The diverse, mystical and golden land of Thailand is Asia’s most popular tourist destination. It’s reputation for hedonism attracts thousands of backpacker’s and it’s outstanding areas of natural beauty and idyllic beaches attract an increasing amount of holiday-makers. It’s a country rich with culture, history, smiling locals and some interesting quirks. With so many tourist attractions on offer, how does a first timer to this far-flung land know where to start? Here is my personal Top Ten list of places to visit in Thailand:

1. Bangkok

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Bangkok is a pulsing, exciting and often chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, this fume soaked, noisy city has some incredible places of interest that you would be foolish to bypass. The exquisitely bejewelled Grand Palace should not be missed and if you have time also try to visit the beautiful Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Po where a huge golden reclining Buddha resides. The more adventurous head for the infamous backpacker’s paradise Khao San Road, Chinatown’s alleyways and bazaars and the Patpong Night Market (set in the city’s notorious red light district).

2. The Floating Market

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The Floating Market located on the Damnoen Saduak Canal in the Bangkok region was made famous by the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Although a major tourist attraction, the market is a fun and photogenic experience where visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernisation of the city. Here if you want to buy something you can hail down a narrow long boat piled high with local produce. The region is also abundant with vineyards, orchards and local businesses which are great to view by canal boat on route to the market.

3. Chiang Mai

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The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential visit on the travellers trail. Dotted with temples, craft shops, delicious restaurants, Thai massage and cooking schools the city has somehow a relaxing and comparatively tranquil atmosphere. Many travellers often cite Chaing Mai as their favourite Thai city and once visited it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. It’s location high in the north mountainous region of Thailand also makes it’s a perfect base for the popular mountain treks and organised treks can be arranged very easily here. The trails from Chiang Mai are although very interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers now head for nearby Pai – a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular with artists and musicians. Pai also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’ treks and visits to hill-tribes.

4. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

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San Kamphaeng is located 36km from Chiang Mai and it’s popular hot springs set in beautifully landscaped 40 acre parkland are well known for their restorative properties. The springs come from a deep source, are over 100 degrees centigrade and high in sulfur. You can also camp, dine, bath in the mineral rich waters or boil some eggs!

5. The East Coast Islands

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Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are islands on the east side of Thailand that are very popular with tourist and backpackers. Both have gorgeous palm tree lined white sandy beaches, clear turquoise beaches, a diverse range of places to stay and a laid back attitude. Koh Phangan also plays host to the world-famous monthly full moon parties and bohemian style bars and cafes. Nearby Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are much less touristy due to their more isolated location and are perfect for those looking for peace and world class snorkelling and diving.

6. Mae Hong Son

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Mae Hong Son is the capital of Thailand’s northwesternmost province and it’s close proximity to the Burmese boarder gives the city a very different feel to the rest of Thailand. Very quiet and isolated this mountainous city is often shrouded in an atmospheric mist. Visitors come here for the unusual and beautiful natural scenery, the mountain trekking and the hill tribe communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon Thongchai range between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking and so is the impressive Pha Sua waterfall. Handicrafts and artworks of the hill-tribe people can be purchased at the local night market-ideal for unique souvenirs.

7. Ayutthaya

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Only an hour outside of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom existing from 1351 to 1767. The ancient city is now ruined but the remains of the elegant, extraordinary and often towering temples and buildings are now classed as a UNESCO world heritage site and should not be missed. Hiring a motorbike to cover the surrounding areas is recommended and don’t forget to bring your camera!

8. Railay

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Railay and the coast of the Krabi province located in the South of Thailand is a tropical paradise characterised by towering rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise water and powder white sand. From this area it’s also easy to take a trip to the iconic “James Bond Rock” in neighbouring Phang Nga. Railay is a beautiful secluded beach accessible only by boat and attracts backpackers, well-heeled tourists and enthusiastic rock climbers. Surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains the area is also popular with trekkers and water sports lovers. Completely cut off from the daily grind it’s a place many travellers choose to stay for a lot longer than originally planned.

9. Koh Phi Phi

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The tiny but idyllic west coast island of Koh Phi Phi is seen by many as the ultimate island paradise. Even though it has now fully recovered from the tsunami, the island has suffered from rapid tourist growth especially since the release of the popular film “The Beach”. Having said that it still manages to retain a relaxed vibe which seems to keep the backpackers and vacationers happy. Koh Phi Phi highlights include climbing the high viewpoint to watch the sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel the beautiful surrounding waters.

