Nearby Locations in Thailand

The upcoming ESL teachers who enroll themselves for the on-site TESOL courses conducted by American TESOL Institute must understand that choosing Thailand as a TEFL location not only gives them the opportunity to explore the three most beautiful hot spots namely, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai but there are several other cities and regions in the country which deserve special mention. Some of these places whose charm is sure to captivate the TEFL trainees are :

Ayutthaya is a perfect place of visit for the TESOL trainees, about a day trip from Bangkok. All you upcoming ESL teachers after visiting Ayutthaya – a historical city, a world Heritage site and old capital of Thailand, would notice that the city boasts of the magnificent ruins which indicate the erstwhile prosperity of the city. A TEFL trainee while paying a visit to this city will realize that the city is a former base of Thai Buddhism and is soaked in true Thai culture. While in Ayutthaya, the TESOL candidates should make a point to visit the Ayutthaya Elephant camp wherein they can enjoy elephant rides at reasonable price. The Boat Noodle Soup made with noodles, meat and vegetables is particularly a favorite cuisine amongst the ESL trainees while traveling in Ayutthaya.

Chiang Rai is the meeting point of Laos and Mayanmar and the TESOL trainees should not miss the opportunity of seeing Laos and the mighty Mekong River while standing atop the mountain. The Gate of Siam is a spectacular view and worth seeing. For the TESOL trainees, Night Bazaar would be an ideal shopping spot, for dance and music performances.

For all you TEFL enrollees, it is worth visiting the magnificent Ton Nga Change waterfall at Hat Yai which is the fourth largest city in South Thailand. You all can enjoy reasonably priced beer in Hat Yai. There is nothing much to do here in this city except shopping. Accommodation is available at very cheap rates here.

Another attractive place of visit for the TESOL candidates would be Kanchanaburi – site of the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, which is well known for the bridge, the start of the infamous Death Railway which connected to Myanmar. Apart from the bridge you can also visit the Art Gallery and War Museum and the Erawan Waterfalls which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. Among places to stay River Kwai Hotel and Felix River Kwai Resort are more well-known. In the former hotel does the TEFL trainees can unwind with some local Thai massages.

All you TESOL trainees should also visit Isaan – backcountry Thailand and the place for some famous Khmer ruins. It is the poorest part of the country and is deprived of tourists as it has got practically nothing to offer. No beaches, no big malls. But in case you wish to explore the country, this part can be an adventurous place of visit outside the actual TEFL location.

The TEFL students must know about Sukhothai whose only claim to fame is as the first capital of Thailand. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. TESOL candidates should have ‘Sukhothai’ noodles here. It is a must have while you are in this old capital. There is not much to buy here except visiting the Thongchai Wittayu store which is a well known place for memory cards and digital cameras. It is the biggest electronic store. For staying you really have to choose between Mountain View Guest House and No. 4 Guest House.

The most stunning beach which all the TESOL candidates must go to, taking time out of your TEFL classes or after your TESOL program is Rai Leh – a fabulous beach by the limestone cliffs of Krabi. It is the best winter sport rock climbing area in the world. There are no grocery vendors here and the restaurants here are not so remarkable. There are reasonably good hotels here and Railay Princess is the preferred choice of most visitors.

For those TESOL candidates who love scuba diving, must call on Ko Tao a tourist spot only meant for scuba diving. You can go for scuba diving at Shark Bay. Great food can be enjoyed after TEFL classes at Zanzibar. Charm Churee Villa and Blue Wind are the places to stay in Ko Tao.

Generally all TESOL students pack off to Ko Phi Phi – backpacker’s paradise made famous by the movie ‘The Beach’. It is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. You can visit the Tsunami Memorial Garden, View point and Monkey Beach. The spicy food is very popular amongst the TEFL enrollees. For eating out you can go to Papaya which is one of the finest restaurants rebuilt after Tsunami.

Tarutao National Park – This place is hugely popular among the Americans TESOL student as the 5th season of ‘Survivors’ was shot here. It is an upcoming national park and yet to gain confidence of the tour operators.