Tha Mai
,Tha Mai is a small district located in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. It is known for its picturesque countryside, surrounded by lush green hills and fruit orchards. The district is famous for its durian fruit, which is highly valued by locals and tourists alike.
Tha Mai is also home to several temples and historical sites that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Beach Relaxation
morning
:Start your day with a refreshing swim at Tha Mai Beach. Enjoy local breakfast options at a nearby café.
afternoon
:Explore the vibrant local market for unique handicrafts and fresh produce. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
evening
:Watch the sunset over the ocean while enjoying a beachside dinner. Try local seafood dishes at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Nature Exploration
morning
:Visit the nearby national park for a morning hike through lush forests and scenic viewpoints. Bring along binoculars to spot local wildlife.
afternoon
:Have a picnic lunch in the park while relaxing surrounded by nature. Take a guided nature tour to learn about the flora and fauna.
evening
:Return to Tha Mai and enjoy a traditional Thai massage to unwind. Sample street food for dinner at the night market.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful beaches and natural scenery
- Laid-back atmosphere suitable for relaxation
- Rich cultural heritage and local traditions
- Opportunity for water sports and outdoor activities
- Less touristy compared to other areas in Thailand
Bad
- Limited infrastructure and amenities compared to larger cities
- Fewer dining and entertainment options
- Transport can be challenging with fewer public options
- Some areas may have issues with waste management
- Language barrier may exist for non-Thai speakers
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit Khao Laem Ya - Mu Koh Samet National Park
Explore stunning beaches, lush forests, and enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking in this beautiful national park.
Relax at Ao Prao Beach
Spend a day at this serene beach, famous for its crystal-clear water and soft sand, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
Hiking in Ban Phe
Trek through the scenic trails around Ban Phe for breathtaking views of the coastline and lush greenery, suitable for all fitness levels.
Fishing trips in the Gulf of Thailand
Join a fishing tour and experience the rich marine life of the Gulf, a great way to relax and connect with nature.
Explore local markets
Visit Tha Mai's local markets to discover fresh produce, handicrafts, and authentic Thai street food, soaking in the local culture.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Tha Mai with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Laem Sadet Beach
A serene beach with stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand, perfect for sunset photography and capturing the coastline.
Koh Chang Viewpoint
A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the sea, ideal for landscape photography.
Tha Mai Market
A vibrant local market that provides a fantastic opportunity to capture the culture and daily life of the locals.
Wat Tha Mai
A beautiful temple featuring intricate architecture and peaceful surroundings, great for architecture and cultural photographs.
Nang Rong Beach
A less crowded beach with stunning blue waters and white sands, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Khao Laem Sing Marine National Park
A national park with breathtaking landscapes, mangroves, and sea views, ideal for nature photography and wildlife spotting.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Som tum (Papaya Salad)
A zesty and refreshing salad made with shredded green papaya, chilies, lime, palm sugar, and fish sauce. It's typically garnished with roasted peanuts and dried shrimp. Recommended place: Look for street food vendors or local eateries for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
Tom yum goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
A hot and sour soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and fish sauce, featuring succulent shrimp. It's known for its aromatic and invigorating flavors. Recommended place: Visit waterfront restaurants or food stalls for a delightful bowl of tom yum goong.
Pad Thai (Thai-Style Fried Noodles)
Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and a blend of toppings such as bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime wedges. It offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes. Recommended place: Seek out bustling street vendors or local eateries for an authentic rendition.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tha Mai better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Tha Mai Weekend Market
An energetic market where locals and visitors converge to savor an array of street food delights, including grilled skewers, spicy salads, and exotic fruit smoothies. The market showcases a plethora of authentic Thai flavors and provides a lively atmosphere for culinary exploration.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for Monks
In Thailand, monks are highly respected figures. It is essential to show deference to them, which includes not sitting next to them on public transport or touching them. Women should also be particularly mindful not to touch a monk, as this is considered disrespectful.
Bowing and Wai Greeting
The traditional Thai greeting known as 'wai' involves placing your palms together in a prayer-like position and bowing slightly. This is a sign of respect and should be used when greeting elders or those in positions of authority.
