Thailand has something for everyone, from 5 star luxury seekers to money
conscious back packers. It's a land with a fascinating history, breathtaking
scenery, ancient temples and a long standing culture of Buddhism. With palm
studded beaches, sugary white sands, azure seas and idyllic islands it's the
ultimate place to relax and let the laid back atmosphere wash over you.
Probably one of the best known Thai
destinations after Bangkok, Phuket was made famous as far back as 1974 when it
featured in the Bond film, 'Man with the Golden Gun'. In Phuket you can
experience a hedonistic lifestyle as you relax on miles and miles of soft sandy
beaches by the shimmering aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea. It's the
perfect place to try out some water sports or just eat and drink in the many
restaurants and bars which line the sands.
Another beach made famous on the big
screen, Maya Bay played a central role in the 2000 film 'The Beach' starring
Leonardo di Caprio. Beautiful white sand surrounded by coral reefs and
limestone rocks; it proved to be the perfect location although the landscaping
carried out by Fox productions didn't endear the film makers to the locals. It
seems nature has now reclaimed its birthright, the 2004 tsunami removing most
of the Fox productions landscaping and returning it to its natural state.
A major tourist destination, Kanchanaburi has
a truly magnificent landscape with waterfalls, forests, rivers and caves dating
back to the times of Neolithic man. It's the ultimate outdoor adventure park
with all sorts of activities available from rafting, canoeing and fishing to
golfing, mountain biking and bird watching. There are even treks into the dense
jungle in search of elephants for those of you who like a little more adventure
in your life. But if this seems too much like hard work then just relax on the
beautiful white sand beaches.
Hindus, Buddhists and sea gypsies
live in harmony in this hedonistic paradise where unspoiled beaches, clear
emerald seas and craggy cliffs make up the familiar landscape of this area. Koh Phi Phi, like most
islands, can only be reached by sea in one of the puttering colourful long
tails and once you are there, you'll find that there are no roads and no
traffic in this unspoilt haven of tranquillity and peace. In fact the most
arduous thing you'll have to do here is raise your cocktail glass or maybe
practice a few downward dogs during a yoga session on the pristine beaches.
If you're finding all this talk of
relaxation too staid for your tastes and you'd prefer somewhere with a party
atmosphere then head to Haad Rin, a beach which is more famous for its Full
Moon Parties than for its natural attractions. That's not to say that it isn't
beautiful, it still has the requisite golden sands, crystal clear waters but it
also has a lively vibe which lasts all day and well into the night.
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