5 Most Well Guarded Secrets About Thailand Travel

Khao Yai National Park: One of the most visited national parks in Thailand and the second largest in the country, this World Heritage listed site feature lush, mountainous terrain, 320 bird species, 67 mammal species, 1000s of plant species and Khao Rom, the highest peak measuring 1,351m above sea level. Ask for advice from the waiting staff. Remember to get dishes to share.

The set menu is just over €40 but I prefer to pick and choose as the menu is a pleasure to read through. Soft shell crab with a salty egg sauce (€13) is a must, as is the sweet aubergine dish. The former TV celebrity chef Ian Kittichai has designed a menu that isn't strictly Thai but uses all the country's best ingredients to create his own dishes.

The garden and outdoor terrace are relaxing retreats while the multicoloured sofas and walls inside will wake up anyone still suffering jet lag. Issaya Siamese Club, an old wooden Thai house-turned-restaurant, is the one that's garnered the most pats on the back. I have a mental list of last-night restaurants" for guests to splurge the remainder of their holiday money in style before they leave.

The place is a bit hard to find - walk down Soi 26 from Sukhumvit and take the alley to the right after the Arize hotel. And acoustic karaoke has another advantage - Akirosan will forgivingly slow the tempo when you lose the tune. He has thick, dog-eared books of songs with English lyrics so you can sing Beatles into a microphone, all while suited Japanese salarymen sip on their whiskies.

Akirosan sits at a shiny grand piano smoking cigarettes and playing 60s and 70s soul. It's owner, Akirosan, spent his career playing in hotel bars across Japan before moving to Thailand to realise his dream - the acoustic karaoke bar. The tiny Waon Piano & Scotch is the most charming end-of-night spot in Bangkok.

You can go it alone or join a guided tour, which can include visits to local houses and shops. There are several floating markets near Bangkok, Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak being among the most popular. The Bhubing Palace, open to tourists, is on the way to Doi Pui from Doi Suthep as well.

It's far more touristy than other villages, but if you're on a tight schedule, this will give you a taste of Hmong culture and a chance to learn more about the hill tribe communities in the region, not to mention purchase some beautiful hand-woven textiles. You can combine your trip to Doi Suthep with excursions to Doi Pui, a small Hmong village in the mountains. With its intoxicating capital, verdant hinterlands, gorgeous beaches and the Thai people's reputation for tolerance and sense of fun, it's no wonder that the country continues to top best-destination lists.

There are few places on earth that offer such a vast array of Travel to Thailand options as Thailand. I want to try all the adventures you mentioned!