Highlights of Malay Peninsula

The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of the most attractive in Thailand, less frenetic than Bangkok and the altitude means it's much cooler and less humid than the capital. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, the most impressive and revered being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the peak of Doi Suthep at 1,676 metres, which offers superb views of the city and surrounding countryside. The city is home to some of the best food in Thailand and is a great place to have a Thai cooking lesson. Chiang Mai is also famous for its Night Bazaar, where you can buy local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional goods of the hilltribe people. The Tribal Museum is well worth a visit, to gain an insight into the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand.

Northern Thailand has many traditional hilltribes and minority groups who have maintained their own culture, customs and languages. Among these groups are the Palong, Karen, Lisu, Akha, Lahu, Shan, Yao and Hmong people. The tribal villages can be explored on foot, bicycle or even by taking an elephant ride.

The northern town of Lampang is home to the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the most beautiful temples in northern Thailand, and the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre. This is the largest elephant conservation centre in the country which takes care of sick and abandoned elephants and details their importance in Thai culture.

Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, until it was superseded by Ayutthaya, deserted and only rediscovered as a 'lost city' in the 19th century. With 21 historical sites within the city walls and a further 70 outside, Sukhothai is an important and fascinating site. Monuments of note include Mahathat Wat, a monastery with a royal palace and cemetery and the graceful Sra Si Wat with its two stupas. The nearby town of Si Satchanm contains the impressive Wat Chang Lom, decorated with 39 standing elephants.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

Bangkok is Thailand's huge and bustling capital, a chaotic and cosmopolitan city with many attractions. The most spectacular of these is the opulent and magnificent Grand Palace, reached on one of Bangkok's renowned waterways or klongs. Built in the late 18th century when Thailand was re-emerging from Burmese oppression, the complex is a vast collection of palaces, golden stupas, ornately decorative statues and wats, of which Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the most impressive. Wat Po, home of the famous 46 metre long gold-plated Reclining Buddha, is another must-see. Elsewhere in the city, Jim Thompson's House is a museum containing superb examples of Thai art and furniture, collected by the former CIA officer and silk magnate. Shops and markets such as Chatuchak Market sell a huge range of Thai goods while at night Bangkok comes alive with a huge variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

The Kanchanaburi Province west of Bangkok is famous for being the site of the infamous 'Death Railway' and the 'Bridge on the River Kwai'. During the Second World War, the Japanese built a railway to link Thailand with Burma to carry supplies for their expanding empire - between June 1942 and October 1943 16,000 Allied prisoners of war and an estimated 75,000 Asian forced labourers died in its construction. The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the JEATH War Museum commemorate those who died. You can take the train along part of the original railway and at 'Hellfire Pass' visit a memorial museum which chronicles the building of the railway.

Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and became the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam after Sukhothai. It soon became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the East, capital of a kingdom which encompassed large parts of present day Burma, Laos and Cambodia. Ayutthaya developed its own distinctive artistic style, influenced by other cultures with which it traded, before it was destroyed by a Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Remnants of its golden period include the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, Wang Luang and numerous gigantic Buddha statues and prangs (reliquary towers).

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Ayutthaya

Close to the Burmese border in central Thailand lie the wildlife sanctuaries of Thungyai and Huai Kha Kheng, covering more than 6,000 km² of various types of forest. The reserves are home to a wide variety of animal species including elephant and tiger and at least 34 endangered species. The region is also home to several spectacular waterfalls including Thi Lor Su Waterfall, one of the largest in southeast Asia with seven tiers of falls from high limestone cliffs, Kotha Waterfall and Thi Lor Lay Waterfall.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Khao Suk National Park is home to some of the oldest rainforest in the world, dating back 150 million years and set amidst mountains and karst limestone peaks. It is an area of incredible biodiversity, with resident species including the leopard, Malayan sun bear, elephant, langur and tiger, though spottings are rare due to the thick jungle and nocturnal nature of many of the animals. The park can be explored through jungle walks, elephant rides and canoe trips along the river.

The beachside resorts of Ao Nang and Krabi on Thailand's west coast is a lively and popular spot, with plenty of options to explore the beautiful landscapes and waters of this region. These include sea kayaking amidst the limestone peaks and caves, rock climbing on the famous Raileh Beach and scuba diving in the tropical waters in addition to relaxing on the palm-fringed sandy beach and the warm, crystal-clear waters. The area is renowned for its natural beauty which combines magnificent limestone cliffs rising from the waters, beautiful white beaches, verdant vegetation and numerous small islands. One of these is Phi Phi Island which gained fame as the location for the film 'The Beach'.

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and one of its most popular beach resort regions. As well as exploring historic Phuket Town, the beaches of Phuket and the neighbouring smaller islands are ideal for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling to explore the huge variety of colourful reef fish that are found in these waters.

The Samai Archipelago off Thailand's east coast is a tropical paradise comprising the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, in addition to the stunning Ang Thong National Marine Park, inspiration for the book 'The Beach'. The islands offer beach resorts ranging from quiet secluded spots to party resorts, the chance for excellent snorkelling amidst beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish and boat trips exploring secluded bays and waterfalls (especially on Koh Phangan).

