What to see and do in Thailand
Your first stop is bound to be Bangkok. With its golden temples, bazaars, floating markets and exotic flair, Thailand's capital is a must-see. A showcase for modern Asia, it also offers quiet, peaceful places to discover its ancestral traditions. Visit Wat Pho, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Phar Kaeo, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in the Grand Palace. You can also explore the Jim Thomson estate and its teak house, or the Plais Vimanmek, built in Suan Dusit Park.
From Bangkok, land in the jungle along the River Kwai. Whether by dugout canoe, on foot, by elephant or by bicycle, discover the "train of death". A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ayutthaya is also worth a visit. You'll see representations of Buddha, stupas and temples. Further north, Chiang Mai is renowned for its celadon arts, silk and jewelry. What's more, it's the perfect base from which to explore wild Thailand and its ethnic minorities.
Soak up the exotic atmosphere with elephant rides, trek in the mountains or simply visit the villages of Lisu or Lanna. You can even extend your stay to Doi Inthanon National Park to see the country's most beautiful waterfall and its highest peak. Finally, the seaside resorts are not to be outdone, with the timeless Phuket: one of the country's most popular destinations. Known as the Pearl of Southeast Asia, it boasts diving centers, 5-star hotels and white-sand beaches. You can also go to the mountainous island of Samui, or visit the Phi Phi Islands to admire the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters in which a wide variety of marine species live. If you're feeling peckish, try the famous fried riza or pad thai. You'll also have the opportunity to eat the delicious sticky rice with mango.
The perfect time to visit Thailand
Thailand's climate is tropical, influenced by the monsoon in most regions from north to south. Depending on where you want to go, the temperature tends to vary. However, there are two main seasons: dry, from December to April, and monsoonal, from May to November. When it's hot, the temperature can rise to 40°C, and when it's cool, it can drop to 13°C. So you can go all year round, as long as you bring plenty of sun cream, a small raincoat and a light jacket. However, we have a particular fondness for the period from November to May, when rain is rare and temperatures more bearable. And to make the most of the fine weather, stop off at the Nahm at Bangkok's Metropolitan Hotel. On the menu: traditional Siamese recipes and revisited culinary specialties.