Asia Brochure 2023

Cambo

INDIA

Thailand has everything from stunning southern beaches and rolling northern hills to the urban excitement of Bangkok. Discover the Land of Smiles and get ready to find yours. E xotic and accessible, Thailand makes for a great introduction to Asia. Located in the southeast of the continent, it’s well known temples and hill-tribe villages. Thailand

Myanmar

Laos

CHIANG RAI

CHIANG MAI

THAILAND

BANGKOK

Khao Sok

PATTAYA

Cambodia

KHAO LAK ELEPHANT HILLS

HUA HIN

Merlin Beach Patong Beach Bangtao Beach Similan Islands Kamala Beach

KRABI

While Thailand’s cities are kinetic, its castaway style beaches are what sets this country apart. Head to Thailand’s famous islands, and you’ll find stretches of soft white sand set against a backdrop of dramatic limestone karsts. Beach holidays in Thailand are so popular that the country has garnered a devoted tribe of sun worshippers who return time and time again. Depending on the kind of traveller you are, Thailand has it all. Those seeking an activity-based holiday will be spoilt for choice as the diving and snorkelling here are world-famous. There are also white water rafting, rock climbing, wakeboarding, kitesurfing and jet-skiing opportunities. Thailand’s jungle-clad national parks are ripe for trekking – or, if you want to go more off the beaten path, visit the mountains and farmlands of Northern and Central Thailand. With so much to see and do, Thailand’s a great destination for a multi-centre holiday. Why not pair lively Bangkok with a relaxing beach break in Phuket or combine an urban adventure in Chiang Mai with some downtime in Koh Samui? Or, if you want to explore further afield, make more of Asia by venturing on to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. From its northern wild jungles to the picture perfect beaches and energetic cities, the Land of Smiles is a feast for your senses. SRI LANKA

PHUKET

for its tropical, palm-fringed coastline, ancient ruins and ornate temples, golden Buddhas and - of course - the welcoming nature of the Thai people themselves. Once the place for backpackers on their gap year, nowadays Thailand’s natural beauty and captivating culture attract a more diverse group of holidaymakers - enticing families, honeymooners and solo travellers. Despite its popularity as a country, its cultural integrity remains unchanged. Thailand holidays often start in Bangkok, where the old effortlessly mixes with the new. You’ll wander around the capital and be immersed in historic royal palaces, temple tours, lively floating markets and the must-see night bazaars offering bargain shopping and sublime food. A highlight for many, Thailand’s cuisine adds spice, offering fresh, vibrant and mouth-watering flavours with a warm dose of hospitality. Journeying north, you’ll want to stop in Chiang Mai - Thailand’s second city. Often called the gateway to Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai’s rugged jungles and picturesque rice fields offer calmer cultural energy, retaining an air of authenticity; it feels more like a sleepy country town than a modern metropolis. Venture out into the surrounding countryside and see ancient

KOH PHI PHI

KOH SAMUI

Karon Beach

Kata Beach

Panwa Beach

Malaysia BEST TIME TO GO Enjoy dry, sunny weather The Essentials

Singapore between November and March, with temperatures in the early to mid-thirties. FUN FACT Muay Thai Boxing, Thailand’s national sport, is often called ‘the art of eight limbs’. TOP TIP Thailand is great for island hopping - discover pint-sized islands, hidden beaches and incredible marine life. Malaysia

Singapore