Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in South East Asia. Located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, and with a population of almost 70 million, the country is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the extremity of Myanmar.
Many travellers flock to South East Asia, and Thailand in particular, to experience its unrivalled natural beauty. Its crystal clear waters are teeming with marine life, while on land, rainforests dominate the landscape, giving way in places to allow towns and cities to thrive. Your cruise to Thailand will take you to the remote Surin Islands, a tranquil archipelago 60km from the mainland. Ko Suring will feel like your private island getaway, with turquoise water and white-sand beaches as far as the eye can see. Once you’ve arrived in paradise, it’s incredibly difficult to say goodbye.
Frenetic, haphazard and elaborate are all fitting words for Thailand’s capital. Bangkok is the country’s most populous city and has earned a reputation for being extremely chaotic, but it’s also replete with cultural landmarks. Keep your camera handy in Bangkok as the cityscape changes so often, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to photo opportunities.
Venture into the rainforests of Phuket, a spectacular, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea. Famous for its pristine beaches and busy markets, the island is a microcosm of Thailand, allowing you to experience the true essence of the country. Whether you’re walking along the white-sand beaches or visiting local wildlife sanctuaries, a day in Phuket will not be easily forgotten.
Diving into the Andaman Sea and swimming with whale sharks are high up on the bucket list of most travellers, and Thailand is one of the best places to do so. The waters surrounding Thailand are packed with wildlife, from manta rays and black-tip reef sharks to clownfish and sea turtles. One of the best ways to dive without disrupting the environment is by choosing a responsible tour operator. Remember never to touch the coral and watch all species respectfully.
Sampling local food is one of the best ways to get to know a country. Using generous helpings of fresh herbs and spices, you won’t find any dull flavours in Thai cuisine. Dishes are often made with rice or noodles and seafood, as well as pork, chicken and beef, using aromatic flavours. Garlic, coriander, lemon grass, shallots, pepper, fish sauce and chillies feature prominently in Thai cooking. During your cruise to Thailand, don’t miss out on some of the country’s most popular dishes, such as tom yum goong, tom khai kai and pad Thai.
Which cruise lines sail to Thailand?
