Thailand

By Natasha Langham

Thailand is a country with something for everyone, from adventure trekking in the north to sundrenched beaches in the south. The Aussie dollar still goes a long way and you can stay in some great hotels without having to put in the overtime before you leave home ( or after you get back ).

Bangkok just bustles. It is a huge city full of action, shopping, great food and hidden treasures. Hotels on the rivers edge give you access to the riverboats that can take you to the Royal Palace and its oasis of calm. The temple of Wat Pho is a short walk from the Palace and certainly worth the visit. The 46 metre reclining Buddha glows with a golden resonance and beauty.

For the budget concious the Menam River hotel is roomy and the staff are friendly, or, a few boat stops up the river the Shangri La is luxury at its best. If you are looking for markets to 'shop til you drop', then stay near the World Trade Centre. Duty Free shopping, bartering for bargins in the Pratunam Markets and sampling seafood at the tempting restaurants in the area.

From personal experience, the Amari Watergate is worth every cent for the large, comfortable rooms, good service and tasty in-house restaurant. The Indra Regent has also had good reports as for value for money. If all of this has worn you out a few days of beachside 'R and R' will recharge the batteries.

Head to Koh Samui. Daily flights with Bangkok Airways will take you directly to the island described as the " Phuket of yesteryear ". The pace is certainly slower, but you can still find some non stop nightlife, great eating and some Indiana Jones-style adventure in the jungle.In fact Koh Samui had some of the best Pad Thai I have tasted throughout Thailand, and some of the most gorgeous sarongs are to be found in the Nathon Markets. Chaweng Beach is where you find the main concentration of hotels, shops and eateries. The water is as warm as bath water and the sand is soft underfoot. The poolside staff at the Chaweng Resort were most dilligent and the little bungalows the perfect place to kick back at the end of the day. One client swears the Central Samui Beach Resort is the place to stay and it is the ultimate in upmarket luxury.

If you tire of lying on the beach, then grab a song thaew to the markets in Nathon where you will find traditional markets plus all the "designer" labelled gear to fill the suitcase. Alternatively, take a day trip through the magnificent An Thong National park. This world heritage marine park has hidden beach coves, traditional fishing villages and magnificent limestone outcrops. Take the trip and experience it all first hand !