Thai Islands & Beaches
Ao Phang-Nga National Marine Park on the scenic Northern Andaman
Coast, with over 40 islands in its turquoise waters its is a great
place to explore by boat or canoe. Ko Samui or Ko Pha-Ngan islands
in the Gulf of Thailand, find one of the superb beaches and relax.
Phuket with its warm waters and white beaches, is one of most a
sophisticated international resorts in Asia. If your flying to Bangkok
its worth taking a day or two to explore the city with its fascinating
mix of traditional and modern culture.
Days at the beach are never long enough for children whatever their
age from paddling to snorkeling to running along the sandy beaches
watching the local children fishing. Taking a trip to the lively
local markets or an exciting boat trip to some of the islands.
Thailand has some of the world's top dive sites so it's a wonderful
place to explore the wonders of the deep. There are also excellent
spots for snorkeling closer to shore, follow up a game of beach
volleyball by a refreshing swim or hike to an inland waterfall and
chill out in a shady fresh water pool.
The food is a real highlight of any trip to Thailand; the soups
make a wonderful starter or snack try tôm khàa kài made with chicken,
galanga root and coconut. Plaa jian is whole fish cooked in ginger
with onions and soy sauce, which tastes as good as it, looks. Most
of the desserts are focused around custards, coconuts and fruit
like bananas and mangoes; lûay bùat chii is banana in coconut milk.
Singha is the most common beer drunk in Thailand but if you're feeling
a little more adventurous try the local Mekong Whisky.
Loy Krathong in November is a beautiful and romantic celebration,
as the full moon rises Thais launch tiny floral floats with candles
and incense into the sea, rivers and canals. In May Visakha Puja
celebrates Buddha's birth and is centered around the wat (temple)
with candle lit processions and sermons.
In the local markets you'll find wonderful wicker baskets in all
shapes and sizes or more unusual items such as painted paper umbrellas.
From cheap and cheerful cotton beachwear to made to measure silk
suits, clothing is excellent value, you can also buy lengths of
silk or batik fabric so you can make up your own clothes or furnishing
at home.
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Language: Thai
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Currency: Baht (B)
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Visas: No Visa required for stays up to 30 days
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Time: GMT + 7
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Climate: Hot and humid with temperatures reaching 30-34°C,
best times to visit to avoid monsoon seasons are between Nov
and Feb.
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UK Tourist Office: Tourism Authority of Thailand, 49 Albermarle
Street, London W1X 3FE. Tel 0171 6297679
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Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid recommended
Call us on 0845 299 4450 for further details
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