Over over six million foreigners fly into the country each year, Thailand has become Asia's primary holiday destination and is a useful and popular first stop on any overland travel through Southeast Asia. The influx of tourist money has played a significant part in the country's recent development, yet Thailand's cultural integrity remains largely unchanged.
In this country of fifty-three million people, over ninety percent are practising Theravada Buddhists, and King Bhumibol is a revered figure across his nation. Tiered temple rooftops and saffron-robed monks dominate every vista, and, though some cities and beach resorts are characterized by high-rises and neon lights, the typical Thai community is the traditional farming village: ninety percent of Thais still earn their living from the land.
Most vacations start in Bangkok. Thailand's huge, noisy, polluted capital can be an overwhelming introduction to Southeast Asia, but there are traveller-oriented guesthouses here, and heaps of spectacular temples to visit on holiday. It's also the best place for arranging onward travel and visas for neighbouring countries. A popular side-trip from the city takes in the raft houses of Kanchanaburi, the infamous site of the Bridge over the River Kwai.
After Bangkok, many travel north, sometimes via the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, to the enjoyably laid-back city of Chiang Mai, where they organize treks to nearby hilltribe villages. There's tranquil countryside in bucketloads up in the northern highlands around Mae Hong Son and along the Mekong River in Thailand's northeast (Isaan), where you can stay in village guesthouses and hop across the border into Laos. The northeast is the least visited area of Thailand, but holds two fine ancient Khmer ruins at Phimai and Phanom Rung, and the country's most popular national park, Khao Yai.
After travel, trekking and rural relaxation, most visitors on holiday want to head for the beach - and Thailand's eastern and southern coasts are lined with gorgeous white-sand shores, aquamarine seas and kaleidoscopic reefs. The most popular of these are the east coast backpackers' resorts of Ko Samet and Ko Chang, the Gulf Coast islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, and the Andaman coast idylls of Laem Phra Nang, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and Ko Tarutao.
The southern island of Phuket and the east coast resort of Pattaya are more expensive, package-tour holiday oriented spots. In the deep south, Thailand merges almost seamlessly with Malaysia, and there are plenty of border crossing points here; the city of Hat Yai in particular offers convenient long-distance bus and rail links to many Malaysian towns. Travel into Cambodia overland is not so easy, but there are two crossings currently open, Poipet and Trat.
Thailand holiday guide can be an extremely hot and soggy place. Its tropical climate is divided into three seasons: cool in November to February, hot in March to May, and rainy in June to October. The seasons are more extreme in the northern regions, where the dry heat can grow quite intense in late spring and the cool can become cold in the mountains. The rainy season is no detriment to travel in Thailand, as the rains can be cool and refreshing.
Thailand, Far East
Important Information
Caribbean holiday guide are everything you want them to be...from luxury sunshine paradise to unforgettable rainforest adventure
From diving to honeymoons, cruising to golf, wedding to eco-adventure, music to history, Caribbean holidays has it all
The men, women and children who arrived from Europe, Africa and Asia have also contributed to the creation of humanity’s richest melting pot. The renowned Caribbean culture of peace and aversion to war is the result of our mutual understanding of others' beliefs, lifestyles and ability to adapt. The Caribbean today is one of the few places free from internal agression.
The results of this unique meld of history and culture can be seen in our faces, our buildings, our languages, our food, our museums and our monuments.
At the highest levels of achievement, there are Nobel prize winners including St Lucians Derek Walcott, the poet, and economist Sir Arthur Lewis, along with Mexicans Octavio Paz, the writer, and economist Alfonso Garcia Robles.
The Caribbean has also produced some of the world's most renowned artists, musicians and novelists, such as Trinidad's V S Naipaul.
Travellers to the Caribbean made a further contribution by finding inspiration and insight here. Famous incomers include Gaugin, Hemingway, Graham Greene and Nöel Coward. You can see their retreats today.
Wherever you are in the Caribbean you are likely to find something or somewhere that will remind you of your homeland – and always something more to expand your horizons.
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Destination-skipping or “island-hopping” is easy within the Caribbean as the islands lie close together. There are inter-island ferries, ranging from old-fashioned schooners where visitors rub shoulders with islanders, fresh produce and crates, to modern hydrofoils that whisk you between islands in air-conditioned ease.
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Holidays are a time for relaxation – but they are also the best opportunity to get a little adventure into your life. The Caribbean offers an extraordinary range of exciting activities on foot, on horseback, by boat or land transport.
Bring some sturdy walking shoes and hike through the stunning scenery. In many Caribbean countries, you can join a free organised hike, follow one of the many marked trails or hire a guide. Trails vary in difficulty from leisurely 20-minute walks to a full day’s journey up steep and difficult terrain.
Hiking or walking brings you closest to the unique beauty of our region. Go on a flamingo watch or join a birdwatching hike and thrill to the sight of some of the most colourful and rare birds in the world. Ask your guide about the exotic plants and animals. Then, after a hard descent, cool off in a whirlpool at the foot of a cascading waterfall.
If exploring by boat is more your style, take your pick from kayaking upriver, through a mangrove swamp or in the sea. Join an expedition in dugout canoes that will take you through wild rapids and falls – and allows time for fishing, camping or mountaineering.
Take the opportunity to explore labyrinthine underground caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, bat colonies, rock paintings and underground waterfalls. You may even be able to swim – we have some of the world’s longest subterranean waterways.
Caribbean Holiday Guide
The subcontinent of India lies in southern Asia, between Pakistan, China and Nepal. To the north it is bordered by the world's highest mountain chain and the south is covered in tropical rain forests and bordered by beautiful beaches. India is a country of immense diversity - culturally as well as geographically. A huge number of religions, traditions and languages make up this vibrant and chaotic country.
Modern India is a place where contradiction and contrast co-exist. India has embraced technology whilst simultaneously cherishing the tested and traditional. Farmers can be found using ancient methods to earn their living, whilst minutes away state-of-the-art factories produce gleaming cutting-edge gadgets that are sold across the world. And it is this industrial development that has put India well and truly on the international map. But it's also a country where many things haven't changed for hundreds of years and certain parts seem strangely removed from the twenty-first century.
Two of the most popular visitor destinations in India are Kerala and Goa.
Kerala is located on the coast of southern India. It is renowned for its lush vegetation, tranquil beaches and breathtaking mountains. Kerala offers a rich and alluring culture that embraces many different religions and influences. This is an excellent destination for experiencing the real India in stunningly beautiful surroundings.
Goa, in comparison, has a more European feel. The invasion of the Portuguese in 1510 brought with it a Mediterranean influence that can still be seen today. Like Karala, the beaches and scenery are description-defyingly beautiful. Goa has everything the holidaymaker could want, with a healthy sprinkling of Indian exoticism and mystery.
Please note
In India the monsoon season generally runs from May-October. Please refer to the Useful Information section of this guide for weather patterns and travel advice.
Both Goa and Kerala have abundant beaches. You can choose from developed beaches, with their facilities, restaurants and high level of maintenance, or deserted stretches of sandy paradise.
Baga Beach A small fishing seashore lined with thickets of shady palm trees that provides a stunning view against the playful sea waves
Anjuna Beach , known for its infamous full moon parties, lies 8km west of Mapusa. Since the 1970s, it has been on the top favourites list of tourists a hippy hangout. indian holidays.
Bambolim Beach , is small and clean and gloriously unspoilt.
Thirumullavaram Beach, Kollam This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.
