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Thailand has a reputation for being slow-paced, a haven for jungles, majestic rice paddies and pristine beaches. Travellers greeted by Bangkok might have another impression however. Traffic roars and new modern shopping malls are the centre of attention. Luckily there is more than meets the eye in Bangkok and Thailand overall. Escape the capital and feel the bohemian vibe of Chiang Mai, climb the mountains and breathe the freshest air in Mae Hong Son, circle a stupa and make good wishes for your friends and family in Ko Tao.

Essentials in Thailand

"Thailand" means the "Land of the Free," but it also has another beautiful meaning: The Land of Smiles. The Thais are renowned all around the world for their joie de vivre, their kindness and cordiality which are much appreciated by visitors from everywhere when they head to Thailand for holidays.

Bangkok: Bangkok's oldest neighbourhood is nestled in the northern part of the Old City, Banglamphu, and is home to Khao San Road which is popular among backpackers. There is tasty and inexpensive street food in this area, which is just one of the draws to budget travellers. The only key to fitting in here is a smile and a few jokes, much unlike other capital metropolis cities, Bangkok is overwhelmingly huge, yet still keeps its small-town vibe.

Koh Samui: Hippy paradise, this island in a long strand of islands is one of the most popular spots in Thailand. Today it caters to the backpacking Rasta-headed free spirits as well as the luxury-seeking celebrities. What attracts most people to this hedonistic island are the full-moon extravaganzas that put a whole new definition to partying.

Big Buddha: The 12m tall statue was built in 1972 and has become one of the most popular attractions on the island. The stairs leading to the statue are only to be climbed bare foot. Once at the top, there is a magnificent view over the north coast.

Wat Chalong: Wat Chalong is the biggest and best known of the 29 temples on Phuket. The monastery is situated about 8 km south-east of Phuket, near the village of Chalong.

Chiang Mai: This northern city has more than 300 temples, just as many as the capital, but much more condensed. The result is a stunning city centre with elegant architecture not to be rivalled anywhere else in the country. It's dynamic, honouring its traditional roots while keeping up with the modern world.

Find more information on tourismthailand.org.

Accommodations in Thailand

Thailand's major cities have a wealth of accommodation, everything from humble inns, backpackers hostels to 4-star luxury jaunts. When you're visiting the islands, beach-front villas are the way to go. In a city like Bangkok, the array of options are staggering, with more than 500 hotels and guesthouses. The prices stay low thanks to competition but service has suffered due to cut corners. Even if you've already secured your Thailand airline ticket and booked a hotel room in Thailand, always ask for a better price upon check-in, especially in the low season.