Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and nestles against the coast of the Indian Ocean, some 870 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket traditionally derives its wealth from tin and rubber, but is also blessed with teeming marine life and has enjoyed a rich and colorful history.

It is sprinkled with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches and sparkling island-dotted seas. The local people are warmly hospitable, there is all manner of accommodation, including some delightful turn-of-the-century Indo-Portuguese and Chinese-influenced architecture. It’s also a gourmet’s paradise, with an endless supply of fresh seafood at a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home. And for many years it was Thailand’s foremost holiday destination, peopled by visiting royalty and celebrities from all walks of life

Today, Phuket remains a major resort of international stature, possessing everything needed for a truly memorable holiday. First-class hotels located offer complimentary transport to their own beach clubs, and economy-class hotels are also available in the several towns around the island. Resort hotels with spectacular views always feature air-conditioned accommodation, as do many cabin and bungalow complexes on Phuket’s most popular beaches, with some of them still being made of the traditional ‘native-style’ bamboo and rattan.

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Buzzing, humid and exotic, Bangkok is a larger-than-life city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating energy that’s hard to resist. A tangled blend of the traditional and the modern, Bangkok’s every twist and turn has a surprise in store. Ramshackle buildings crouch next to golden holy shrines, which are in turn overlooked by towering modern hotels and offices. But traditional Thai life is never very far away. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, and many still eking out a living using centuries-old skills.

Most visitors begin in Rattanakosin, attracted by the Grand Palace and Wat Po. It’s here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, an area where quiet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called the ‘Venice of the East.’

The weekend market at Chatuchak remains an essential Bangkok experience. Locals, tourists and expats alike flock here on the weekend to bargain for household goods, souvenirs, clothes and original Thai art before grabbing a bite to eat – those visitors who head straight for Thailand’s beaches, or to the countryside of the north, miss out on experiencing one of the most exciting and contrasting capitals in the world.

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Krabi, the main town of Krabi Province, lies at the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular regions, which is renowned for its craggy limestone cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches and shimmering crystal waters. Krabi Town has long been a jumping-off point for the region’s islands, national parks and mainland beaches, but now it’s also attracting visitors as a destination in its own right.

There’s a huge choice of day trips, including excursions, paddling around the limestone scenery in a sea kayak, or speedboat rides out to the islands. Add in some excellent restaurants and its relaxed ambience, and Krabi is a uniquely-different Thai getaway. In recent years the luxurious out of town resorts have attracted a host of visiting celebrities and A-listers.

The best beaches are a boat ride away from the town itself. But the entire Krabi Province is festooned with white sand beaches and there’s plenty of choice for those looking to unfurl their towel in a quiet spot. Facilities, however, tend to be quite low key, although a wide variety of water activities are on offer from local operators.

In Krabi Town the main attraction is the intriguing temple of Wat Kaew, a tranquil place to while-away a few hours. For a bird’s-eye view of town, scramble up one of the brace of craggy pinnacles that overlook Krabi – the vista unfurls below with the milky blue Andaman Sea shimmering off into the distance.

Pattaya is one of South East Asia’s most famous beach resorts, a no-holds-barred party hub with something for everyone, from young men in search of a wild night out, through to families with children. The resort boasts its own sweeping beach, a variety of watersports, good scuba diving and a myriad of day-trip opportunities. One of the slickest and most developed resorts in the country – and also one of the oldest – Pattaya is long accustomed to supplying with the diverse needs of every sort of tourist.

The main beach curves around the Bay of Pattaya. Along the length of its sandy sweep are a variety of things to see and do, with souvenir stalls, shops, discos, beach eateries, food stands, bars and a choice of watersports. Jomtien just to the south is a relatively quieter option, while Naklua to the north is the most family-oriented beach.

If you want to do more than just swim there are a number of scuba diving options, including PADI diving courses for beginners. More-experienced divers can travel out to enjoy wreck dives.

A trio of islands, Ko Larn, Ko Krok and Ko Sak, tempt visitors offshore. The options are to either take an organised day trip with an operator, or to go it alone and arrange a transfer on one of the boats which regularly service the islands from Pattaya. Once on the islands there is little to do bar taking it easy and enjoying a rest away from the bustling streets of Pattaya. The snorkelling is good, too, for those wanting to do more than merely swim.