Thailand
Thailand! An incredible combination of Eastern exoticism and Western modernism that brings ten million people a year to the country’s gorgeous beaches and magical countryside. Limestone cliffs, silver-white beaches, quiet broad bays and tropical inland forests combine with world class hotels and sophisticated restaurants. The result? An immensely popular luxury holiday destination.
Thailand’s cities offer world-class cosmopolitan delights. Bangkok and Pattaya are a treasure trove of designerwear, jewellery and electronics. The wildlife sanctuaries of Huai Kha Khaeng and Phu Luang are still miraculously preserved from the effects of the modern world, and make refreshing getaways.
Spend day after sunny day on the beach in near-perfect tranquillity. Shop for fashion and artefacts at malls and quaint flea markets. Indulge in a soothing traditional massage at one of the several excellent spas. And spend delightful days in rapt discovery of an underwater paradise simply waiting to be explored. Discover a dozen different worlds. Each equally fascinating. All in Thailand.
Spas in Thailand, Sink In
Checking in at a spa when one is in Thailand is no longer seen as being indulgent. It has become a necessity. And that is perhaps the best proof of how glorious this country’s spas really are. Most of the ingredients used in Thai spa treatments are naturally grown and locally sourced, and all have been chosen for their powerful medicinal value. These ingredients
Thai Food, Seconds, Anyone?
Here's mystery: Thai cuisine is one of the world's favourites, Yet there is no such thing as Thai cuisine. It is, in fact, four cuisines, four very distinct culinary traditions, from four different regions in the country. But one gorgeous mouthful of Pad Thai, and who's interested in semantics like that. Here's a far more useful fact: Thai food is often at its best on the street. if you're looking for Thailand's most popular dishes, head to the smallest food stall on any street corner. One of the most distinctive aspects of Thai cuisine is its use of
Shopping in Bangkok will that be cash or card?
If Thailand is a shopper’s paradises, Bangkok is the shopaholic’s heaven. The city offers competitive prices and an astounding range of merchandise, from computer software to apparel to unusual handicrafts. The colourful local markets here are particularly worthwhile, Thai silk sarongs are always a good buy, made of such high quality silk that they’re feather soft to the touch. Rattan and wickerwork handcrafted furniture produced by skilled Thai artisans finds its way to some of the most elegant European homes. Gemstones are usually of very good quality, both uncut and set in fine jewellery. Wherever you go in Bangkok you’ll fine an irresistible invitation to shop. Listed below are a few of the department stores you won’t to miss:
Gaysorn:
This international standard shopping centre features famous Thai and international brands, and fine dine restaurants. A must visit for those to whom the designer brand is as essential as oxygen.
MBK (MahBoonKrong):
This is the place for those who live for a cheap bargain (think funky shoes for A$7.00!). MBK is an odd mix of a market-style atmosphere in air-conditioned comfort, and packed with stalls selling clothes, leather goods, fashion accessories, electrical supplies, furniture, cosmetics, gift items, even the odd aphrodisiac!
Central World:
Bangkok's largest downtown mall is a labyrinth of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Here cinemas, an ice-skating rink and the Thai Duty Free Shop coexist happily and most prosperously.
The Central Department Store Chain:
The largest retailer in Thailand, this chain has under its banner department stores, specialty stores, specialty stores, supermarkets, mini-marts and hypermarkets.
Emporium:
This trendy and rather expensive shopping mall has a number of specialty stores so you can get all your shopping done at once. It includes a number of stylish boutiques, the Coffee Shop, a supermarket, bookstores and several very good restaurants.
Siam Paragon:
Thailand’s first mega shopping complex offers a plethora of world-class international brands and flagship stores of the most prestigious hi-end brands. Siam Paragon is so elegant, you would do well to dress up in a designer outfit before you come here to buy another designer outfit!
Water sports in Thailand: Dive in!
The glorious tropical climate and abundance of beaches make Thailand a water sporting paradise. Most seaside resorts offer a variety of water sports, from parasailing, waterskiing and windsurfing to the slightly more sedate motorboat and Jet Ski rides. A recent phenomenon is the "banana boat", where up to five people sit astride an elongated rubber tube, which is then tugged by a motorboat, which in turn causes it to swerve and dip dramatically. Meanwhile, the riders attempt to hold on, usually in vain. The ride predictably ends in a very wet and somewhat hilarious wipe out.
Scuba Diving / Snorkelling
The Andaman Sea offers some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs, ocean drop-offs and submerged pinnacles, and its crystal waters allow you to glimpse sea fans and soft corals in rainbow colors, up to 100 feet below. At some recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that you can see whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs from the surface! Murkier waters may not offer such obvious delights, but they have their own benefits. The rich nutrients here attract much larger marine animals - the elusive whale shark has often been spotted in these waters. The best time to dive in the Andaman Sea is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September.
