Thailand Adventure Travel Guide

Thailand's white sandy beaches, lush green forests and friendly smiles are an amazing backdrop for any traveller seeking adventure. Whether it is cycling around the ancient city of Ayutthaya, white-water rafting down the Mae Taeng River or scuba diving in the clear waters you will feel welcomed into this country. Like so many others before you, you will find it difficult to leave and may even make your stay more permanent.

Thailand's white sandy beaches, lush green forests and friendly smiles are an amazing backdrop for any traveller seeking adventure. Whether it is cycling around the ancient city of Ayutthaya, white-water rafting down the Mae Taeng River or scuba diving in the clear waters you will feel welcomed into this country. Like so many others before you, you will find it difficult to leave and may even make your stay more permanent.

In south East Asia, Thailand borders Burma and Laos to the north, Cambodia to the east, Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand to the south and the Andaman Sea to the west.

The Khorat Plateau is a lowland area in the north-east corner of the country, through it runs the Mekong River, winding its way to the Gulf of Thailand. The mountains in the north are almost unbroken; only the Three Pagodas Pass provides a way through from Burma to Thailand. This pass was historically used as a route for many invasions, including one by the Japanese who built a railway line through it - now a popular tourist spot.

At the centre of Thailand is a low, flat and fertile river valley for the River Chao Phraya to flow through; this river, like the Mekong, ends in the Gulf of Thailand. South-west of here is a narrow coastal peninsula that is covered in tropical forest. The western coast is narrower, with swampy areas ideal for mangroves and that are fun to kayak through. The eastern side, however, has much wider and longer beaches.

In Thailand, the climate is a tropical one. Here the monsoon rains last from May to September and the temperatures remain warm. November sees the start of the dry season, with the south becoming hot and humid, and the north experiencing a drier heat. March and April are by far the hottest months, while the peak tourist season is between October and March.

Bangkok, the capital, is the largest city in Thailand. Many travellers use it as the base for starting and finishing various tours; it is centrally located with easy access to airports and many bus routes. Other major cities include Pattaya, which is a large city in a bay on the south-east coast, Chiang Mai, the most significant city in the mountainous north of Thailand and Phuket city, which is located on Phuket Island, on the western side of the peninsula. Travel by air is by far the quickest and most comfortable way to get about in Thailand, but for an adventure, try a long journey on a tour bus. Transferring from one bus to the next on route to your destination can often leave you waiting at the side of a road for hours. Local buses can also be used to get around. You may have to do without a guaranteed seat or air conditioning, but they are, by far, the cheapest and most exciting mode of transport.

Scuba-diving
Thailand has much to offer divers of all abilities. As a beginner, the warm waters, experienced instructors and structured courses provide a safe learning environment. Courses are available for divers of all levels wanting to advance their skills. Lasting from one to seven days, they cover everything from refresher training, fun diving and underwater filming, to rescuing divers in danger and becoming an instructor. The currents range from mild to strong around the islands so can offer a challenge. Effort spent training is soon rewarded, thanks to the waters' array of marine life - keep an eye out for whale sharks, rays, clown fish and the many other tropical fish that frequent the coast's coral reefs.

Kite-surfing
In Thailand, you can kite-surf all-year-round. With beautiful sandy beaches to practice and launch from, the potential for enjoyment of this sport is huge. There is the possibility to hire equipment so that you can explore for yourself, or you can take part in a course, or even take private tuition to improve specific skills.

Kayaking
Kayaks are available to hire for a fun day out from almost all of the islands and coastal areas of Thailand; safety equipment and advice on where to go, and where to avoid, will help you have an enjoyable time. For more of an adventure a coastal kayak tour can take you through flooded jungles, among secluded islands and into hidden caves. Advanced kayakers may prefer the extreme rapids found in the north of the country around Chiang Mae, as they provide for full days of unbroken riding.

Mountaineering
Trips can range from hiking, which requires good footwear and is suitable for all levels of fitness, to rock climbing, which needs prior knowledge of specialist equipment and some previous experience. Be it traversing tropical rainforest and scaling limestone rock faces, or reaching that all-important summit to enjoy breathtaking views, there is a guide that can take you there.

Multi-activity
So many places to visit and so many ways to get there; with multi-activity holidays there is no need to leave anything out. By foot, on bikes, across water or under it, adventurers will see; highlands, forest and rivers. You will meet and often stay with local tribes, experience the best food and overcome different challenges each day - a rewarding trip both physically and culturally.

Sky-diving
Try it by tandem to get the rush without the responsibility, or invest some time in learning the theory - the choice is yours. Then you can progress from jumping alongside instructors with radios to guide you in, to flying solo. This is an adrenalin rush not to be missed and an experience enhanced by the surroundings of tropical Thailand.

Other Activities
View the forest from a different perspective and try zip-lining. High up in the canopy you can spot birds and monkeys, while you fly between its trees. If you prefer to see the natural surroundings from a more traditional angle, perhaps you will prefer a jungle trek. Excursions can bring you close to rivers or give you views of the coast, from a summit reached after a rewarding climb. White-water rafting gets you in the water. But while you appreciate the scenery in the quieter moments between rapids, the remainder of your time will be spent working with your team to keep your boat the right way up.

Classical Itineraries
Ayutthaya is a mid-14th century city established as a trading centre and the old capital of Thailand. Only its ruins remain, although different-shaped temples and many Buddhas can still be seen. The sheer scale of the city is amazing, and can only be experienced as you travel between sites by bus or bike. In the capital Bangkok, the Grand Palace and the National Museum should be paid a visit too, along with the many market and food stalls of Khao San Road. A trip along the river lets you take in the sights at a slower pace than rushing through the traffic in a tuk tuk: an adventure in itself.

Shaped like an elephant's head, Thailand has a unique landscape and a fascinating culture to match. It is a land led by its Buddhist beliefs and national pride. It is particularly unique as it is the only South East Asian country not to have been colonised. While its cities allow for development and keeping pace with the rest of the world, the remainder of the country is a wilderness waiting to be explored; from mountains to beaches, every sight is one of amazement and you are always welcomed by the local people.