Visit Thailand for a taste of the exotic……
….charming people, bustling cities, magnificent beaches, mouthwatering cuisine and fantastic value characterise this beautiful country.
Thailand is a dream destination full of natural beauty, aromatic food, Buddhist temples, tuk-tuks, and some of the world’s most glorious beaches. From the jungles and islands of the south, to the rice-paddy covered mountains of the north, Thailand offers an explosion of sights and sounds.
Few destinations can rival Thailand for the beauty of the white sandy beaches, with majestic palm trees crowning near-every shore. From lively beaches flocked with bars and restaurants, to secluded hideaways, with everything in between as well, there is one to meet even the most discerning traveler´s taste.
Even during summer’s rainy season, the landscape is transformed into a glittering emerald backdrop where monkeys and parrots flash through ancient banyan trees
Culture and Temples
Stray from the beach resorts and Thailand delivers a rich cultural history. There is an abundance of temples, or wats, which speckle the landscape along with glittering palaces, monasteries and museums. The beauty of a temple ceremony with chiming bells is something not to be missed.
If you want to explore one of Thailand’s most beautiful rainforests, visit Elephant Hills, a luxurious camp in the Khao Sok National Park, just a couple of hours from Phuket.
Shopping
A unique blend of huge shopping malls, floating markets and riverside shopping gives you plenty of choice when it comes to picking up a bargain. Families will love experiencing a visit to an early morning market, wandering between stalls piled high with mangoes, bananas and pineapples. Grab some colourful Thai silk, stock up on designer handbags and much more besides.
Cuisine
A major part of Thailand’s culture is its food, with the best food often found from the vendors that line the streets and even the rivers. Watch as delicious meals are created for you in front of your eyes, with the distinctive mix of sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty tastes coming together to form one unique flavour.
Festivals
Thailand is host to many festivals throughout the year, with Songkran Festival the biggest celebration that takes place every April. It’s Thailand’s New Year celebration and officially marks the beginning of summer.
In September, Loy Krathong (Festival of Light) is probably Thailand’s most beautiful and enchanting festival. The word loy means to float, whilst krathong are small rafts or baskets. Traditionally made from banana leaves or the bark of a banana tree, the krathongs usually contain a candle, incense and flowers. The person who will be floating the krathong will often take a small clipping of their hair or fingernail which will then be added to the krathong together with some coins. The candle and incense are then lit and a wish is made before the krathong is placed on the nearest stretch of water. It is believed that the krathong carries away bad luck and signals a fresh start.
Best time to visit Thailand
Thailand’s peak season is between November and February when the climate is drier and slightly cooler, while the hottest period is April to May. May to October tends to have higher rainfall but there should still be plenty of sunshine and this is the time to benefit from the greatest value and less crowded beaches. There are seasonal variations between beach resorts – for example, the east coast beach resorts of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan generally have more sun and less rain from May through until June. Northern Thailand is generally cooler than Bangkok in the winter and hotter in the summer.