If you are planning to visit Thailand this year, you may already have a favourite phuket resort, having visited many times, or this might be your first time in the Land of Smiles, in which case, please read on.
Here is our top 5 holiday destination list for Thailand, in no particular order.
- Phuket – The tropical island nestled in the Andaman Sea is probably Thailand’s best known holiday spot. Staying at one of the Accor hotels in Phuket puts you in the centre of a bustling community, while you have the seclusion of a private beach and balcony when you want some solitude. There is much to see and do on Phuket, while a mysterious and beautiful underwater world awaits the adventurous.
- Koh Samui – Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a very developed tourist island, which sits next to Koh Pan Ngan, home of the famous full moon party, an experience that would stay with you forever. There are 5-star resorts around the island with lots of small boutique hotels and spa retreats. Rent a car and explore the island; or join one of the guided Samui bicycle tours and get a different perspective of this amazing island. Samui has legendary nightlife if you love dancing until dawn,
- Hua Hin – Located about 3 hours’ drive south of Bangkok, Hua Hin is a firm favourite with Thais and foreigners alike; a quiet coastal town that is a popular destination for European retirees, Hua Hin is relatively quiet in the rainy season, with mainly expats who live year-round. Pranburi is about 25km south of Hua Hin and there are some 5-star resorts along a pristine coastline. There is a colourful might market twice a week, plus the Thais celebrate many Buddhist festivals with parades and performances.
- Pattaya – Located on the Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya grew from a small town used as R&R by US military during the Vietnam War in the 1960s; until a few years ago, Pattaya was regarded as a place where red light entertainment thrived, however, it has become family-friendly and the beaches have been cleaned up. Further along the coast is Rayong, a popular holiday spot for Thais, while Koh Chang (Elephant Island) is a tropical paradise with little development; perfect if you want to leave the world behind.
- Chiang Mai – A vibrant expat community can be found in the traditional northern city, which is the gateway to the Golden Triangle; hiking to Chiang Rai and seeing the hilltribe people appeals to active tourists. The northern part of Thailand has a Lanna tradition, which is unique; if beaches and coconut trees are not your thing, the stunning mountains and lush forests are waiting for you.
Thailand is a large country and its people exude warmth, friendship and happiness, which is one of the reasons the Land of Smiles is at the top of the tourism tree.
