Faraway 2024 | Page 12

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 incredible 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 .
River Kwai
Pattaya
GETTING THERE Non-stop flights from the UK to Bangkok take around 11½ hours .
MYANMAR
Andaman Sea
Pai Chiang Rai
Mae Hong Son NORTHERN THAILAND
Chiang Mai
Bush Camp Elephant Hills
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

THAILAND WITH

PREMIER HOLIDAYS

Sukothai Phitsanulok
Koh Tao
THAILAND
Ayutthaya
BANGKOK Pattaya Jomtien
Koh Samet Gulf of Thailand
Khao Lak
MALAYSIA
Here ’ s just a few ideas to consider when planning your Thai holiday : -
TOURING OPTIONS
Taking in Bangkok , the rich northern culture and a beach is pretty unbeatable , particularly for first time visitors . See our Glimpses of Thailand itinerary on page 13 .
BEACHES & ISLAND HOPPING
If you crave the beach life , there ’ s a stretch of sands for you ( see pages 30-65 ). If one beach isn ’ t enough , why not island hop ( see page 14 ).
Bangkok
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son ooze atmosphere and culture . Stay in one of our hotels ( see pages 27-29 ) or include a short tour experience ( see pages 24-25 ).
LAOS
Phuket
Koh Chang Koh Kood
HISTORY
For emotive history , opt for our short escorted tour to the River Kwai , or simply factor in a night or two at one of our hotels ( see pages 18-19 ).
WILDLIFE
For ethical elephant encounters look no further than Elephant Hills , a true Premier favourite . Choose from 1-3 night stays and a choice of camps , either in Khao Sok National Park or close to Chiang Mai ( see pages 15-17 ).
CAMBODIA
Phi Phi
VIETNAM
Phang Nga Bay
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Yai
Krabi
Koh Lanta
Pai district , Mae Hong Son
Elephant Hills
THAILAND CLIMATE
° C Average daily maximum centigrade temperature
R Average daily sunshine hours
SAverage 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
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
° C
R
S
12 THAILAND visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 444