Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Thailand
 |  | Destination Guide : Thailand |
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| | | Where the living is easy |  | Why go on holiday to Thailand?
Thailand is a country of ancient temples and thriving towns - with one of the richest histories in south-east Asia. The huge metropolis of Bangkok never fails to charm visitors with its (albeit polluted) vitality. Escape from the city and there are countless terrific beaches.
Wherever you go, the people are friendly and welcoming, the food sublime and, once you're there, living is easy - and cheap.
How much does it cost?
With such a range of accommodation and resorts, prices vary dramatically but as a guide, a basic six-night package is around £500 in low season. Flights-only start at around £350. Beach huts cost from as little as £5.
When should I go?
Most of Thailand is very humid. It rains least between November and February and then the heat isn't too bad. April in Bangkok can leave you feeling as if you are roasting alive (around 35C/95F). Pack waterproofs in October.
The south is best from March to May and the north from mid-November to early December. The quietest months are May, June and September. The average year-round humidity is 66% to 82% depending on the season and time of day.
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| | | Beautiful beaches |  | What should I do when I'm there?
For all its floods and pollution, Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities on earth.
The Grand Palace is a must, as is the house of the famous Thai obsessive Jim Thompson and the Wat Sai floating market.
The night markets of Pratunam are a great alternative to Thai boxing or classical dancing.
Where can I find history and culture?
Nakhon Pathom is the oldest city in Thailand and home to the 127m Phra Pathom Chedi - the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. The 16th to 18th-century temple ruins of Ayuthaya have been declared a World Heritage Site.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city, most notable for its old moat, temples and excellent night bazaar.
Where should I hit the beach?
Phuket and Krabi, the most developed beach resorts in the country, are back in business after the tsunami.
Beach lovers could head for Ko Tao, the northernmost island in the Samui Archipelago where it is business as usual - great beaches, hiking, coral reefs, diving, snorkelling and sea kayaking. Nearby Samui has the spas and the nightlife.
Where can I go off the beaten track?
Ko So Chang is a one-town island on the Gulf of Thailand. It is gorgeous, practically deserted and home to a meditation centre. Its limestone caves are fascinating to explore.
The Thaleh Ban National Park is South-east Asia's best-preserved area of white meranti rainforest. There are waterfalls, cliffs, lakes and fabulous wildlife.
If you're feeling brave, take a trip to Mae Sot, close to the Burmese border. This wild frontier town attracts an interesting mix of ethnicities and is a departure point for fascinating border markets which trade Burmese handicrafts and food.
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| | | Spice up your life | | Where's good for nightlife?
Urban Thais enjoy a lively nightlife so there are plenty of bars and discos around the big cities, especially Bangkok. Outside of these areas, most hotels offer some entertainment.
Down south Ko Samui has good nightlife for the young and party-minded.
What's the food like?
Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy with heaps of garlic, chillies, fish sauce and shrimp paste. Lime juice, lemon grass and coriander are characteristic flavours along with peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk.
Hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries and noodle soups are just some of the highlights. Fruit and vegetables are abundant and varied - if you like spices, Thailand is definitely your kind of place.
What should I buy?
Bargains abound. Thai silk is top quality but not cheap, so cotton fabrics are more affordable. Tailor-made clothes are relatively cheap but for a good job avoid the 24-hour services.
Woven shoulder bags, some made by hill tribes, are another good souvenir. Lacquerware is also popular. Gemstones like rubies, sapphire and jade can be great value if you know what you are doing - only buy from reputable dealers.
Designer fakes abound in clothing and accessories if you really want them but they won't fool the people who know quality when they see it.
What is there for children to do?
Just outside Bangkok there's a host of amusement parks including Siam Park with water rides and pools, Safari World and Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo. Visit the tiger farm at Si Racha in Chonburi province, where rare tigers are bred.
The beach resorts all offer great watersports for kids.
Tourist office
Tourism Authority of Thailand, 3rd Floor, Brook House, 98-99 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6EE. Brochure line: 0870 900 2007 (national rate) or for general enquiries: 09063 640 666 (60p a min).
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| | Available rental properties in Thailand |
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| |  | | Orchid Villa
Detached private 2-storey villa set in enclosed walled tropical garden with private pool 100m from Big Buddha Beach
|  | | Baan Panom, Karon, Phuket
On the hillside above Karon beach, this 3 bedroom luxuriously furnish residence with roof-top infinity pool swimming. Enjoy the beautiful sunset view from pool.
50% DISCOUNT FROM 7-14 MAY Min 4 days
|  | | Baan Sa-moot Sa-wan
Luxurious 4 story villa with spectacular ocean views close to superb beach. Roof top infinity pool. 4/5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, maximum sleeps 12.
|  | | The Stunning Penthouse Andaman Cove Evason Phuket
The Penthouse Evason Phuket. Situated within the 5-star Evason Resort. Enjoy all the resorts facilities, including; 4 restaurants, 4 swimming pools.
|  | | Baan Oriental Private Luxury villa
Our villa has all the amenities you would expect from a 5-star resort for a fraction of the cost. Free transfert to beach and restaurants.
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