Thailand
where the weather is as warm as the people
Thailand offers travellers almost every experience imaginable but where to start?
Bask on glorious beaches, explore exciting bustling cities, discover exotic island hideaways and sample buzzing vibrant nightlife. Trek through cool mountain villages, sample historic culture, visit ancient pagodas, glittering temples or colourful tribes. Sample the superb Thai cuisine and experience the warmth of the friendly, smiling people!
Thai food is internationally renowned for being spicy and pungent. Some of the most popular dishes are Phat Thai (Thai fried noodles), Tom Yam Kung (spicy shrimp soup) and the green and red curries, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Along the coast the seafood is delicious and an incredible array of fresh fruit is always available.
A stop in the capital Bangkok or ‘city of angels’ should be considered a ‘must do’. With nearly 10 million inhabitants, this exhilarating city never stops and with the choice of new Skytrains and subways to whisk you around or the more traditional river taxis and ‘tuk tuks’to take you at a more leisurely pace, you can shop, eat or explore the sights ‘til you drop!
From Bangkok the choices are almost endless...
With 1650 miles of coastline boasting stunning palm fringed beaches, lapped by warm clear blue water you can totally relax or for the more active Thailand offers every adventure activity there is. Hilltribe and elephant treks, bamboo rafting and watersports, mountain biking, rock climbing, diving and snorkelling. Thailand is also rich in culture and history packed with ancient temples, traditional architecture and mystical ruins, with colourful festivals and dances held throughout the year.
Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) is celebrated in mid-April by ‘bathing’ Buddha images, paying respect to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands, and generally splashing water at each other!
Loi Krathong and Candle Festival (Nov) is an ancient festival when Thai people gather together to pay their respect to the Goddess of the river with processions, fireworks and colourful lanterns.
Vegetarian Festival (Sep/Oct) Takes place around Phuket. Devoted Buddhists will refrain from eating meat products during the festival. Activities include parades, procession of Chinese gods images and many jaw-dropping stunts.
Thailand has a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round. The best overall time for visiting most of Thailand is between November and April – during these months it rains least and is not too hot.
Thailand is easily accessible, offers unbeatable value for money and really is a destination that offers something for everyone.
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