Highlights of Thailand
- Visit the famous bridge over the River Kwai
- This iconic landmark serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities suffered here during World War II. The museum highlights the plight of the POWs and Asian labourers tortured by the Japanese, whilst the beautifully maintained WWII cemetary provides a quiet sanctuary for reflection. Take time to visit the bridge itself as well as the jungle cutting disturbingly known as Hell Fire Pass.
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- Immerse yourself in Bangkok
- Whether you love or hate cities, Bangkok has a unique character quite unlike any other city in Southeast Asia. Immerse yourself in the vibrant, busy markets, marvel at the grandeur of the Royal Palace, enjoy the array of different cuisine on offer and find tranquillity at ancient temples.
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- Experience the wildlife around Doi Angkhang
- Doi Angkhang's picturesque landscape, cool temperatures and relative lack of tourists make this a perfect destination for the naturalist, bird-watcher and photographer alike. Visit the nearby Burmese border post and look across the rolling mountains or stop off for a visit with one of the indigenous Palong tribes at Nor Lae village and the Lahu at Khob Dong.
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- Visit hill tribes in the Golden Triangle
- Thailand's northernmost point meets Burma and Laos and is home to some 20-30 different ethnic hill tribes. With their colourful and ornate traditional clothing, cultural heritage and simple lodgings, the hill tribes are fascinating to visit to gain an insight into their nomadic existence and simple way of life.
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- See the Khmer temples in Issan
- Get off the beaten track and witness the splendour and majesty of these remarkable Khmer temples. Time your visit to coincide when sunrise bathes Phanom Rung's 15 entrances in light or enjoy the solitude of Phimai at dusk.
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- Trek in Khao Yai National Park
- This is Thailand's oldest national park and is a lush mix of grasslands and monsoon forest. Trekking through the park with gives you the chance to immerse yourself in one of the country's most beautiful natural habitats.
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- Relax on a beach in Koh Lanta
- One of the less developed Thai islands where local restaurants nestle peacefully on sweeping beaches. The island boasts two of our favourite resorts and makes a great base to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea.
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- Spend time on a white-sand beach in Koh Samet
- Despite its proximity to Bangkok, Koh Samet is a little gem with white-sand beaches, not too many resorts and a refreshingly laid-back pace.
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- Go walking in Krabi
- This is picture postcard Thailand. An area of outstanding beauty where limestone outcrops erupt from the ocean and spectacular sunsets can be viewed from pristine white sand beaches.
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- Hire a bicycle and see Sukhothai
- Sukhothai means "Dawn of Happiness" and offers visitors a glimpse of ancient Thailand. We recommend you hire a bycycle which allows you to explore the impressive remains at a more sedate pace.
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Our country specialists have travelled the length and breadth of Thailand - here are a few of their favourite things to do
Thailand is known as the land of smiles, and with good reason.
The people of this beautiful country offer a warm welcome and an exquisite sense of hospitality and style.
Thailand's beaches
Over the years it has grown in stature and refinement and you can find resorts and hotels to match the best in the world. Many visitors come here for the beaches and they certainly don't disappoint. The islands and beaches of the south epitomise palm-fringed beauty, with the Andaman Sea at its best through the UK winter and the Gulf of Thailand bright and sunny for the rest of the year. But there’s much more to discover.
History and culture
The capital, Bangkok, is Southeast Asia’s major city, a fascinating, frenetic place where life only slows in tranquil temples, quiet canals and on the river that flows through its heart. In the north, hill tribe communities still live in small wooden villages, tenaciously hanging on to an age old culture and traditions. Ancient cities date back to earlier Siamese civilisations, national parks are rich with tropical flora and fauna and in small provincial towns you still find gentle Buddhist temples hazed with incense smoke and lit by candles.
To travel to Thailand and see only the beaches is to miss a magical and enthralling experience: Southeast Asia’s spiritual giant.
Popular Places to visit in Thailand
The ancient, abandoned capital of Ayuthaya is a short distance north of Bangkok. Ayuthaya was the capital of Siam for just over four centuries. Today its picturesque ruins are fascinating to explore.
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Bangkok is Southeast Asia’s main hub, around which the entire region revolves; it is a big, working city where you will see real Asian life. Highlights include the Grand Palace and the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.
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Bustling, historic and colourful, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city. There are a number of excellent cookery schools where you can create your own meal under the expert tutelage of your Thai chef.
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The Golden Triangle, where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers converge, is serene and picturesque with lush green rice paddies and colourful hill tribes. It is an ideal area to experience the frontier towns of Burma and Laos.
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Isaan ia a vast plateau in the northeast of the country that borders Laos and Cambodia. Here, lifestyles, customs, dialect and cuisine are distinctly different from the rest of the country.
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Kanchanaburi is home to the Bridge over the River Kwai, and serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities suffered here during World War II. Also nearby is Erawan National Park.
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Koh Lanta is a collection of small islands in the Andaman Sea and is one of the less developed regions. The islands are home to Koh Lanta Marine National Park, as well as many excellent diving spots.
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Koh Samui lends itself to exploration and you will find hidden coves and traditional Thai fishing villages as well as a full range of hotels and resorts to suit all budgets.
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Krabi province is home to the best beaches in Asia. We recommend hotels with good beachfront locations away from some of the more crowded areas near Ao Nang and Railay Bay.
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Linked to the mainland by a narrow road causeway, the island of Phuket has some of the best beaches in the country. It has sophisticated resorts, high quality cuisine and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
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Flight time
11 1/2 hours (Bangkok)
When To Go
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