FREE TOUR see pages 21 & 30
Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Thailand
Rich in culture, wildlife and cuisine | City breaks, tours and soft adventure Secluded beaches and romantic retreats | Lively resorts with fun for all ages High levels of service | Great value for money | Warm, friendly people
Big Seated Buddha Statue, Bangkok
This welcoming kingdom lures visitors with its myriad of attractions and friendly people whose smiles are as golden as the glistening temples. At every turn Thailand will impress, from its exuberant cities and traditional fishing villages, fascinating culture and adventure aplenty, to its wondrous wildlife, jungle-topped islands and gorgeous beaches anchored in azure seas.
Such a bounty of contrasting destinations makes a multi-centre holiday hard to beat. Whether you fancy a city and beach combo, an idyllic island hopping itinerary or maybe a trio of city, rainforest and beach appeals, getting from place to place is easy, thanks to convenient air, boat and road links.
8 Thailand
Ruea Hang Yao, Phuket
For big city kicks look no further than intoxicating Bangkok with its cacophony of colourful sights, sounds and smells. Head north for charismatic Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son not to mention the hill tribes inhabiting the mountainous landscapes. For soft adventure and ethical elephant encounters Khao Sok National Park is your go to place while, in the historic River Kwai region, see its famous bridge and enjoy downtime in the surrounding national park.
With 1,500 miles of coastline and over 1,400 islands Thailand has no shortage of stunning beaches. Choose from romantic hideaways with more palm trees than hotels, lively resorts thronging with bars and restaurants, top tier dive sites for checking out colourful marine life, or family-friendly options with activities galore, calm waters and powdery sands.
For those that love to shop, have your wallet at the ready. Choose from department stores and chic boutiques within swanky malls or, try your hand at bartering with the locals at the weekend, night time or floating markets.
The final ingredient to add to your holiday mixture is Thai cuisine which, with its zingy flavours, is quite simply sublime. Tuck into authentic local specialities dished up at streetside food stalls, feast on fresh seafood plucked straight from the ocean or on gourmet delights at one of Bangkok’ s Michelin-star restaurants.
It’ s true to say Thailand really delivers as a great holiday destination!
visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 444