Thailand

Thailand boasts an embarrassment of riches: history, culture, scenery, wildlife, great food and incredible nightlife.

It’s hard to believe that glistening golden temples sit right next to modern skyscrapers, but this is just one of the many things that gives Thailand its unique edge over other destinations.

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• History and Culture

  For a sense of Thailand’s history, visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace. It was built in 1782 for the King of Siam. It’s ornate and intricately built and is now home to a museum where you can learn a little about Thai culture.

  Religion plays an important part in Thai culture, as evidenced by the thousands of stunning ‘Wats’ & Pagodas littered around the country. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is a great place to discover more about the importance Buddhism plays in everyday life. It’s the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It’s easy to see why!

• Nature and wildlife

  Thailand is a land of unbelievable natural beauty. It’s diverse too: from dense jungle rainforests to vast, verdant national parks. You can find Thailand’s national symbol, the elephant, all over the country. Visit elephant sanctuaries for an ethical way to see them up close. You can also spot sun bears and Asian black bears in Khao Sok National Park and Khao Yai National Park, where you may also see gibbons. And of course, Thailand is famous for its diving – you may even get to swim alongside majestic manta rays off the Simian Islands.

• Food and drink

  Thai food is loved around the world, but for the genuine article go to the street stalls of Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Typical ingredients include lemongrass, hot chillies and whichever protein is freshest at the time, all cooked in the traditional style – combining spicy, sweet, salty and sour flavours in the most mouth-watering way. Foodie highlights include spicy Tom Yum Goong soup, Pad Thai and Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Thai green curry).

• Adventure and experiences

  Thailand has a lot to offer its visitors. Inside its cities you’ll discover world heritage sites, modern monuments and tall skyscrapers. In its countryside, you’ll find small farming and fishing villages, dramatic landscapes and a sense of peace you just don’t get in the busy city. Plus, the famed beauty of its islands and beaches needs no further comment.

  You need to be willing to do some exploring to discover it all, but it’s a great place to start your Eastern adventure.

  For those who like to get lost and experience somewhere lesser-known, head to Isaan province in the east. An area chronically bypassed by most tourists. It’s Thailand’s poorest region and, sadly, its infrastructure reflects this. Isaan is all about authenticity, unusual cuisine and temples. Lots of them! Isaan is home to the largest number of Khmer style temples outside of Cambodia. And, unlike its neighbour, you’ll likely have them all to yourself to explore.

  And if you want to relax and indulge in some of the world’s most affordable luxury resorts, head for the coast or one of Thailand’s hundreds of stunning islands. If you’re looking for a beach spot with a bit more energy, head to Koh Samui – it has a fantastic nightlife scene and plenty of things to do and see.

  For somewhere a little more off the beaten track, head for Khao Lak in Phang Nga province. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back beach bars.

  Plan your trip to Thailand today.