Thailand

Thailand, the original backpacker favourite, remains a beguiling cocktail of tropical allure and profound culture. From the frenetic street markets and glittering mega-malls of Bangkok, the country’s manic, temple-strewn heart, to the serene, mist-shrouded mountains of the north, this is a country that rewards the curious and the bold.

Head north to Chiang Mai for ancient Lanna temples, ethical elephant encounters, and trekking adventures through humid jungle. For pure escapism, turn south to a dazzling scatter of islands including the limestone karsts of Krabi and the Andaman Coast, and the Gulf islands of Koh Samui, Phangan and Tao, home to world-class diving, wellness retreats and all-out partying through the night. Whichever route you choose, enjoy the legendary warmth of the Thai people and arguably the world’s most dynamic cuisine along the way. This is the Land of Smiles, and its magic endures.