Thailand has a rich and colourful culture and is often referred to as a golden land; not because there is precious metal buried underground but because the country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields, stunning white sandy beaches or the friendly warm hospitality of its citizenry. Buddhism is paramount to the Thai people, so you’ll see exotic temples and monuments dappled across the land and saffron-robed monks taking leave of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the people.

Remote islands with glorious beaches; untouched jungles with amazing wildlife; shimmering temples and ancient cultures; glitzy shopping and futuristic cities. It’s no wonder 14 million visitors a year find its delicious charms irresistible. Futuristic malls, quaint markets and the glittering Grand Palace grace the dynamic Bangkok, while ramshackle villages and elephant trekking lie further north, with glorious idyllic islands providing the perfect escape.