Bangkok

BANGKOK – where East truly meets West, where modern order collides with creative chaos, where, with the help from the tropical heat, tradition melts in with the new. The city can only be described as an experience.

There is unapologetic, daring exuberance in every beat of this dynamic city. Slick skyscrapers, magnificent temples, luxurious air-conditioned mega malls, steamy night markets, backpacker ghettos and posh restaurants. It can all be a little overwhelming even for someone who has visited before.

So take it easy. Order an airport pickup. Find a hotel in a neighborhood that suits you and make the neighborhood your own. Then branch out, exploring one hot spot at a time. You’ve got plenty of options: bike, tuk-tuk, skytrain or pink taxi. Get to know other burghs like Chinatown. Or pick a theme for the day and run with it: street food, night markets, shopping, temples. Yes, it’s an experience—and it’s entirely yours.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai couldn’t be more different from Thailand’s sultry beachy south. The landscape is lush, mountainous and green, the food and culture distinct. As northern Thailand’s largest city, Chiang Mai serves as a major hub for the region. It’s also your gateway for fantastic outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting, zip-lining and trekking to the various hilltribes. The treks are a way to see a traditional, simpler way of life and to learn about the remarkable diversity that still exists in this world.

Yet Chiang Mai isn’t just a stopover before escaping into the hills. With over 300 temples, noteworthy architecture and enormous night markets, the city has had a meteoric rise on the must-see list. Buzz of its culinary delights, exciting activities and shopping draw a wide range of travellers to its ancient, fabled walls.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai – Surrounded by tropical rainforest and mountains, the scenery is stunning. Standing on top of a mountain, at the figurative “Gate of Siam,” one can look out and see the mighty natural border with Laos—the Mekong River. Mountains form a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar, and it’s the meeting of these three countries to form “The Golden Triangle” that attracts visitors to the region.

A wealth of cultural diversity awaits those who visit Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province. Meet the Akha and Yao tribes. Fill your tummy at the Night Bazaar. Chiang Rai is only three hours by road from Chiang Mai, but why go by bus when you can make the journey here an adventure itself.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai literally means ‘Dawn of Happiness’—how appropriate. If Thailand is “The Land of Smiles” then this is where it all started over 800 years ago. Sukhothai was the very first kingdom of Siam. Many kings reigned here but it was during the golden era of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great that the Thai alphabet was created and that the true foundations of monarchy and religion were laid.

There is plenty to see in Sukhothai. The ruins of the ancient kingdom are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many of the temples and monuments have been restored. Beautiful wats, towering Buddhas, stone inscriptions and reliefs, relics of an ancient, storied history all await those who travel here.

Phuket

Phuket’s warm waters and silky sand are a favourite with travellers from all over the world. The ocean is the playground at Thailand’s largest island. If it is a water sport, it can be done here: snorkeling, diving, swimming, yachting, sailing, parasailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, deep sea fishing…

There are accommodation options to suit every taste. Find yourself charmed by this rich and colourful island and sighing at the legendary sunsets.

Koh Samui

White sand beaches? Check. Crystal clear waters? Check. Paradise? Yes. Welcome to Koh Samui.

The gorgeous beaches and waters, along with beautiful hotels and the quintessential beach vibe, are the big draw to this tropical island. The diving is excellent—good visibility and stunning coral formations. If you ever wanted to learn to dive this is the place.

Koh Samui is one in a group of islands and island hopping is part of the experience. Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and the very impressive Angthong Marine Park are a short boat ride away (the Full Moon parties of Koh Phangan are legendary).

Koh Samui is quite large, and there are beach accommodations for every budget and style: waterfront bungalows, villas and full service resorts. Whatever you choose, rest assured you are staying on a swath of paradise.

Pattaya

Pattaya’s title as Thailand’s “capital of fun” has been well-earned. Pattaya shot into prominence (and notoriety) during the Vietnam War and became a paradise for pleasure seeking hedonists, known for its go-go bars and bacchanalian nightlife. But it has been trying to change its reputation ever since.

Pattaya is the second most visited city in Thailand and is only two hours from Bangkok. While tourists can still revel in the spectacle and flamboyance of a sin-city, Pattaya has also developed into a family oriented beach destination. It attracts holidayers with its wide range of fun activities such as golf and watersports like jet skiing, parasailing and scuba.

Whether looking for a quick side trip, a weekend getaway from Bangkok or a whole holiday to soak in the sun and fun, find a hotel or resort now.