Where to stay and go in Thailand

Highlights of Thailand

With a wealth of natural wonders and man-made marvels, colourful culture and fine food, not-to-mention some spectacular beaches, holidays in Thailand offer a slice of paradise. Set in the heart of south-east Asia and snaking down to the Malay Peninsula, the country has it all - dreamy jungle landscapes dotted with colourful villages and magnificent temples, fascinating cities, fine food and renowned hospitality, and some of the most breathtaking beaches in the region.

Idyllic islands hug the country's coastline along the Gulf of Thailand in the east and the Andaman Sea in the west and feature a huge range of accommodation from simple thatched beach houses to luxurious resorts. Travellers can experience the exotic charm of hill tribe villages around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north, or explore marvellous Khmer temples and monuments. In Thailand's heartland, the fast-paced capital, Bangkok, is awash with fascinating old temples and palaces, while a wealth of national parks also means the country offers some spectacular areas of natural beauty and bountiful wildlife.

From elephant treks to ancient jungle-entangled ruins to remote desert islands - Thailand's well-developed tourism network has made its areas of tropical paradise accessible to everyone. Wherever you go you are guaranteed to sample some great food and experience service with a smile.

Idyllic islands

Thailand encompasses hundreds of tropical islands so there are plenty of beach paradises to choose from. Ko Samet and Ko Chang in the northern Gulf feature white sands and glorious green interiors and are the closest islands to Bangkok. While the beautiful coconut islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao in the southern Gulf are known for their scenic beauty and diving. On the Andaman coast, travellers can discover the white crescent beaches of Thailand's largest island, Phuket, and the dramatic karst-backed sands of Krabi province.

Ko Samui

Ko Samui and its sister islands form part of a stunning tropical archipelago in the southern Gulf of Thailand. Studded with coconut palms and virgin forest, the islands' rounded limestone shores rise out of the Gulf, indented with perfect crescents of white sand. The main island of Ko Samui is Thailand's third largest island and has its own airport. Travellers looking for upmarket villas and mid-range hotels and spas will find plenty around the stunning beaches of Chaweng and Lamai.

Phuket

Sitting pretty off Thailand's Andaman Coast, Phuket is the country's largest island and was the first to develop a tourist industry so it's a great place to stay if you like your slice of paradise to come with all modern comforts and conveniences. Despite the proliferation of sophisticated resorts and family-friendly hotels, the island has not lost its charm. The restaurants serve some the best Thai cuisine of all the islands and national parks protect the island's virgin rainforest. Along with great facilities, the island has some interesting museums and monuments, as well as a few good golf courses.

Krabi

The beaches and islands of Krabi Province boast some of the most spectacular scenery in Thailand. Phanghan Bay, between Krabi mainland and Phuket island, has stunning limestone karst formations that form a fantastic backdrop for a tropical holiday. Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta are two of the most famous of the islands, but there are more than 150 dotted around the coast that can be easily visited by boat.