Just make sure you prepare for all eventualities. In many areas, the walks are well defined and the paths are famous and well-trodden. In these cases, you don’t need to prepare too much if you’re fit and able – other than for the heat.

As an example, the in Ko Phi Phi Don, the Phi Phi Viewpoint short hike is very popular. It’s something of a short, sharp, shock, though – and it’s like trying to climb 100 flights of stairs in a sauna. So take fluids! You’ll easily find it by following signposts from the road heading eastwards to Ao Lo Dalam from the tourist village.

Phi Phi

The final destination viewpoint is reached by an incredibly steep 300 metre climb that includes hundreds of different steep steps and narrow twisting paths to choose from. But to say the view once you get to the top is worth it would be something of an understatement. You see the most amazing azure sea colours from up here and you’ll probably see Sea Eagles if you’re interested in a little Thai “twitching”.

Ao Nang

Another well-known hiking and sports spot is at Ao Nang. Along with Chiang Mai, Ao Nang is one of Thailand’s two best adventure sports destinations and home to two of the country’s best and most

Various companies run elephant treks in the forests around Ao Nang, on which you get chance to do a little trekking along jungle streams, see wild monkeys and many exotic birds. Or you may decide to do an elephant trek through jungle to Tham Srakaew – an amazing cave with hanging stalactites which was filmed in “The Beach”.

If you’re more adventurous and looking to do some real hiking (probably further north) then make sure you prepare exceedingly thoroughly and do all the research you possibly can. Get the right clothing and equipment too. Despite the heat, get the best (covered…) footwear you can afford in the Merrell sale.

Depending on where you go at what time of year, the temperatures can get cold at night – dangerous after a day’s hiking in the heat. Mosquito nets, Vango sleeping bags, a good lightweight tent, and whatever medication you could need are all basic requirements. Better yet, choose a guided trip.

Many people choose a two-centre break when they go to Thailand – spending time in the cool mountainous north, visiting centres like Chiang Mai or going on a trek through the jungle, staying in the villages along the way, and riding an elephant for part of the journey.  Your children will be fascinated by how different life is in Thailand, and there’s fabulous food for them to try at every street corner.

Thailand has been a tourist highlight for many years, and even with children with the most unadventurous tastebuds,  you’ll find that they are well catered for. If they don’t want to try Thai food, they won’t know what they’re missing, but there’s plenty of western food to keep them nourished.

Bangkok or Krung Thep, “the city of angels”, has some amazing places to visit. Take a tour of the Grand Palace and you can also visit some of the city’s biggest and most well-known temples like Wat Po, with the enormous reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Keaw – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn.

Don’t forget to go along to the floating market, where all the buying and selling of fruit and veg takes place on the river – not something you see every day in any European city.

Once you’ve had your fill of culture, it’s time to head for one of the many golden sand beach resorts that the Thai coastline is studded with. Beyond the enjoyment and fun for the family that any beach holds, there’s the chance to swim in turquoise, clear waters that are the temperature of a warm bath.  The scenery is amazing and you’ll be able to try out pretty much any water sport you can think of.

And if you’re a little concerned about taking your children to a far-off land, check out a website like SuperSavvyMe for advice on flying long-haul with young children and what you might need to take with you.

A family trip to Thailand is one that you’ll all treasure the memories of for many years to come.

As it stands, 3 out of my last 5 vacations have been in Thailand, so as far as I am concerned, there is really never a bad time to visit. Most people will tell you that from May till September it’s the rainy season and so not a good time to visiting that particular region. I disagree, because rainy season in Thailand means maybe an hour of or less of rain/day – which is not likely to really ruin your day. I admit that when it rains it rains quite hard, but if it’s for just an hour or so, than what’s the big fuss. As far as I am concerned you can visit Thailand whenever you feel like it – as long as you are well prepared to cope with the changing weather patterns that you are likely to experience. The peak tourist season begins from October to April, which is supposed to be the coolest and driest season, but around this time hotel rates are also at their peak, as are the volumes of tourists coming to the country.

Another great reason to visit Thailand apart from the peak tourist season is that, the rainy season is quite territorial in nature. Since it is the annual monsoon it moves east and northward in the first half and south and west in the second half of the year. So if it’s raining in Phuket in May, it would be perfect in Koh Samui and even better in Chiang Mai.

Holidays & Events in Thailand

But if you’ve taken my advice and decided that any time is good time to visit Thailand, do make sure that you are aware of the national holidays or festivals during that time so you know what to expect from your trip. Although all major tourist attractions stay open during public holidays, there is the exception of a shutdown on New Year (1 January) and Songkran (13 to 15 April). In fact if you happen to be in Thailand during Songkarn, which is the traditional time for Thais to hit the road, you will find Bangkok a little empty, but hotels outside of Bangkok will be booked full for months in advance.

Visas

Before you book your trip, check if you do need a visa. Since tourism accounts for a major chunk in Thailand’s GDP (Gross domestic product), getting 60 or 90 day visa is an easy process from most Thai embassies and consulates. It can also be done by mail if there’s no consulate in your city.

Money and Financial Matters

Thai currency is called the “Baht”. After your arrival in Thailand try to get currency exchanged from one of the currency exchanges at Bangkok’s international airport or around major tourist areas. The current exchange rate is approximately 40 Baht to the US Dollar. Avoid changing currencies at your hotels as you will get a much lower rate there. All major credit cards are also accepted in Thailand.

Packing – What to Bring

When packing for Thailand, remember that it is a tropical country where warm clothes are rarely needed. However, spending your entire vacation in shorts is also not a good idea, since not only are you in danger of sunburn and mosquito bites, but lots of religious sites insist that you to dress in a respectful manner. Besides this, do remember to pack your camera, and bring an inexpensive rain poncho for the moment that you are caught in the tropical storms.

Susan is a travel writer working for tropicalsky.co.uk and has never really lost her passion for backpacking around Asia and South America.

Photo: mariachily

All the rocks in the area are limestone and form part of the world’s biggest coral reef that travels from China to Papua New Guinea.

Around Railay Beach, all the routes are bolted sports routes.  There are more than 700 routes – including those suitable for beginners through to the most extreme climbing routes you could imagine.

On Railay beach, there are a huge number of climbing schools to choose from. You can get one-on-one tuition or go out in a group. All you need is a pair of climbing shoes. The local schools supply all the rest of the climbing gear if you don’t have yours with you.

One of the original climbing routes at Railay beach is 123. So-called as it used to be done in the days when ropes were only 50m long and it used to take three pitches. The climb concludes in a cave at the top, with an amazing view of the sea.

Photo: Shelby PDX

On Phi Phi island, climbing first got going in the late 1980s and was led by the French and the Dutch.  However, bolt corrosion meant that climbing had almost stopped here by the mid-1990s.  Following the tsunami of 2004, a lot of work has been done in rebuilding both the resort for all holidaymakers and the climbing routes for climbers. You can still climb in relative isolation here, and many of the routes have been re-bolted.  The scenery is amazing and most of the routes take place over a beautiful, clear turquoise sea.