asia

thailand

Sunshineand spice and all things nice. Thailand is truly a tropical paradise to spend some time losing track of it. It's a pity that such a peaceful place has been slightly tainted by a recent spot of political upheaval, but don't let that deter you. The Thailand you've come to see isn't centred around government buildings but instead in the plethora of seemingly disparate landscapes that echo the mishmash of cultural influences to be found in this golden kingdom.

The capital, Bangkok, bustles with all the self-importance and trappings of a modern Westernised city while, further north, Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle await with villages and people possessing a charm and tranquility that is undeniably traditional and authentic. The islands are unforgettable for all the reasons you can think of. Serenity, luxury, revelry, chaos... it has a bit to do with where you are and a lot to do with the lunar calendar. The locally brewed rum can also be blamed for the latter characteristics. Overall, Thailand is (literally) bucketloads of fun.

Vital Statistics

Capital Bangkok

Population 63 million

Language Thai

Currency Baht

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Losing The Herd on Elephant Island

Mark Eveleigh discovers Ko Chang: an island that somehow manages to keep itself a secret.

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Blood, Swords & Tofu

The tourist mecca Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular destinations - a place for sunburnt revellers to meet, mix and be merry. Its Vegetarian Festival, however, remains a distinctly local, authentic and somewhat gruesome affair.

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Koh Phangan Like You've Never Seen It

Oliver Benjamin avoids the potholes of tourism while exploring Thailand's Koh Phangan on a moped.

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Thai Forest Trekking

Scared of spiders? Steve Davey faces his travelling companion’s greatest fears whilst trekking through Thailand’s largest forest.

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The Golden Triangle Mystery Caves

In Mae Hong Son, a Northern Thailand province bordering Burma, Juliet Coombe goes in search of ancient coffins.

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Thai Full Moon

All throughout Asia it’s status is legendary – even exceeding that of Mama Han’s boat party at Nha Trang. “It was awesome, it was mad!” “I wouldn’t believe what went on there!” “The Full Moon parties went on ALL NIGHT!” Details were sketchy but it is with a sense of that sweet mix of excitement and foreboding that I rendezvous with a few friends and head to the little island of Koh Pha Ngan off the coast of Southern Thailand for a Full Moon Party.

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Motorbike Diary - Touring Thailand

For the next week we will be travelling light. We are trying not to have anything hanging off us - just off the bike which is a loud and grunty 350cc off-roader, with big gnarly tyres.

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Fire Water Festival

Steve Davey hits the ground stumbling in a round-up of Thai New Year festivals.

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Beach Hopper

There’s nothing more exhilarating than lobbing up in a country with no set plans except to have as much fun as possible. Standing in Arrivals at Bangkok’s Don Muang airport, keen for some sun-drenched adventure, I change that to one plan: get to Thailand’s famed beaches ASAP.

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