POSTCARD FROM THAILAND

Fields of joy

Discover fields of joy; Chiang Mai’s rice terraces in all of their splendour

Thailand has been asking Millennial travellers based in the Middle East to vote for their favourite destinations or those they most yearn to check out when they next visit the country. Results from the ‘Amazing Thailand Millennial Roadmap Survey’, conducted through the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s social channels, will be used to develop a directory of destination hotspots and hidden gems tailormade for young Arab travellers. Thailand welcomes more than half a million visitors from the Middle East every year

It’s one of the country’s most lucrative source markets, with Arab Millennials spending up to twice as much as those from the US, Europe and Asia. The survey will include photos and videos of ‘wow’ destinations across Thailand, with Insta-worthy shots likely to include Thailand’s bevvy of beauty spots, from the Koh Chang National Marine Park, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi, to Pitugro Waterfall in the Tak province, Bangkok’s famous Wat Arun temple and the stunning rice terraces of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand (pictured). Of course, Chiang Mai is most famous for its ancient temples, but given its location, 700km north of Bangkok, nestled in a verdant valley on the banks of the Ping River and surrounded by misty mountains, its striking landscapes are just as breathtaking. It’s also the place to shop handicrafts and antiques, make the most of the lively night scene, tuck into some gastronomic delights or relax with a traditional Thai massage.