Kayaking
Also called Sea Canoeing, Kayaking is the eco-tourist’s dream. This quiet sport heightens your sense of the natural splendour around you, and the resident marine life is not disturbed by your silent approach. Some of the most spectacular sites for sea canoeing are around Krabi, the
island of Phuket and Phang-nga Bay. The "Hong By Starlight" kayaking tour is an after-dark wonderland and is highly recommended. Although kayaks are easy to handle and safety equipment is always provided, it is best to go through an instruction session first. Don’t venture out on a long adventure without a guide. And just a word of caution: if you’re going kayaking, you should ideally be able to swim. Kayak expeditions run all year round, although the rains from June to October can cause a dip in activity.
Wind Surfing
This has grown into one of Thailand’s most popular water sports over the last two decades, and windsurfers are a common sight all over Thailand’s beaches. You can take windsurfing lessons on practically any major beach in Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Krabi, as well as on the islands of Ko Tao and Ko Chang. Boards and sails are available everywhere, so once you’ve learnt, you can indulge in the sport as often as you like. The only requirement is a hunger for adrenaline. And, of course, the wind.
Jet Skiing
Here’s another sport that has been adopted with gusto all over Thailand, and it’s easy to see why. An avid Jet Skier once described this as Formula One on waves! There’s a combination of speed, sea spray and pure sensation that makes this an irresistible sport. Yet despite the speed, jet-skiing in Thailand is relatively safe. Provided you keep your head and watch out for swimmers, snorkelers and other aquatic traffic.
Sailing
The international yachting fraternity just can’t get enough of Thailand's dramatic coastline. They congregate once a year at Phuket for the annual King's Cup Regatta, and it’s sometimes difficult to decide which is more interesting: the celebrities and royals on shore or the gorgeous sailboats docked at the harbour! Though sailing is possible from Hua Hin and Pattaya, the best facilities and most scenic sights are in Phuket. Charter a yacht, join a crew or simply sail out on your own. The choices, like the delights of this sport, are endless.
Tee off in Thailand
Golf is easily one of the more popular sports in Thailand, thanks in no small part to the world’s top course designers. Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr, Pete Dye, Gary Player and others have created near perfect layouts here, using the best grasses and the latest techniques. The result is a concentration of some of the most attractive courses in Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature holes and armies of maintenance staff to keep it all in top-class condition. There are over 200 high standard golf courses across Thailand, but the north is the undeniable choice for a golf holiday, thanks to its mountain ranges, wide valleys, spectacular jungle scenery and pleasant weather all the year round. Because of the altitude, Northern Thailand is cooler thanThai Food. Seconds, Anyone?
Here's mystery: Thai cuisine is one of the world's favourites, Yet there is no such thing as Thai cuisine. It is, in fact, four cuisines, four very distinct culinary traditions, from four different regions in the country. But one gorgeous mouthful of Pad Thai, and who's interested in semantics like that. Here's a far more useful fact: Thai food is often at its best on the street. if you're looking for Thailand's most popular dishes, head to the smallest food stall on any street corner.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Thai cuisine is its use of herbs and spices, not merely to add flavour, but also for medical and therapeutic benefit, imagine that! Your marvellous bowl of spicy, aromatic curry could well be a cure for that bad back! Another things you'll notice is how closely food and friendship coexist in Thailand. Sharing food is important to any Thai person, which is why meals are seldom taken alone why dishes are usually served all at once, and why a communal spoon is placed by each dish. Whether you're a global connoisseur or a hungry soul, this kind of bonhomie always makes a meal taste better.
And now back to that gorgeous mouthful of Pad Thai. This is a symphony of flavour, texture and taste: savoury rice noodles, lightly fried with scrambled eggs and vegetables, and liberally sprinkled with ground peanuts for a subtle sweet aroma. If you eat just one meal in Thailand, make it the Pad Thai! But then, in Thailand, who eats just one meal!
Siamese Rhapsody (9D/8N)
Spend nine utterly relaxed days taking in all the sights. Visit temples, cabarets and the most gorgeous beaches in the country.
Your Itinerary
- Phuket 3 nights
- Krabi 2 nights
- Bangkok 3 nights
Day 1
Arrive at Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, where you will be met by our local representative and escorted to your hotel. In the evening, you may choose to see the celebrated Simon Cabaret show, Phuket’s popular cabaret.
Day 2
Today take the optional Phi Phi Island tour, a relaxing 45-minute boat ride from Phuket. Spend the day lazing about on its pristine sandy beaches, against the backdrop of impressive limestone cliffs and shimmering waters. This gorgeous location was where the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach was filmed. In the afternoon, feast on local Thai cuisine at one of the restaurants in the area. Mid afternoon, return to Phuket.
