Article by Direct Line Travel Insurance
With its beautiful beaches, tropical islands, ancient temples, and wild jungle, Thailand is one of the world?s most popular backpacking destinations. It is also close to other popular travel spots in South East Asia like Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Recent development in Thailand means there are a number of new upmarket resorts and spas offering excellent food, luxury accommodation and relaxing spa treatments. With all this on offer, it?s no wonder some tourists stay much longer than they intended.
Beaches and IslandsAlex Garland?s film adaptation of his novel The Beach in 1996 helped put Thailand on the tourist map. Travellers and holidaymakers are attracted to the clear, sunny days, white sand beaches, cool turquoise waters, and palm trees lining the shoreline.
There are islands in abundance in Thailand, all just a boat trip away. The islands of Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Hae (Coral Island) are situated in the Andaman Sea. Not far away is the coastal province of Krabi renown for its stunning coastline and limestone cliffs. Here you will find the relatively untouched islands of Khao Lak and Phang Nak.
Thailand is a diver?s dream. Head to the Similan Islands for some amazing coral and tropical fish. If you?re looking for more action on your travels head to the Gulf of Thailand. The islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui offer sun, spas and plenty of parties. The nearby island of Koh Tao is a fantastic spot to do some diving. Not to be outdone, the east coast of Thailand offers a number of popular spots for backpackers including Pattaya, Koh Samet and Koh Chang.
Temples and TrekkingThailand boasts over 31, 200 Buddhist temples (wats). Some are used for religious ceremonies and festivals and some are home to Buddhist monks. Not all temples are created equal in Thailand. The highest grade temples are called Royal Temples. There are 200 Royal Temples in Thailand including Wat Suthat and Wat Phra Chetuphon in Bangkok, Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom Province, and in Sarburo Province, Wat Phra Buddhabat.
Some of the temples in Chiang Mai are over 700 years old. Wat Phrathat Dou Suthep sits high on a mountain with spectacular views overlooking the city. Other temples to visit are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, the colourful Burmese-style Wat Saen Fang and the forests and labyrinth at Wat Umong. Chiang Mai is also a trekkers paradise with two massive national parks, elephant centres, ancient hill tribes and plenty of mountains, wildlife and natural wonders.
Rest and RejuvenationAfter you?ve trekked through the jungle, absorbed the magic of the temples, and tasted the nightlife Thai style, unwind with a spa treatment and massage. Thailand is famous for its spas and massages. If you?re travelling on a budget there are basic treatments or if you?re going for all out luxury, check out a luxurious spa resort. There are destination spas that are dedicated to spa treatments like Chiva-Som in Hua Hin. Spa programmes include relaxation, slimming, detox or focus on increasing energy levels. A number of hotels double as spa resorts. These include The Oriental in Bangkok, The Amanpuri Resort in Phuket, The Oasis Resort and Samui Dharma Healing Centre in Koh Samet, The Central Wong Amat Beach Resort in Pattaya, and The Regent Resort (Lanna Spa) in Chiang Mai.
If you?re looking for a health retreat that specialises in medical programmes, there are a number of day spas that offer beauty treatments and massage centres offering traditional Thai reflexology and Swedish-style massage. The Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, the main school for massage and traditional medicine in Thailand, is famous for its massage and medical treatments.
Favourite hauntsDiving heavenFor a magical view of Thailand?s underwater paradise, take a diving course at one of Thailand?s diving centres. You can learn to dive on Koh Tao, Phi Phi, Phuket or Koh Samui. If you?re rather take a dive cruise, head out to the nine granite Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea, 65km offshore from Phang Nga Province. These islands were declared a National Park in 1982. You will see beautiful coral gardens, sloping reef banks, massive boulders, vast numbers of tropical fish and even some of the more exotic sea creatures like turtles and leopard sharks.
If you?re planning to dive in Thailand, remember to let your travel insurance company know before you go.
Rural retreatHead inland and discover the beauty of Thailand?s jungles. Some of the best treks start in Chiang Mai and take you through lush jungle to visit indigenous hill tribes and wildlife sanctuaries.
Take a trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park and see the Vachiratarn Waterfalls, spend the night in an authentic Karen village (home to a Karen hill tribe), trek through the jungle on an elephant, and raft down a river on a bamboo raft. If you are planning to river raft while in Thailand, make sure you let your travel insurance company know before you go.
Use Chiang Mai as a base to explore the temples in the area and if you fancy becoming an expert in Thai massage, take a course at one of the local massage schools.
Hustle and bustleCity life in Thailand is colourful, noisy and busy. Bangkok is one of those cities you either love or hate. Pollution is a problem but if you can handle the smog, you?ll find a treasure trove of markets, temples, river tours, hotels, nightlife, restaurants, bars and street stalls offering mouthwatering Thai cuisine.
Shop by day at the Chatuchak Weekend Market or if you?re a night owl, shop at the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a major tourist attraction with lots of Thai bargains and stunning river views.
If you?re look for an adventure at night, try Sukhumvit, Khao San Road, Silom, Ratchadapisek, Siam and Chidlom, where there?s something for every taste and style.
Travelling by PlaneThe only direct flights from the UK to Thailand fly into Bangkok. Thai Airways, BA, Eva Airways and Qantas Airways offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok. Once you?ve landed in Bangkok, you can catch a connecting flight to Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, Phi Phi or Phuket. If flying is not adventurous enough for you, you can choose to travel by train, boat or bus to a wide range of Thai destinations.
The new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok may also see flights from other destinations in the UK in the future. For more information visit http://www.flightmapping.com/Asia/Thailand
Thailand travel informationFor more information and holiday ideas visit http://www.tourismthailand.org and http://www.tourismthailand.co.uk.
Guidebooks are a another useful source of ideas, suggestions and travel tips:? The Rough Guide to Thailand ? Thailand?s Beaches and Islands? Lonely Planet’s Thailand and Thailand?s Islands and Beaches Country
Travel insurance for ThailandWatch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers in Thailand. Make sure you keep your money and valuables in a safe place at all times. Keep a close eye on your credit card as tourists can be targets for card fraud. Female travellers should take extra care, especially if they are travelling alone and under the influence of alcohol.
The possession, distribution and/or manufacture of drugs carry severe penalties including the death penalty in some cases so don?t risk it.
If you?re planning to partake in activities like diving, sailing or jungle trekking, make sure you have adequate travel insurance before you leave. It?s a good idea to ensure your travel insurance covers you for all the activities you are planning to do, theft, medical emergencies, cancellation and curtailment. Most travel insurance companies offer quick and easy travel insurance quotes online. For a travel insurance quote and more information about the types of travel insurance available from Direct Line, visit http://www.directline.com/travel/welcome.htm.
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This guide covers everything from the remote seaside resorts to the busy strip of Bangkok – all with “local knowledge.”
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