Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South-East Asia, and for good reason. Here you will find almost anything. Thick jungle, crystal blue beaches that feel more like a warm bath than a swim in the ocean and food that can curl your hairs while tap dancing across your taste buds. Exotic, safe and cheap.

The capital of Thailand. A city of startling contrast, brash, noisy and quietly traditional. Established as the capital of Thailand in 1782. Bangkok was originally known as Rattanakosin and later Krung Thep, which means 'City of Angles'. Bangkok boasts stunning temples, palaces, superb shopping, excellent food, legendary nightlife, chaotic traffic and smiling courteous people. The city is built on the Chao Phraya river (River of Kings) which is the heart of the city. It brings the rice product of the fertile north and sends, in return, the manufactured goods of the city and the world to the country. Bangkok is probably the most distinctive of Asian capitals.

Floating market and Rose garden are only 2hrs drive away. Nearer is the worlds tallest Buddhist monument, the Phra Patam Chedi, the massive stalactite caves at Petchburi and the ancient hilltop palace of King Mongkut.

Just 10hrs drive south of Bangkok, this is Asia's premier beach resort. Palm fringed beaches, water sports galore, luxury hotels and a throbbing nightlife.

Pattaya is not a resort for those in search of tranquillity. It is a Mecca for those in search of sun, fun, sand and sea. The resort boasts every imaginable  Water Sports and some of the best golf courses in Asia. Shops abound, as do a wealth of international and local seafood restaurants, amazingly inexpensive.

Nightlife beyond the hotels is varied and vibrant and will appeal to the more liberated. Pattaya has some of the best golf courses in Asia. Nearby Coral Island boasts every imaginable water sport from wind-surfing, water skiing, para-sailing, and   Scuba Diving Jomtien. A delightful resort situated some 9 kms south of the hubbub of Pattaya, beside a golden sandy within easy reach of all major local attractions. Relatively unspoiled.

  Koh Chang National Park and    Chantaburi the world-renowned Thai gem mining centre and    Trat the Kingdom's eastern most province.

Like a flawless pearl in the Daman sea, lapped by crystal clear seas and fringed by pure white sandy beaches. The island is a luxury green carpet of rubber plantations, rain forests and paddy fields just 30 miles long and 13 miles wide. Perfect for the romantic and sun worshipper alike. The best beaches are on the west side. Perfect for the romantic and sun-worshipper alike. As far as most tourists are concerned, James Bond "discovered" Phuket when they saw the weird and wonderful limestone outcrops of Phang Nga bay as the backdrop to "The Man with the Golden Gun". Phuket island, just one hours flight from Bangkok, leapt to the top of the holiday itineraries.

Probably the most popular area is Patpong Beach featuring an abundance of inexpensive food - fresh lobsters, king prawns and delicious fish. Superb range of water sports and golf courses, sightseeing opportunities include the pearl farm, the aquarium, Kata and Ton Sai waterfalls, a long tail speedboat to the Muslim stilt village and the eerie and imposing limestone outcrops of Phang Nga Bay to Khao Gan (James Bond Island).

Exotic Island Hideaway
Unquestionably a paradise island, the most beautiful retreat in the world. Its warm clear waters are an endless blend of every imaginable shade of blue, set against a backdrop of slender waving coconut palms. Dazzling beaches and an undersea worlds of coral reefs and colourful marine life, ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. A paradise for romantics and those in search of seclusion. Just 20 miles by boat off Phuket. Ideal for incurable romantics and escapists.

Just 40 minutes boat ride from Phuket, but a mere speck on the map, and certainly unknown by the masses. Where a comfortable bungalow style hotel nestles under the palms beside a dazzling white sandy beach, palm lined and bordered by an aquamarine sea.

A quiet spot on the gulf of Thailand, affording a beautiful pearly white beach and calm azure seas. Excellent hotels in an area completely unspoiled by tourism. Just 3hrs drive from Bangkok Hua Hin is the oldest resort in Thailand and long been a favourite. King Rama VII built his 'far from worries' palace here some 60 years ago.

Capital of northern Thailand, known as the 'Rose of the North' was virtually inaccessible until the 1920's. Founded in "10"92, once the capital of the kingdom of Lanna Thai (the land of the million rice fields) is the second largest city in Thailand - but only 1/40th the size of Bangkok. An area steeped in history, breathtaking scenery, cottage industries, extravagant festivals and renowned for its beautiful women (so local folklore claims anyway!). An old world charm still prevails amongst the historic temples, colourful hill tribes, bustling night markets and distinctive festivals. A must for any tour itinerary.

A relatively undiscovered island retreat one hours flight south of Bangkok, swathed in coconut palms and bordered by long white stretches of dazzlingly white sand and warm clear water. The new Phuket of Thailand, a place to discover before the crowds arrive.

Situated in the heart of the famous "Golden Triangle" where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Founded in "10"62 and was the capital for over three centuries. The centre of an illicit commerce in gold, rubies, guns and opium.

Virtually unknown to mainstream tourism. This is an area of spectacular scenery, elephant rides, long necked tribes and Burmese influenced architecture.

Virtually unknown to mainstream tourism. This is an area of spectacular scenery, elephant rides, long necked tribes and Burmese influenced architecture.

Site of the infamous bridge built by the allied prisoners of war, the 'Death' railway and cemetery.

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