Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi Thailand

THAILAND HIGHLIGHTS

Bangkok - The vibrant capital of Thailand and the essential place to begin any Thailand tour. Wander around the Grand Palace, enjoy a massage at Wat Po, visit the floating markets and sample the street food.

Chiang Mai - A highlight of any trip to Thailand. Take part in a traditionalThai cookery course or visit the historic Old Town. Ride an elephant, stay in a Hill Tribe village or float down the river on a bamboo raft on one of the many jungle treks that depart from this charming city.

Kanchanaburi - Visit the famous bridge over the river Kwai, travel along the Death Railway, stay overnight on a floating jungle raft, and swim in the fairytale Erawan waterfalls.

Ayutthaya - The ancient capital of Thailand. Take a sunset tour of the ancient ruins.

Ko Phangan - Home to the infamous Full Moon Party. Head over to the far side of this island where few tourists venture out, and you will find idyllic beaches.

Ko Tao - This tiny island is one of the best places in the world to dive. Phuket - This colourful and cosmopolitan island is the largest and most popular of Thailand's islands.

Ko Phi Phi - The setting of the 2000 movie 'The Beach', the Phi Phi islands Krabi - Visit the Tiger Cave Valley, wander around the morning market or cruise around the nearby islands.

Ko Samui - Soak up the sun on a sandy beach, visit the night market, or hop into a jeep and explore the less traveled roads of Koh Samui.

Ko Chang - Laze in a hammock on a beach with a cocktail in hand, hike alongside waterfalls, or trek by elephant.

MAIN TRAVELLERS ROUTES Most people travelling to Thailand start off in Bangkok, visit Kanchanaburi for a couple of days before working their way up to Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai. Many people choose to end their trip in Thailand with some time on the islands in the South before returning to Bangkok for their international flights home.

CAPITAL AND MAIN CITIES Bangkok Other main populated areas: Chiang Mai (north)

LANGUAGES Thai English Chinese

CURRENCY Thai Baht

VISA Tourists from the UK do not require a visa if planning a trip to Thailand of less than 30 days. If you are planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, then you will require a 6 month visa. Alternatively, it is possible to renew the tourist visa by leaving and then re-entering the country.