Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. With sixteen million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast of Koh Tao, jungle trekking in the North, or discovering the ancient cities of Chiang Mai, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.
One of Thailand’s most famous and popular island destinations, Phuket draws scores of tourists each year to its sand-fringed shores, inviting them to bask in the tropical sun, swim and snorkel in its azure bays, and revel in the endless leisure and adventure activities on offer. Phuket’s refurbished old town is one of its trendiest areas, where the diverse cultural and architectural influences of the past have been fused and immortalised – vivid red and gold Chinese temples stand side by side with Indian roti restaurants and antiquated colonial buildings. Patong is the hub of Phuket nightlife, with scores of bars and pulsing nightclubs lining the streets, while more relaxed beachside bars and restaurants dotting the coast. Those who prefer nature and serenity should head to the secluded beaches of the north, or to Promthep Cape, a rugged peninsula that forms Phuket’s southernmost point, providing dramatic scenery and breathtaking sunset views.
Conveniently located only 30 minutes by speedboat from the popular tourist centre of Phuket, the peaceful island of Koh Yao Noi boasts breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay and its towering karst islands. The island is the second largest of the Koh Yao islands, an archipelago of forty-four idyllic islands which have remained largely unaffected by the kind of mass development seen in nearby Phuket and Krabi. This has resulted in the preservation of Koh Yao Noi’s magnificent mangrove forests, lush jungle-clad interior, and sandy east-coast beaches which serve as an ideal environment for a range of exhilarating activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, snorkelling and swimming. With its dramatic sea-cliffs, exquisite blue lagoons and pristine beaches, Koh Yao Noi is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an active tropical adventure or a relaxing beach getaway.