Day 3
After breakfast, the day has been kept free for you to explore the beauty of the island on your own, or you may choose to take the Phangnga tour. This tour takes you to the spectacular Phangnga bay, one of nature’s most beautiful locations and the setting for the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
Day 4
Drive to Krabi, and check into your hotel. Later in the day, you will visit the Fossil Shell Beach National Park, followed by the Tiger Cave Temple.
Day 5
The day has been kept free for you to explore Krabi on your own. We recommend that you use this time to pay a visit to one of the gorgeous beaches that fringe this town, and sample fresh Thai seafood at one of the several small shacks you will find there.
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight to Bangkok, where you will be met and escorted to your hotel.
Day 7
This morning, take a city and temple tour of Bangkok, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and The Temple of the Golden Buddha, which houses a 5.5 tonne Buddha of solid gold. This evening you may choose to take a romantic Chao Phraya dinner cruise. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 8
Spend the day browsing through designer wear and electronics at Bangkok’s best shopping malls. In the evening, experience traditional Thai music and culture at the Siam Niramit show, followed by dinner.
Day 9
After breakfast, travel to the airport to catch your flight home.
Thai Adventure (7D/6N)
With a past marred by war and politics, this city has today taken its place as the country’s business capital. Discover its history over four fascinating days.
Your Itinerary
- Bangkok 3 nights
- Hua Hin 3 nights
Day 1
Arrive at Bangkok Airport where our local representative will welcome and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, watch the Siam Niramit Show, a spectacular cultural show which takes you on a journey through the enchanted kingdom of Siam. Feast on traditional Thai cuisine after the performance.
Day 2
Enjoy a tour of Bangkok and visit the city’s remarkable temples. The highlight of this tour will be a visit to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha; however, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which houses a 5.5 ton Buddha of solid gold, is no less impressive. In the evening, enjoy romantic music and a candlelight buffet as you cruise down the Chao Phraya River.
Day 3
Explore Bangkok on your own or choose one of our exciting optional tours. You may either visit Safari World or Dream World - both theme parks offer entertainment and a variety of activities. In the evening, take advantage of your free time by going on a shopping spree, visiting the night market and experiencing this vibrant city’s nightlife.
Day 4
Drive down to Hua Hin, a well-known seaside resort, three hours away from Bangkok. Stroll down the beach and eat at local coastal restaurants built on stilts over the sea. Seafood lovers are in for a treat; every restaurant here offers superb seafood dishes prepared in the inimitable Thai fashion.
Day 5
You can spend your day on Hua Hin’s gorgeous beach, or visit Kaeng Krachan National Park - Thailand’s largest national park. This park receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon, which has contributed to its rich rainforest. The park has savannah-like grasslands, mountains, steep cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and two rivers suitable for rafting; and serves as a natural habitat for wild elephants, deer, tigers, bears, and gibbons. It has all the makings of an ideal trekking and camping destination.
Day 6
Your day is free to experience all the activities Hua Hin has to offer. From lazing on the beach to golf and water sports, this seaside resort promises to be anything but dull.
Day 7
Head to Bangkok International Airport and take your flight back home.
Thai Idyll (6D/5N)
Escape to an island paradise, followed by an exciting stay at Thailand’s most cosmopolitan city. This holiday is compact, yet completely refreshing
Your Itinerary
- Koh Samui 2 nights
- Bangkok 3 nights
Day 1
Arrive at the beautiful island of Koh Samui, where our local representative will escort you to your hotel. Spend the day strolling along the beach and taking in the island’s breathtaking sceneries.
Day 2
Explore the island in leisure or visit the Ang Thong Marine National Park, a group of 42 islands; Koh Wua Ta Lap (Sleeping Cow Island) which offers a panoramic view of the island; or Tham Bua Boke (Swaying Lotus Cave) to view the cave’s stalactite and stalagmite formations. In the afternoon, enjoy a buffet lunch before you travel to Mae Ko (Mother Island) to see the emerald green saltwater lake.
Day 3
After breakfast, set off to the airport to catch your flight to Bangkok. Our local representative will meet you at Bangkok Airport and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, watch the Siam Niramit Show, a spectacular cultural show which takes you on a journey through the enchanted kingdom of Siam. Feast on traditional Thai cuisine after the performance.
Day 4
Enjoy a tour of Bangkok and visit the city’s remarkable temples. The highlight of this tour will be a visit to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha; however, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which houses a 5.5 ton Buddha of solid gold, is no less impressive. In the evening, enjoy romantic music and a candlelight buffet as you cruise down the Chao Phraya River.
Day 5
Explore Bangkok on your own or choose one of our exciting optional tours. You may either visit Safari World or Dream World - both theme parks offer a variety of activities and entertainment. In the evening, take advantage of your free time by going on a shopping spree, visiting the night market and experiencing a little of this vibrant city’s nightlife.
Day 6
Drive to Bangkok Airport to catch your flight back home.