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Bangkok is simply one of the most vibrant and electric cities on earth, bustling with life and offering a dazzling array of colourful bars, lively restaurants, boutique shops and street markets. From here, Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, is perfect for families or couples wanting a relaxing resort atmosphere with no need for onward flying and the option of activities. Chiang Mai north of Bangkok is a fascinating city that grew up on the ancient trade route and now mixes an intoxicating blend of the old and the new. With such diversity on its doorstep, Bangkok is the perfect starting point for any Thailand holiday.
Perhaps you would prefer to get away from it all in one of the country’s beachside resorts. Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi are justifiably famous throughout the world for their idyllic beaches, warm turquoise seas and truly luxurious hotels. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and offers sumptuous spas, excellent golf and a myriad of watersports. Koh Samui is nothing short of magical with its cascading waterfalls, majestic rock formations, marine park and ancient temples. Or holiday in Krabi and its spectacular islands, surely boasting Thailand’s most beautiful natural scenery and quite stunning coastline dotted with limestone karsts. For couples, take a romantic break in the beautiful Khao Lak, surrounded by National Parks. It is also the ideal base for some of Thailand’s most impressive dive sites.
Better still, why not combine one or more resorts and sample the best of all that Thailand has to offer. Wherever you go, you can be assured of service second to none, a mouthwatering fusion of cuisine that has few equals and enough to do, see and enjoy to provide a lifetime of happy memories.
Out and About
Experience the diversity that Thailand has to offer with a few of our suggestions.
• Bangkok has a fascinating array of sights including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho containing the
magnificent 46 metre reclining Buddha, and the impressive Wat Arun.
• Thailand’s most famous floating market, Ratchaburi, is accessible from Bangkok and is teeming with boats selling tropical fruits, flowers and vegetables. Take a boat into the heart of the action and be sure to sample some of the delicious fruit, whilst also taking advantage of the fantastic photo opportunities.
• While in Phuket be sure to visit Phang Nga Bay. Home to 42 lush islands, including the famous James Bond Island, it is a stunning place for a relaxing boat trip or a refreshing swim.
• Spend a day exploring the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui and cool off in the exquisite turquoise waters as you go.
Food and Drink
Whether from a local street stall or a sophisticated city restaurant, Thai food will enchant your taste buds. Succulent fish, delicately flavoured stir-fries, tangy curries and fresh fruit and vegetables are all the norm in Thai cooking, while heady flavours such as lemongrass, coriander, chilli and coconut combine to whet your appetite in a variety of dishes. Green and red curries, fishcakes, papaya and irresistible seafood all fight for space on the table - the only worry is finding the time to try everything on the menu.
For the best Thai cuisine we recommend Celadon at The Sukhothai, Bangkok and Silk Restaurant & Bar at Andara Resort Villas, Phuket, which both offer truly delicious authentic, yet contemporary, Thai flavours. There is also a huge range of excellent international restaurants, our favourites being Vertigo at Banyan Tree, Bangkok serving Mediterranean dishes with stunning panoramic city views, Plum Fine Dining at Phuket Cape Sienna Resort, with its sublime Oriental dishes and Full Moon at Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, Koh Samui for its unique Italian specialities and beautiful sea views.
Getting There
Flights to Bangkok are with Eva Air, British Airways and Thai Airways direct or Qatar Airways via Doha. Total journey time: 11 hours 10 minutes direct, and Qatar Airways 15 hours (including stopover in Doha).
Eva Air Departures from Heathrow daily on B77W aircraft with Economy, Elite Class and Premium Laurel Class cabins.
British Airways Departures from Heathrow daily on B744 aircraft with World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First Class cabins.
Thai Airways Departures from Heathrow daily on B744 aircraft with Economy and Business Class cabins.
Qatar Airways Departures from Heathrow via Doha daily on A332, A346 and B77W aircraft with Economy, Business Class and First Class cabins. From Bangkok there are regular daily flights to Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. Flights take between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.
Note: All our inclusive holidays are based on Eva Air Economy flights. Prices with British Airways,
Thai Airways and Qatar Airways are also available on request.
Responsible Travel
For some useful background information on responsible tourism issues in Thailand, as well as practical tips on what you can do to make a positive difference, we recommend The Travel Foundation's 'Insider's Guide'.