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Why go? Did you know that every year, from Britain alone, half a million people travel halfway round the world to holiday in Thailand? Quite impressive. But the astonishing thing is that the vast majority have been several times before. So what draws them back time and again? The attractions are obvious enough. Firstly, the beaches: soft white sand, bright turquoise waters, astonishing marine life, and a backcloth of swaying palms and dramatic cliffs. Secondly, the cities: colourful temples, bustling markets, funky bars, mouth-watering food-stalls and swish boutiques. Thirdly, the lush hills and rainforests of the north are prime trekking terrain, with hill-tribes, elephant rides and rafting on offer. These three in combination make Thailand a something-for-everyone paradise. But there's more to it than that. Perhaps it's the Thai people – unrushed, helpful, calm and they really can smile. Or meeting other travellers and swopping life-stories en route. And let's not forget the food: achingly fresh fish and prawns, spicy curries, exotic fruit, veggie stir-fries. Plus, of course, it's still ridiculously cheap - though some parts are going upmarket. Whatever it is, it's certainly addictive. We spent two months combing the country from top to bottom in search of the funkiest, friendliest places to stay – a gruelling task, you will agree – and now we can't wait to go back. Join the club! Any downsides? Tourism in most areas continues as normal, though there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in the extreme south. It can be hot and humid in dry season, and wet in monsoon season (see Climate). Some coastal areas have succumbed to mass tourism, with tacky resorts, boozy bars and sex shows. Beware opportunistic theft, and scams, where strangers promise cheap jewellery, free taxi rides etc. With 12-hour jetlag, unintelligible language and complete change in climate, it takes a while to adjust from Europe. Some mosquito-borne diseases, but only the Ko Chang is malarial. Current weather/time: In Bangkok:  |
Activities Snorkelling and diving: colourful reefs and fish abound in the south, with the Similan & Surin islands topping the list Swimming and sunbathing: you're never far from the perfect, palm-fringed, white-sand beach (but don't ask Alex Garland for directions) Yoga: Courses & single sessions at many resorts Massage: A fabulous and inexpensive way to start or end the day; or you can learn how to do it yourselves Spa: the latest must-have for every Thai hotel, with herbal baths, crystal-salt scrubs, spice body-wraps... Temple-visits: friendly monks, Buddha statues, Ramayana frescoes, tiled walls and bizarre burial monuments – but don't overdo the watage or you may burn out Shopping: Bangkok and Chiang Mai have some of the the best markets and boutiques in SE Asia – silk, jewellery, fake-designer-ware, cd's, watches… River-cruises: Day- or overnight trips aboard old rice barges, most famously from Bangkok to the historic capital of Ayutthaya Trekking: the forested hills of the north conceal costumed tribes, roaring water-falls, misty peaks and wild orchids Rafting: race downstream on a bamboo or inflatable raft; or canoe down the rivers and lakes of Khao Sok Sea-kayaking to remote beaches and islands; or multi-day trips into Ang Thong Marine Park Mountain-biking: even Samui and Phuket have tracks through jungle dense enough to feel well and truly lost Bird-watching: hundreds of exotic species in coastal and riverine rainforest Elephant rides: hilariously wobbly and ludicrously high, you've got to try it once Monkey circus: great amusement for the kids (and, let's face it, adults too) |
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