Thailand, from North to South

Fame as 'the rose of the North', Chiang Mai is an alluring city brimming with glittering temples, lush jungle, delicious streetfood and the bustle of lively markets. As the gateway to the mountains in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has grown far beyond the medieval city walls that once marked it as the ancient capital of Lanna Kingdom. Nevertheless, its temple-lined backstreets still conjure up the glory of the old empire and it is still possible to get a feel for Chiang Mai's Thai culture and traditions. Ancient shrines and traditional wooden houses jostle for space with boutique hotels, stylish restaurants and trendy bars of this northern town as well as its welcoming customs and laidback pace of life leads to a rising footfall of enthusiastic tourists with each year. Home to a vast number of national parks, lush tropical jungles, hidden waterfalls, stunning rivers, and animal sanctuaries, Chiang Mai is an unmissable stop-off point for many outdoor adventure-seeking travellers. From trekking to the villages of Thailand's hill tribes to other adrenaline activities including mountain biking, white-water rafting, rock climbing expeditions and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy that makes Chiang Mai a perfect getaway.

Mae Hong Son has a totally different feel to many other Thai provinces. Tucked away in the mountainous border region of north-west, it is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the entire kingdom with combining influences from Myanmar (Burma) and China. This fascinating mix is reflected in the colourful dress of the hill-tribe communities, the distinctive architecture and the delicious local food. Surrounded by rolling mountain ranges, pristine forests, lakes, rivers, breezy grasslands, and countless viewpoints, Mae Hong Son is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure or simply looking to connect with nature. Nevertheless, it seems to be untouched by mainstream tourism partly due to its remote position. Hiking through forests and hills, healing in hot springs, visiting waterfalls, exploring the majestic Buddhist temples, taking a boat ride along the scenic river, or interacting with the friendly and hospitable local tribes are all options for visitors who venture into this area. As a melting pot of cultures and traditions, Mae Hong Son is an unmissable destination for vacationers and travellers eagerly looking for an unfiltered and organic adventure. Home to a rich tapestry of diverse hill tribes including the Hmong, Karen, Lisu, Lahu, Lawa, Pa-O and more, Mae Hong Son is still relatively off the beaten track compared to neighbouring Chiang Mai and is the perfect destination to visit traditional local villages and interact with the locals via organized tours. As a fusion of the indigenous tribal communities' culture to the spectacular natural beauty of the countryside, Mae Hong Son is certainly a dream-come-true destination for many visitors.

Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom, flourished between the mid-13th and 14th centuries during Thailand's 'golden age'. Already known as the cradle of Thai civilization, the city was abandoned by the 16th century. Its ruins nowadays is preserved within the boundaries of the Sukhothai Historical Park, a must-see on any visit to northern Thailand. Contained within the park are 21 ruin complexes and four large ponds, which add to the soul-soothing ambiance. The temples of Sukhothai are in the classical lotus-bud shape stupas, while bell-shaped Sinhalese and other architecturally ornate details also exist. Despite its fame, the site doesn’t usually get flocks of tourists, it is very peaceful for you to immerse yourself in ancient history and natural wonders. The historical park is divided into five areas: the central, south, east, west and north. Although many tourists chose to explore only the central part, the most impressive one, there are many tracks to more untouched areas, giving you a feeling of stepping back in time. Although the scene doesn’t change much throughout the sections, you will find nuggets of aesthetic delight. The Wat Sri Chum Buddha statue is indisputably the most breathtaking. Its slender fingers are the ultimate allure to photographers, and there is often a line to observe them closely. Also worth seeing is Wat Saphan Hin. The ruins of this spectacular temple have some of the best views of Sukhothai.

Buzzing, humid and energetic, Bangkok is the city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating vibe that's hard to resist. The city is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, East and West, and dizzying contradictions. Historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Hence, the city is still fascinating for its traditional culture. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, eking out a living using centuries-old skills. A city tour in Bangkok often begins in Rattanakosin, drawn by the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It's here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, a spot where quitet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called 'Venice of the East'. East of the canals is modern Bangkok, a hive of activity with countless businesses, markets and shopping malls handily connect by the BTS Skytrain. As a city that feels alive day and night, Bangkok is the destination for all, from foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, even party animals. That makes the well-known Southeast Asian gateway one of the world's most visited cities.

Koh Samui is the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand followed by its two smaller sisters – Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. There’s no moonsoon in the island makes it a destination for sunshine and tropical warmth for the whole year round. Koh Samui today is a laid back holiday resort, renowned for its stunning white sand beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Mae Nam..., which offer a wide array of accommodation options, ranging from modern beach villas to highend luxury resorts. Friendly locals, good food and beautiful natural attractions makes Koh Samui a popular holiday destination for families' vacation. As one of Thailand's most visited tourist destinations, whether you love the noisy and happening Chaweng Beach or the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach or the timeless feel of Bophut's Fisherman's Village, or the tropical beach paradise of Maenam, Koh Samui provides a unique experience for all. It is also close to Koh Tao, the world-class scuba diving destination and Koh Phangan, the party island of Thailand. For something more active, you should not miss the almost supernatural beauty of the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which comprises many of the eighty islands in the Samui archipelago. It is a protected national park with limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, lush jungles, serene lakes and rivers, cascading waterfalls, vibrant coral reefs, tranquil lagoons, and inviting sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. Travel by boat to the park on a day trip for swimming and snorkeling or climbing a hill to survey the archipelago as it unfurls across the Gulf of Thailand.