A holiday in Thailand is guaranteed to relax and energise. Mystical and ancient Siam has grown into a vibrant holiday destination for a wide range of holidaymakers. Rich in religious and cultural history, with breathtaking temples and pagodas scattered throughout the landscape and wide, sandy beaches kissing pristine turquoise waters, and steamy tropical jungles teeming with tropical flora and fauna, it’s no surprise that Thailand is such a hot destination.
Thailand holidays offer a wide range of accommodation from traditional beach huts to plush, air-conditioned, 5 star hotels, and exclusive and expensive health spas. No matter what the budget, a holiday in Thailand will reward and excite. From the bumper-to-bumper traffic of Bangkok to the calm serenity of a massage temple in Chiang Mai, the senses are overwhelmed with a kaleidoscope of influences.
For a jungle experience to remember, venture north to the lands beyond Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural capital, for cultural and adventure treks where you’ll wander past hidden temples and ancient ruins, come face to face with ethnic minority groups and a diverse range of wildlife including gibbons, deer, monkeys and a stunning variety of birdlife. Not keen on hiking? Maybe an elephant trek is more your style.
Bangkok, the Thai capital, is an in-your-face metropolis crashing headlong into westernisation at a rate of knots. From the calm temples of Wat Phra Kae to the tourist enclaves of Khao San Road, Bangkok never fails to excite. A vast city, Bangkok can overwhelm at first, but once familiar is a fascinating destination with a staggering variety of attractions.
Most favoured of Thai regions is on Thailand’s southern islands and beaches. Phuket is undeniably the mecca for sun and thrill-seekers, while islands like Koh Samui maintain a budget appeal with raging bars and cheap accommodation, a distinct contrast to some beautiful, quiet beaches. Further around, on the Andaman coast, you will find six star luxury spa resorts amid spectacular scenery with sheer limestone cliffs rising from turquoise seas and chalk white beaches.
Thailand fun facts
Bangkok is known as City of Angels
Thailand is making a name for itself in the wine industry. Chenin Blanc grapes thrive in the cool hill region of Khao Yai
It’s been estimated that about 2,000 elephants live in the wild
Taj Mahal
Friday 19th October 2007
Travel Counsellor: Patrick O'Shea
As we arrived into Agra and headed for our hotel, I must admit to a little apprehension at what lay in store for us the following day. It’s not every day you get to see one of the most famous sites on earth.
Could this wonder of the world live up to the publicity that surrounds it even to this day? Having seen so many images of the Taj Mahal I couldn’t help thinking to myself “what if it’s a letdown?” What if it doesn’t live up to its awesome reputation?
Bayard Taylor, an American poet and travel author wrote “So pure, so gloriously perfect did it appear that I almost feared to approach it lest the charm should be broken”. Admirable sentiments indeed.
I needn’t have worried! It is quite simply the most breathtaking piece of architecture I have ever seen.
The Taj Mahal is in Agra, a city about 4 hours drive north of Delhi in India’s Uttar Pradesh region. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his 3rd wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child.... view full story
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