Being the land of colourful contrasts and paradoxes that it is, Thailand has managed to offer us a little bit of everything with golden temples, tropical beaches and ever-changing cityscapes. Bangkok’s Grand Palace and floating markets show off the country’s rich heritage, while the northern city of Chiang Mai lets us look into its spiritual side with ancient temples and lantern-lit festivals.

For those simply in need of relaxation, the beaches of Phuket and Krabi provide the perfect getaway with crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs. However, Thailand’s tropical climate can only take very little responsibility for the country’s warmth, as most of it comes from the smiles of its people, the flavours of its cuisine, and the sheer energy of its cultural traditions.