WELCOME
Thailand Welcome to the Thailand Travel Guide 2012 Even if you’ve never been to Thailand it probably feels familiar
TOURISM TALK Thailand’s tourism industry never stands still, constantly introducing new and exciting hotels and attractions to woo and wow first time visitors and those who return year after year, converted fans of Thailand. With the exception of snow (we have
no plans to import any!) Thailand really does have something for everyone and all budgets. From exotic culture to beautiful white sand beaches, delicious Thai food to traditional Thai massage. Thailand has world-class dive sites, golf
courses and spas. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you will be met with the famous Thai smile and the most gracious hospitality. Thailand truly offers all of this and so
much more whilst remaining a great value-for-money destination. We hope you will visit Thailand in 2012
and bring your friends and family too. Amazing Thailand, Always Amazes You!
Chris Lee, Trade Marketing Manager Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) UK & Ireland/Leisure
You’ve no doubt eaten green curry and recognise those longtail boats and gorgeous beaches from films and photos. You’ve heard of Bangkok’s legendary nightlife and perhaps admired handicraft bargains friends have brought back from their holidays. This guide is designed to help you
turn those impressions into a useful working knowledge of Thailand. There are profiles of the country’s key resorts and details of all the latest hotel openings - including a host of luxury retreats, plus ideas for activities away from the beach. The more you know about Thailand,
the more you’ll realise there’s a holiday there for everyone. Families, for instance, may shy away from Asia but Thailand is an easy option, with friendly people, quality resorts and all manner of fun attractions from elephant rides and snorkelling to
go-karting and diving. The eco-conscious too will find
reassurance. Thailand has an accreditation system for green hotels, plus plenty of ways to get immersed in nature, especially in new tourism areas like Isan (Thailand’s North East) and the growing adventure tourism centre of Pai.
When budgets are tight, a long-haul
holiday may not seem possible but remember, Thailand’s accommodation and on-the-ground prices for meals, drinks and attractions are fantastic value. It’s also a year-round destination. Temperatures are permanently warm, rainy season showers brief, and Koh Samui enjoys its peak in the summer months while the rest of the country is at its best in winter. We hope you find this guide useful,
for further suggestions, see
www.tourismthailand.co.uk
CONTENTS
05 Thai Choices 06 Beaches and Couples 08 Spa and Massage 10 Adventure and Activities 12 Weddings and Honeymoons 14 Eco-Tourism 16 Families 16 Family Holidays 17 Cruising 18 Bangkok 20 Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai 22 Phuket 24 Island Hopping 25 Pattaya 26 Hua Hin & Cha Am 27 Krabi 29 Koh Samui 32 Stopovers 33 Getting There 34 Road Shows and Training 35 Useful Tips and Price Chart
Thailand won ‘Long haul destination of the year for spa and wellness’ and was nominated for ‘Long Haul destination of the year for family holidays’ in the Travel Agents’ Choice Awards 2011.
Printed on 100% recycled paper
Front cover credits ~ Left to right; Mahouts and elephants at play; Banyan Tree, Phuket; reclining Buddha Publishing Director/Managing Editor: Alan Orbell Publisher: Sally Parker Group Editor: Jo Austin Editor: Steve Hartridge Writer: Debbie Ward Associate Publisher: Steve Thompson Creative Director: Matt Bonner Designer: Jansen Green Production Manager: Clare Hunter Managing Director: Martin Steady ©BMI Publishing Ltd 2011 ~ Suffolk House, George Street, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1SR, UK. T: 020 8649 7233 F: 020 8649 7234 E:
enquiries@bmipublishing.co.uk W: www.
bmipublishing.co.uk,
www.sellinglonghaul.com. Members of the CTO, Visit USA Association, LATA and PATA. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Business Magazines International cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ~ 1st Floor, 17-19 Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BL E:
info@tourismthailand.co.uk W:
www.tourismthailand.co.uk
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