Leigh Travel Club | Passionate About Travel

THAILAND (LAND OF SMILES)

No one who visits Thailand can fail to be captivated by the Far Easts' most exotic country-- it's a journey of delightful and fascinating discoveries. Superb sightseeing, fantastic shopping, friendly people and some of the worldsbest beaches. Thailand has a unique culture, whether looking to explore, enjoy the nightlife or simply relax.

The Kingdom of Thailand is the most popular holiday destination in the Far East, and little wonder. Its two coastlines, along the Andaman Sea and around the Gulf of Thailand, offer miles of white sands and coral reefs. There is so much to see and do in Thailand that every day you're sure to come accross something new and exciting.

If you want to explore a rich culture, very different to our own, Thailand is the perfect destination. Breathtaking in its beauty, dazzling in its diversity, the 'Land of Smiles' is an intoxicating blend of ancient and modern western capitalism- a compilation that never ceases to surprise, delight and intrigue.

To visit Thailand is to see the world through new eyes at every turn, whether you are experiencing the sights and sounds of bustling cities like Bangkok, visiting the unique tribal villages in the northern hills or simply absorbing the peace and serenity of tropical, palm-fringed islands. Sightseeing opportunities abound, from the famous Bridge on the River Kwai to mystical Buddhist temples. Vibrant floating markets conducted entirely on canals are piled high with tropical fruits and flowers which which holiday makers can reach by long tail boat. Racing along in the refreshing cool of the morning is something that imprints itself on the memory with tremendous ease.

Whenever you go, the invariable warmth and grace of the people will always leave you feeling wonderfully welcome.Thailand has literally thousands of miles of beaches, and of every conceivable variety. Whether you want somewhere packed and lively to party, remote and tranqil to reflect, the chance to go island hopping, or just lie undisturbed and soak up the sun, there's a beach for everyone. Dramatic cliffs, solitary hammocks hanging between palm trees, curious tropical fish that swim up to you in the crystal waters, ancient caves.....ther's never just sun and sand to enjoy, there's a whole new world to marvel at.

CAPITAL - BANGKOK

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PEOPLE - THAILAND is not called the 'Land of Smiles' for nothing!

CLIMATE - Thailand has a tropical climate, high in temperature and humidity. Heaviest rainfall on the east coast(inc.Koh Samui) during October to January, while for Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Chang, the rainy season is generally May to October. The most popular time to visit is November to February.

Two Thai/Buddhist gods; on ethrowing water over the other

Wedding at Phi Phi

ISLANDS AND BEACHES

PATTAYA- Once a sleepy village, Pattaya is now the ultimate sun, sea and sand destination, where water sports are second to none and neighbouring islands offer suprb dive sites. When it comes to nightlife, Pattaya's bars and restaurants are rivalled only by its capital Bangkok. Despite its seedy image, families come in their thousands to Pattaya on two-week package tours. Loud, brash and unashamed of its reputation- Pattaya is one of those places you either love or hate. It is Thailands most commercialised resort and still has the most notorious 'adults only' nightlife in the Far East. The hotels here are incredible value for money. Although rarely visited for its palm-fringed beaches, Pattaya is one of Thailands top diving centres.

KO CHANG- A deserted beach on this island is a common sight. The best sand is on this still unspoilt island, protected by its national marine park status

HUA HIN AND CHA AM - are together known as 'Thailands Riviera'. Fly between Bangkok and Hua Hin in only 40 minutes (Around £89.00 per person)

HUA HIN- (great for golf enthusiasts). This is the summer retreat of the Royal Family. It has beautiful beaches,with cooling sea breezes during the hot summer months. Hua Hin is a bustling fishing resort with with restaurants and bars and a particularly good night market with handicrafts galore. It's the oldest beach resort in the country. The area is also the golf capital of Thailand with six championship courses.

