| Thailand simply offers it all to travellers in a neat, | | | | enjoy exploring somewhat more obscure Khmer |
| great-value package -- whether you're an | | | | ruins dotted around the kingdom's north and |
| independent budget backpacker wanting to | | | | northeast. |
| explore off the beaten track, or a well-heeled | | | | Popular side trips from Bangkok include Koh |
| tourist looking for an exclusive slice of paradise. | | | | Samet , just a few hours away by road and |
| Rough it while trekking through mist-shrouded | | | | boat, while Kanchanaburi is home to the famed |
| mountains; be astounded by teeming aquatic life | | | | Bridge Over the River Kwai, popular waterfalls |
| as you plunge into turquoise waters for a dip; or | | | | and the controversial Tiger Temple. Families are |
| savour a romantic pool villa for a perfect luxury | | | | heading to quiet Ko Lanta in greater numbers too, |
| honeymoon -- you can do it all in the Land of | | | | while Krabi remains a favourite for island hoppers. |
| Smiles. | | | | Thailand's southwest coast --including Khao Lak |
| Thailand has been on the international backpacker | | | | and Koh Phi Phi -- has fully recovered from the |
| beat for decades now, and while backpackers are | | | | 2004 Asian tsunami and flung open its rebuilt |
| making the most of ever-increasing budget flights | | | | doors to tourists again. And if you want to find |
| to Thailand, these days luxury travellers bolster | | | | your own patch of secluded beach unmarked on |
| the numbers too. From the food and spas, to the | | | | maps during your vacation, or a winding stretch |
| temples and culture, Thailand is a land steeped in | | | | of spectacular, empty mountain highway, with a |
| fascinating Buddhist history, catapulted into the | | | | bit of effort you certainly can. |
| present through fast-paced economic growth that | | | | Sip a Beer Chang or Singha as you watch a |
| kicked off in the 1960s. | | | | sunset over the meandering Mekong in Nong Khai, |
| More than 10 million tourists arrive here annually | | | | explore the spectacular national parks of Nan, |
| now, following the well-worn path of those before | | | | meditate in a forest wat in Isan, rejuvenate at an |
| them. But there's a reason the crowds keep on | | | | upmarket spa in historical Hua Hin, or pick up |
| coming. The capital Bangkok offers glittering | | | | some of the challenging Thai language at any |
| temples on the majestic Chao Phraya River, with | | | | number of schools -- the possibilities are limitless. |
| shopping for both bargains and top-range designer | | | | Thailand's strife-torn Muslim-majority south |
| items luring the masses as well. Take an elephant | | | | remains off nearly all tourists' itineraries these |
| trek or hike to see ethnic minorities in cool, | | | | days, a shame as it's a beautiful area unique |
| mountainous Chiang Mai , then take a flight down | | | | culturally to the rest of the kingdom. |
| south to sip cocktails and sunbathe on the | | | | Aside from sights to see, Thailand's |
| cococnut-palm fringed southern islands of Phuket | | | | world-renowned fiery cuisine -- the perfect |
| or Ko Samui . | | | | antidote to Thailand's weather -- is an attraction in |
| Alternatively, enjoy the pulsing Full Moon Party on | | | | its own right. Savour delicious street food costing |
| Koh Pha Ngan, or a spot of world-class diving off | | | | next-to-nothing or splurge on high-end royal |
| Koh Tao . History buffs will revel in Thailand's | | | | cuisine, but no matter what you spend, it is |
| ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, and | | | | always difficult to find a bad authentic Thai meal. |