The Far North of Thailand is a verdant landscape of rice fields, tea gardens and country roads winding through rolling hills. Chiang Mai is a brief flight from Bangkok and can also be reached on an overnight train. With fine hotels, a myriad of temples, and a bustling night market, there is much to do here - at your own unhurried pace. Chiang Rai is another charming northern outpost.

The arc from here to the sleepy hamlet of Mae Hong Son near the Myanmar border - where, in late November, the hills light up with the brilliant yellow of sunflowers - encompasses colourful hill tribes with their rich traditions of weaving.

The Northeast beckons with the Prasart Khmer route while Ayutthaya in Central Thailand offers a host of historic sites.

There is no dearth of adventure. Raft through foaming white water in Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi, head out for a jungle trek, an elephant trek, or cruise the green rivers on slow boats. The over 2,000sq km Khao Yai forest reserve not far from Bangkok is another jungle sanctuary, and to the West, in Kanchanaburi, lies the well-known River Kwai - with all its relics of history, including the railway and infamous "bridge". The area is popular for rafting and several of the popular hotels rest on floating pontoons on the river.

The southern region of Phuket, Krabi and Trang, offer a broad variety of adventure, from hiking and rock climbing - above stunning sea vistas - to sea canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Kayaking is a splendid way to explore coastal caves, mangroves and inlets. The beaches present fine, white, powder sand underfoot. Take in the sun, or enjoy a romantic candelit dinner.