DESTINATION INFORMATION
'Land of the Free'
Thailand has a population of more than 62 million, and the capital is Bangkok, which bears little relation to the rest of the country, a patchwork of rice fields, villages, plantations and forests.
Thousands of foreigners annually trek to the tribal people's mountain villages in Thailand, although only in the last decade have significant numbers of tribal people been granted Thai citizenship. Thailand is home to up to 20 tribes, the principal of which are Karen, Hmong, Mient, Lahu, Lisu and Akha. The cultures of these hill tribes are very much in danger of extinction, largely due to a shortage and loss of land, resettlement and lack of land rights and citizenship, not to mention poor medical care.
Great food can be found anywhere in Thailand, from street markets to floating restaurants and everything in-between. Thai people take time over their cooking, and whilst it is true to say that certain regional dishes are spicy, this is certainly not the case for all.
In the northern mountains, Chiang Mai is a pleasant escape from Bangkok, and a base from which to explore the many hill tribes and national parks. Because of its isolation, Chang Mai developed a culture removed from that of other parts of the country, and beautiful crafts such as lacquerware, silverwork, wood carvings and ceramics can all be found here.
The southern islands ~ Phuket, Samui, Phi Phi ~ are popular haunts for long-term travellers and holiday-makers alike. In many ways, quite removed from the rest of the country, rubber trees are more common than rice fields, and Muslim mosques a more familiar sight than a Buddhist temple.
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BEST TIMES FOR TOURING |
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Hockey [Apr - Sept] |
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Netball [Apr - Sept] |
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Cricket [Oct - Mar] |
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Rugby [Apr - Sept] |
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Football [Apr - Sept] |
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TRAVEL
Thailand would still be regarded as a stopover destination where your ultimate location would be further afield. This is why we would prefer using Qantas on their daily flight from Heathrow as they can then connect through to Australia, with its myriad of domestic destinations.
The airline schedules from the UK to Thailand are as follows:
- British Airways ~ Non-stop from London Heathrow to Bangkok, daily.
- Qantas ~ Non-stop from London Heathrow to Bangkok, daily.
- Thai Airlines ~ Two flights daily, non-stop, from London Heathrow to Bangkok.
- Other European airlines fly via their European hub.
Internal transport is by air-conditioned coaches.
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FIXTURES
Thailand used to be a very important stopover point for our Far Eastern tours but since the rapid development of antipodean tours and the availability of games in both Malaysia and Singapore, Thailand's popularity as a sports destination has declined.
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FIXTURE SUITABILITY |
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Clubs |
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Schools [Prep and Senior] |
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Universities |
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ACCOMMODATION
Bangkok offers some of the best value accommodation in the world which is why we are able to accommodate our groups in hotels like The Landmark.
Set on fashionable Sukhumvit Road, in the heart of Thailand's exciting capital, and with a station of the Skytrain located in front of the hotel, The Landmark Bangkok is perfectly linked to the city's main commercial and shopping district and many of its leading tourist attractions.
The hotel offers the following facilities and services:
- Five restaurants, offering a selection of cuisines ranging from steaks and grills to French, Thai, Cantonese and Japanese food, and a full buffet option.
- Four cafes, offering tea, coffee, home-made chocolates and cakes to snacks, sandwiches and noodles, as well as an al-fresco option in The Terrace.
- Two Bars: The famous Rendezvous Lobby Bar and a British pub.
- Fitness First Health Centre and Squash courts
- Outdoor pool with a sundeck
Each room is furnished to a high standard and equipped with the following:
- Separate bath and shower
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Satellite TV with in-house films
- Broadband access (additional fee)
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WHAT TO DO
Top 10 Things to do:
BANGKOK:
- Grand Palace
- Temples ~ Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Arun, Wat Po, and Wat Benchamabophit
- National Museum
- Giant Swing
- Dusit Zoo
- Suan Lumpini Gardens
- Snake Farm
THE REST OF THAILAND:
- The southern islands ~ Phuket, Koh Samui and Phi Phi
- Chiang Mai
- The River Kwai Bridge, Manchanburi
- Thai Kick-boxing
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