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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 our 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 you'll want to return again and
again. |