Penang Island, just off the north-western coast of Malaysia, has been dubbed the "Pearl of the Orient". Its capital George Town was an historic trading port and was ruled by the British between the 18th and 20th centuries. With one of the most diverse populations in Asia, it's a fascinating town to wander and explore its rich cultural heritage and sample the huge variety of cuisines available. Sites of interest include Fort Cornwallis (built in 1808 to defend the island) and the Chinese Clan bridge houses built on stilts. Elsewhere on Penang you can visit Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai architectural Buddhist Temple which houses a 32 metre reclining Buddha, the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple and the Botanical Gardens as well as numerous villages, beaches and mosques and Buddhist temples.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Situated at 1800 metres above sea level the Cameron Highlands were the location for a series of villages and hill stations built by the British to escape the heat and humidity of the lower altitudes. Today the region has maintained its English character and is a good location for picturesque forest and mountain walks in the refreshing air. The highlands are also known for their tea plantations which can be visited alongside a trip to a tea factory.

Taman Negara National Park contains rainforest that is believed to be the oldest in the world, dating back 130 million years. The park can be explored through forest trails, boat rides or for a different perspective by walking along the 400 metre Canopy Walk, a rope bridge situated above the forest treetops. The diversity of species found in the park is predictably huge, from exotic plants to butterflies and birdlife such as kingfishers and eagles.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, or KL, is a fascinating city combining the traditional with the modern and with a vibrant and diverse ethnic mix. Its most prominent features include Merdeka Square, the Petronas Towers (the world’s tallest twin-towered buildings) and the 421 metre tall Menara Kuala Lumpur, which offers great views of the city. KL has strong Indian and Chinese, as well as Malay, influences and some of the best markets and restaurants in the region. Close to KL at Kampung Kuantan is one of the world's largest colonies of fireflies, producing a spectacular synchronised and rhythmic display at night. You can also visit the Batu Caves to explore the vast underground chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.

Melaka

Melaka was founded in the 15th century and soon became an important trading port on the route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It underwent three successive periods of European rule (Portuguese, Dutch and British) before gaining independence with Malaysia in 1957. This historic heritage and a cosmopolitan cultural mix makes Melaka a fascinating town to explore. Attractions of note include the tomb of Huang Kasturi, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia) and the Kampung Kling Mosque but Melaka's highlight is wandering the old, narrow streets, shopping for antiques and tasting the distinctive Nyonya cuisine at the many open air restaurants.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Yogyakarta is the cultural capital of Java with a myriad of cultural influences including 8th century Buddhist and Hindu temples, 18th century Islamic palaces and colonial Dutch architecture. Its main attraction is the Sultan's Palace complex, a huge walled city containing the 18th century Kraton Palace as well as markets and mosques. There are many museums to learn about Javanese history including the Sonobudoyo Museum, which contains an excellent collection of Javanese masks, batiks and puppets. The markets in Malioboro Street offer opportunities to purchase batik, silver and leatherware. Cultural shows in Yogyakarta include gamelan concerts with traditional dancing, Wayang or shadow-puppet shows and Ramayana Ballet, an adaptation of the Hindu epic.

Borobudur, located in central Java 40 kilometres from Yogyakarta, is one of the most impressive Buddhist monuments in the world and the largest in the southern hemisphere. The complex is built on several levels around a hill - a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, three concentric circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with reliefs sculpted in stone which depict the life of the Buddha and the soul's progress towards redemption. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The complex covers 200 square metres, reaching a height of 35 metres. It was built between AD 750 and 842 by the Saliendra dynasty but was neglected in the 11th century and buried in volcanic ash from Mount Merapi. Rediscovered in the 19th century, it has undergone extensive renovation, most recently by UNESCO.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Borobudur Temple Compounds

Built just half a century after the nearby Borobudur Temple in the 9th century, Prambanan Temple is a magnificent Hindu temple complex. There are 224 temple in all but the three central temples, dedicated to Shiva (at 47 metres the tallest), Brahma and Vishnu, are the most impressive. Each is decorated with reliefs depicting the Ramayana. The complex was abandoned due to volcanic activity and left to decay but renovation began in the 20th century.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Prambanan Temple Compounds

Within the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, the active volcano of Mount Bromo is one of four craters set within an enormous outer crater. The surrounding landscape is one of rugged lava formations and a sea of sand. Climbing to the summit of Mount Bromo at sunrise or sunset offers a spectacular vista. Other viewpoints such as the summit of Mount Pananjakan provides similarly impressive views, with the peaks of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok and the majestic Mount Semeru (Java's highest mountain) in the distance.

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Located on the lush slopes of the central mountains, it is home to numerous temples, museums, art galleries and craft centres. Balinese art flourished under the patronage of the Dutch colonisers and is renowned for its high quality and its reflection of Balinese culture and traditions. The surrounding countryside has a number of attractions including the Goa Gajah (or Elephant Cave) which houses a bathing pool and carvings of Shiva and Ganesh, the temple complex at Pejeng, Sumatran elephant rides at the Pujung Kelod Elephant Park or the handicraft villages near the city.

Lovina is one of Bali's most charming and laid back beaches. With miles of black volcanic sand beaches and warm, calm, crystal clear waters, it's the perfect spot for kicking back and relaxing. The area is also great for diving and snorkelling with spectacular coral reefs around Menjangan and Tulamben. Lovina is also notable for its early morning dolphin cruises, allowing you to catch the sunrise over Bali's volcanic peaks and see the playful and energetic schools of dolphins that surround the boat.

The area around Mount Batur is very scenic, with lush green countryside and the waters of Lake Batur. The town of Kintamani near Lake Batur is at 1,500 metres and is a good base for climbing to the summit. An early morning ascent provides a stunning sunrise over the valleys of Bali and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mount Rinjani on Lombok.