Amongst all of the world's travel destinations, Thailand is one of the most idyllic and popular with holidaymakers. With long stretches of white sandy beaches, fantastic weather for most of the year and a rich cultural heritage, amongst other things, it's not difficult to see why. It's particularly famous for it's stark natural beauty, while the historic ruins and temples from many past dynasties make it an architectural delight as well. All of this makes it a particularly popular option for the young backpacking set, who frequently migrate to the country and it's South East Asian neighbours when school and university have finished for the summer. If you're thinking of heading to Thailand in the next year or so, then you can find out about three of its top destinations by reading this article.



Phuket

Located to the west of the country, Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. The island was hit hard by the 2004 Tsunami, but recovery has surged through tourism in the time since. With miles and miles of idyllic beaches and a collection of hotel resorts that wouldn't look out of place in a list of the world's best, tourists pour here by the bucket load. Some of the top resorts lie in the northern town of Ao Bang, where serious pampering comes at a serious price. This is home to a 7km long white beach and the Laguna Phuket golf club. Further south is Patong, a popular resort that lights up with neon during the night while providing home to the island's most popular beach - Hat Patong.

Bangkok

Once thought of as a dinghy third world city, the fortunes of Bangkok have soared in recent times to make it a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis. It's a city which combines ancient culture with air conditioned mega malls, 200 year old homes with strips of sleaze, and Thai street food sellers cooking before restaurants of international flavours. Some people choose on a full blown and exotic city break, while others plan just to pass through on their way from the airport or to somewhere further afield. If you're going to Bangkok, then get ready for superb food and wild nights, but also check about the current political situation. Recent turmoil has brought unrest to the streets and caused some major airport delays.

Coastal Krabi

Krabi province is fast becoming a tourist hotspot, and many feel some of its unspoilt pleasures will soon mirror the faster paced destinations of somewhere like Ko Samui or Phuket. However, having been a region knocked off its feet by the 2004 tsunami, it hasn't seen a complete revival to what it once was. Particularly picturesque destinations include Railay and Ko Phi Phi Don. The former has become synonymous to paradise, with incredible cliffs guarding an amazing beach littered with strange limestone formations that make it fantastic for rock climbing. Meanwhile the latter was thought of so highly by the producers of the 2000 film The Beach, starring Leonardo Di Caprio, that they chose it as the setting for their perfectly unspoilt imaginary island. Get there while you still can!