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Thailand
offers any fortunate visitor just about every holiday
experience you could hope for, in a country where the warmth
of the climate is exceeded only by the warmth of its
welcome.
First-time visitors need at least two weeks to get a taste
of this exotic country. So where to start? There's nowhere
better to let Thailand get under your skin than most
visitors' first port of call - Bangkok. This city of nearly
ten million inhabitants never stops and you'll be
immediately assaulted by its smells - the incense swirling
through its temples and the mouth-watering food being cooked
on every street corner; its colour - garlands of vivid
orchids, mountains of cooking spices and flashes of saffron
robes; and its sounds - the honking of tuk-tuks, the barge
conductor's whistle and the constant chatter and hub-bub of
a city on the move.
Is it a safe city? Absolutely! Will you feel welcome? Like
you were a long lost friend. Something else you will quickly
notice is the infectious nature of the gentle Thai people
rubbing off - as you begin smiling a lot. Getting around
Bangkok's shops, restaurants and temples is now much easier
thanks to a super highway that connects the city with the
airport in about 40 minutes, a Skytrain which will whisk you
around the capital in no time and Bangkok's new underground
system which carries 400,000 passengers a day around a
12-mile route.
In fact you'll be surprised at how modern and contemporary
Bangkok has become - boasting bars and restaurants every bit
as hip as those found in New York or London, including the
Bed Supper Club and its very own Met Bar. But the ancient
and modern are easy bedfellows in Bangkok, where other must
sees include the Grand Palace, the Floating Market and
nearby ancient capital of Ayutthaya. And loosen that belt
because Thai food, the UK's fastest-growing international
cuisine, is of course, everywhere.
From Bangkok, head north for my favourite part of Thailand,
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Here you'll find the best night
markets for traditional handicrafts, and can take a ride on
the majestic yet gentle Asian elephant. Chiang Rai also
makes an ideal base for visiting the Golden Triangle where
Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos.
Now head south from Bangkok and on to the beaches of
Thailand. From non-stop party Pattaya to the gentle towns of
Cha Am and Hua Hin; from the idyllic beach of Krabi to the
romantic setting of Koh Samui, Thailand has a great variety
of beach experiences. The UK visitor's most popular resort
choice remains Phuket where, even within the island itself,
you'll find beaches for all tastes from the lively Patong to
the gentle Kata or Karon.
Last year we introduced our 'New beaches of Thailand'
featuring Khao Lak, Ko Lanta, Ko Samet, Ko Tao and Trang.
Boutique is the latest buzz-word in Thailand and you'll be
spoilt for choice when bed time finally rolls around.
Wherever you stay I am sure, like me, you'll want to return
again and again.
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