WONDERFULLY DIVERSE
The early morning air is cool as your riverboat chugs quietly into Damnoen Saduak. But already this world famous floating market is a near-chaotic scene depicting colourful merchants in fruit-laden canoes haggling with eager buyers. It’s a stark contrast to the stillness of the temples and palaces you visited yesterday, and it’s different again – but no less colourful – than the life you’ll encounter if you dive in the crystal waters off the Similan Islands. But this is Thailand, so you should expect a whole variety of unforgettable experiences.
VISIT THE ISLANDS OF SOUTHERN THAILAND
Expect absolutely phenomenal beaches, even by the standards of the Far East, and a choice of islands. Small and intimate, like Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Noi – or large, busy and buzzing like Phuket and Koh Samui
The best time to visit? From November to March it is beach time.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE EXCITEMENT OF BANGKOK
Surprisingly perhaps, one of the world’s most renowned party cities, with a nightlife that has to be seen to be believed, is also home to tranquil temples, museums, contemplative parks and a sophisticated cultural scene.
The best time to visit? It’s a year-round city but the weather is best between November and March.
VENTURE INTO THE ENCHANTING GOLDEN TRIANGLE
There are few places with mountain scenery to rival the Golden Triangle, so you’ll need a decent camera with plenty of memory. Expect to meet picturesque hill tribes too, pursuing a way of life that doesn’t seem to have changed for centuries.
The best time to visit? From November to March is perfect in the high country.
DAY TRIP TO THE SIMILAN ISLANDS
Perhaps a day won’t be long enough to take in what is rated as one of the world’s top 10 dive spots. Expect crystal waters giving clear views of kaleidoscopic fish darting in and out of a colourful coral reef.
The best time to visit? The water is at its best from November to March.
PHOTOGRAPH THE GRAND PALACE
This photogenic building is the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. The 250 year old Grand Palace certainly lives up to its name; it was the King’s residence for over 150 years, before becoming the administrative seat of government.
The best time to visit? Any time is good for visiting the palace, but November to March has grand weather.
CRUISE ALONG THE KLONGS
Another Bangkok surprise; perhaps the best way to cruise around the city is by boat, taking in the sights and watching the simple lifestyle of the river bank people – before landing to visit the Temple of Dawn.
The best time to visit? The weather is finest from November to March.
BUY SOUVENIRS AT THE CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
If you’re an ardent shopper, love haggling for bargains and can’t resist the clamour, colour and chaos of a local market you have to try Chatuchak. It has over 8,000 stalls selling everything imaginable. And some things that aren’t!
The best time to visit? November to March is just fine for hard bargaining.
TAKE A THAI COOKING CLASS
Learn to cook like a local, using authentic produce, and you’ll have a skill that will be a constant reminder of your holiday, once you’re back home. Perhaps the most delicious way of remembering your trip.
The best time to visit? Weather-wise it’s from November to March, but a kitchen is hot whatever the season.
LEARN THE HISTORY OF THE RIVER KWAI
Old soldiers and lovers of classic films will know the name and remember the history. But a tour that gives insight into the building of the infamous bridge over the River Kwai will prove fascinating to all travellers.
The best time to visit? From November to March it is a great time to see the river.
DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET
This is one of those sights that shouldn’t be missed; a true snapshot of the Far East. This famous floating market – just 100 km southwest of Bangkok – is a swirling scene of colourful merchants in produce-filled canoes, haggling with local shoppers.
The best time to visit? The most comfortable time is between November and March.
EXPERTS
Dan
Rob
