Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fly up to
Chiang Mai
, which can keep you busy for several days with Thai cooking
classes, temple-spotting, monk chats and fabulous food. Then there is the surrounding
countryside explored on road trips through the mountains, trekking to hill-tribe villages,
elephant encounters and ziplining through the forest. Don't forget to visit the cool high-
lands of Doi Suthep or Doi Inthanon, two famous northern mountains.
Reward all of your hard work getting to know Thai culture with a getaway to the tropic-
al island of
Ko Samui
, an international resort jam-packed with package tourists, hotels
and even traffic. But there are quiet corners and a buffet of beaches to suit every sand
hunter. Bangkok Airways runs at least one direct flight between Chiang Mai and Samui
per day, but book way in advance for a cheaper fare. While there, spend a day exploring
the uninhabited Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Dial down your vacation with a stop in
Ko Pha-Ngan
, an easy boat trip from Ko
Samui. Head to one of its overblown rave parties or time your visit to miss the crowded
and sloppy event for some laid-back hammock hanging or diving instead. Next door is
little
Ko Tao
, the Gulf of Thailand's dive certification centre; there are also near-shore
reefs if you need to greet the fishes after breakfast.
Return to Bangkok with a tan, a Thai recipe book and lots of travel tales for the water
cooler.
