Thailand holidays

In Thailand, food is at the heart of every occasion, embodying a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, salty and bitter flavours for a delicious culinary experience. A typical meal, whether lunch or dinner, consists of a range of meat and/or fish dishes accompanied by noodles or rice and vegetables, often served with soup. Meals are a special time for sharing with loved ones, with all dishes eaten together, except for the soup, which fosters a sense of belonging and connection.

Desserts feature a vibrant array of tropical fruits indigenous to the region, including guava, pineapple, papaya, mango, banana, tamarind and many others, offering a refreshing conclusion to the dining experience.

Thai cuisine is characterised by its uniqueness, dynamism and explosive flavours, shaped by the diverse cultural influences of its ancestors and neighbouring countries. Chinese culinary techniques, such as stir-frying and deep-frying using the iconic wok, have left their mark, as evidenced by popular dishes such as Pad Thai, popular street food based on stir-fried rice noodles. Indian spices add depth and complexity to many Thai curries, while Thai cuisine retains its distinct identity through the use of fresh, local ingredients such as herbs and galangal.

In addition to Chinese and Indian influences, Thai cuisine has been enriched by the culinary traditions of neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia. This results in a diverse and vibrant culinary landscape that celebrates the rich tapestry of Thailand's cultural heritage.

Mehkong, as tropical as it sounds, tastes even more exotic. Produced solely from sugar cane and rice, it is a distilled rum known as Thailand's golden spirit, ideal for starting your holiday with a sumptuous drink. Sangsom, Chang and Simgha are on a par with Mehkong and are great additions to cocktails thanks to their rich, sweet flavours. If you're looking for something to calm your sweet tooth, authentic Thai sugar cane juice will do the trick. It's one of the most popular drinks sold in local street markets for tourists and locals alike. Other favourites include coconut water, milk iced teas, glass jelly drinks and freshly made smoothies. Pomegranate juice is our big winner!

As in most countries around the world, music is an integral part of Thai culture. Traditional music is classical, Dontri Thai Doem, and was originally played at court. It is generally played in orchestras in three types of groups: a percussion and rhythm ensemble, the pi phat, played during special ceremonies; the kruang sai, an ensemble of strings and instruments; the mahori, a spectacular vocal ensemble popular in theatre; and the kantrum, played during dance performances.

Although Thailand has never been colonised, a variety of music has influenced the infectious rhythms of the Thai people. Rock and jazz were fashionable in the early 1900s, and were much appreciated by the Thai royal family. King Bhumibol Adulyadej even made a name for himself by composing a few jazz pieces! Hip-hop and metal music enjoyed great success in the early 90s. Phleng Phuea Chiwit is Thai folk music influenced by Western culture - yes, Thais LOVE cowboys! Phleng Phuea Chiwit is a blend of Western country, Latin rock and Thai instruments.

It's easy to see why Thailand boasts a plethora of music festivals every year: the iconic Wonderfruit Festival, Kolour in the Park, Big Mountain Music Festival, Waterzonic, Siam Songkram and Maya Music Festival, and the list goes on! The list goes on. Party and dance the day away, Coachella-Thai style.

This majestic land of smiles is a fantastic place to play sport. One of the most exciting martial arts is, of course, Muay Thai, Thailand's national sport. This form of kickboxing is extremely popular and more dangerous than traditional martial arts, as it uses eight points of contact instead of four or two. Nevertheless, locals admire the sport for its thrills and extraordinarily skilled fighters.

Golf is also one of the most popular sports in the archipelago. Numerous lush golf courses are scattered throughout the country, offering epic landscapes of emerald foliage, azure waters and mountain valleys. From the Black Mountain Golf Club to the Blue Canyon Country Club Canyon Course, you'll be spoilt for choice! Other sports include deep-sea fishing, Thai wrestling, football, badminton, snooker, tennis, bowling, boat racing and a whole host of water sports.

From chic shopping malls and weekend bazaars to street markets and bustling high streets, Thailand offers the ultimate shopping experience. Phuket promises shoppers colourful food stalls, street trinket markets and bustling piazzas with ornate shopping malls. Visit Jungceylon Shopping Centre, Central Festival Phuket and Phuket Pedestrian Street for tasty treats, t-shirts, souvenirs and beauty items.