
This welcoming kingdom lures visitors with smiles as golden as its glistening temples; with colourful hill tribes and rich culture; with dense rainforests and abundant wildlife; with traditional fishing villages and exuberant cities of high rises and neon lights; and with jungle-topped islands and gorgeous beaches anchored in azure seas.
With so many contrasting destinations, a multi-centre holiday is just the recipe for a perfect Thai getaway. It’s no problem getting from place to place as numerous flights connect northern, central and southern regions, including some of the larger islands, while more far-flung isles are easily reached by boat.
Where better to kick start your Thai adventure than Bangkok, with its cacophony of colourful sights, sounds and smells. Here, cloud-piercing skyscrapers dwarf the spires and domes of lavish temples and palaces, lively street markets sit side by side with vast air-conditioned malls and tuk-tuks whizz around the hectic roads and long-tail boats ply the bustling river.
Delve deeper into Thai culture by heading north for a night or two. Just a short flight from Bangkok, it will however feel like you're in a different country: the landscape, the language, the architecture, the food and the people of this region are quite distinct.
For soft adventure and ethical elephant encounters Khao Sok National Park is your go to place, and, in the historic River Kwai region there's so much more to discover than just a famous bridge.
Of course, no visit to Thailand would be complete without time beside a soft white sand beach fringed with swaying palms, clear calm seas and brightly-hued coral gardens. Each beach resort and island has its own individual personality, each sure to fulfil your personal dream of a tropical paradise. Choose from secluded romantic hideaways surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, lively resorts thronging with bars and restaurants, or family-friendly options with recreational activities galore and inviting sands perfect for beach games and a bucket and spade. Most are within a short flight of Bangkok, others are an easy road transfer from the capital, while those more tucked away will involve a scenic boat transfer too.
For those that love to shop, have your wallet at the ready. Choose from department stores and boutiques within swanky malls or, barter with the locals at a weekend, night time or even a floating market.
The final ingredient to add to your holiday mixture is Thai cuisine which, with its symphony of flavours, is quite simply sublime. Tuck into authentic local specialities dished up at street-side food stalls, feast on fresh seafood plucked straight from the ocean or on gourmet delights at one of Bangkok’s Michelin-star restaurants.
GMT +7 hours
Thai Baht
Flight time from the UK to Bangkok is approximately 11.5 hours (non-stop).
The climate does vary throughout this country and from coast to coast so you can visit all year round.; however, the best time is generally during the cool, dry season between November and early April. See each resort for further details.
A visa is only required if you stay in Thailand for more than 30 days.
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