Thailand, aptly known as the Land of Smiles, is the type of country that you can visit many times over and still feel like you just can’t get enough! There are so many spectacular sights to soak up, amazing experiences to commit to your memory and flavours to explore, that it’s tricky narrowing any trip down to just one or two destinations.
This is why we’re giving one lucky customer a chance to see, smell and taste five of our favourite places in this beautiful country –an amazing 5-stop trip through Thailand for two is up for grabs.
Here’s where we’ll be sending our competition winner and her/his lucky plus two:
Bustling Bangkok
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is a large and vibrant city that manages to balance soaring skyscrapers and busy urban life with ancient palaces and temples, and historical cultures and traditions. This truly unique destination is popular as a springboard for exploring the rest of Thailand – and it is an ideal introduction to the sights, sounds and rhythms of Thai life.
One experience that is definitely not to be missed is Bangkok’s celebrated floating market on the Chao Phraya River, featuring boats filled with brightly coloured fruit, fresh vegetables, local market food packed with flavour, refreshing coconut juice and much more.
Koh Samui Paradise
The tropical beaches of your daydreams – complete with soft white sand, swaying coconut palms and clear-as-glass water – can be found on Ko Samui, an island located in the Gulf of Thailand. Loved for its mix of pristine coastline, tracts of lush rainforest, opulent resorts and spas, and lively bars and restaurants, this paradise caters to a diverse range of visitors, from budget travellers to those jetting in and out for a luxury break.
Amazing experiences include a visit to the towering, 12-metre-tall “Big Buddha” statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple, exploring beautiful waterfalls and hidden coves and, of course, getting in some beach time – whether you’re keen to soak up the sun or dance under the moon.
Cultural Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai – often called the ‘Rose of the North’ – is a must-see historical city and cultural hub on the banks of the Ping River. This destination is situated in mountainous northern Thailand about 700 km from Bangkok, where ethnic tribes still dwell in the heavily forested hills. Dating back to 1296, Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Ruins of walls and moats pay testament to its rich cultural and religious heritage. Today, there are hundreds of ornate Buddhist temples to explore, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, which have been standing for centuries.
Lush Pai
This mountain paradise in Northern Thailand is situated on the Pai River and surrounded by lush tropical forests and hiking trails that lead to secluded waterfalls, secret hot springs and magnificent caves. Some travellers use Pai as a base for visiting the nearby spas or the tribal villages in the hills.
Pai hosts several festivals and events during the year, including a global Enduro off-road and cross-country motorcycling championship. This destination is much-loved for its spectacular natural setting, broad variety of culinary experiences, and relaxing small-town atmosphere.
Ancient Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and once served as the capital of the Siamese Kingdom. Set on an island between three rivers, this notable city was a bustling trading port that catered to international merchants. Today, it is a celebrated World Heritage site located about 80 km outside of Bangkok.
A magnificent archaeological park features the ruins of palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues. Its tall towers, art treasures and technologically-advanced water management system pay testament to the power and influence that this hub once held so many centuries ago, as well as the creativity and skills of its citizens.
Can you imagine yourself there already?
Here’s how to enter our competition for a chance to explore all five of these unforgettable destinations:
• Buy any one of the new dishes on our menu (Monday to Wednesday) – which explore the five flavours of Thai
• Complete the entry card and drop it in-store
• Make sure you have read and understood our terms and conditions (which apply to this competition)
• Competition closes 29th August 2018.
Find out everything you need to know here: https://simplyasia.co.za/win/#s2w
