Thailand

Thailand, the heart of south-east Asia, has long been the destination of the more adventurous travellers, but now year after year, families and couples alike are finding the 'land of smiles' an amazing place. Thailand is an enchanting country, with a rich cultural tradition, and offers just about every holiday experience you could hope for, stunning beaches, fantastic golf courses, magnificent ornate temples, superb water sports and sensational spas are but a few of the delights Thailand has to offer.

From the moment you arrive in the gateway to Thailand, Bangkok, your senses become aroused, the sight of saffron robed monks, golden temples, colourful orchid garlands, sounds from honking Tuk-Tuks and bustling nightlife. Intense smell and taste from the freshly cooked food on every street corner, a place for chilli lovers to indulge themselves, or you can immerse yourselves in the finest seafood and sample some new and exotic fruit. Bangkok is a vibrant and exciting City that should not be missed!

Now head south to the beaches of Thailand, cosmopolitan Pattaya with Jomtien next door is Thailand's liveliest and closest resort from Bangkok, about a two hour drive. It offers an abundance of bars and restaurants, legendary nightlife, endless sports and leisure activities and a dozen world class golf courses. One hour from here is Koh Samet Island which is said to have the whitest sand in Thailand.

Just over a three hour drive in the other direction from Bangkok are the quiet charming coastal towns of Hua-Hin and Cha-am. Hua-Hin is Thailand's oldest beach resort with miles of sandy beaches and bustling fishing port, it has long been favoured among Thai royalty. Cha-am is the quietest of the resorts but there is still a host of attractions and activities to keep you busy as well as Cha-am beach, thought to be the most beautiful in the Phetchaburi region.

Koh Samui just under an hours flight from Bangkok or Pattaya Airport, is a tropical island paradise. Beautiful beaches and swaying palms, perfect for a relaxing holiday although Chaweng, the main beach resort, offers a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants. From here travel by boat to Koh Phangan, Koh Samui's younger sister, or Koh Tao a personal favourite which is reputed to offer some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the Gulf of Thailand and is just opening to international tourism.

Each resort has its own character and advantages, but wherever you stay the warm, gracious Thai hospitality will leave a lasting impression on you so that you will want to return again and again!