Monthly newspaper and online publication targeting 18 to 35 year olds. The ultimate guide to the hottest parties, going out and having fun. Music, fashion, film, travel, festivals, technology, comedy, and parties! London, Barcelona, Miami and Ibiza.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/366706
7 Issue 64 / 2014 TRAVEL guestlist.net 5. Parties When it comes to luminescence, spectacle and excitement, the only rival to Thailand's underwater world are the equally famous island parties, and whilst in the gulf they are undoubtedly one of the must-do experiences. The full moon party on Koh Phangan rightfully holds the crown as the king of beach parties, as even in low season thousands of body painted party animals descend on the picturesque Haad Rin peninsula to dance until the sun rises, illuminating the azure waters, beach-front rainforest and spectacular hillsides that make this one of the best settings for a party to be found anywhere in the world. If you can't make it for the full moon, don't lose heart; the locals and ex-pat community have found many other excuses to throw a serious party, from the pre-full moon warm up of the Jungle Experience rave, to the slightly smaller but no less energetic half moon parties, bi- monthly waterfall extravaganza and much more, you are likely to run out of energy long before the gulf party scene. 1. Bangkok Thailand's capital and a truly global city on a massive scale, the immense urban sprawl of Bangkok can be intimidating for new arrivals, particularly those whose flights bring them first to this metropolitan maze. Fear not, however, since most of the major attractions are concentrated in the city's 'old centre,' and even just a little exploration will quickly uncover a wealth of cultural experiences to rival any other city in the world. From the elaborate temple complexes, grand ornate palaces and striking monuments to the beer-soaked chaos of Kao San road and the feverish bustle of Chinatown, don't believe what the movies tell you; getting lost in Bangkok may well be the one of the best experiences of your life. 3. Temples You've seen them in the guide- books, and in the holiday pho- tos of other visitors to Thailand, but the country's Buddhist sites of worship are so integral to the Thai culture that they represent national monuments, houses of worship, museums of local his- tory and islands of calm in what is an often chaotic place all rolled into one, and they are a must for anyone seeking some authentic Thai culture. Bangkok is home to the largest and most impres- sive, but it is often in the smaller towns and provinces that the less well visited sites remain true to their Buddhist roots, tucked away innear-pristine rainforest or hidden within the maze of a busy market. Its best to visit them early in the morning; you may well catch sight of the attendant monks returning from their daily collection of alms. 2. Food Although initially something of a shock to more sanitised West- ern sensibilities, Thailand's food is rightfully famous around the world, and tales of good eating here are told wherever travel- lers are found. It may at first seem counter-intuitive, but in Thailand the best eating places are not all that expensive, and it is those who are willing to take the plunge into the country's phenomenal street food who are likely to find the best reward for their money; it is entirely possi- ble to eat like a Thai king for well under a pound in many areas, and for serious foodies visiting a Thai cooking school is a must. From the scalding woks and Chi- nese influenced Bangkok faire to the spicy curries and aromatic soups of the country's North, and the sumptuous seafood along the coasts and islands of the gulf, for many who visit Thai- land, the food is a major reason for a return trip, just be wary of asking for your food 'Thai style;' they like it spicy! 4.Diving Whether you're a total beginner who's afraid of the sea or an ex- perienced diver looking for some more challenging experiences, diving on Thailand's islands is amongst some of the best in the world. Whether you opt for the high-energy dive crazy island of Koh Tao, where more divers are certified every year than any- where else on earth, its more laid back brother Koh Phangan or the more high-end experi- ence of Koh Samui, it is easy to become a qualified open water diver in a matter of days, with exciting advanced classes often coming at discounted rates from some of the world's best dive re- sorts. Even for those just looking for some fun, fun dives are avail- able, and the snorkelling can be equally rewarding; prepare to encounter schools of lumines- cent fish, dazzling coral, ethereal rays, small but fascinating reef sharks, and, if you are lucky, per- haps even catch a glimpse of the gulf's most enigmatic and elu- sive visitors, the green turtle and the mighty whale shark. 53 THAILAND Rapidly cementing its reputation as the hottest destination for travellers, from shoestring budget backpackers to luxury seeking jet-setters and all points in be- tween, Thailand certainly has something to cater to all tastes and lifestyles.