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THAILAND

Visiting elephants responsibly, beach relaxation and culinary treats: our specialists explain how to get the most out of your trip to Thailand

THAILAND SPECIALISTS

Alex Putnam

Blair Peterson

Jack Tydeman

QWe want to see elephants but don’t like the idea of sanctuaries, what can you recommend? AWe’re proud of our approach to responsible tourism and are excited to start offering visits to Kui Buri National Park, which provides an opportunity to see elephants in the wild.

I was lucky enough to visit the National Park on a recent trip and managed to view a herd of wild elephants roaming across the grasslands: it was unforgettable.

A visit also provides an insight into the history of conflict between people and elephants. Local farmers have had to develop ways to protect their crops from curious elephants without harming them. You can spend the night in a welcoming local homestay to learn more. AP

QWhich island is best for relaxing on the beach in the summer? AKoh Phangan is a relatively undeveloped island covered in jungle. While full moon parties attract lively crowds, these only occur on a small area in the southeast around Haad Rin. Stay on the north coast and you’ll remain blissfully unaware.

Either luxuriate in the Anantara Rasananda or enjoy great value at the more rustic Buri Rasa Village. Nearby there’s a local Thai village where you can dine out along one of the best sand beaches in the region. Easily reached from

Koh Samui or Surat Thani, this fits well if you’re looking to add some downtime to the end of a longer trip. BP

QWhat can you suggest for a food enthusiast?

AYou’re spoiled when it comes to choices in Thailand. I recommend a street food tour of Bangkok as an ideal introduction to a broad range of Thai delicacies.

The tour starts in the morning when the markets are at their freshest and the temperature is more comfortable for walking. Your food guide will take you on a journey through one of the oldest parts of the city, where traditional life continues in the shadows of skyscrapers. Along the way you’ll try classic Thai curries and grilled meats as well as more unusual dishes – teen ghai toon (braised chicken feet) is a particularly fragrant dish. JT

QWe’ve been to Chiang

Mai before, where else can you recommend in northern Thailand? AThere’s an interesting range of rural destinations across the north, but my favorite route is to the northwest of Chiang Mai. Here, you can take in the charming town of Pai before journeying on to sleepy Mae Hong Son, close to the Burmese border.

The roads follow a dramatic series of hairpin bends to

traverse steep forested valleys (so best avoided if you suffer from car sickness), passing waterfalls and hot springs along the way. It’s possible to fly from Pai back to Chiang Mai to avoid having to return the same way.

There are trekking options for a range of fitness levels, with forested caves and border-town tribes to visit along the way. For more adventure, there are also some challenging bike trails running across the hillsides. Avoid the region in March and April when the annual burning of crops can impact flights and spoil views. AP

QWhere should I visit to learn about Thailand’s history? AThe Kingdom of Thailand has had three capitals in its tumultuous history. The current capital, Bangkok, is the hub that every traveler passes through. Many also choose to visit Ayutthaya, to the north, because it is easily accessible from Bangkok.

I recommend going further north, to Thailand’s original capital, Sukhothai. Here you can explore ancient ruins on foot or by bicycle, enjoying the serenity of a small hotel and relatively few visitors. This combines well with Chiang Mai and can be reached by train or flight from Bangkok. As is often the case, the extra travel puts most people off but is well worth it. BP

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In the frame Thai Monks at Phanom Rung

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