THE BEST OF THAILAND: BANGKOK, CHIANG MAI & PHUKHET

About the destination: Bangkok, one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities, is the capital of Thailand. Bangkok is hot and crowded, but it's fairly clean and offers loads of craic. Bangkok has brilliant shopping, loads of culture, stunning temples, tasty food and a decent art scene. Most of Bangkok's sights are concentrated on the island of Rattanakosin, often referred to as the Old City. The Grand Palace is the absolute must see site. The Grand Palace complex also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keow, the most sacred Buddhist temple. Other famous temples in Bangkok are the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Bangkok is a grand spot for shopping. There are many shops, shopping centres and markets to satisfy every wish. The nightlife scene in Bangkok is as varied as the city itself, from beer bars to exclusive clubs, night shopping markets, discos to hippie parties. Bangkok is a large sprawling metropolis, noisy and crowded yet peaceful and delicate. It is one of the world’s top destinations that one has to visit at least once in life.

About the destination: Chiang Mai is the focal point of Northern Thailand and the Capital City of the Province of the same name. With a population of over 170,000 in the city itself, it is Thailand's fifth-largest city. Situated on a plain at a height of 316 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, and has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from Bangkok to permanently settle in this "Rose of the North". The historical centre of Chiang Mai is the walled city. Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains. Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a mix of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas adorned with gold filigree. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away. Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River, Mae Nam Ping, where Chang Klan Rd, the famous Night Bazaar and the majority of Chiang Mai's hotels and guest houses are located. Loi Kroh Rd is the centre of the city's night life.

About the destination: Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of its top holiday destinations. There's a heap of things to do in Phuket, particularly if you're a fan of beaches and islands. Phuket is a brilliant spot to get out and explore. It really has everything, from white sandy beaches and clear blue waters to lush green countryside, stunning temples and breathtaking views. Throw in the shopping, nightlife and tasty seafood and you've got just about everything you could want on a holiday. Hopping from island to island is the best way to see and explore some of Phuket's gorgeous islands. You'll come across loads of massive rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. Phi Phi and Khai Islands are the most popular islands of the archipelago. The Phi Phi View Point offers a fantastic view of the Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam Bay. Patong Beach is the most visited beach and it can get a bit crowded, but it has the best nightlife in the area. For more chilled out beaches, check out the beautiful Kamala, Surin, Laem Singh, Karon and Kata Beaches. Phuket is truly a wonderful place for a relaxing trip. There's a load of fantastic resorts, great restaurants, white sandy beaches, amazing surrounding islands and lively nightlife. Everything you need for a proper holiday.