Tropical Thailand

Having lived in Singapore, it was not a new destination to me but visiting as a tourist was a very different experience. I shopped on Orchard Road, browsed around Little India and went on the night safari at the famous Singapore Zoo. I ate in the local hawker markets and then couldn't miss the opportunity to have a drink on the 53 floor at the top of the new Marina Bay Sands! Hotels I visited in the area were all 5-star luxury properties of the standard expected of this international city.

I then headed for Thailand where I began my trip in Krabi which has to be one of my favourite places in the world. The limestone cliffs and the clear blue sea and sky make it a stunning and magical place. The hotels there were also magnificent. The Rayavadee on Railey Beach and the Six Senses Hideaway in Yao Noi were my particular favourites and could not be faulted.

The Elephant Hills Tented Camp in Khao Sok National Park was my next destination. I saw the elephants living in their natural environment, met the mahouts and learnt much about how they are looked after, breeding and the ethical issues which surround elephants in the wild. The camp encourages visitors to help care for the elephants and also provides other activities such as jungle treks, canoeing etc...

From there I went to Khao Lak where I stayed at the Sarojin, a beautiful English owned hotel. I was also treated to a massage and fresh seafood barbeque on the beach - such a treat!

I was in Phuket for Songkram (Thai New Year) which is a festival of water where everyone ends up getting soaked - tourists and locals alike.  And then Koh Samui was my final destination with its perfect combination of great beaches, great restaurants serving delicious food and plenty of things to do. I took full advantage of this and went on a day trips to the neighbouring Koh Phangan and the Ang Thong National Marine Park, went shopping in the bustling area of Chaweng and finally relaxed on the stunning beach.

My final comment has to be about the delicious food in Thailand.  Wherever I ate, in the hotels or local restaurants or down at the beach, the food was always so tasty and fresh - particularly the wonderful fish.  Thailand as a total package, comes highly recommended.

Read more about holidays to Thailand.