10. Hin Daeng

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Diving enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Hin Daeng in Andaman Sea. Literally meaning the Red Rock, this area is often thought to be one of the top diving spots in Thailand. Hin Daeng features large underwater pinnacles, incredible carpets of anemone and colourful coral. It’s also teeming with wildlife including large shoals of fish, round batfish, manta ray, barracuda and the odd whale shark.

Before travelling to Thailand please check The Foreign Office website for safety updates.

by Kelly Nolan and Becky Padmore

Kelly Nolan is a published travel writer and has written articles ranging from surfing in Hawaii to UK car hire

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I was unsure of what to expect when I decided to visit Siem Reap, a small laid-back town in Cambodia and gateway to the exquisite Angkor Wat temples. Although a naturally beautiful country blessed with a rich heritage, Cambodia’s extremely troubled past is well-documented. The death of the brutal dictator Pol Pot in 1998 and the fall of deadly Khmer Rouge Regime have now thankfully closed the chapter on Cambodia’s darkest days. In this new chapter, many curious tourists are drawn to this mystical and now peaceful country.

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When researching Cambodia you may come across disturbing tales of muggers, sex-tourists and unexploded landmines. These things do exist and a degree of common sense is certainly recommended but I personally found the majority of Cambodians just want to live a peaceful life after suffering three decades of civil war. It’s also a charming and charismatic place where I guarantee you will see lots of smiles.

Accommodation

Siem Reap has a wide range guest-houses and hotels to suit many budgets. They range from basic at 10-20 US$, mid-range 30-50 US$ and high-end 70 US$ – 200 US$ or more. We stayed at the Rosy Guest-house. Here you can get a budget room for $8 or a twin/double for $20 with private bathroom and a hot shower. The Rosy Guest-house is clean and serves good food which is available most times of the day and night. A very friendly British couple owns the guesthouse and they employ young, cheerful, friendly and helpful Cambodians. It’s in a great location close to the centre and most attractions.

I also found this website very useful when searching for hotels near Angkor Wat.

Getting around

Tuk Tuks are the best way to travel around Siem Reap. They are cheap, allow you to photograph on the go and they are also great fun! You can hail a Tuk Tuk from anywhere but make sure you negotiate the price before boarding, although please remember when bartering for anything (tuk tuks or otherwise) a small amount to you might make a big difference to a local and his/her family. I would recommend bringing sunglasses and a scarf because of the dust.

Many hotels also have their own Tuk Tuk drivers, we used the same driver each day. This was great as he was very friendly and after he got to know us he would take us off the tourist trails if we desired. Tuk Tuk drivers can be hired for around £8-£10 for a full day, payable at the end of your day/journey.

Angkor Wat

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Obviously the main attraction in Siem Reap are the temples at Angkor Wat. You can buy a 1 day ticket $20, 3 day ticket $40 or a 7 day ticket $60. I bought a 3 day ticket but only spent a day and half at the temples, I was able to see many of the main temples before being templed out! Although one day is certainly not enough for hardcore temple enthusiasts.

Visiting hours are 5am -5:30pm and the ticket booth is approx. 2 km from Angkor Wat. (you must keep your ticket with you at all times and in good condition!) Your ticket allows you to come and go freely during opening hours. Many visitors start early to catch the sunrise from the top of a temple and finish their long day heading back up the temples to view the sunset.

Other sites

Aside from Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has many other interesting places to visit. Here are a few:

• Landmine Museum – Entry is $1. This is a fascinating place and they also educate people about the dangers of UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) that still exist in Cambodia. Most of the young guides here are orphans or victims of landmines and the money raised goes back into supporting and educating victims of UXO.
• The markets – I recommend a visit to at least one of the markets. The oldest and the biggest is the busy Phsar Chas but the newer markets are also worth a visit. The Angkor Night Market is also a great for a relaxing stroll in the evening.

Photo by Carly

• Floating Village – This was my favourite place! Visiting the village of unique stilt housing along the Tonle Sap Lake is a great opportunity to see daily Cambodian village life and one that shouldn’t be missed. Getting there is an adventure itself and if it’s anything like my experience it will involve a Tuk Tuk ride through villages, a dirt-track motorbike drive and then a peaceful and relaxing boat cruise. When walking through the village you will pass the local school, on our trip we received a warm welcome from smiling laughing children and teachers. Make sure you take gifts like pens/pencils/rice to donate to the villagers and their children.

