Places to visit in Thailand

• Culture, chaos and Budhhist splendour in Bangkok, Thailand’s energetic capital.

• The atmospheric ruins of the old Thai capitals at Sukhothai and Ayuthaya.

• Pristine rainforests teeming with wildlife at Khao Yai National Park.

• Humbling relics from the Thailand-Burma Railway at Kanchanburi.

• Unspoiled islands of the kind that inspired Alex Garland’s The Beach at Ko Tarutao National Marine Park.

Top things to do in Thailand

• Dance barefoot on the sands at a full-moon bash on Ko Pha-Ngan.

• Conjure up a Thai feast on a cooking course in Chiang Mai.

• Test your head for heights by climbing the awesome karst outcrops at Krabi.

• Trek to atmospheric tribal villages around Chiang Rai and Mae Hing Son.

• Dive with magnificent megafauna at Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

Discover Thailand

• Read Monsoon Country by Nobel Prize-nominated Thai author Pira Sudham

• Listen to the jazz compositions of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, including the classic Sai Fon (Falling Rain)

• Watch Chatrichalerm Yukol’s historical romp Legend of Suriyothai, or the unconventional, arthouse films of Apichatpong Weerasethakul

• Eat tom yam kung (hot and sour prawn and lemongrass soup), or the outrageously moreish satay sticks served by vendors on Thanon Khao San

• Drink Singha Beer, or Sang Som whisky, successor to the infamous and now banned Sang Thip

One word for Thailand Tourism

Sanuk (Fun – the cornerstone of the Thai psyche)

Best time to visit in Thailand

November to April, to escape the rains

Thailand Highlights

Golden stupas, floating markets, colour-coded curries, monks with bowl, high-spirited kathoey (land boys), Thai silk, hill tribes, elephant rides, backpacker beach parties, Khao San Road