Thailand is fast becoming Britains most popular Asian holiday destination and its not surprising when you consider how much there is to see and do in this diverse country.

With 1650 miles of coastline boasting stunning palm fringed beaches, lapped by warm clear blue water you can totally relax or even indulge in a Thai massage on the beach; pamper yourself at a top spa or play a relaxing game of golf. For the more active Thailand offers every adventure activity there is: hill tribe treks, bamboo rafting and water sports, mountain biking and rock climbing, diving and snorkeling. Thailand is also rich in culture and history: packed with ancient temples, traditional architecture and mystical ruins; with colourful festivals and dances held throughout the year.

To top it off the food is delicious and the Thai people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality to strangers. Thailand is easily accesile, offers unbeatable value for money and really is a destination that offers something for everyone.

WHEN TO GO Thailand has a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round. Expect tropical rain generally between June and October, although in Koh Samui the monsoon season is November-December when there can be rain, high seas and wind. The best overall time for visiting most of Thailand is between November and February - during these months it rains least and is not too hot. The north is always several degrees cooler.

WHERE TO GO Whether you’re looking for adventure, sightseeing, shopping, great nightlife or just total relaxation, Thailand has it all! There’s bustling Bangkok, with its mix of ancient and modern, plus great shopping and sightseeing, there’s Northern Thailand, known for its picturesque scenery, exotic hill tribes and temples, and then there’s the infamous numerous white sandy tropical beaches and islands further south, each with its own unique charm.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Thai food is internationally renowned for being spicy and pungent. Some of the most popular dishes are Phat Thai (Thai fried noodles), Tom Yam Kung (spicy shrimp soup) and the green & red curries, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Along the coast the seafood is delicious and you will also find an incredible variety of fresh fruit available.

SHOPPING Thailand is a shopper’s paradise, offering a diverse range of products from traditional handicrafts and tribal artefacts to gems and jewellery; antiques to tailored suits and designer clothing, and, of course, silk. Most tourist resorts boast at least one street market. For shoppers who enjoy rummaging in an atmosphere of controlled chaos, Bangkok’s sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market boasts thousands of stalls selling everything from snakes to sarongs, singing doves to antiques and camping gear!

FESTIVALS/EVENTS There’s always a festival happening somewhere in Thailand. And many provinces hold annual celebrations to promote their specialities such as Chiang Mai’s flower festival. Below are just a couple of examples: Songkran Festival (Thai New Year), is celebrated in mid- April by ‘bathing’ Buddha images, paying respects to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands, and generally splashing water at each other! Loi Krathong and Candle Festival (Nov) is an ancient festival when Thai people gather together to pay their respect to the Goddess of River with processions, fireworks and colourful lanterns. Vegetarian Festival (Sep/Oct) Takes place around Phuket. Devoted Buddhists will refrain from eating meat products during the festival. Activities include parades, procession of Chinese gods images and many jawdropping stunts.

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Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Pattaya, Cha Am, Hua Hin, Phi Phi Island, Trang, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, Koh Samui,