As you leave your plane to enter Swarnabhumi (pronounced suwan- na-poom) Airport terminal at Bangkok you’re likely to get lost if you don’t keep your eyes on the signages! It’s only after you have entered the passenger terminal spread over 32 sq km, with seven storeys and 360 check-in counters that you realise that you’re in familiar territory, as huge and colourful sculptures of Hindu mythological tales spring up all over.

The most–visited country in South East Asia, Thailand has dazzling islands and beaches, wildlife and nature parks, lush and balmy weather, great shopping and food.

BANGKOK
Modern, increasingly westernised, Bangkok still retains a somnambulant village air despite the thrum of mega-traffic and mega-nightlife. Be prepared for traffic smog and be surprised as well by the smell of incense escaping from a temple. The exquisitely bejewelled Grand Palace should not be missed and if you have time also try to visit the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho, where a huge golden reclining Buddha resides. If you’re adventurous enough, head for the infamous backpacker’s paradise Khao San Road, Chinatown’s alleyways and bazaars and the Patpong Night Market (set in the city’s notorious red light district).

THE FLOATING MARKET
Made famous by the Bond flick The Man With The Golden Gun, the floating market located in the Bangkok region is a major tourist attraction. Here if you want to buy something you can hail down a narrow long boat piled high with local produce: fruits, vegetables, local artifacts. The market is a fun and photogenic experience, where visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernisation of the city.

AYUTTHAYA
The old Thai capital of Ayutthaya, a Siamese kingdom existing from 1351 to 1767, was burnt down by the Burmese more than 350 years ago and is home to ruined temples, palaces, chedis and shrines. Reason, why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

KOH PHI PHI
An ultimate island paradise, Koh Phi Phi has suffered from rapid tourist growth especially since the release of the film The Beach. Still it keeps the backpackers and vacationers happy, thanks to the relaxed environment. Its highlights include climbing the high viewpoint to watch the sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel the beautiful surrounding waters.

KANCHANABURI
A likely haven for nature lovers, where one can raft down the stream watching enchanting scenery. The Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai are also located here. On a trip to Saraburi, Buddhists should not fail to pay homage to the Buddha's footprint there. Lopburi is famous for shrines in the Khmer style, the remains of King Narai's palaces of the 17th century, and the sunflower fields.

RAILAY
A favourite with Bollywood movie makers, Railay is a tropical paradise characterised by towering rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise water and powder white sand. This beautiful secluded beach is accessible only by boat and attracts backpackers, well-heeled tourists and enthusiastic rock climbers. Surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains, the area is also popular with trekkers and water sports lovers. Once here, you’re likely to return more often. Do take a trip to the iconic ‘James Bond Rock’ in the neighbouring Phang Nga.

MAE HONG SON
Its close proximity to the Burmese border gives this city a very different feel from the rest of Thailand. Very quiet and isolated, this mountainous city is virtually covered with mist throughout the year. Considered a ‘dream destination’, visitors come here for beautiful natural scenery, mountain trekking and the hill tribe communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon Thong Chai range between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking and so is the impressive Pha Sua waterfall. Handicrafts and artworks of the hill-tribe people can be purchased at the local night market – ideal for unique souvenirs.

THE EAST COAST ISLANDS
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are islands on the east side of Thailand that are very popular with tourists and backpackers. Both have gorgeous palm tree lined white sandy beaches, clear turquoise beaches, a diverse range of places to stay and a laid back attitude. Justly famous for its Full Moon Parties, Koh Phangan has a lot more to offer visitors than all night dancing and is well worth a visit the rest of the month too for its chaotic jumble of bars, clubs, restaurants and handicraft shops. The main selling point for the rest of the island is pristine undeveloped beaches, with only a handful of bungalows to disturb the peace.