WELCOME TO THAILAND
the smiles Land of T
hailand is not a well-kept travel secret. Those who’ve visited tend to enthuse about its gorgeous beaches, amazing value and friendly people.
They’ll pull out their shopping bargains and scroll through snaps of themselves on longtail boats on turquoise seas, washing elephants or lounging in cool bars or designer hotels. For those with a ‘been there, done that’ attitude, Thailand’s always pulling something new out of the hat. Hotels are constantly debuting across all price brackets (with luxury and boutique particularly well represented) and whole new areas await exploration.
On the coast, Khao Lak, above Phuket, has been growing with laid-back upmarket hotels and the best access to Thailand’s world-class dive sites – one of many great spots for honeymooners. In the leafi er inland areas, Isan province is a rising star while in the far north Pai, a riverside town off ering activities like tubing, hiking and biking adventures is ever-popular.
While deciding where to go may be a challenge (tip: many people make Thailand a multi-centre itinerary combining culture, shopping and beach) deciding when to go is not so taxing as the sun shines year-round.
Hit the Andaman coast in the winter and switch to Koh Samui in summer if you want to chase the best rays, but anywhere, anytime is fi ne. Even the ‘green season’ downpours are short and sharp and the sun soon quickly reappears. Off -peak is a great time to chase even better deals and added-value extras like complimentary pampering in one of Thailand excellent hotel spas. We hope this guide proves a handy fi rst step to get you planning travel to Thailand. For more information and inspiration visit
tourismthailand.co.uk
Hit the Andaman coast in
the winter and switch to Koh Samui in summer if you want to chase the best rays, but anywhere, anytime is fine
CONTENTS Features
07 08 11 12 13 14 17 18
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
04 28 30
Thai Choices Beaches
Spas & Massages Activity & Adventure Eco Tourism
Weddings & Honeymoons Stopovers & Multi-stays Family Holidays
Hotspots Bangkok
Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Hua Hin & Cha Am Koh Samui Krabi
Pattaya Phuket
Useful info
Map of Thailand Getting There Thai Expert
Publisher: Sally Parker Editoral Director: Steve Hartridge Contributing Editor: Alan Orbell Group Editor: Jo Austin Journalists: Andy Hoskins, Julie Baxter & Laura Gelder Advertisement Manager: Lisa Merrigan Creative Director: Matt Bonner Art Director: Dan Franklin Senior Designer: Tina-Lee McDougall Junior Designer: Louisa Horton Production Manager: Clare Hunter Circulation Manager: Cheryl Staniforth Managing Director: Martin Steady. BMI is a member of the CTO, Visit USA Association, LATA, PATA, MENATA, SATOA, the Foreign Airlines Association and the Institute of Travel & Tourism. Whilst every eff ort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. © 2015. Front cover:
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RAYAVADEE
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