Phuket, Thailand

Thailand, affectionately called The Land of Smiles, is famed for its pristine beaches, lavishly decorated temples, and delicious street food.  Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world, situated in Mainland Southeast Asia.

Thailand experiences its peak season during summer, between January and April. To the north of Bangkok, days are wonderfully toasty while night temperatures can drop quite drastically. The southern region, however, experiences delightfully warm temperatures throughout the day and night. Be warned that summer brings crowds, traffic and high prices. April is often the hottest month of the year and marks the start of the new year, with festivals and street parades celebrating “Songkran”. If you’re not up for rowdy street parties, big tourist crowds and being doused with water, avoid visiting during the month of April. Thailand’s low season is between the rainy months of May and October. If you don’t mind the occasional rain shower and cloud cover, this is a wonderful time to explore Thailand’s temples, beaches and rainforests without the crowds, at half the price!

Thailand is a place like no other. It’s warm hospitality, intriguing culture and incredible cuisine will creep into your heart. Whether you’re looking to experience the heady nightlife and party scene, indulge in massages on the beach or trek through the lush jungle rainforests, Thailand has it all!

To truly experience all that Thailand has to offer, there are a few not-to-be-missed places to add to your itinerary:

The capital city, Bangkok, boasts opulent temples, palaces and bustling night markets.

Northern Thailand is vastly different from the south, appealing to those looking for an authentically rich experience of the landscape and its people. Chiang Mai is home to spectacular jungle trekking and zip-line adventures, with elephant sanctuaries and ancient ruins along the way. To the left, Chiang Rai’s Phu Chi Fah mountain offers breathtaking views of Laos and the Mekong River. The sparkling Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Singha Park are also worth visiting, while the lush scenery and rice fields of Pai are equally exquisite.

The south of Thailand is renowned for its pearly-white beaches and islands. Phuket boasts charming beach villages and is a gateway to the islands. Koh Lanta is a backpacker’s paradise and a stone’s throw from the Phi-Phi Islands; while Koh Pha-Ngan is hippie central, notorious for its wild full moon parties. Koh Samui and Ko Kut appeal to more refined travelers, with beach resorts and diving spots aplenty.