It’s easy to fall in love with Thailand. With a long tropical coastline and exotic bustling cities, food bursting with myriad flavours and ubiquitous smiling people, it’s many people’s favourite holiday destination. You’ll find whatever it is you’re looking for here – golden temples and underground shrines, Buddhist retreats and a chance to relax on pristine beaches, or a cruise through jagged jungle-topped islands and swim in azure waters. Thailand is warm, friendly, gentle and good value – whichever holiday option you choose.
As soon as you land in Bangkok you will experience the Thai smile - there's a sense of playfulness and fun that's deeply embedded in Thai culture and it's infectious! Don't worry about any language barriers, just prepare to enjoy Bangkok's wonderful mixture of neon lights and golden-spired temples, Buddhist monks and Banyan trees, street markets and tastes that will leave your tongues tingling. Explore the city's back lanes by bicycle, take a tuk-tuk ride, cruise along its network of canals in a traditional longtail boat, and have your fill of splendid Buddhist temples.
For many, a visit to Thailand isn’t complete without a stay on one of its stunning jungle-clad islands, which are surrounded by waters a distinctive and inviting shade of translucent teal. Phuket and Koh Samui are perhaps the most famous holiday islands. It doesn’t take long to adjust to the pace of life, which is relaxing to the point of sleepy. Enjoy long lazy days on golden-sand beaches, snorkelling and swimming in secluded bays, or relaxing in beachside restaurants and cafés watching life go by. The hustle and bustle of your normal daily life will be a distant memory in no time! From Koh Samui, explore caves and snorkel in the waters of Ang Thong Marine Park – an archipelago of jungle islands, hidden lagoons and caves. From Phuket, take a take a private longboat tour of Phang Nga Bay – famous for its skyscraper-like jungle-covered limestone rock formations jutting straight out of emerald-coloured sea, and which shot to fame after featuring in the 1974 James Bond Film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’.
If you are interested in a taste of traditional Thailand, then head to the mountainous north and add extra days to your tailor-made holiday with a visit to Chiang Mai (or join our Hill Tribes & Elephants group tour). The city boasts hundreds of intricately designed Buddhist temples, including the 14th century temple of Wat Prah Singh, as well as vibrant markets such as Kaad Luang. Hear monks chanting, paddle among floating markets, prepare lunch on an organic farm and try some of the local specialities at a traditional Khantoke dinner.
Thailand really is a special place and this is just a taste of the country’s highlights. Our tours offer a huge range of experiences, including staying on floating hotels, exploring waterside markets, looking for wildlife in ancient tracts of rainforest, meeting (and feeding!) elephants, visiting the infamous River Kwai bridge and a homestay with hill-tribespeople. There’s only one problem with Thailand – it weaves a spell on you. It’s ridiculously easy to fall in love with, but very hard to leave.
Make Thailand your next holiday destination with our range of trips specially designed for families. Contact our Families team for more information.
