THAILAND

Positively humming with cosmopolitan energy, Bangkok is an assault on the senses in the best sort of way. Nestled between soaring mirrored skyscrapers and opulent temples, street vendors, shoppers and office workers go about their business with typical Thai grace, welcoming the curious traveler to join the fray.

The lush hills of this spectacular area near the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma were once a major center of the opium trade. Now the remote villages and jungle pathways that dot the region are a boon to adventurous travelers rather than smugglers.

Explore Thailand’s rich past firsthand by wandering through the crumbling remains of 13th-century Sukhothai, strewn with beautiful statues, temples and pagodas, or Ayutthaya, the region’s capital city from 1350 to 1767. These remarkable cities tell the tale of the profoundly sophisticated Kingdom of Siam.

White-sand beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze—southern Thailand is the tropical paradise of your dreams. Towering, jungle covered karst formations dot the shoreline inviting exploration by kayak, while on dry land, jungle hikes, rubber plantations and cave monasteries beckon the adventurous traveler.

Just a few hours from Bangkok, Khao Yai is a lush wonderland populated by rare orchids and exotic birds. A bit farther off the beaten path, southerly Khao Sok offers the opportunity to hike through the jungle or paddle around majestic karst formations in the company of vibrantly colorful birds and flowers. A sighting of the park’s elusive tiger is a rare treat.

Fresh and fiery, Thai food is a world-class cuisine with surprising nuance. Learn to craft iconic dishes from scratch at a top-notch culinary school in Chiang Mai. Visit a local market to select your ingredients local-style and leave with annotated copies of your favorite recipes for repeat performances back home.