Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance - Tips & Advice - Holiday destination guides

Thailand is still one of the world's most popular backpacking spots, thanks to its paradise beaches and islands, ancient temples and jungle and its proximity to other exciting parts of South East Asia such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Recent development has also brought more upmarket resorts and spas that appeal to visitors looking for great food and accommodation and some head-to-toe pampering. No wonder some people stay for much longer than they intended...

Beaches and Islands
The abundant sunshine, white sand, turquoise waters and palm fringes of Thailand's beaches and islands are a huge draw for travellers and holidaymakers alike but the area really shot to fame after the publication of Alex Garland's novel The Beach in 1996. In the Andaman Sea you have the island of Phuket and just a short boat trip away, Phi Phi and Koh Hae (Coral Island). The stunning coastal province of Krabi with its limestone cliffs is also just down the road, as is the relatively untouched Khao Lak in Phang Nga. Divers should also head for the Similan islands for the amazing coral and fish. In the Gulf of Thailand, party revellers and sun and spa seekers congregate on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui with diving opportunities in nearby Koh Tao. While on the east coast, popular local spots include Pattaya, Koh Samet and Koh Chang. Stay for a week or, if you're backpacking, a few months!

Temples and trekking
There are over 31,200 Buddhist temples or wats spread around Thailand, some used for religious ceremonies and festivals and some that double as living quarters for monks. Some of the highest grade Royal Temples, of which there are 200, include Wat Suthat and Wat Phra Chetuphon in Bangkok, Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom Province and Wat Phra Buddhabat in Sarburi Province. Many people also travel to Chiang Mai to visit the temples there – many of which are over 700 years old. These include the mountaintop Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep with great views over the city, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, the colourful Burmese-style Wat Saen Fang and the labyrinth and forests of Wat Umong. Chiang Mai is also a great place to trek, having two vast national parks, elephant centres, ancient hill tribes and an abundance of mountainous natural beauty and wildlife.

Rest and rejuvenation
Thailand is also famous for its spas and massages, from the most basic treatments to luxurious spa resorts. Destination spas – those dedicated to spa treatments – include Chiva-Som in Hua Hin. Here you can join a programme for relaxation, slimming, detox, or increasing energy levels. Many hotels also double as spa resorts, such as the Oriental in Bangkok, the Amanpuri Resort in Phuket, the Oasis Resort and Samui Dharma Healing Centre in Koh Samet, the Central Wong Amat Beach Resort in Pattaya and the Regent Resort (Lanna Spa) in Chiang Mai. You can also find health retreats that specialise in more medical programmes, day spas that include beauty treatments and a myriad of massage centres that offer traditional Thai, reflexology and Swedish-style massage. One of the most famous of these is in the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, which also doubles as the main school of massage and traditional medicine in the country.

Favourite haunts

Find your perfect spot and make it a home from home. Here are three to try…

• Diving heaven
  Thailand's paradise islands don't stop at the beach –– the view under the water is magical too. Many people learn to dive in Thailand, with specialised centres in Koh Tao, Phi Phi, Phuket and Koh Samui. But for the most amazing dive cruises, head to the nine granite Similan islands, 65km offshore from the Phang Nga province in the Andaman Sea. These islands achieved National Park status in 1982 and include beautiful coral gardens, sloping reef banks, huge boulders and large populations of tropical fish and exotic sea creatures including turtles and leopard sharks.   
  
• Rural retreat
  Trekking in the beautiful natural surroundings that Thailand affords can be addictive and some people go back year after year. Many of the best treks begin in Chang Mai and go through the jungle to hill tribes and wildlife sanctuaries. A trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park can include a visit to the Vachiratarn Waterfalls, a night in a Karen village (home to one of the Karen hill tribes), elephant riding and a race down a river on a bamboo raft. Using Chang Mai as a base you can also visit the area's many temples and even become an expert at Thai massage.
  
• Hustle and bustle
  You'll either love or hate Bangkok! It's noisy, colourful and can be busy and polluted but also offers some great markets, temples, river tours, hotels, nightlife and delicious food in restaurants, bars and from street stalls. Soak up the atmosphere and shop in Chatuchak Weekend Market or do it at night in the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is touristy but still great fun and affords fantastic river views too. At night, head for Sukhumvit, Khao San Road, Silom, Ratchadapisek, Siam and Chidlom depending on your taste and style.