Thailand : Adventure Tour

Steamy, frenetic and exhilarating, Thailand’s capital city is a legendary travel destination, equally famous for its rich cultural offerings, effervescent nightlife, superb shopping, and diverse dining options – which range from bustling, fragrant street markets to five-star haute cuisine establishments. The capital’s attractions are almost limitless, but if you only have limited time, not-to-be-missed attractions include the vast Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, a morning boat trip down the canals to see the floating markets, and the opulent Grand Palace. For shopping, head to the tourist hub of Khaosan Road, the MBK Centre, Siam Square, or on weekends, the vast Chatuchak market, while for dining and entertainment it’s best to check with your guide on the hottest spots of the moment.

The capital of Kanchanaburi province, Kanchanaburi town’s temperate climate, proximity to Bangkok and many natural and cultural attractions have made it a popular holiday destination. Highlights of the area include Wat Tham Phu Wa – a Buddhist temple complex that consists of a series of cave shrines – and The Bridge Over the River Kwai, which was built by forced Asian labourers and Allied POWs as part of the Thai-Burma Railway during the Japanese occupation of Kanchanaburi in WWII. Scores of men lost their lives while building it and two museums in town document this tragic event and commemorate those who died in the process. The two-hour ride along the infamous ‘Death Railway’ of which the bridge formed part takes in incredible views of sheer mountain cliffs, lush jungle and winding waterways.

Ayuttaha replaced Sukothai as the capital of the Siamese kingdom in the 12th century, and is the site of some spectacular historical ruins. Over the centuries, the city grew and prospered, earning the nickname ‘Venice of the East’ before it fell to the Burmese in 1767. The Ayutthaya Historical Park encompasses the ancient remains of ornate monasteries and religious towers that defined the city in its heyday. This archaeological site is the city’s most striking attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but for those who choose to linger a while, the more modern section of town has its own charms – including opulent Buddhist temples, quaint old colonial settlements and several markets serving excellent local cuisine.

This lively coastal city is one of Thailand’s most visited and well known beach resorts. Spend your days relaxing on the bustling beaches or indulging in some of the many watersports on offer. After dark the city’s streets come alive with a vast and varied nightlife scene where the party typically continues until dawn. Pattaya has come a long way in outgrowing its reputation as a seedy beach town and now offers activities for a wider audience including young tourists in search of a wild night out, families or business travellers. The main beach of Hat Pattaya provides a wide range of attractions such as souvenir stalls, food stands and beach bars. Hat Jomtien just to the south is a relatively quieter option, while Hat Naklua to the north is the most family-friendly beach. Popular activities include golf, go-kart racing, the collection of oddities at “Ripley's Believe it or Not”, and the Vimantaitalay tourist submarine which offers 30-minute trips underwater to see corals and marine life just a few kilometres offshore.

Koh Larn (also known as Ko Lan) is a small island 7.5km off the coast of the busy, seaside city of Pattaya. This tiny island paradise is 4km in length and 2kms wide and is covered predominantly with lush tropical forest with gorgeous, golden sand beaches along the coast. The most popular beach is Tawaen Beach with its small harbour, a string of little tourist shops and a few lovely little restaurants serving some fabulously fresh local seafood. However, Koh Larn’s real attraction lies just beneath the surface of its clear, aquamarine waters where there is a thriving and protected reef which is home to an abundance of tropical marine life. This underwater wonderland can be discovered in a variety of ways from scuba diving and snorkeling to glass bottom boats and even by semi-submersible submarine! Other popular activities include parasailing, jet skiing, hiking, shooting, banana boating, and fishing. Koh Larn is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a quiet, peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life.