This lively and cosmopolitan city brims with historic sites, golden incensed-filled temples, ancient wooden stilted houses next to five star hotels, narrow canals navigable by long rowing boats, and vibrant markets full of street food stalls that are not to be missed.
Culture
The Thai and Buddhist culture is very strong. The country has over 44,000 temples, and a visit to Chiang Mai will reveal over 300 sacred pagodas and shrines. In the northern highlands, there are still primitive hill tribes, living much the same way as they have for centuries.
Island Hopping
There really is an island for everyone – and each with its fair share of idyllic powdery beaches, surrounded by waters of unimaginable beauty. For peace and quiet head to Phang Nga Bay, close to the Cambodian border, or set sail for the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. Whilst the reefs off the Surin Islands are simply magnificent.
Food
Expect to be surprised by the cuisine here – dishes are very different to Thai food served in the West. It is spicier – thanks to the chilli and is magnificently presented. Snacks from street stalls are fresh and delicious, and eating at a night market is one of the best dining experiences there is. Make sure you never leave rice on your plate – it’s considered the food of the gods.
The Markets
Colourful and atmospheric, Thai markets sell almost anything. The floating markets are a spectacle to see, with boats laden with beautifully presented fruit, flowers and food prepared there and then for you.
[
{
"parent": "Guest",
"value": "Stayed in an F&P chalet"
},
{
"parent": "Guest",
"value": "Stayed in a F&P Ski hotel"
},
{
"parent": "Guest",
"value": "Stayed in F&P Sun property"
},
{
"parent": "Guest",
"value": "In resort marketing"
},
{
"parent": "Word of Mouth",
"value": "Friend"
},
{
"parent": "Word of Mouth",
"value": "Family"
},
{
"parent": "Word of Mouth",
"value": "A previous guest"
},
{
"parent": "Word of Mouth",
"value": "Staff in resort"
},
{
"parent": "Word of Mouth",
"value": "Partner",
"placeholder": "Please let us know the name of your partner",
"textarea": true
},
{
"parent": "Word of Mouth",
"value": "Other",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Please give more information on who you heard about us from"
},
{
"parent": "Referral",
"value": "Friend"
},
{
"parent": "Referral",
"value": "Family"
},
{
"parent": "Referral",
"value": "A previous guest"
},
{
"parent": "Referral",
"value": "Staff"
},
{
"parent": "Referral",
"value": "Partner",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Please let us know the name of your partner"
},
{
"parent": "Referral",
"value": "Agent"
},
{
"parent": "Referral",
"value": "Other",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Please give more information on who you heard about us from"
},
{
"parent": "Mailing List",
"value": "Newsletter"
},
{
"parent": "Mailing List",
"value": "Previous Enquiry"
},
{
"parent": "Internet Search",
"value": "Paid Google"
},
{
"parent": "Internet Search",
"value": "Organic Google"
},
{
"parent": "Internet Search",
"value": "Online blog or article"
},
{
"parent": "Internet Search",
"value": "Other",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Which search engine did you use and what did you search for?"
},
{
"parent": "Social Media",
"value": "Facebook page"
},
{
"parent": "Social Media",
"value": "Facebook advertising"
},
{
"parent": "Social Media",
"value": "Instagram page"
},
{
"parent": "Social Media",
"value": "Instagram advertising"
},
{
"parent": "Social Media",
"value": "Twitter"
},
{
"parent": "Social Media",
"value": "Influencer",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Which influencer did you hear about us from?"
},
{
"parent": "Social Media",
"value": "Other",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Please give more information on who you heard about us from"
},
{
"parent": "Press",
"value": "Online blog or article"
},
{
"parent": "Press",
"value": "Printed blog or article"
},
{
"parent": "Press",
"value": "Other",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Please give more information on who you heard about us from"
},
{
"parent": "Agent",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Please provide the name of the agent that you heard about us from"
},
{
"parent": "Advert",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Please provide more information on the advert that you saw"
},
{
"parent": "Other",
"textarea": true,
"placeholder": "Please provide further information on where you heard about us from."
}
]
