Thailand Holidays

Beaches, national parks, culture – Thailand comes first in its class for just about every category. The so-called Land of Smiles manages to put on an out-and-out feast for visitors, who can choose from buzzy Bangkok, daredevil Chiang Mai in the north and a super-green south. Not to mention a load of dreamy islands and pig-out street food.

Thailand holidays serve up two, top-drawer coasts. So, as you can imagine, its beaches are a big deal. Phuket, on the country’s Andaman Coast, is where most sun-seeking tourists end up. Bang Tao and Tri Trang Beach supply the silky, vanilla-white sands. And nearby Patong’s the party animal of the island – its Bangla Road could even take on Koh Phangan’s legendary full moon parties.

Compared to bubbly Phuket, Khao Lak’s the shy type. That doesn’t mean it’s missing the goods, though. It’s got loads of the sandy stuff, a handy night market, plus a truckload of daytrips. It’s fronted by limestone islands and cliffs poking out of the sea, and backed by national parks full of free-roaming elephants, epic waterfalls and sprawling lakes.