Amvrazi - Fodors Thailand: with side trips Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar

Bangkok. In this boomtown of contrasts where old-world charm meets futuristic luxury, you can dine at street stalls or ritzy restaurants, visit the jaw-dropping Grand Palace, and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market or Pathumwans designer malls. At night there are hip mega-clubs and Patpongs famous red lights.

Around Bangkok. Petchaburi has ancient temples and a royal retreat, while Thailands oldest city, Nakhon Pathom, is home to Phra Pathom Chedi, the worlds largest Buddhist structure.

The Gulf Coast Beaches. Thailands two shores have alternating monsoon seasons, so theres great beach weather somewhere year-round. The Gulf has Pattayas nightlife and the island trio of Koh Samui (good sailing), Koh Pha Ngan (full-moon revelry), and Koh Tao (diving).

Phuket and the Andaman Coast. Highlights of this spectacular coastal region include Phuket, Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island), and Krabi, which is a paradise for divers and rock climbers.

Chiang Mai. This lovely moat-encircled old city is riddled with temples and markets, and deserves a lingering stop in any tour of the north.

Northern Thailand. Chiang Rai is a chilled-out regional center and the gateway to the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand meet. Thailands first capital, Sukhothai, has carefully restored ruins.

Cambodia. No Southeast Asia trip is complete without a visit to the temple ruins of Angkor. The capital, Phnom Penh, is a vibrant city with a thriving food scene. Cross the Tonle Sap (the great lake) to communities living in floating houses, or laze on Cambodias spectacular coastline.

Laos. Photogenic rivers, mountainous countryside, and the dreamy feeling of going back in time are major reasons to make the trip across the border. World Heritage sites Luang Prabang and Champasak both have beautiful temples.

Myanmar. Bagans temple ruins rival those of Siem Reap; in nearby Mandalay, the royal palace and Mandalay Hill offer a rich dose of history. The countrys one-time capital, Yangon, is a chaotic, colorful feast for the eyes and the stomach; at quiet Inle Lake, villagers have made their homes on the water.

The website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), www.tourismthailand.org , has details of events, transportation options, destination guides, and more. On the ground, it has branches in many tourist towns, although outside the major cities sporadic opening hours can be frustrating and the information often a little sparse. TAT Call Centre ( 1672 ) offices at Suvarnabhumi Airport are open 24 hours, other city offices open daily 8:30 to 4:30. Check the website for details ( www.tatcontactcenter.com ). The Tourist Police also have a hotline: 1155 .

Thailand has 103 land and marine national parks with many rare species of flora and fauna. The website of the National Park Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department ( www.dnp.go.th/ index_eng.asp ) is a good resource for getting the lowdown on all facilities (including food and drink vendors), animal-spotting opportunities, notable features like waterfalls, and available cabin rentals or camping areas (you can book accommodation online), plus weather news and updates on which areas are closed.

Thailand-based travel agents can be useful if youre trying to pack a lot into a short trip. The 24-hour support many agents offer is particularly helpful if things go wrong, such as when internal flights are delayed.

Asian Oasis. | 66/888097047 | www.asian-oasis.com .
Asian Trails. | 66/26262000 | www.asiantrails.travel .
Circle of Asia. | www.circleofasia.com .
Diethelm Travel. | 66/26607000 | www.diethelmtravel.com .
Exotissimo. | 66/26339060 in Bangkok | www.asiantrails.travel .
Queen Bee. | 66/53275525 | www.queenbeetours.com .

Thailand has three seasons: rainy (Junemid-November), cool (late NovemberFebruary), and hot (MarchMay). In central Thailand temperatures average 73F to 90F in the rainy season; 68F to 86F in the cool season; and 77F to 95F in the hot season. The north is a bit cooler, the south a bit hotter.

City sightseeing is okay during the rainy season: downpours lower the temperature, and storms, though fierce, dont last all day. But flooding can make rural areas inaccessible, and its not a reliable time to plan a trek. The south gets wet by May, but the Gulf islands generally have decent weather until August. Cool-season weather, which is less humid, is perfect for everything: the beaches, Luang Prabang, Angkor Wat, trekking, or exploring Bangkok. But accommodation rates sometimes double, and rooms can be scarce in hot spots like Phuket. The northern nights are chilly in wintergenerally in the 50s, but as low as freezing. Pollution in the north can reach dangerous levels toward the end of the dry season in March and April. By April you can find good hotel deals, if you can stand the heat, though some hotels in less touristy areas shut down for the hot season.