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Thailand

Thailand 11

The Land of Smiles 

Discover beautiful beaches surrounded by azure waters. Tempt your tastebuds with authentic, aromatic Thai Food. Shop in the many colourful markets and admire the breathtaking Buddhist temples. The 'land of Smiles' is renowned for its friendly people and unique culture.

 

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When to go

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate and is generally hot all year round. The best time to visit is November to February when the temperatures are slightly cooler and there is less rainfall. 

Attractions

  

Floating Markets

No visit to Thailand is complete without experiencing all the colours, aromas and chatter of the floating markets.  Watch produce laden boats float by, piled high with colour.  Sample the tasty treats on offer or purchase a souvenir or two.  Some of our favourites include Damnoen Saduak (most popular), Amphawa (most authentic) and Khlong Lat Mayom (closest to Bangkok).  Floating Markets are popular with Thai locals and tourists alike.


Koh Phi Phi

Just a 45 minute speedboat ride or 90 minute ferry ride from Phuket or Krabi, you will discover the pristine white sands and turquoise sea of the Koh Phi Phi islands.  Renowned for its natural beauty, the main islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh attract thousands of visitors a year.  Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the colourful marine life.  Swim in the natural pools and admire the sheer rock cliffs that tower above the beautiful bays.


Doi Inthanon National Park

Known as ‘the Roof of Thailand’, Doi Inthanon is one of the country’s most popular national parks.  Located in the Chiang Mai province, the park is home to over 600 bird species and mammals including elephants and tigers.  The main attractions are amazing waterfalls, hiking trails and incredible vantage points to view both sunrise and sunset.  Siamese Sakura pink blossoms cover the area for a few short weeks between January and February drawing locals from all over the country to view this spectacular sight.


Shopping

From amazing shopping malls to the hustle and bustle of the buzzing street markets. Thailand has a plethora of places to blow your baht.  You’ll find everything from the finest antiques to designer clothing, the softest Thai silks and a huge array of wonderful handicrafts.  Visit one of the world’s largest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market with over 8,000 stalls.  Shop for high end fashion at MBK, Siam Paragon and Central World in Bangkok, Junceylon and Central Shopping Mall in Phuket and Central Festival Mall in Pattaya.  Thailand is a shopaholic’s paradise.


Bridge on the River Kwai

Immerse yourself in the history of World War II as you travel to Kanchanaburi – home to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai.  Steeped in history, the bridge became famous when it was featured in the movie of the same name.  The cliff-hugging tracks are surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and valleys.  The track has been developed into a walkway, allowing visitors to cross the bridge either by foot or small train.  Every year in late November through early December, the River Kwai Bridge Festival is celebrated by a magnificent sound and light show.


Underwater Playground

Thailand’s crystal-clear waters, beautifully formed corals and spectacular marine life make it the perfect place for diving and snorkelling.  Krabi and Ang Thong Marine Park are great sports for viewing vibrant coral gardens and colourful fish.  Snorkel straight from the white sands of Kata Beach for some of the best underwater views in Phuket.  Diving around the Similan Islands is one of Thailand’s best kept secrets and home to Manta rays and turtles.  Slip on a pair of flippers and discover this underwater haven.


Elephant Hills

For a back to natural experience that is second to none, Elephant Hills is Thailand’s first luxury tented Jungle Camp.  It combines the camps experience of the African National Parks with the Thai tropical forest.  Guests can interact with Asia’s largest land animal by helping to clean them and prepare meals for them.  After the experience guests are encouraged to watch the mammals play, interact and graze.  Following strict ethical protocol, elephant riding is not offered at Elephant Hills.


Phang Nga Bay

Upon entering Phang Nga Bay, you will be in awe of the size of the immense limestone karats rising out of the emerald green water.  This breath taking scenery has been the backdrop for many blockbuster Hollywood movies including ‘Star Wars:  Eposode III – Revenge of the Sith’ and James Bond’s ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’.  The easiest way to experience Phang Nga Bay and explore the surrounding caves, lagoons and beaches is on either a speedboat or kayak tour.


Thailand Temples

Eighty kilometres north of Bangkok, discover Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, marvel at the temples and palaces of the original capital of Thailand. Artefacts discovered during excavations are on permanent display. Other temples (wats) to explore include ‘the Sanctuary of Truth’ in Pattaya, Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok. The Temple is covered in porcelain. When lit by the morning sun, it is absolutely breath-taking. 

 


Thai Eats

Thailand’s flavoursome food is one of the reasons people visit again and again. Join in a cooking class and learn to create traditional Thai dishes. Venture into Bangkok’s Chinatown or Khao San Road and sample street cuisine in a lively atmosphere where masterful chefs make up fresh food, spiced and flavoured to personal taste. Street food is a delicious and easy way to get a real feel for the local culture. Bangkok is also known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and amazing rooftop bars. 

