Faraway 2024 | Page 10

PREMIER ’ S HOTSPOTS
Bangkok : Cloud-piercing skyscrapers dwarf the spires and domes of lavish temples and palaces such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace , tuk tuks whizz around the hectic roads and long-tail boats ply the bustling river .
Northern Thailand : Just a short flight from Bangkok , it will however feel like you ’ re in a different country : the landscape , the language , the architecture , the cuisine and the people of this region are quite distinct .
Island Hideaways : Thailand has an astonishing array of islands with some still relatively untouched by tourism . Our top picks include Koh Yao Yai , Koh Yao Noi and Koh Tao .
Khao Sok National Park : Home to one of the world ’ s oldest rainforests , Khao Sok beckons for those seeking memorable wildlife experiences .
Kanchanaburi & River Kwai region : A place of wartime memorials and the chance to ride a train over the infamous bridge . It ’ s also your go to place for bamboo rafting , trekking and more .
Ayutthaya : One of Thailand ’ s UNESCO World Heritage Sites , this former Thai capital may have been reduced to ruins , but there ’ s enough surviving architecture for an inkling of its past grandeur .
MYANMAR
Andaman Sea
Pai Chiang Rai
Mae Hong Son NORTHERN THAILAND
Chiang Mai
Bush Camp Elephant Hills
GETTING THERE Non-stop flights from the UK to Bangkok take around 11½ hours .
Kanchanburi River Kwai
Cha Am Hua Hin
Kui Buri
Koh Phangan Koh Samui
Surat Thani Khanom
Khao Sok National Park ( Elephant Hills )
Khao
Lak
Phuket
Koh Yao Noi
Krabi
Koh Yao Yai
Phi Phi
Koh Lanta
Sukothai Phitsanulok
Koh Tao
THAILAND
Ayutthaya
BANGKOK Pattaya Jomtien
Koh Samet Gulf of Thailand
LAOS
Khao Lak
Koh Chang Koh Kood
Phuket
CAMBODIA
Phi Phi
VIETNAM
Phang Nga Bay
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Yai
Krabi
Koh Lanta
Koh Samui
Wat Arun , Bangkok

THAILAND with

PREMIER HOLIDAYS

Here ’ s just a few ideas to consider when planning your Thai holiday : -
TOURING OPTIONS
Mixing Bangkok , the rich northern culture and a beach is hard to beat , especially for first time visitors . See our popular Glimpses of Thailand tour on page 11 .
BEACHES & ISLAND HOPPING
If you crave the beach life , there ’ s a stretch of sand waiting for you ( see pages 28-63 ). If one beach isn ’ t enough , why not island hop ( see page 12 )?
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son ooze atmosphere and culture . Choose a hotel stay ( see pages 25-27 ) or maybe opt for a short tour ( page 13 ).
HISTORY
For emotive history , consider our short escorted tour to the River Kwai , or simply factor in a night or two at one of the region ’ s hotels ( see pages 18-19 ).
WILDLIFE
For ethical elephant encounters it has to be Elephant Hills , a true Premier favourite . Choose from one to three night stays and a choice of camps , either in Khao Sok National Park or close to Chiang Mai ( see pages 14-17 ).
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
River Kwai
THAILAND CLIMATE
° C Average daily maximum centigrade temperature
� Average daily sunshine hours
�Average monthly rainfall in cm
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Bangkok
32
9
1
33
8
1
34
9
5
35
8
11
34
8
18
33
6
18
33
5
18
33
5
17
32
5
22
32
6
19
31
8
4
31
9
1
Chiang Mai
30
9
1
33
9
1
35
9
3
37
9
5
35
8
16
33
6
13
32
5
16
32
4
20
32
6
19
31
7
11
30
8
6
28
9
2
Hua Hin
30
9
1
32
9
3
33
10
2
34
9
4
34
8
12
33
7
8
33
7
10
33
7
9
33
7
10
33
7
20
30
8
14
29
9
1
Koh Samui
28
7
9
29
8
3
31
8
3
32
8
8
33
6
16
32
6
10
32
6
12
32
6
10
31
6
13
30
6
29
29
6
43
29
7
15
Pattaya
31
9
1
32
8
1
33
8
5
33
8
6
32
6
15
30
5
10
30
5
8
30
4
9
30
5
21
30
6
24
30
7
8
30
8
1
Phuket
32
8
4
33
9
3
34
8
4
33
9
15
32
8
20
32
7
24
31
8
30
31
7
26
30
7
40
31
7
28
31
7
20
31
8
6
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10 THAILAND visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 444