Thailand is known worldwide for its friendly and vibrant pace of life. The hustle and bustle of Bangkok, the relaxed and fluid lifestyle of its remote islands, the rugged landscape of the northern mountains and its delicious cuisine throughout the country are all instant draws to Thailand. On top of this, its people are friendly, charming and many speak English to a high standard. Thailand has become a bucket list destination for those on a gap year, career break or simply for individuals looking to enjoy a few weeks of holiday.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts of Thailand is its balance of old and new, traditional and modern. Despite the sixteen million foreigners that fly to its shores each year, its cultural integrity remains largely undamaged. As one of the few Asian nations that avoided colonisation, it now blends Western influences with its own historical heritage. Whilst huge parts of the country have been made very accessible to the tourist trail, there is also the opportunity to experience the real backbone of the country. With about 40% of Thai people earning their living from the land, you just need to move slightly off the tourist trail to see farming villages, fishing communities, rubber plantations and Buddhist temples.