'Piercing white sands peppered with whispering palms, magnificent temples glinting in hot golden sunshine, jungle-draped hills that echo with the soft chants of saffron-robed monks - magical Thailand will fire your imagination and steal your heart.'
In Thailand every step is a new adventure. One morning you're sinking your toes into sugar-soft sands and sipping a fruity cocktail, the next charting a course through the great tangle of boats that is the floating market. By day you're swapping smiles with Buddhist monks in remote hillside temples, by night tucking into an extravagant Thai feast in Bangkok. Away from the bright lights of the capital you'll find a host of resorts to choose from, including the pearl of Thailand's southern shores, Phuket. Here you can laze away the days on sublime stretches of sparkling snow-white sands and revel in a pace of life that matches the slow sway of the tide. Grab a mask and snorkel and discover the underwater world, go elephant trekking or spend a few hours being pampered at one of Phuket's luxury spas. North of Phuket is Khao Lak, an enticing combination of powder-soft sand, unusual temple caves and refreshingly icy waterfalls in which to seek respite from the midday heat. Drenched in perpetual sunshine, Thailand is like a conjurer's box of magic tricks – you never know what you'll see next but it's certain to delight you.
Thailand has a long and proud history. It has never been colonised or externally controlled for long enough to dampen Thai individualism. The focal point of its history and culture is Buddhism. Lavish and opulent modern temples exist alongside ancient ones, such as those at Ayuthaya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, and you will find the people overtly friendly and welcoming wherever you go. Thailand is also a sightseer's paradise. You are never likely to exhaust the incredible supply of temples with their golden buddhas, intricate decorations and peaceful ambience. Chiang Mai has over 300 to itself. Nakhon Pathom, 60km west of Bangkok, is regarded as the oldest city in Thailand and is home to the 127m orange-tiled Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. Thailand is equally well served by its natural wonders. Trekking through the northern rainforests on foot or by elephant will take you to hidden villages. In the south, on the Thai-Malaysian border, the Thaleh Ban National Park hosts one of Asia's best preserved sections of white meranti rainforest. Here you'll discover caves, waterfalls, limestone cliffs, lakes and a vast array of wildlife ranging from mouse deer to gibbons.
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Great Thailand holidays
Thailand holiday resorts
Resorts in Thailand include Bangkok, Khao Lak, Krabi, Phuket, Phuket Karon, Phuket Kata, Phuket Naiyang Beach, Phuket Panwa and Phuket Patong.
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Beaches
Thailand's beaches have long held a mystical quality for travellers. Vast expanses of palm-peppered, talcum-powder sands coupled with a blissful sense of seclusion make for the perfect tropical retreat. Phuket is the most popular spot for beach-lovers, with seductive sands that slide into crystalline waters. Buzzing from daybreak with vendors selling welcome refreshments and Thai trinkets, Patong beach is one of the most popular sandy swathes, while the seemingly endless stretch at Karon has plenty of room for cultivating that all-important golden glow. South of Phuket, Krabi boasts spectacular scenery straight from a postcard and is scattered with idyllic islands ideal for soaking up the sun. Meanwhile, the spacious, unspoilt sands of laid-back Khao Lak are loved not only for their sunbathing opportunities but for their proximity to Thailand's top dive sites: the Similan and Surin Islands, where crystal clear waters make it easy to spot the abundant marine life in every colour of the rainbow.
Eating out
Like the climate, the food in Thailand is sizzling! Fiery chillies are an integral part of many dishes and curries are available almost everywhere you go. Herbs, such as lemon grass and galanga, add aromatic flavours and emanate a scent that floats enticingly around Thailand's markets and streets. Don't despair if hot food isn't to your taste, creamy dishes incorporating coconut milk are always available, plus you'll find plenty of Western-style cuisine at good prices. Along the coast and on the islands, seafood abounds and is well worth trying. Wash it down with the excellent local beer or fiery rice whiskey! Of course, fresh fruit is easy to come by and incredibly cheap. Feast on fresh pineapple, bite into deliciously juicy watermelon and sip cool coconut water straight from the shell. Simply delicious.
Nightlife
The nightlife in the built-up areas is extremely diverse, ranging from traditional Thai bars through to sparkling super clubs. Vibrant Phuket has an array of lively bars lining its beautiful stretch of coastline, but it's equally possible to have a quiet night, with plenty of relaxed beach-based watering holes offering some of the finest views in Asia. Sit back and watch the burnt sienna sunset as you sip a tropical fruit crush - pure paradise!
Shopping
Nowhere puts on a market quite like Thailand. Vibrant and colourful affairs, the stalls are piled high with tropical fruits, exotic vegetables and incredible flowers. Some are conducted entirely on water and can only be reached by longtail boat. High quality silk and tailored suits are available at great prices, especially in the larger cities, where clothes can be tailored on the spot. Gems and jewellery are often good value, but make sure you are aware of the import and export regulations, especially when purchasing genuine antiques. Phuket town has a good selection of varied shops.
Local information
Following the tsunami of 2004 the Thai people invested heavily in their country's coastal areas. The beaches are now pristine and all the affected hotels in Phuket have been completely restored, often to a superior state than they were pre-tsunami. All in all, Thailand's looking better than ever.
Transfer time
Comprehensive representative service will be provided by Thomson's local agent based in Thailand.
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