When planning your next holiday, top of your wish list is probably; white sandy beaches, consistently high temperatures (have to get that all important holiday tan!), turquoise sea and friendly locals – not forgetting excellent food of course so you can put on the obligatory “holiday pounds”.

But where to go? Thailand of course; where else will you find all of the above and much more.  A long time favourite of backpackers the world over and an increasingly popular tourist destination – a trip to the country will leave you hungry for more.

The country basks in year round warm temperatures (best to travel between November and February though to avoid the rainy season), will amaze you with its culture and tradition, and has something for every traveller, backpacker or family to experience.

If you do decide to make Thailand your next holiday destination, here are my top 5 places to visit:

Bangkok

The capital city of the country and the perfect place to start your Thailand experience, Bangkok has it all; streets lined with food stalls selling exotic Thai cuisine made with fresh ingredients (fridges are quite a rarity in Thailand as all food is freshly prepared), temple after temple with stunning intricately designed interiors, a busy China Town where birds nest and shark fin soups can still be found, western influences and of course the floating markets which Thailand is so very famous for.

Don’t miss: China Town (Yaowarat), the spectacular Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) and finally, the Bang Khu Wiang floating market.

Ko Pha Ngan

If you like to party then why not attend one of the full moon parties which Thailand is also well known for?  The island where it all started is Ko Pha Ngan and you can still join revellers every month for the spectacular party.

Once you’ve danced the night away and spent a couple of days recovering on one of the white sandy beaches, why not explore the Ang Thong Archipelago (containing over 40 islands – many very secluded) or go scuba diving in the beautiful crystal clear water (don’t forget to check whether you are covered on your travel insurance policy).

Don’t miss: Haad Mae Haad Beach (a National Marine Park perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving), Haad Rin (location of the full moon party) and finally, Haad Yao a long white sandy beach on the west coast of the island.

Siam Water Park

Once you’ve had enough of partying the night away on Ko Pha Ngan, and you need to recover from one too many hangovers, why not head back towards Bangkok and visit the Siam Water Park.

The park has a variety of pools, a man made beach with wave machine, slides, waterfalls and whirlpools.  All in all, a fun place to spend a day chilling out with friends or family.

Ko Samui

If you’ve not yet tired of white sandy beaches then head for Ko Samui Island (Thailand’s 3^rd largest island), home to the white sandy beaches and turquoise water which are so typical to the country.

Another perfect destination for snorkelling or scuba diving; or simply relaxing on the miles of beautiful beaches lined with palm trees.  Much drier than the mainland during the rainy season, but beware, it does however have its own rainy season between October and December.

Don’t Miss: Namtok Na Mueang & Namtok Hin Lat (2 stunning waterfalls), Wat Khunaram Ko Samui (an interesting temple with a mummified monk on display) and The Secret Buddha Garden (located at the islands highest point and affording visitor’s panoramic view across Ko Samui).

Image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/farbfilm/

Chiang Mai

Once you’ve definitely had your fill of the many beautiful beaches Thailand has to offer, why not head inland for something altogether different.  Chiang Mai is a bustling metropolis with boutique hotels, trendy clothes shops and internet cafes, beneath which beats the heart of an ancient walled city with over 300 temples and history galore (you’ll only find small sections of the wall now visible).

Don’t miss: Wat Phra Sing (perhaps Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temple), Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Centre and for those with children, Chiang Mai Zoo (with over 7,000 animals).