Dream of Thailand

CHIANG MAI

Holidaymakers looking to do more than just lie on a beach will find culture, charm and activities galore in the city of Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas. Located 450 miles north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city and benefits from a generally more temperate climate, although the hot season from March to May can still be challenging for visitors.

Buddhist Temples

Centred on a moated old town, the city manages to retain its charisma and sense of history despite the rapid development and modernisation evidenced by wonderful shopping, plethora of pampering spas and a sense of urban chic. The old town is visually striking as a result of the 121 temples within its boundaries - there are roughly another 200 outside the centre! Some 95% of Thai people are Buddhists and as such their temples are of extreme importance to them, so it must be remembered that these places of worship are not simply tourist attractions but are visited on a daily basis by the local community for prayer. Make sure you visit Wat Phra Singh, the city's most famous temple, with its impressive Lanna architecture and most revered Buddha image - the Lion Buddha.

Chiang Mai Sightseeing

There is a wealth of sightseeing tours to enjoy, both within the city itself and by using it as a base from which to explore further afield. One of the city's main attractions is the Night Bazaar, worth experiencing whether or not you're a shopper!  Or enjoy the Sunday Walking Street with its colourful stalls and lively music, then visit Wat Chedi Luang to absorb the peace and tranquillity of this temple complex where you can chat to the monks. Sign up for one of the popular city walking tours, or do the Chiang Mai Night Safari and get up close (but safe) to the wildlife of the area. Perhaps hire a car and explore the stunning scenery further afield in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park where you'll also discover one of the north's most sacred temples - if you can climb the 306 steps leading up to it!  The area's attractions and sights are too diverse to list in full here, but with cycling, hiking, elephant trekking, river cruises, bird watching and river rafting also on offer, you are guaranteed a perfect holiday mix of culture, activity and entertainment.

Thai Cusine

When you tire of sightseeing or just wish to slow the pace, the delicious and distinctive food of the area may tempt you to sign up for one of the increasingly popular 1 day cookery courses on offer in the city, so that you can continue your dream holiday once you're back home! Incidentally, an extensive range of restaurants offering everything from traditional northern Thai food to international cuisine will mean that your only eating dilemma here is one of choice.

Travelling to Chiang Mai could not be simpler, with daily flights and trains from Bangkok. With accommodation ranging from hostels to boutique 5 star hotels everyone will feel at home in this lovely and unique city, whose grace and allure will envelop you upon arrival.

 

BANGKOK

Bangkok's energy is infectious. Once regarded as a rather down-at-heel third-world capital, its transformation in recent years sees it now hailed as a vibrant centre attracting visitors from the world over, all keen to sample its myriad of delights and get a flavour of this remarkable city.

Whilst its gleaming new buildings and modern architecture mean that it doesn't have the instant appeal of its more aesthetically attractive northern competitor Chiang Mai, there's still a sense of heritage to be found here, especially in Ko Ratanakosin, the ancient royal district which houses Bangkok's most famous attractions. Thailand is a monarchy and all Thais are extremely deferential to their royal family and its heritage and this respect is matched only by their religious devotion. Ko Ratanakosin is well worth a visit to see the splendour of Wat Phra Kaew temple, the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace and to appreciate their continuing importance in the Bangkok of today.

Arts, Culture and shopping in Bangkok

Take a look too around the crowded commercial district of Chinatown - it's intriguing, with something different at every corner. And make sure you see Jim Thompson's House if you've an interest in Thai arts and culture. Visiting the markets is a must, and if your Bangkok stay involves a weekend, then it must be the Chatuchak Weekend Market where you can easily and happily spend a whole day just drinking in the sights, smells and sounds and buying anything from local handicrafts - the silk is a speciality - to copies of designer goods.

And talking of shopping, if that's your dream then you're in the right place, for here you can truly 'shop till you drop'! Bangkok can rightly be compared to anywhere in the world and is a shopaholics paradise. Every major name has an outlet in Bangkok, from Prada to Gucci to Cartier to Jimmy Choo to.. well, just about every designer you've ever heard of. Alongside this, the frenetic streets and alleyways teem with small shops and stalls where you can put your bargaining skills to good use, whilst slick shopping malls and department stores offer a calm but incredibly well-stocked oasis for the more traditional shopper.

Chao Phraya River

Running through the middle of this amazing city of contrasts where new meets old is Chao Phraya River - The River of Kings. Spend a day travelling up and down on the frequent express boats, or if you feel brave enough simply hire your own long-tail boat and explore the many canals running off the river. Or, do as the Thais do and use the impressive Skytrain and underground systems that put many of the western world's counterparts to shame. Use the Skytrain once and you'll be hooked!

