Wonderful Thailand

If you are looking for beautiful white sandy beaches, clear blue sea and plenty of fascinating things to see and do then Thailand is the destination for you. We spent a wonderful week there in November 2007, staying first at the Centara Krabi Bay Resort in Krabi for five wonderfully relaxing days. This hotel is set in its own bay and can only be reached by boat. It is in the most stunning location, and the facilities were superb, with a great choice of restaurants and the most wonderful spa. You can take a short boat ride into Krabi resort to make the most of the shopping, and boat trips can be arranged to explore the coastline. We then flew back to Bangkok to spend three nights at the Shangri-La Hotel. Having stayed in many city hotels I have to rate this one as one of the best. The rooms were spacious and very comfortable, and the food was simply stunning. Not only was there a choice of restaurants but in the evening, alongside the river, was the most amazing buffet, offering dishes from all parts of the world.

Whilst in Bangkok we took a day trip to the Bridge over the River Kwai, visiting the beautifully maintained war cemeteries, the bridge itself and we also took a boat trip on the river and a train on part of the original railway built by allied prisoners. It was a very moving experience and one that I would certainly recommend.

On our second day in Bangkok we took a tour of the Royal Palace, which was preparing for the King's 80th Birthday. This is one of the must see destinations in Bangkok. The Palace is richly decorated and is also home to the Emerald Buddha, much revered by the Thai people.

If you're brave don't miss taking a trip in a Tuk-Tuk whilst you are in Bangkok. I was so pleased to arrive in one piece that our driver got the biggest tip of his life!

Thailand is a truly wonderful place to visit, and I would have no hesitation in recommending it, and I certainly plan to return in the near future. The Thai people are so very welcoming and gracious, it really is a perfect holiday destination.