My tips for a trouble-free stay

• Beggars here are hard to say no to, especially the children. Most charity organisations the world over ask that you don’t give money as it keeps people on the streets and rarely goes to good use. Everyone’s opinion is different on this, I personally give to amputees and recognised organisations.
• Beware of scammers! Here they mainly try to trick you into believing they are collecting money for the temple upkeep or various charities. Always be certain that your money is going where you want it to!
• Also beware of the mosquitoes-there are plenty! Make sure you bring repellent with lots of DEET and some kind of cream to treat the itching.
• Souvenirs are cheap. In Siem Reap you will only pay a few pounds for a T-shirt, Cambodian scarf or temple rubbing.
• Don’t go off the main trails on your own-unexploded mines are still a problem in Cambodia although they are not such a problem in and around tourist areas.
• There are Internet cafes in the centre of Siem Reap just don’t expect a fast connection!
• I recommend that you use transportation when out and about at night, tuk tuks are the best and cheapest method of travel.
• Taking photographs is not a problem here as long as you are respectful.
• And lastly when ordering a pizza, watch out for the ‘Happy Pizzas’ – they are laced with marijuana. The ‘happier’ the pizza the stronger the marijuana!

I have many unforgettable memories and stories from my visit to Cambodia and I was particularly struck by the optimism and welcoming kindness of people who are still recovering from years of suffering and brutality. Travelling through Cambodia is a journey of ever-changing emotions and I’m sure most will enjoy the traditional streets, beautiful temples, the endlessly friendly locals and the chance to recreate a scene from ‘Tomb Raider’ at the Angkor Wat. You could even try a tasty fried spider or two-if you’re feeling brave enough!

Carly Henderson is a talented travel photographer, please check out her website: www.whereforartnow.com

Please also check out our Interview with Carly Henderson (Professional Travel Photographer and Nomad)

Photo by Carly

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The beautiful island of Singapore nestles snugly between Malaysia and Indonesia. Sir Stamford Raffles founded the modern Singapore and the city itself still retains a huge amount of quintessential Britishness. A perfect example of this is the eponymous Raffles Hotel, a favourite haunt of celebrites including Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maughan (all of whom lend their names to the hotel’s renowned ‘Personality Suites’).

Singapore is exceptionally safe traveller’s destination and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. It is also one of the cleanest cities on the planet, even chewing gum is banned!

Classy Stay

Photo: Nir Sinay

I would definitley recommend staying at Raffles Hotel during your trip to Singapore. You will be near to all the main sights of Singapore and staying here is like taking a trip back in time; you can indulge in High Tea and pristinely suited waiters cater to your every whim! It’s a classically beautiful and unique hotel and oozes luxury throughout.

Shopping

Orchard Road is the main thoroughfare and a serious shoppers paradise. Go there for high street and luxury fashion emporiums and numerous malls.

Photo: lipjin

Singapore’s latest phenomenon is the 24 hour shopping malls, crammed full of technology, fashion and craft stores. Although if you want to really experience the city’s real culture try the side streets. If you are looking for a new suit or a dress here you will also find many tailoring shops that can whip up a made to measure suit or kimono in 24 hours!

Singapore Cuisine

Photo: Sanctu

I would recommend heading for the restaurants in Pagoda Street or Tanjong Payer as this would be the ideal place to sample the local cuisine. Try Singapore Vermechilli – a noodle based mild vegetable dish, usually served in a pineapple, washed down with a jug of the country’s own Tiger beer! (A jug here only costs $5sing-about €3). Also don’t even think about leaving the island before sampling mooncakes and a cup of ginger tea from Ah Tengs Bakery.

Photo: Sherwin Huang

If you are looking for something more upmarket try the Equinox Restaurant located on the 70th floor of the Stamford Hotel, it has a glass wall circumference and panoramic views of the islands marina and harbour. (Booking highly recommened!)

Sightseeing

As over 25% of the island is covered by forest there are plenty of national parks, gardens and nature reserves to choose from. After a trip to the stunning Botanic gardens, go for a meal at the famous Chijmes which was one of the last cloistered convents in the world. It has now undergone a massive facelift and with its gothic architechture and stunning surroundings it makes for a fantastic dining experience.

