well known for its fresh and inexpensive seafood and its night market. The "monkey temple", Wat Thammikaram, is just north of town on a steep hill. Many monkeys live in the temple and a monkey fountain statue is at the base of the hill. The temple provides excellent views of the bay and countryside, and many locals there go to feed or watch the monkeys. Prachuap Bay is not particularly good for swimming, but better beaches are found both to the north and south.

Ratchaburi or Rat Buri is a town in western Thailand, capital of the Ratchaburi Province. At one time the town was on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Over time the coast has moved 30km away to the south, due to sedimentation coming down the Mae Klong (river). Ratchaburi remains an important commercial centre, however. Archeological discoveries show that the area was already settled in the Bronze Age, and the town itself is known to have existed for at least two thousand years.