About Thailand

Thailand is in the middle of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, with numerous islands situated off both the west and east coasts. As one of the most visited countries in Asia, Thailand has a wealth of attractions ranging from jaw-dropping scenery to world-renowned cuisine. Some of the most beautiful islands on the planet lie in the Andaman Sea, too, whilst the rural region to the north has dense jungle and countless temples. The energetic capital of Bangkok has a diverse character; Buddhist temples, food carts, skyscrapers and clubbing strips all compete for space. On the other hand, Chiang Mai, the Northern Province’s hub, is a remote city in the rolling Himalayan foothills known for its walled inner city and stunning shrines. The Thai islands are some of the country’s biggest pull factors, attracting a large number of visitors each year, which means travelling by ferry is a good way to get around. There is an extensive ferry network between the islands off the west coast, as well as in the Gulf of Thailand, so there’s a great deal of choice.

About Langkawi

Langkawi is a Malaysian archipelago consisting of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, roughly 30 kilometres from the mainland. Given its full name reads ‘Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah’, it comes as no surprise the islands have some stunning natural features, the highlights being its clear waters, white beaches and dense jungle. Despite these major pull factors, Langkawi has somewhat managed to resist mass commercialisation and still maintains an authentic, rural Malay atmosphere. For example, many traditional villages known as ‘kampung’ can be found just a stone’s throw from luxury spas and beach bars. On Palau Langkawi’s southeast corner is the main ferry port, where daily crossings are provided to Koh Lipe. The routes usually last just 90 minutes, making Langkawi a useful gateway to Thailand.