Bangkok Nightlife

When evening falls, Bangkok is in a class of its own. Live music bars, rooftop terrace bars, dance clubs and theatres abound, whilst top international restaurants compete for trade with tempting street-corner food stalls offering traditional specialities. For the perfect evening excursion, take a dinner cruise and enjoy wonderful food and perfect ambience whilst passing brightly lit temples and local families living riverside - ideal for romancing couples or partying groups as there are boats that take 18 or 180 and any number in between.

With accommodation on offer ranging from hostels to sheer luxury, Bangkok and its attractions can happily play host to all who have the energy to visit this sparkling city. A word of advice -for best results follow your stay here with a spot of relaxation in Phuket or Koh Samui!

 

PHUKET

Situated off the southwest coast of Thailand facing the eastern coastline of India many miles away, the island of Phuket is a veritable jewel that has to be seen to be believed. Thailand's largest island, it's known as one of the world's dream destinations for sun worshippers and pleasure seekers of all ages. It's easy to see why - its western coastline boasts mile upon mile of unimaginably gorgeous white beaches fringed by stunning green foliage and lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters.

There's lots on offer on the island, but be aware that if you stay in the major tourist areas you won't be in for a particularly quiet time! The stunning beaches are in places overlooked by high-rise developments and lively nightlife establishments which may not be what you're looking for, but pick your spot carefully and you can certainly find your own dream location on this gorgeous isle. Please ask our advice, as we know the area well.

Nightlife & Surfing in Phuket

If you do want to party it has to be frenetic Patong, where the beautiful curved beach has a backdrop of streets crammed to capacity with shops, bars and nightclubs. If you want to surf (best from April to November) then head for unpretentious Kata Beach, home to some of the island's very best hotels and restaurants. Or, if you simply want to catch the sun's rays then choose from numerous beaches dotted around this most popular Thai island.

Water sports

Without doubt the water sports capital of Thailand, Phuket is regularly listed in the top 10 dive destinations in the world, with boat excursions to the excellent diving sites off the smaller surrounding islands of Ko Hae, Ko Raya and Ko Yao. If snorkelling isn't for you and golf is more your cup of 'tee' then you'll also be happy, as Phuket boasts several championship golf courses where you won't even have to carry your own bag as your caddy will do everything for you except play your shot! And if you're seeking something altogether more leisurely, then the plentiful Phuket spas - both low-key Thai and more sophisticated western-style - will transport you blissfully and spiritually to your own world of dreams. Paradise in Phuket!

Choose here from a hotel range to suit all tastes and budgets, including some quite jaw-droppingly beautiful properties set in the most idyllic of locations. Tell us what you want from your dream holiday, and we'll tell you where to find it on Phuket.

 

KOH SAMUI

White-sand beaches, sparkling clear waters, swaying palm trees - the ingredients for an island paradise known as Koh Samui.

Located off the southeast coast of Thailand, this is its third largest island which for more than 30 years has been attracting tourists with a gradually evolving sophistication which perfectly complements its natural attributes. The original hippy island haven is now one of the most romantic boutique resorts in the Far East, offering the discerning holidaymaker the very best in accommodation and facilities.

You can discover Koh Samui by land, by sea or even by elephant. Hire a jeep and spend a couple of days driving around the island's beautiful coastline stopping at the many cliff and beachside restaurants, or travel inland and up to the highest peak to take in the breathtaking views, remembering to stop on your way back down to have a leisurely hike to one of the many waterfalls. A popular excursion is a boat trip around the 40 small islands of the Ang Thong Marine National Park which lies a few miles northwest of Koh Samui - you'll be left enthralled at the sheer beauty of its limestone cliffs, white beaches, lagoons and lush vegetation. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you may be tempted to hop on a friendly elephant for a trek into the jungle or to the beautiful Namuang waterfalls. Have your camera at the ready to record this memorable event!

Water sports are on offer too; there is excellent scuba diving, sailing and kayaking. But if that sounds too much like hard work why not treat yourself to some five star luxury and spend a day or two at a classy boutique spa where you'll be forced to relax as you enjoy a range of pampering treatments. If you can't drag yourself away from the sands, you could instead succumb to the pleasures of a traditional Thai massage as you lie on a raised platform overlooking the island's most popular beach of Hat Chawen - another photographic opportunity!

With bars ranging from the mellow and sophisticated to the vibrant and trendy, and restaurants offering delectable, varied cuisine in stylish and relaxed settings, Koh Samui really does offer something for everyone. Take a look at the stunning hotels on our site and picture yourself in this dream location. You're already halfway there.