Explore THAILAND
Head to Thailand for a blissful break this summer and enjoy some of the world’s best beaches
Quaint villages are skirted by white sandy beaches
THE clocks may have just gone forward and we might be relieved to be looking forward to warmer days ahead, but there is still something wonderful about getting away on a true summer break.
A holiday, of course, is more than just the opportunity to bask in endorphin-boosting sunshine: it’s a chance to enjoy a restorative escape, to discover new destinations and immerse yourself in new experiences. It’s about getting far away from everyday life, mentally, emotionally and geographically.
So, if you’re considering a break this summer, and the idea of immersing yourself in a different culture appeals, then why not head to Thailand? It’s a common misconception that, as it is a long-haul, tropical destination, one would only visit when in search of winter sun during the colder months, but there are many reasons why this southeast Asian gem is also ideal for your summer getaway.
TRANQUIL ESCAPE
BOASTING over 2,000 miles of beaches and a wealth of paradise islands – including those featuring in Alex Garland’s popular novel, The Beach, and the film of the same name, starring Leonardo DiCaprio – this enchanting nation is widely known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, thanks to the warm greetings that are extended to every visitor.
With a rich history and fascinating culture, plus a spectacularly diverse landscape and incredible hospitality, there is something for everyone in this wondrous kingdom. From breathtaking Buddhist temples and majestic palaces to delicious cuisine and magnificent wildlife, Thailand offers a true get-away-from-the-everyday holiday.
The Gulf of Thailand, on the east coast, enjoys a distinct microclimate, basking in beautiful weather from June to September, making for blissfully balmy days in idyllic settings.
In fact, because many Britons still consider this to be ‘off peak’ for Thai travel, you’ll find some of the best-value holidays during May/June and September/October, meaning your budget will stretch even further.
Whether that means you upgrade your accommodation for a more luxurious stay, extend your holiday or even add on another destination to create a multifaceted escape, Thailand offers a great-value holiday experience with world-class, friendly service.
Enjoy a tranquil break on the sparsely populated Koh Kood, where laid-back couples enjoy a relaxed, romantic stay, or head to Koh Samet, a popular weekend destination for Thais escaping the mainland. Koh Chang, the largest and most popular island for visitors to Eastern Thailand, offers lush mangrove forests illuminated by fireflies and punctuated by enchanting waterfalls. Quaint fishing villages are skirted by ribbons of white sandy
beaches, and you’ll have the chance to pay your respects at the shrine of Chao Por Koh Chang, believed to bring good fortune and bestow peace to those on the island.
Head further south to Koh Samui (which has its own airport), where picture-postcard beaches including Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam and Natien beckon, alongside ancient temples, spectacular scenery and a lively range of activities for tourists to enjoy. A wide range of accommodation, from contemporary boutique hotels to larger beach resorts, ensures there is something available to suit all tastes and budgets.
Perhaps the best-known of Thailand’s many islands, Koh Pha Ngan offers dense forest landscapes, the breathtaking Tan Sadet National Water Fall, and a host of beaches with a relaxed vibe.
In fact, why stop at visiting just one of these beguiling destinations, when you can explore more as part of a multi-destination break? Opt to do some island-hopping, contrasting the watersports, restaurants and nightlife of one of the more colourful islands, such as Koh Samui, with the relaxed atmosphere of Koh Pha Ngan, where chilling out in a secluded spot is the order of the day. Or why not visit some of the smaller islands, too?
MORE BEACH FOR YOUR BAHT
IF YOU fancy even more of a cultural contrast, and a holiday that incorporates a city break, why not combine the temples, palaces and bustling streets of Bangkok or the vibrant city of Pattaya (there are now regular, direct flights from the UK) with its floating markets, Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens and colourful nightlife, with a stay on one of the island idylls dotted throughout the Gulf? If first-hand encounters with elephants and exotic wildlife appeal, head further north, and immerse yourself in the mountains and jungle of this more temperate region.
However you choose to spend your summer in Thailand, you’ll not only find the ‘Land of Smiles’ enchanting, but you’ll take home a beaming smile as a memory of your experiences.
Combine Bangkok with a stay on one of the island idylls