Thailand is one of the most diverse corners of South-East Asia: a tropical, beautiful, extraordinary country that draws backpackers, honeymooners and super-smart travellers in the same breath. But while the big-hitting islands are on everyone's radar, there are corners that are undeservedly less well-known. We've teamed up with Thailand experts Turquoise Holidays and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to discover the inside track on the most exciting things to do when you visit, from the ancient culture in the north to secret beaches in the south.
GO BACK IN TIME IN CHIANG MAI
Thailand is famous for its spirituality: its grand shrines and brightly clad monks. Find some of the most awe-inspiring Buddhist temples in northern Chiang Mai. Once home to the Lan Na kingdom, this ancient city is bursting with sacred temples. The must-visit spots: the golden roof of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sitting plumb atop a 300-plus stair climb, and Wat Phra Singh, home to the revered Buddha image Phra Phuttha Sihing.
LEARN TO COOK THE PERFECT PAD THAI
Foodies pilgrimage to Chiang Mai for the authentic Thai culinary experience. Cooking lessons in these parts are widely considered the best in the country. Turquoise Holidays organises half-day tours with Pantawan Cooking School, which kick off with an insider visit to a local market, steered by a guide with in-the-know expertise. Cooking classes take place in traditional houses, with Abb Pla (grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves), Hor Mok (steamed fish curry) and Pad Thai on the menu.
BE AWESTRUCK BY THE INCREDIBLE LANDSCAPES
Thailand has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet: from the breathtaking limestone karst islands of Phang Nga Bay, where craggedy rocks emerge from the water, to the colour of the North. The Mekong River winds through this picturesque region, known as the Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar. With the greenest countryside and epic views of Thailand's neighbours, the lush hills of this area are home to traditional villages and tribes. Guided trips to these communities, in which traditional clothing is worn and dialects are spoken, give a glimpse into Thailand's famous hill tribe culture.
SLEEP IN A FLOATING HOTEL ROOM
Elephant Hills Tented Camp rises out of the vastly peaceful, viridescent waters of Cheow Lan Lake, a world away from frenetic Phuket nearby. For an elegant place to stay, the pared-down suites aren't glamorous or overdone - white-linen beds set against dark wooden floors in tented lodges that float directly on the lake in the heart of the tropical Khao Sok National Park. There's endless views of the thick jungly trees and untouched surroundings and the freedom to slip directly from the decking into the water; plus stays include the chance to wash, feed and interact with the park's elephants (hence the name) or explore the jungle on a laid-back canoe safari.
WALK WITH ELEPHANTS
Lush jungles and thick rainforests make fertile ground for extraordinary hiking. Convenient, then, that Thailand is packed with scenery of tremendous natural beauty. There are 127 national parks across the country, most teeming with roaming wildlife. Khao Yai National Park, in the heart of the country, has it all: a thick expanse of deep green trees, sunlit flooded caves and herds of elephants. In the south, Khao Sok National Park has the most beautiful waterfalls and untouched islands seeming to grow directly from its lakes.
DIVE DEEP INTO AN UNDERWATER PLAYGROUND
All levels of divers will find delight in the waters that surround the Thai coast and islands. Getting away from the mainland is key here: the most fruitful archipelagos are found boat rides away from even the remote islands. Koh Tao, reached on a day trip from the incredible Koh Samui, is a wonderful jumping-off point: boat rides out into the Gulf of Thailand can reveal vast schools of marine life unaltered by humans. Deep underwater (as far as 40 metres down) lies a huge playground of wildlife and coral.
PLAY THE CASTAWAY ON A BAREFOOT-CHIC BEACH
Silver sand. Blue - really, truly blue - waters lapping the shore. Shade from towering palm trees offering respite from clear skies and the warmth of the sun. The perfect holiday to Thailand - the perfect holiday anywhere - putters to a mellow, go-slow pace sooner or later. The beach-scene here is famous all over the world, and can range from the wild nights of party capital Phuket to the vibey shores of Koh Samui. Away from the well-known names are the real gems: Koh Lanta takes just long enough to reach to reward visitors with unspoilt, calm beaches.
SAIL THE SEAS
There are hundreds of Thai islands; so many so that it can be difficult to know where to start, which to visit, how to see the best of the best. Expert advice and itineraries from Turquoise Holidays helps to navigate the waters - ensuring a journey around the Thai islands mixes the must-visit big-hitters (think Phuket and Koh Samui) with the under-the-radar, untouched spots you'll feel awfully smug to have washed up on. Boat trips to Phang Nga Bay, with its famous towering rocks, and the perfect Thai hideaway of Koh Phi Phi, with postcard white beaches against a jungly landscape, are the best of the best.
GO OFF-GRID ON A LESSER-KNOWN ISLAND
Is there such a thing as a bad Thai island? If so, it's yet to be discovered. But Koh Kood (one of the largest yet least visited) stands out from the well-populated pack of really excellent islands for its delightful feeling of secrecy. Koh Kood goes far beyond the beach, with its powder-soft bays, to a mountainous jungle landscape, filled with teeny traditional fishing villages. And yet, despite its under-the-radar past, Koh Kood has come up trumps with a smart place to stay: Soneva Kiri, the dreamiest hotel, which drops off into the jaw-dropping scenery effortlessly.
REFRESH YOUR BODY AND MIND
Recovering from the relentless action of Thailand's limitless must-try, must-visit, must-see list is never more tranquil than at one of the excellent spas across the country. Wellness and health is taken seriously here. On Koh Samui, Six Senses Samui has secluded villas with ocean views and private decks to relax on . Recharge in the Six Senses spa with Thai healing therapy: a massage developed more than 700 years ago.
BOOK IT NOW
Luxury holiday specialist Turquoise Holidays can tailor a bespoke ten-night holiday in Thailand from £2,850 per person, taking in the charm and culture of Chiang Mai, the bustling metropolitan city of Bangkok and the beach bliss of Thailand's idyllic islands. For more information visit turquoiseholidays.co.uk or call 020 7147 7087.
Meet the team: book an appointment in either London or Beaconsfield, Monday to Saturday (open late upon request) and enjoy a complimentary holiday consultation, complete with cold beers and wine on tap.
Watch below for even more Thailand inspiration from Turquoise.