Adventures in Thailand

Riding elephants, getting lost in Bangkok, snorkelling in the waters of Phi Phi, I discovered what this exquisite country has to offer no matter how tight your hold on the purse string is.

For the sun-worshipper...

If it is turquoise seas, and golden beaches you are seeking, travel to the beautiful Thai islands to soak up the rays. Not to be missed are the snorkelling trips on Koh Phi Phi. For the cost of about 10 pounds for the day you can explore the islands most beautiful spots. Highlights of this included seeing the island's Monkey Beach and Maya Bay, which famously seduced the likes of Leonardo di Caprio in the movie The Beach.

For the explorer...

Go beyond the touristy areas to the stunning backdrop of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Here there is ample opportunity for the traveller to immerse themselves in cultural activities such as Cooking School, Mahout Elephant Training, White Water Rafting, and trekking to see the many beautiful waterfalls. Check out the elephant places online before you go to ensure you choose an ethical place. Ranked top on trip advisor is Woody's Elephant Training in Mae Taeng. Fairly inexpensive, this was an unforgettable day riding, feeding and washing the elephants in the river. www.woodyelephanttraining.com/blog/

For the city breaker...

Full of noise, colour and smells, Bangkok is a vibrant bustling city which marches to the beat of its own drum. Stay on Khao San Road at the inexpensive D and D Inn, to be right in the heart of the bars, restaurants, street sellers and local cuisine. The hotel even comes with its own roof top pool; perfect for soaking up the city's nighttime skyline after you have viewed the stunning temples, floating markets, and the Grand Palace in the day. www.khaosanby.com/DD-Inn

For the party goer on a budget...

An obvious choice for many is to head to Koh Phangan for the famous Full Moon Party and join the tens of thousands filling the Haad Rin beach each month. Book your accomodation as soon in advance as you can to avoid getting somewhere inexpensive, far away and less than luxurious. Not to be overlooked is the beach nightlife on other islands such as Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket (although steer clear of Patong) where impressive fire shows are often performed by locals at night.

To get there...

Look on skyscanner.net for the cheapest flights. A top tip for students is to use statravel.co.uk as it provides discounted prices for those studying. Our return flights were under £500 and I'm sure the savvy online shopper could reduce this further by booking further in advance.