CHA-AM- On the Gulf of Siam next to the Royal Resort is Cha-Am. The beautiful stretch of soft sand beach is ideal for swimming and those lazy days of soaking up the sun. Easy access to Hua Hin. Cha-Am has no lively nightlife, but if peaceful days and a vast deserted beach with a few small local beach restaurants, is your idea of heaven, then try Cha-Am. It still holds its original village charm. This resort caters mainly for Thais.

KOH SAMUI- This is Thailands third largest island, fabled for its long, palm-fringed beaches, high quality hotels, numerous restaurants and entertainment spots. Koh Samui was an idylic getaway, a small charming rural island mostly untouched by mass tourism. It was discovered by backpackers only 25 years ago. Chaweng beach in particular has a reputation as something of a hang out for an international party crowd. Since the Tsunami we have heard various reports that the island has become even more commercialised. This lush tropical island is the coconut capital of the world, so look forward to fantastic pina colada cocktails made with plenty of fresh coconut milk. When you are lying back on your lounger, you'll be able to smell roasting cocnut on the breeze. The islands blue-green waters are home to brightly coloured tropical fish. Swimming over various reefs--particularly good for a day trip is the Angthong Marine National Park. Coral Cove is a great place for scuba diving. The islands beaches offer soft,white and powdery sand. Inland you can visit the Hin Lat waterfalls, contemplate the Big Buddah at Ko Fan, perhaps visit a coconut plantation, looking out for the amazing Ling Nang monkeys specially trained to pick the coconuts. Koh Samui has opposite monsoon seasons to Phuket and is often dry and sunny when Phuket is wet during summer months and vice versa.

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KO PHA NGAN- This tiny island is famed for out-of-control full-moon parties bursting with backpackers spinning fire and dancing maniacally to monotonous eurotrance, but when people talk of it in this way, they really mean Hat Rin Beach on the south coast. The rest of Ko Pha Ngan is blessed with cove after cove of empty beaches that tend to stay that way all year round.

PHUKET- This has become Thailands most visited island. Although only 30 miles long and 13 miles wide, this is the largest island in Thailand and sits in the Southern Province, a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Andaman Sea on one side and the Gulf of Thailand on the other. Phuket is considered to be among the top ten dive sites in the world. Swimming with white dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays are all distinct possibilities. Undoubtedly the most popular beach resort in the Far East, Phukets many white sandy beaches, set in wide curving bays are in themselves a huge attraction and its range of resorts cater for all tastes and pockets. From the 5-star resort complexes to the frentic and risque nightlife of Patong, there's enough variety here to keep everyone happy. Inland, much of the island (apart from Phuket town) is still rural, with pockets of rainforest too. The wide open bays mean that in summer sea-bathing may be restricted, but the excellent hotel pools more than make up for this. The resorts of Patong and Karon have seen the largest concentration of new hotels and offer enticing neon nightlife. Phuket also boasts the stunning Phang Nga Bay.

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KHAO LAK- Famous for it's long beaches and proximity to the Similan and Surin Islands, is actually made up of four separate villages. This makes for a cumulative 40km of beaches on the Andaman Sea. Located only 1 hour North of Phuket International Airport, it is a world apart from the more famous "Party town" of Patong. Very much a diving and family oriented town, the nightlife is minimal. Development is more controlled, and nothing taller than a palm tree can be built. Accommodation is primarily 3-5 Star with a few Super-luxury resorts. The region is still very much rooted in it's farming (rubber, palm oil, coconuts) and fishing roots. Most of the surrounding hills are primary rain forest, and Khao Lak is encompassed by 3 different National Parks. Trekking, rafting, elephant rides and bird watching are popular activities.
The most famous part of the region is the snorkeling and diving. With the Similan and Surin Island Marin Parks just offshore most visitors spend a few days on the beaches, in the water or exploring the islands. Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Leopard Sharks, Turtles and hundreds of other species of marine life are common. Average water temperatures of 27c make this a perfect outing. The parks are open from November until May, with the very best weather occurring in March.