Bangkok is undoubtedly one of Asia's most exciting cities, and one of the world's largest, promising to reveal to each traveller the wild and untamed mysteries of the east. Khao San Road is one of the city's most vibrant streets, and is probably one of the best examples in the world of a backpacker's 'ghetto'. Day and night the short stretch of road is abuzz with activity. On the banks of the Chao Phraya visitors will find the Grand Palace as well as Wat Phra Kaew, the palace temple housing the Emerald Buddha, constructed entirely from translucent green jade. Slightly upriver are the exquisitely ornamented Royal Barges, still used today for special floating processions.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city, and an excellent starting point for excursions into the northern territories. Its name means 'new city', even though Chiang Mai is much older than Bangkok, having been built in 1296 under the rule of King Mengrai. While this city has many ancient temples, including the one at Doi Suthep, which offers breathtaking views over the area, its popularity is largely due to the elephant treks in the surrounding countryside. Thai cookery classes are also a popular tradition in the city. Chiang Mai also has an extensive night market, with dozens of street vendors selling a variety of traditional Thai wares that can be obtained at very low prices if you have the patience to bargain for them. The city is small enough to get around on a bicycle, has several attractions, and offers excellent accommodation, although tourists are advised that it can be difficult to find a room in peak season, between December and March.

Hat Yai is the fourth largest city in Thailand and is located in Songkhla Province. No trip to Thailand would be complete without a Thai massage and Hat Yai is one of the best places to get them. Some of the many good places would be Garden Home Hotel or Hai Yai Central Hotel. The rooms are nicely decorated and provide a soothing environment to go with a good massage.

A sun lover's paradise, Koh Samui ('the coconut island'), Thailand's third largest island resort, is no longer the footloose and fancy-free backpacker's secret hideaway. It now rivals Phuket as one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, with regular flights arriving at its own airport disgorging keen holidaymakers. A range of accommodation options exists, from modest beach bungalows to luxury resort hotels. The island still retains its laid-back atmosphere though, with friendly locals, good food and some not too commercial local attractions like a crocodile farm and butterfly garden to keep visitor's entertained. Night time is party-time with open-air discos and music bars throbbing in the darkness.

The tiny Thai province of Krabi, 500 miles (800km) south of Bangkok, is a magical, as yet unspoilt Eden and one of the country's most enchanting coastal resort destinations. The tranquil Krabi coast is made up of pristine, coral-fringed white beaches, a myriad of caves and waterfalls, and numerous exotic islets washed by the azure sea. Beyond the beaches lie lush jungles where giant trees trail lianas, and rivers fall over high cliffs or swirl lazily through mangrove forests. Visitors spend their days scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, climbing the cliffs above Ao Phranang and Railay beaches, hiking to mountain-top pagodas, discovering hidden temples set in the valleys, exploring caves, seeking out offshore paradise islands, or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree on an unspoiled stretch of white sand.

Pattaya, sited about 100 miles (160km) south of Bangkok, was once just a quiet coastal fishing town. Today it teems with holidaymakers, both local and foreign, and is packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. The town, has a multitude of other attractions on offer, from its rather over-crowded and well-used beaches to some first-class restaurants, hundreds of recreational activities, bazaar-type markets, and excursions to nearby more peaceful spots and offshore islands.

In the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast, Phuket, or the 'Pearl of the South' as it has become known, is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Thailand's largest island, Phuket is incredibly diverse, with rocky and sandy beaches, tall cliffs, forests, waterfalls and temples. Phuket caters to all, with a variety of resorts offering accommodation from backpackers and simple guesthouses to modern luxury hotels. There is plenty to do on the island, whatever your budget, and several offshore islands are good for snorkelling and scuba diving. Phuket also has its own airport, making it easy to get to and from Bangkok, and although the island hosts thousands of tourists in peak season, its sheer size allows visitors to escape from the madding crowds. Patong Beach is the island's most famous and developed beach resort, offering a wide choice of activities, dining options and nightlife. It is situated nine miles (15km) from Phuket City.