Ask the expert
Q I am going to Thailand for 11 days for my birthday. We are spending four nights in Bangkok, five nights at Patong Beach and then two nights in Panwa beach at a 5-star resort to wind down on our holiday. Are there any places in Phuket and the rest of Thailand that you would recommend visiting? We are trying to see as much as we can and don’t want to miss out on the good stuff!
A How exciting! In Bangkok you should check out the Grand Palace, take a river taxi to see local life along this busy area of Bangkok and if you have time take an early morning tour out to the Floating Markets to see the local way of life trading on the water. As it’s your birthday, you can’t go by without checking out one of the many swanky rooftop bars in Bangkok for a cheeky cocktail as the sun goes down. Patong is party central with plenty of beautiful resort pools, beaches and nightlife. If you like elephants, you should check out an ’elephant experience’ or if you want to get on the water there are some fabulous kayaking trips you can do. Or if you want a full day trip, head to Phi Phi island for a day of fabulous diving and snorkelling. Panwa will be all about R&R, it’s very quiet down there so treat yourself to a spa treatment at your 5-star resort.