Thailand, the land of a 1,000 smiles, is one place where you can be sure of the warmest welcome. The friendly Thai people certainly have lots to smile about, from the tropical beaches of the south, to historic cities and jungle-clad mountains. On a holiday here, you can spend time in the lively capital, explore the country's varied culture and wildlife, then take your pick of beautiful beaches.
In a nutshell
This is a country where you can combine any number of different experiences, or simply pick 1 or 2 to enjoy in a more relaxed way. If you are interested in culture, there are temples, palaces and museums galore to visit. Of course, the food is all part of a country's culture, and a taste of Thailand's light, spicy cuisine from one of the bustling night markets is a real highlight. Bangkok isn't just for culture vultures - you can go bargain hunting in the shops and markets, and explore the many funky bars and clubs. The country's beautiful scenery gives you plenty of chance to enjoy active pursuits such as walking and diving, and the wildlife adds even more colour to the landscape. Children can join in the fun on rafting trips and feeding elephants. Meanwhile, couples can enjoy island life by day and by night. Beaches are not only perfect spots for unwinding, but they also become party venues when there's a full moon.
Getting there
Flight Details - Thai Airways International flights to Bangkok depart twice daily from London Heathrow. Onward flights to Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are operated by Thai Airways. Onward flights to Ko Samui are operated by Bangkok Airways.
Flying Time - Approx 11 hours 30 min to Bangkok. Approx 1 hour 20 min from Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Rai. Approx 1 hour 30 min from Bangkok to Ko Samui. Approx 1 hour 10 min from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Flight Upgrades - Business Class available from £769 supplement per person each way.
Private Transfer Supplements - For airport transfers, upgrade your coach seat to a private vehicle, min 2 passengers.
Bangkok £9 per person return
Chiang Mai £3 per person return
Chiang Rai from £3 per person return
Phuket £6 per person return
Krabi from £3 per person return
Ko Samui £8 per person return
Holidays to Cha Am, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Khao Lak are already based on private transfers.
Time Difference - GMT +7 hours
Currency - Thai Baht (THB)
Visa Requirements - British citizens do not require a visa for stays less than 30 days.
Language - The official language is Thai. English is widely spoken in areas frequented by tourists.
Events calendar
Important Dates to Remember...
Jan - Bangkok International Film Festival
Feb - Chinese New Year and Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Mar - Pattaya Music Festival
Apr - Chiang Mai Art & Culture Festival and Songkran (celebration of the Lunar Year in Thailand)
May - Coronation Day
Jul - Samui Festival Art & Culture Show, Ko Samui
Aug - The Queen's Birthday
Sep - King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Hua Hin Nov Phuket Laguna Triathlon and Pattaya Carnival
Dec - The King's Birthday
Additional info
Beaches
Thailand is justifiably famous for its gorgeous white sand beaches. The incredibly blue waters around its peninsula are home to beautiful coral reefs and hundreds of islands. The glistening sands of Ko Samui are framed by coconut palms, dense foliage and rocky hills. Phuket, Phi Phi and Khao Lak have similarly stunning beaches, forested limestone cliffs and amazing sunsets.
Cuisine
The food in Thailand is another treat of any stay here. Gourmet restaurants will serve you delicately spiced, aromatic feasts. At the lively night markets, you simply sit down at the stand serving whichever food takes your fancy. Pad Thai, a noodle dish with prawns, peanuts, egg and lime juice, is a tasty favourite, or try a spicy noodle soup. Seafood is fresh and tasty on islands and along the coast.
Shopping and Nightlife
You'll find great markets all over Thailand, but nowhere beats the variety found in Bangkok, one of the world's great retail centres. For the best souvenir handicrafts, try Chatuchak weekend market, and leave time at the airport to trawl myriad shops. When it comes to nightlife, Bangkok is one of the greatest places in the world to party. On the island of Ko Phangan, the full moon beach parties are amazing.
Culture
Bangkok has dozens of glittering palaces and wats - the Thai name for temples. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace are must sees. The 16th-century Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest and largest temple, is home to the incredible 46m-long reclining Buddha. Chiang Mai, in the north, is home to some fascinating temples and monasteries, including the Tribal Museum, giving an insight into Thailand's hill tribes.
Adventure
Thailand's dramatic landscapes offer many opportunities for adventurous activities. Incredibly colourful reefs make for fantastic diving and snorkelling, whilst inland, you can enjoy encounters with elephants, before you ride them through the rainforest. Travel by 4WD into the highlands or even discover ancient caves by sea canoe.
Families
With their safe beaches, soft sands and warm waters, Thailand's many beach resorts make for great family holidays. Elsewhere, the kids will love the country's elephant learning centres and they can have great fun bamboo rafting (not to be confused with white-water rafting!) down one of the country's gentle rivers on an excursion. For teenagers, a holiday in Thailand is a real cultural learning experience.