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MANY FACES OF THAILAND: Which one is right for you?

Without it sounding too cliché, Thailand is one country that really does have something for everyone – no matter what kind of trip you’re after, this country has it all! […]

Without it sounding too cliché, Thailand is one country that really does have something for everyone – no matter what kind of trip you’re after, this country has it all!

Before embarking on any trip, it’s easy to fret over deciding exactly what TYPE of experience you want to have once you’ve arrived at your destination.

Luckily, Thailand is ram-packed full of wonderful experiences perfect for the backpackers, the soul-searchers, the families, the couples, and the adrenaline junkies of this world (to name a few!)

If you’re not sure where to start, help is at hand. Here we’ve listed our suggested itineraries – which one is right for you?

In search of romance?

CHECK OUT KOH SAMUI & KRABI

Koh Samui Thailand TAT KarryOn

What better recipe for romance than sandy toes, sundowners, sparkling seas and spectacular waterfalls? That’s why lovebirds head for the islands of Thailand’s south – with beaches that are renowned as some of the world’s best.

None is more famous than Koh Samui, with its blinding white sand, incredible viewpoints and waterfalls. Here, you’ll have plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from like Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam, and Natien, all dotted across the array of islands.

Move on to Krabi with its iconic views of yet more sandy spots, with the added bonus of world-class coral reefs, national parks galore and even a hot spring waterfall.

Looking for family fun?

CHECK OUT HUA HIN, KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand - April 20, 2014: View from Prai Wan Raft Houses of long-tail boat and lakeside cabins on Cheow Lan Lake in the heart of Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand

View from Prai Wan Raft Houses of long-tail boat and lakeside cabins on Cheow Lan Lake in the heart of Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand

When you’re travelling with little ones, it can be all too tempting to stick to tried and tested destinations.

But thinking outside the box doesn’t have to be challenging. There are many destinations within Thailand that are perfectly set up to cater to small people as well as older members of the family.

Not far from Bangkok, you’ll find Hua Hin – a city blessed with beaches, mountains, great views, temples, night markets and even water parks. Check out the Pala-U waterfall in Kaeng Krachan National Park which is also a great butterfly watching spot.

Then head for Khao Sok National Park for a glimpse of elephants, leopards and tigers amid the virgin rainforest. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and mountains, the park is also the perfect playground sprinkled with waterfalls and caves. Spend the night close to all this nature by camping out under the stars or try one of the raft-houses for size.

Need a dose of culture?

HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINOUS CHIANG RAI AND CHIANG MAI

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The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

Right at the northernmost tip of Thailand, you’ll find Chiang Rai Province, an area bursting with mountains, rivers and jungle.

But this part of the country is not just about natural beauty. Here, you’ll come across a unique variety of cultural attractions such as the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Black House Museum.

Across the province’s western border, amid spectacular mountain surroundings, you’ll find Chiang Mai – once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Now it is packed with temples and buildings – a fusion of Lanna, Mon and Burmese architectural styles.

Foodies flock to this vibrant city because of its reputation as a culinary hotspot. The food here is quite distinct from other regions. Try Khao Soi, a yellow curry soup which is a local speciality.

Feeling adventurous?

GO TO CHANG MAI, KOH TAO AND ALONG THE MAE TAENG RIVER

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Waterfall in Chiang mai

Thailand is fit to burst with fun, exciting, adrenaline-pumped activities for the hordes of backpackers who visit every year. It’s the perfect place to confront your fears and push yourself to the limit.

Koh Tao is famed for being one of the best sites to go scuba diving in the world because of the beautiful coral reefs that surround the island. In fact, Koh Tao comes only second to Cairns for the number of annual dive certifications globally. There are also over 50 scuba diving training systems on the island to choose from, so you’ll never be stuck for choice.

Or perhaps you might want to try your hand at waterfall abseiling in Chiang Mai? The Northern city has a number of incredible experiences available, including the world-famous elephant sanctuaries dotted around within the surrounding forests. This is a true once in a lifetime experience and, once you’ve made sure you’re going to a centre that treats the gentle giants kindly and compassionately, it’s totally unforgettable.

Or, if you’re feeling particularly courageous, there’s also white water rafting along the Mae Taeng river; perfect for that adrenaline rush we all crave!

 

Have you visited any of these destinations yet? Share your comments below!