With low-priced dishes and plenty of gift options, it’s ideal for trying new foods and putting your haggling skills to the test. It’s a huge, enchanting complex that’s home to a theme park, places to eat and several shows. Though the thought of relaxing in this paradise is good enough, there’s also a lot more to do here than sunbathe and swim. Crystal-clear water and soft, white sand both feature here, as do numerous high-end resorts, restaurants and bars. Thailand’s national animal is the elephant, but sadly many are still abused, forced to perform and cruelly ridden by many in the country. Observing them in their newly found freedom. You can not only learn about elephants but also have fun feeding them. The current isn’t strong here, making it perfect for swimming, not to mention ideal for couples or families. Sitting on the beach all day not really your thing?

Each performance sees wonderfully talented “ladyboys” donning glitzy outfits before singing, dancing and acting their hearts out to the crowd in a wonderfully over-the-top manner. It’s the personal contact, the personal experiences. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm – and may even bring benefits. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset – and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

It has it all: a large number of entertainment options, top-class shopping venues and some of the most gorgeous beaches in the whole country. With so much to see and do, it can be a little overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of the top attractions on the island to make sure the only thing you’re worrying about is what to do first. 3. You’ll find street after street of old, colourful, colonial-style mansions and townhouses hosting cute, cosy stores and eateries. See privacy policy. Inside, girls will dance around poles, on stages and even on your table as you take advantage of the cheap beer and laid-back attitudes. Looking for an expert’s perspective? You either love it or hate it, but one thing’s for sure; you’ll never have a dull night there. As a result, it’s an empty stretch free from water sports and loud music. Tree-lined – with soft sand and clear, blue seas – it’s a postcard-worthy beach that you can experience for yourself.

Given the many toy stalls and trampolines (free of charge!) in the area, it’s not uncommon to find families and kids strolling down the street. There are also a number of handicraft stores, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and (of course) kiosk upon kiosk of street food. What doesn’t this place have? If you still haven’t satisfied your shopping urges, head to the malls where you’ll find popular brands and dozens upon dozens of eateries both local and international. After reenergizing with a good bowl of food, you can go again and scavenge the rest of the mall for gifts to family and friends. There are also a few shops that sell local goods such as sarongs, shells, scarves, handbags, and more. Besides being a convenient spot for a quick meal, this futuristic-looking complex also houses several salons, a grocery store, sports shops, clothing stores, and a few gift shops. This two-storey shopping mall may not be as large as the preceding establishments, but it is filled with a nice mix of everything you could want without having to get lost – a grocery, coffee shops, a sprinkling of restaurants, a few dozen boutiques and outlets, some salons, a music shop, and even laundry service.

Strap in and prepare your moolah folks, we’re going shopping! The entire place can roughly be categorized according to area: one for secondhand knock-offs, the next for new items like accessories, toys, and clothing, and another for food stalls. Ready for our list? Besides bargaining for a few pieces of colorful clothing and accessories, make sure to sample the cheap eye-catching food as well. Think vendors who’d engrave your name onto a piece of jewellery or bag, or artists who’d sketch your portrait or caricature of a loved one. The vibrant ice cream saloons, chic coffee shops, and groovy pubs make this place totally worth visiting! Though the place is better known for its delicious and cheap street food than its overall merchandise, it won’t hurt to buy a few skewers of pork or seafood and some fresh fruit while browsing the aisles… This isn’t your typical market. Besides being scrupulously clean, having a food court on the second floor, and escalators (yes, escalators!), the Banzaan Market is known for its fresh produce like meat, seafood, fruit and more.