Bangkok Thailand – The bustling capital city of Thailand and one of the main gateways for travel around the country and the region. Towering high rises dwarfing ornate and colourful temples. Traditional Klongs (waterways) alongside packed roads. Smartly dressed executives walking alongside saffron robed Buddhist monks, usually with both on their mobile phone. Flying time 12 hours from the UK.
Thailand is probably the most exotic country in South East Asia, with a rich diversity of cultures and attractions. Superb beach resort islands in the south, misty mountains and fast-flowing rivers in the north. Vibrant cities such as the lively capital Bangkok and the equally emotive Chiang Mai. Flying time from London to Bangkok is 12 hours, and from there to most of the resorts another 60 minutes.
Chiang Mai is the 2nd city of Thailand but is just a fraction of the size of Bangkok. It is compact, bustling and despite some recent development, it retains a market town atmosphere. It is the main gateway to the region. Flying time from Bangkok 60 minutes. Chiang Rai is in the extreme northeast of the country, even smaller and more traditional, with the focal point of interest being the Golden Triangle, the area where Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar) all meet.
Khao Lak Thailand is located on the mainland facing the Andaman Sea, linked to the island of Phuket by a causeway bridge. Come to Khao Lak Thailand for the glorious beaches with the stunning Khao Sok National Park in the background. You fly into Phuket and then it is a scenic 60-minute road transfer along the coast.
Krabi is located on the west coat mainland facing the Andaman Sea, and Koh Lanta is linked by car-ferry and/or speedboat. Both are wonderfully tropical, with limestone islands emerging from the generally turquoise waters. Krabi is more developed and has a lively nightlife scene at Ao Nang. Koh Lanta is quieter, with just a couple of good hotels, offering a glorious and real sense of escapism.
Phuket Thailand is the most developed of the resort islands in the south of Thailand, one hour flight from Bangkok. Good infrastructure, with many top-class hotels and restaurants, and tourist attractions both on land and at sea.
