IN THE SHADE OF THE BANYAN TREE

Immerse yourself in the colourful, non-stop lifestyle of Bangkok from the moment you step off the plane. Visit glittering temples, browse the tempting markets, piled high with colourful wares, and enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Chao Phraya River, before wining and dining in a rooftop restaurant, looking out over the skyscrapers. The glamorous Sukhothai hotel is in the heart of the city, yet is a tranquil oasis set in six acres of tropical gardens. One of Bangkok’s most beautiful parks, Suan Lumphini, is just a short stroll away. Shops, restaurants, markets and the river are all close by.

After Bangkok, head to Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see what remains of the Sukhothai (Dawn of Happiness) kingdom, the first kingdom of Siam, which flourished in the 13^th and 14^th centuries. This period is considered to be the golden age of Thai civilisation, and Sukhothai is a showcase of Thailand’s most classic styles. Explore the partially restored ruins of the temples and palaces on a guided tour, and visit at sunrise for beautiful views as the day dawns over the regal Buddha figures. While you’re here, make sure you visit the food markets - try sticky rice and deep-fried beef wrapped in a banana leaf, or Sukhothai noodles (thin rice noodles with roast pork and ground peanuts) – and take a cooking class at your hotel so you can recreate the magic back home. Around Sukhothai, watch the rice farmers ploughing the paddies with water buffaloes, visit villages to watch artisans at work on handicrafts such as weaving and doll making, and see monks receiving their alms in the morning. Stay at Sukhothai Heritage Resort, a boutique hotel which takes its inspiration from ancient Sukhothai architecture.

Your next stop is beautiful Chiang Mai. The former hub of the Lanna kingdom is bursting with ornate temples, centuries-old architecture and tempting markets (the night bazaar is a must), surrounded by charming rural villages and ancient rainforest. Your hotel, Tamarind Village, is on the doorstep of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, making it perfect for sightseeing. After exploring the historic centre, venture out in the evening to a buzzing waterfront restaurant, or head to one of the many other dining options clustered around the markets and the night bazaar, and tuck into delicious local cuisine, accompanied by live music and traditional Thai dancing.

Your next stop is Chiang Khong and Lanjia Lodge, an eco-friendly lodge which sits high on a hill in Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand, with sweeping views over the Mekong valley and Laos. Trek amongst pristine, untouched landscapes to see hidden waterfalls and take in the views from a mountaintop. Immerse yourself in local culture - visit secluded villages, meet remote hill tribes, have a cup of tea with a shaman, watch lively traditional performances, and learn about local handicrafts such as Hmong batik making - and have a go yourself. Meanwhile, the Laos border is just a 30-minute drive away, and you can take a memorable day trip to the Golden Triangle, where three countries – Thailand, Laos and Myanmar - meet at the intersection of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. This guarantees a heady mix of landscapes, cultures and traditions, such as the ethnic diversity of the Thai, Laotian and hill tribes, which results in separate calendars and festivals.

Finish your holiday with some blissful beach relaxation on the unspoilt island of Koh Kood. Shantaa Koh Kood is a perfect island retreat (‘shantaa’ is a Hindi word meaning ‘tranquillity’), set on a coconut palm-fringed beach. If you want to explore, you can visit fishing villages, trek into the heart of lush, colourful rainforest, swim under waterfalls, snorkel in the azure waters and explore the nearby islands by yacht. Or simply switch off and succumb to the slower pace and irresistible peace of island life - wake up to panoramic island views and unwind with some yoga, followed by a day on the beach, before lingering over a candlelit dinner as the sun sets over the sea.