Popular Cities

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Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of contrasts with adventure at every turn. Admire the mix of modern and ancient. Thai architecture or catch a tuk-tuk along the bustling streets. Shop up a storm at the countless shopping malls or local markets and sample fantastic Thai cuisine, from local dishes served at street stalls to fine dining at rooftop restaurants. 

See:

  • Admire the magnificence of the Grand Palace Bangkok’s most famous landmark.
  • View the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, 15 metres tall and covered in gold leaf. 

Do: 

  • Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market, home to over 8,000 stalls.
  • Master the art of Thai cuisine by taking part in a Bai Pan cooking class. 
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Phuket

Phuket, the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, is Thailand’s largest island, offering white sandy beaches, crystal clear seas, limestone cliffs and world-renowned dive sites. The most popular beaches are situated along the azure waters of the western shore. Patong Beach is known for its shopping and nightlife, whereas Karon, Kata and Kamala beaches are perfect for families. Explore Old Phuket town to appreciate the unique Sino-Portuguese architectures, shrines, temples, shop houses, quaint cafes and museums. For a complete change of pace, head north to Sirinat National Park and Khao Phra Thaew reserve for walking and hiking adventures. 

See:

  • See the giant white Big Buddha sitting atop Nakkerd Hill close to Chalong Bay. 
  • Enjoy an evening of glamour combined with a Las Vegas-style show at the infamous Phuket Simon Cabaret show. 

Do:

  • Travel via speedboat to Phang Nga Bay, to see James Bond Island and swim in the emerald waters.
  • Make your way to Phuket Town Night Markets for live music, local food stalls and shopping. 
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Koh Phi Phi

Sitting out in the sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea, and home to exotic marine life, sandy beaches and rugged limestone formations, is a group of six islands called Koh Phi Phi. The populated island of Koh Phi Phi Don is a flurry of activity with beach bars, restaurants, shops and a vibrant nightlight. Koh Phi Phi Leh is surrounded by stunningly beautiful beaches and bays. 

See:

  • Watch a superb sunset while enjoying cocktails on the beach at Mama Resto Koh Phi Phi Don.
  • Watch hunters gather Swiftlet’s bird nests, considered a delicacy in Asia, at Viking Cave on Koh Phi Phi Leh. 

Do: 

  • Hire a kayak and explore the secluded caves and rocky outcrops around the islands. 
  • Take a long-trail boat to Pi Leh Bay and swim and snorkel in the emerald green waters. 
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Koh Yao

Located in Phang Nga Bay, famous or its limestone formations and pristine beaches, are the islands or Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Slow down and enjoy the relaxed pace, where locals like to preserve the traditional way of life. The Islands offer a quiet refuge from the action packed beaches of other regions. Koh Yao Yai consists of quiet roads lined with wooden houses and rubber plantations, while the move developed Koh Yao Noi has a few restaurant and bar options. Both islands are where you can go to unwind, relax and experience a tranquil, traditional Thai escape. 

See:

  • Take a long-tailed boat ride to view Koh Hong, blessed with limestone rock formations and pristine beaches. 
  • Admire the beauty of the mangroves standing in the middle of the sea on Koh Yao Noi. 

Do:

  • Walk through the lush jungle of Koh Yao Noi to the Big Tree, believed to house a female spirit. 
  • Tour the island of Koh Yao Yai by bike, cycle through a small market town, rice paddies and past mosques and fishing villages. 
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Khao Lak

Khao Lak offers a rare oasis for relaxation, with tropical forests and surrounding hills that sweep down to pristine white sand beaches. Situated north of Phuket and featuring beautiful waterfalls, thick lush jungle and exotic marine life, Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s most peaceful resort destinations and a treasure for nature enthusiasts. 

See:

  • Baby turtle hatchlings released back into the sea at Thai Muang National Park. 
  • Visit the International Tsunami Museum and understand what the locals of Khao Lak experienced during this unexpected tsunami event.

Do:

  • Shop for souvenirs and local handcrafts at the popular and lively Bang Niang Market. 
  • Walk up to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall and cool off in one of the many clear water pools. 
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Koh Samui

Amazing coral reefs, clear warm waters, white sandy beaches, and hammocks slung between coconut trees – welcomes to Koh Samui. You’ll find open – air restaurants, colourful markets stalls and a vibrant nightlife. 

See:

  • Visit Wat Plai Laem with its imposing 18 arm statue of Guanyin and the laughing Buddha. 

Do:

  • Snorkel in pristine and protected waters of Ang Thong National Marine Park. 

Ready to start planning your dream holiday?