Dress Code in Temples
When visiting temples in Tha Mai or elsewhere in Thailand, it is important to dress modestly. Visitors should wear long pants or skirts and should avoid sleeveless tops. This demonstrates respect for the sacred spaces and cultural norms of the country.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tha Mai with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
Tipping in Tha Mai, Thailand is not mandatory but is appreciated in the service industry. In restaurants, leaving small change or rounding up the bill is common. In bars and hotels, tipping can be at the discretion of the customer, often ranging from 20 to 100 baht, especially for exceptional service.
Payment
Payment methods in Tha Mai vary, including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments. Cash is widely accepted, especially in local markets and small vendors. Many restaurants and larger establishments also accept cards, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions or rural areas.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tha Mai.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool Season (November to February)
This is the best time to visit Tha Mai, as the weather is pleasant and dry. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Expect clear skies and less humidity.
Hot Season (March to May)
During this time, temperatures can rise significantly, often exceeding 35°C. It can be less comfortable for outdoor activities, but this season features vibrant local festivals. Expect high humidity and occasional showers.
Rainy Season (June to October)
This season is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. While it may not be the most pleasant time to visit, the landscapes are lush and green. Expect frequent afternoon showers and less crowded tourist attractions.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Khao Sip Ha Chan National Park
A beautiful national park featuring lush forests, diverse wildlife, and various hiking trails with stunning views.
Khao Khitchakut National Park
Renowned for its scenic trails leading to the summit of Khao Khitchakut, offering panoramic views and a rich ecology.
Khao Laem Sing Forest Park
A peaceful area providing hiking trails through natural landscapes with opportunities to see native flora and fauna.
Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to diverse ecosystems, this sanctuary offers challenging hikes through mountainous terrain and is ideal for wildlife observation.
Sai Thong National Park
Famous for its stunning waterfalls and viewpoints, Sai Thong offers several trails suited for all levels of hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tha Mai through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Tha Mai by plane.
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP)
Located approximately 45 km from Tha Mai, this airport serves international flights and is a key gateway to the eastern region of Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Thailand's main international airport located about 150 km from Tha Mai. It is one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Located around 160 km from Tha Mai, this is a secondary international airport in Bangkok, primarily serving low-cost carriers.
Samui International Airport (USM)
Approximately 200 km from Tha Mai, this airport services domestic and international flights primarily to vacation destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Thai National
The primary demographic group in Tha Mai, encompassing the majority of the population, predominantly of Thai ethnicity.
Chinese Thai
A significant ethnic group, consisting of Thai citizens of Chinese descent, contributing to the local culture and economy.
Other Ethnic Minorities
Includes various smaller ethnic groups that may reside in the area, such as ethnic Malays or indigenous peoples.
Foreign Residents
A small demographic of expatriates or long-term foreign residents, including people from Western countries and neighboring Southeast Asian nations.
The Soul of Tha Mai
Discover the essence of Tha Mai through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Muay Thai
A traditional martial art and national sport of Thailand, known for its striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Football (Soccer)
A widely popular team sport played in various leagues and local matches, with many fans supporting both local and national teams.
Volleyball
A popular sport played on the beach and in indoor settings, known for its competitive tournaments and community engagement.
Badminton
A favored racquet sport in Thailand, with many local clubs and national players gaining recognition in international competitions.
Basketball
An increasingly popular sport with local youth leagues and schools promoting it as a recreational and competitive activity.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While many traditional Thai dishes feature meat or fish, vegetarian and vegan options are available at some eateries, especially in tourist-centric areas. Visitors can look for restaurants that specifically cater to these dietary preferences or request customized dishes with tofu or mixed vegetables.
Gluten-Free Choices
Individuals seeking gluten-free options can opt for rice-based dishes such as rice noodles, rice porridge, and rice paper rolls. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs to restaurant staff to ensure that meals are prepared without gluten-containing ingredients.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tha Mai with these cultural adventures.
