BANGKOK
Thailand’s capital city is also home to its most stunning hotels, spas, shopping malls and attractions. Among the must-sees are the Grand Palace, home to the Emerald Buddha, Siam Paragon – the country’s premiere shopping mall, and the Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula are regarded as two of the finest hotels in the world. Take a sunset cruise on the dinner along the Chao Phraya River, sip a cocktail atop one of the city’s vertigo-inducing sky bars and then round the night off to the ultra-cool Bed Supperclub..
HUA HIN
Home to Royalty and first-class facilities, Hua Hin has long been a favourite haunt for Bangkok’s elite. This is perhaps the only resort in Thailand to have virtually its entire beachfront taken up with five-star resorts that are truly world-class. The beach itself is five miles long and is the perfect place to find a hammock or enjoy a massage. This was once a beach where mainly Thais came for their weekends away from Bangkok, but today Hua Hin is a small but cosmopolitan resort. Thai and international restaurants line the main street, while several large malls are a sign of how quickly Hua Hin is developing. Boasting perhaps the largest number of golf courses of any Thai resort, Hua Hin also offers horse-riding on the beach, top-class spas and great shopping options in both malls and markets. Situated 200kms south of Bangkok, it’s accessible and is also a gateway to nearby beaches that are virtually deserted and in pristine condition. As well as beaches, Hua Hin has several historical spots and the country’s most beautifully-kept train station, which in itself is a tourist attraction.

CHAING MAI
As the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is home to many historic attractions. Widely regarded as the north’s most pleasant city, Chiang Mai is also home to some fantastic resorts that mirror the Lanna style and offer the chance to live like royalty for a while. For a genuinely clean and welcoming city that is dripping in culture, Chiang Mai is hard to top. Stroll through the ancient temples and admire the timeless style, cycle around the old town or drop by one of the coffee cafes. Often voted one of the world’s finest cities to visit, Chiang Mai makes the most of its 700-year-old heritage. As well as the temples and museums, there is a thriving arts scene, bustling night bazaar and eye-poppingly beautiful resorts. The city’s relaxed vibe means many visitors stay here far longer than planned, occasionally making day trips out to the bohemian, arty town of Pai or the border town of Mae Hong Son.

SAMUI
Coconut trees, afternoon cocktails and superb snorkelling – Ko Samui ticks all the boxes for a perfect island location. Set 700kms south of Bangkok, Thailand’s third-largest island is also one of its most lively. Its most popular beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Choeng Mon and Maenam. With direct flights from Bangkok, Samui is a simple reach and an even simpler place to explore. The island’s interior remains untouched jungle but a ringroad runs around the coastline and gives easy access to all beaches. Activities include diving, shopping and fishing. Dining is especially good on Samui thanks to the abundance of quality restaurants, which offer versions of southern cuisine. These include rich Muslim curries, rice noodles and delicious desserts. Samui is popular with Thais and tourists alike due to its stunning beaches and island vibe. Options include relaxing on its famous beaches, trekking on elephants into the dense interior or kayaking around the 60-odd nearby islands.

PHUKET
Thailand’s largest island is also most glamorous. Located in the south of the country, Phuket is home to the jet-set crowd and multi-million dollar yachts. Its beaches draw visitors from around the world, making it one of Thailand’s top locations. Check in at a luxury resort such as the gorgeous Banyan Tree and then check out the island life. Hire a private speedboat and roar off to some of the smaller islands that envelope Phuket, then spend a day lounging on your very own beach. For a more sedate tour you even hire your own Chinese junk. Diving off Phuket is particularly good, and it’s possible to find your own personal instructor to explore the deep. Once back on dry land, experience the opulence of Phuket’s spas, where natural surroundings are the perfect setting for a soothing massage. Phuket is a place for those who enjoy a touch of quality and beauty that is hard to find elsewhere.