Photo: Kenny Teo

Also try Sentosa island (pictured above). The best way to reach the island is via a cable car over the ocean (great for views of both Sentosa and Singapore). On the island you can swim with the dolphins in Dolphin Lagoon, brave the rides in the amusement park or if you’re feeling energetic climb the 37 metre high Merlion monument. The incredible views of the ocean and Singapore’s skyline is well worth the climb! On another day head for the Marina for great seafood restaurants, jazz bars and local stores.

Evenings

After a long day shopping or sightseeing, pick one of the many great restaurants or return to Raffles, relax in the Long bar with a Singapore Sling then head to the Tiffin Rooms for a taste of the traditional tiffin curry (a local delicacy).

Photo: novocainated

I promise if you give Singapore a try you’ll be addicted! It’s a colourful, affluent, enjoyable and charming city and the smell of orchids, taste of tiffin curry and the cacophony of local malay song will linger with you, long after you leave this incredible city.

Singapore: the Lowdown

Singapore is an island city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. At 274.2 square miles Singapore is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia with a population of nearly 5 million. During Colonial rule Singapore became one of the most important commercial and military centres of the British Empire, now it’s a major tourist destination and attracts over 10 million visitors a year. The island experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid weather all year round. November to December is the rainy season, June to August is the best time to travel to Singapore.

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Five days in Hong Kong didn’t seem nearly enough, once you finally get your bearings (and believe me even for a surprisingly small island this is more difficult that you realise) and once you checked out most of the main tourist attractions; the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, Victoria Peak, the pretty and aromatic flower market in Kowloon and the bird market (although slightly nervously as we travelled there only a year after the bird flu outbreak!) you are still left wanting more.

Although Hong Kong is a very different Asia to what I have been used to, having travelled less developed Asian countries, this was definitely Asia but with a much less harder edge. As you would probably expect, evidence of the British occupation is everywhere, all of the information signs are written in both English and Cantonese and even aside from the main ex-pat congregation area of SoHo there is still an increasing amount of westernised restaurants and shops. Marks and Spencer’s anyone? All of this makes the island seem somehow familiar and of course much easier to travel around.

Shopper’s paradise

The shopping and food choices were extraordinary, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place so happily obsessed with consumerism. You cannot fail to be impressed by the vast amount of designer shops and even if that’s not what you are into there are plenty of dinky boutique malls most with original designs from Asian fashion students (although unfortunately being an above average height westerner I didn’t stand a chance in hell of ever getting into any of the clothes, still was nice to look).

The smog and the crowds aside (almost 7 million people call 1100 square km home) this place still unbelievably has large areas of natural beauty and on a trip to Repulse Bay and Lamma Island we saw the alternative Hong Kong, the one that attracts many nature lovers, walkers and climbers each year. In my opinion Hong Kong is an exciting and intriguing travelling destination and would deliver no matter what you are into. It would also be a perfect way to begin exploring Asia.

Highlights of Hong Kong and Kowloon

• The 270 degree panoramic view over the harbour, the chic decor and the creative cocktails at the Excelsior Hotel’s Talk of the Town restaurant.
• Dodging the crowds and people trying to sell you fake stuff in Kowloon’s shopping district.
• Giving in and actually buying lots of fake stuff at the Night Market in Temple Street.
• Marvelling at the amazingly clean, modern and efficient and public transport system… you will draw comparisons to our rubbishy old public transport and you will feel envious and hard done by.
• Shopping in Jumbo SOGO, a huge Japanese-style department store – 13 floors of retail heaven!
• Seeing the island cityscape lit up at night from the Kowloon waterfront.
• Enduring a foot massage verging on torture in Happy Valley but somehow coming out feeling so much better…

Hong Kong and Kowloon: The Lowdown

Hong Kong is an island located on China’s south coast, 37 miles east of Macau on the opposite side of the Pearl River Delta. It is surrounded by the South China Sea and it has a humid subtropical climate. Summer (June – August) is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms and the winter (Mid-December – February) is noticeably cooler but still mild. Spring (March – May) and Autumn September (Mid-December) are usually the best times to visit. Hong Kong is a large city with several districts and Kowloon is a large peninsula on the mainland of China, just north of Hong Kong Island.

Where to stay

We stayed at the Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay which was a large and very comfortable hotel in a fairly central location near Victoria Park.

Popular and good value hotels in Hong Kong and Kowloon:

• Langham Place Hotel
• Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel
• Lanson Place Hotel
• Novotel Citygate
• Royal Park Hotel
• InterContinental Grand Stanford
• Or search all hotels in Hong Kong.

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