Thailand

Thailand’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to deliver something different to every traveller. Bangkok is one of Asia’s great cities — a sprawling, electrifying metropolis where golden temple spires rise above elevated highways, where tuk-tuks thread through street markets overflowing with food and colour and where world-class dining, vibrant nightlife and some of Asia’s finest shopping all coexist with serene riverside temples and floating markets.

Chiang Mai in the north is a city of a completely different character — ancient walled old town, teak-wood temples, night bazaars and easy access to the forested hills of the Golden Triangle. Cooking schools, elephant sanctuaries (choose ethical operators), Thai massage courses and jungle trekking make it an ideal base for a slower, more immersive Thai experience.

Thailand’s islands and coastline are legendary. In the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui offers sophisticated resorts and calm family-friendly beaches, while Koh Phangan’s quieter north and east coasts suit those looking for seclusion. Koh Tao is one of South-East Asia’s finest diving destinations, with excellent coral reefs and consistent visibility. On the Andaman coast, Phuket’s west-facing beaches deliver reliable sunsets and excellent resort infrastructure, while the extraordinary karst seascape of Phang Nga Bay and the quieter islands of Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi and the Trang archipelago offer more adventurous alternatives.

Thai cuisine — pad thai, green curry, tom yum, mango sticky rice — is one of the world’s great food cultures, and eating well here is both easy and exceptionally affordable. Thailand is best visited November to April when the weather across most of the country is dry and warm.