Eye On Travel: Thailand: Probably the best holiday destination in the world

Thai Beaches: just like Brighton without the pier

Thailand. If you have been there then you’ll understand. If you haven’t, then you should go. The country has evolved from a backpacker rite of passage to a world class destination with something for everyone and new experiences each time for those who return. Same same but different.

So is it the best holiday destination in the world? Let’s look at the evidence in a Thailand special this week.

Bangkok: don’t tell webuyanygold

Most visitors arrive in Bangkok and there is plenty to see and do here. The Thai capital has transformed into a modern Asian metropolis complete with world class hotels, designer restaurants and endless traffic jams.

Avoid the latter by using the arctic cool Skytrain monorail to get around and using the river boats for the best views. For shopping enthusiasts, there is not much you can’t buy here. Thai Airways and Emirates both offer a 30kg luggage allowance in anticipation.

Tuk Tuk: Possibly the fastest taxi in the world

TOP TIP: Get an authentic Thai massage at the Wat Pho massage school next to the Grand Palace - 1 hour for about £9.

A few hours by road from Bangkok will get you to the coastal resort town of Hua Hin. This the place to come for spa retreats, yoga camps and Thai cookery schools. The beach isn’t bad either.

Kwai Bridge: they should make a film about it

A similar distance inland will bring you to Kanchanaburi - location for the Bridge over the River Kwai supporting the infamous death railway to Burma. Visit poignant WW2 memorials to the Allied servicemen who perished here and take a trip on the Death Railway to Nam Tok.

TOP TIP: Eat at riverside cookery school Blue Rice by Apple & Noi.

Khao Sok: Swap your pool villa for a tent.

In the north of the country, second city Chiang Mai is a great base for exploring the northern hill tribe areas and the legendary Golden Triangle from smaller Chiang Rai. Trekking and rafting trips can be arranged here. Visit an elephant sanctuary for a spot of feeding and washing. Them not you.

Clouded Leopard: he can out run you

Alternatively in the south, nature lovers can enjoy getting wet in the rainforest of the Khao Sok national park by trekking or canoeing whilst looking out for the shy and not as friendly as it looks clouded leopard.

TOP TIP: Visit Chiang Mai in April for the wildest Thai New Year - Songkran- celebrations which involve water fights lasting 4 days in 40c heat.

Koh Phi Phi: Nicer than the name suggests

Then there are the beaches. And they take the country to a whole new level. From the limestone cliffs of Krabi to international resort style in Phuket. From the serenity of Koh Lanta and Koh Yao to the impossibly picturesque Koh Phi Phi.

Hang out in Krabi

You could spend a lifetime visiting the beaches here. And that’s just the western Andaman coast!

TOP TIP: Find your very own beach around Krabi by hiring a long tail boat and driver for about £50 for the day for two.

Chaweng Beach: Samui’s busiest. Really.

On the eastern South China Sea coast, you have big and developed island Koh Samui. International standard hotels and a direct air link to Bangkok, Samui also has many small and luxurious beach front hotels close to the action but fashionably removed with prices comparable to a night at your local Travelodge. If you have ever wanted to stay in a pool villa without remortgaging your house then this is your country.

Bottle Beach: What Full Moon?

TOP TIP: Visit the nearby Ang Thong Marine park for diving, snorkelling or lazing on yet more white sand beaches.

Smaller neighbour Koh Phangan is remoter and wilder (especially during the monthly Full Moon Parties). Stay in high class comfort in north eastern Thong Nai Pan - reachable by boat from Samui. With few paved roads, there is a sense of adventure here as you tour in search if your own perfect beach.

Phuket: Even the airport has a beach

And to get there? Due to it’s location in the heart of south east Asia, there are multiple daily flight options from around the UK to Bangkok including twice daily with national carrier Thai Airways and seven daily connecting flights with Emirates.

In addition there are one stop flights to Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai with multi stop and open jaw permutations. It’s easy to get there, much harder to leave!

So are you convinced yet? Powder perfect beaches, sumptuous accommodation, mouth watering food, vibrant or chill out night life, trekking, diving, snorkelling, rafting, wellness, exploring nature, revisiting history. Or just relaxing on the beach or in a private pool villa. All at excellent value for money in the country known as the Land of Smiles.

Thailand is a year round destination with three climatic seasons. Hot, Very Hot and Very Wet. The country even lays claim to the current Premier League football title with Thai owners of Leicester City who have just completed what must surely rank as the second greatest footballing achievement in the East Midlands.

I have been visiting Thailand for nearly 30 years. Much has changed and much has remained exactly the same. It is like no other destination on earth and if you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for? Is Thailand the best holiday destination in the world? In my opinion, it’s in the Top One.

To find out more about holidays to Thailand, please visit my new website dedicated to boutique holidays in Thailand: http://boutiquethailand.co.uk and visit the Facebook page of the same name for current offers.

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website.

For tailor made packages, special requests or just some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. All holidays that I arrange are ABTA/ATOL protected.