Thailand

Known as the land of smiles, Thailand is diverse, vibrant and a really interesting destination. It offers beautiful beaches for the fly & flop, also great diving and snorkelling, just check the weather as the 2 sides of the mainland can be better at different times of the year.

You may wish to combine the beach with a stay in Bangkok, the capital. This is a city that offers temples, floating markets and shopping in abundance and is well worth a stay of 2 or ­3 nights. Heading north and the cultural triangle of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, you may wish to take the train – the sleeper services are really good with crisp sheets and beds made for you, a bit different to back home!

The hill tribes in the north offer a totally different experience and insight into an ancient culture, we would recommend a stay of 3­ nights in this area or 5­ if you include Chiang Rai as well.

There are some stunning beach hotels if you want to spoil yourselves or for a unique experience why not take a trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express which runs a 3 day/2 night trip between Bangkok and Singapore. You can also use Bangkok as a city stop on the way to Myanmar, Laos or Cambodia.