Discovering Thailand's Temples, Elephants Culture & Beaches
During a recent visit to Thailand, myself and the team at Prestbury Travel had the absolute pleasure of discovering this fascinating country brimming with culture, beaches and stunning landscapes, alongside a treasure trove of experiences.
Bangkok
As we arrived in Bangkok, what stands out is that this really is a city of contrasts, where traditional meets modern in the most fascinating way, where gleaming skyscrapers and bustling shopping malls coexist alongside ancient temples, blending cultural heritage with a cosmopolitan vibe. Bangkok boasts an array of experiences, with vibrant night markets, including China Town, where we sampled an array of local dishes whilst soaking up the lively atmosphere. I would highly recommend visits to the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha, both easily accessible by boat along the city’s iconic Chao Phraya River.
Northern Thailand – The Golden Triangle and Chiang Mai
The Golden Triangle is an area of historic relevance known for its past trade of opium, and where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet along the Mekong River. Seeing a part of history is awe-inspiring, the highlight being a private longtail boat along the Mekong River, where the tented camp of Four Seasons and the Anantara sit, both offering a wealth of activities, including their own elephant camps. We then set off to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s charming historic walled city, a three-hour scenic car transfer from Chiang Rai. Chiang Mai is in total contrast to bustling Bangkok, a relaxing city filled with temples, street markets and restaurants. Must-see activities include visits to the nearby elephant sanctuaries and a Karen Hill Tribe, where the women’s necks are elongated by stacks of gold jewellery.
Elephant Hills
For those who love elephants and glamping then a visit to Elephant Hills is a must. Imagine waking up to the enchanting calls of forest creatures in a tent fully equipped with beds and an ensuite bathroom – a truly unique start to the day. The elephant encounter is incredible, getting up close to feed and watch them bathe in the water. We even made paper from cleaned elephant dung! The buffet breakfast and dinner has everything you need and there was even a dance show by local children. Our final day was a jungle hike – not for the faint-hearted but an extremely enjoyable experience for a moderately fit person like me.
The Beaches of Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak
Southern Thailand boasts incredible beaches and hotels, in particular the whitesand paradise of Khao Lak, a standout hotel being the intimate and family-run Sarojin. Krabi is characterised by its spectacular scenery and imposing limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests, and more than a hundred offshore islands, where a stay at Rayavadee on Railay Island is a real highlight. Phuket is the largest and perhaps the most famous of Thailand’s islands, with an international airport and a causeway connecting it to the mainland, making it the easiest to reach and the most popular. This really is a destination in itself with a myriad of activities, stunning beaches and Phuket Old Town.
