If you want the postcard definition of paradise, take to the hot sands of Thailand writes Karen Creed
The main problem with exotic places is that everyone wants to go to them. Despite a stampede of holidaymakers venturing to far-flung shores, the beaches of daydreams do still exist. There is a snob’s view that Thailand original beauty has been spoilt by a surplus of tourism. But it is working hard to retain its reputation as the ultimate beach paradise, by keeping a tight leash on commercialism. Add to this one of the world’s most tantalising cuisines, a sun-kissed climate, warm-hearted people and low prices and you have a holiday that is close to perfection.
Six years ago my friend and I packed our rucksacks and headed off on a flight to Bangkok in search of such exotic adventure. Thailand was once a relatively obscure destinations for the backpacking community but modern Thailand has long surpassed this image. In Bangkok run down buildings have been replaced by swanky five star hotels while the former backpacker’s paradse, Chiang Mai - where mountains and forests lure trekkers from afar – is now surrounded by a modern sprawl of shopping centres and coffee chains.
But proud Thai culture holds fast, and among the modernity, a way of life unchanged for hundreds of years still thrives. Ancient temples complete with Buddhist monks, rich silks and spices and, of course, the famous Thai smile are still hallmarks of a changing land.
The jewels in Bangkok’s crown include the spectacular Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace. Chiang Mai in the north is also a fertile spot for temple-spotting, the oldest 'wat' dating back to 1296. The Golden Triangle of the north (where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet) offer a colourful, tourist-friendly insight, along with jungle treks and elephant camps. Spending a day or two in the charistmatic chaos of the North should be followed by the enticing calm and beauty of the islands.
Beaches are the number one reason why people flock to this tropical country and even the most adventurous visitors will be prone to checking out the hot sands. You can base yourself on one of the big three islands, Ko Samui, Ko Phi Phi or Phuket. Or you could make the the extra effort to reach a tiny palm fringed island of your own - a place with just one or two beach huts and a short walk to an unstouched stretch. Phi Phi is the country’s most visited island and despite a reel of visitors, it is a fantastic paradise beach resort reached by boat from Phuket. It has been used many times for filming James Bond movies. Phuket only really has two seasons - the hot season runs from December to April and the rainy season from then until November. The beginning of the year is considered to be ideal, before the temperature rises too far, and the lowest season is from June to October when the weather is at its wettest and most unpredictable.
Every island attracts a particular type of tourist – with Koh Tao being a diver’s paradise, Koh Phangan renowned for its full moon parties, while Koh Samui is leading a transformation from beach hut to boutique hotels. On every island your palate will become accustomed to local treats like the famous prawn noodle dish, Phad Thai, and the ever-popular Tom Yum soup. Also you can try your hand at haggling in the town and resorts, with fake designer goods and all manner of souvenirs on display at the vibrant markets.
Thailand is well used to spa breaks and Chiva-Som (meaning ‘haven of life’) is the country’s first luxury beachfront health resort. A stone’s throw from the king of Thailand’s summer playground in Hua Hin, it is the haunt of film stars and pop singers. The five star resort exhumes an atmosphere of privacy and exclusivity with acres of manicured hedges, orchids and pools of tropical fish.
Of course, being Thailand, it is very hot and humid whenever you go; the maximum average temperature is above 30 degrees all year round. Despite its immense popularity, Thailand still offers some of the best-value prices for tourists. Last year it was the cheapest of 12 popular destinations when it came to buying 13 typical holiday purchases. It is also one of the few places that will suit culture vultures, pampered princesses, sun whorshippers and intrepid adventurers.
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