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THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE
Commonly known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand is visited by more than 10 million people every year, with tourists coming for the fantastic climate, beaches and famous Thai hospitality. Although the beaches of Phuket and Samui islands are the big draw, the buzz and cultural wealth of places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi and Ayuthaya are also a major reason to visit.
Thailand is still cheap, extending from the hotel to food to entertainment and drink, and it is also easy to get about to boot.
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THAILAND WEATHER - When to Go
Thailand generally has two seasons – wet and dry – as well as a cool season in the north, and the best time to visit is around February, when you’re almost guaranteed good weather. In the north, however, the weather is pretty great anytime between November and March, after which it tends to get unbearably hot. The rains hit the north around July and August.
Bangkok gets really wet in October while down south try to avoid the November to January wet season. Temperatures during the southern wet seasons are tempered slightly, although it remains warm year-round. Off season bargains can generally be had in Thailand from May to October.
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THAILAND HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
Bangkok: is fine for a few days for most visitors, although the excessive heat, humidity and noise can be too much for some. The Thai capital has it all, though: a distinctive culture, best seen in its marvellous temples; well-priced quality hotels; and a buzzing nightlife. Bangkok has actually been voted the ‘World’s Best City’ to visit - believe it or not – by Travel+Leisure magazine readers, but when you see the likes of the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha, the bustling Chatuchak weekend market, and the endless entertainment options, it’s easy to see why. Bangkok is big, and transport options include tuk tuk (three-wheeled taxi), metered cab, bus, the underground and the Skytrain.
Phuket: Thailand’s most successful holiday destination has completely recovered from the devastation wrought by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and is as popular as ever. It boasts a diverse collection of sun-drenched beaches on its west (Andaman) coast that range from the quiet shores of Surin and Nai Harn beaches to all-out madness in Patong. Every type of hotel, restaurant and bar are on offer here, while most beaches have jet boats, parasailing and some surf. The sunsets are unbeatable. Phuket also has an interesting old town as well as popular family attractions and some impressive temples and national parks dotted around the island. Phuket is an hour’s flight south of Bangkok.
Chiang Mai: affectionately known as the ‘Rose of the North’, Thailand’s second city has big dimensions but is cosy at heart. With an old, moated city and a low-rise look, Chiang Mai is more for the discerning traveller and acts as a gateway to hill tribe trekking and elephant riding. The famed Night Bazaar street market resides in Chiang Mai and goes off every single night, with a slew of hawkers selling all types of northern handicrafts at knock-down prices. Chiang Mai also has a huge supply of very well-priced hotels, some of the best and most authentic restaurants of anywhere, and, of course, plenty of fun bars and massage parlours to relax in. Chiang Mai is a 50-minute flight north of Bangkok.
Koh Samui: second only to Phuket as a beach destination in Thailand, the island of Samui lies in the Gulf of Thailand and has less temperamental weather than Phuket. The beaches here are among the best in the country and many resorts are built right onto them. Chaweng Beach is the main beach resort on the island, lying on the more lively eastern side of Samui. It throngs with tourists day and night and has a huge amount of shops, resorts, restaurants and bars. Lamai is south and is the second most-visited beach, while on the north, northwest and southeast of Samui you’ll find more laidback, family-orientated resort beaches. Samui is a 50-minute flight from Bangkok.
Pattaya: is the sleaze capital of Southeast Asia, and possibly the world, with its thousands of girlie bars, go-go joints, nightclubs and cheap booze. It is just south of Bangkok on the Thai Gulf and while not having the best beach, people come mainly for the legendary entertainment. Pattaya also has some pretty good souvenir shopping and many daylight activities, including water sports and aqua parks, while nearby Jomtien is a lot more laidback and less-crowded. Taxis provide direct transport from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport within an hour.
Krabi: lying just southeast of Phuket, Krabi also features fine beaches but appeals more to those who prefer a relaxing holiday. Krabi refers to the province and its namesake town which is actually located miles inland from the popular beaches. The main beach to head for is Ao Nang, which boasts most of the action with many quality resorts and mid-range hotels, as well as bars and restaurants. Ao Nang beach is quite nice, yet Rai Leh beach, a short boat ride away to the west, has the best sand. The rock climbing in Rai Leh is world famous to boot, while offshore are many stunning limestone outcroppings. Krabi has an airport that services direct flights from Bangkok, which take about an hour.
Ayuthaya: this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of impressive old historic temple architecture and was the one-time capital of Thailand before the infamous sacking of the city by Burmese forces. Ayuthaya today is spread over a fairly wide area, but the interesting part is within a one-kilometre-square moat and is best explored on foot or by bicycle. High-profile ruined temples to look out for here include: Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Phra Mahathat, while the underrated Elephant Kraal is just north of the moat. Entertainment options are a little thin on the ground in Ayuthaya as are hotels. Ayuthaya is an hour north of Bangkok by bus, train or taxi.
Other Thailand highlights: Sukhothai, the ancient capital of old architecture north of Bangkok; Koh Phangan, a paradisiacal island north of Samui known for its Full Moon party; Hua Hin, royal holiday resort and laidback area south of Bangkok; and Kanchanaburi, home of the River Kwai Bridge to the west of Bangkok.
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THAILAND HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
Food and eating out: Thai cuisine is one of the country’s highlights. The sheer variety, prices and places to eat are unbeatable and dining out can be as informal or formal as you like. The taste comes from a blend of spice, sweet and sour flavours and it is very easy to go over the top and order several plates. Every city and resort also has a glut of international restaurants, as well as well-known coffee shops and fast-food, like McDonalds.
Entertainment and nightlife: combined with near perfect weather, fine beaches and an extremely friendly people, the nightlife options in Thailand are one of the main reasons so many people rave about it. Anything goes, and of course prostitution is rife. It’s not all about the sex shows and naughty bars, though; Thailand also boasts sophisticated entertainment options in Bangkok and Chiang Mai as well as in the top resorts of Phuket and Samui.
Thailand Accommodation: ranges from impossibly cheap backpacker dorms to standard Thai wooden accommodation in the country right up to five-star quality in the capital, Chiang Mai, and the holiday resorts. The best thing is that prices are still good compared with other popular destinations and prices are per room as opposed to per person. Booking Thailand hotels ahead of time is advised during the December to March high season.
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THAILAND FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
Direct flights are available between London Heathrow and Bangkok airport by using British Airways, Quantas or Thai Airways. Flights to other parts of Thailand are available via Bangkok.
Unless you live in London, exploring overseas connecting flight options, via Paris, Amsterdam or Dubai, for example, may work out as the cheapest option for flying to Thailand. Try Expedia.co.uk, Netflights or Lastminute.com for such options, as well as package holidays, especially in resorts such as Phuket.
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