Thailand holidays

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.

Emily Field, Senior Sales Consultant



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