Thailand has been a firm favourite for holiday makers now for decades, winning over the hearts and souls of the world with its paradisiac beaches, framed coves concealing turquoise waters, enthralling culture - colourful and inviting and the exquisite temples dotted all over the country. To fully experience Thailand we recommend a minimum of 1 - 2 weeks - though if you can spare more time, then you’ll find that there is always something to do there. Beginning your holiday to Thailand in Bangkok can sometimes be daunting, but it’s a good way to immerse yourself into the culture. Be enthralled by the Golden Temple and the intriguing Wat Prayoon, take a stroll through China Town and the elegant Rose Garden and the Jim Thompson House museum, or take a day trip to Kanchanaburi and see the Death Railway and museum, Donrak War Cemetary and the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Ayuttaya is a city of temples, with the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Lokkasuthawas - all worth a visit, but there’s also the impressive Bang Pa-In Palace set on the Chao Phraya River bank, and the pretty Bang Sai province that acts as Ayuttaya’s centre of arts - with local folk arts and crafts widely available. Visit the Si Suriyothai Park for several beautiful Buddhist sculptures and small, but nonetheless impressive temples. In the north of the country, you could easily spend a week or more in Chiang Mai and Chaing Rai, exploring the mountains, rice-paddies, jungles and temples, though Doi Inthanon National Park is not to be missed either, whether for its temples or beautiful array of waterfalls. In the south, a visit to Phuket will open you up to a different side of Thailand, with live shows like the Phuket Fantsea show and Siam Niramit show. However, Phang Nga Bay is simply divine with tiny islands dotted around the coastline (don’t miss James Bond Island) and some of the most beautiful beaches available in Thailand. Koh Samui comes in close, with beautiful beaches and great water sports. If you decide not to visit the south, but want to see the famous Thai beaches, then head to the island of Koh Chang which only a few hours away from Bangkok and not yet as busy as the south, but has some equally impressive beaches.
