Intrepid holiday-makers will find there is 'so much more' to Thailand

There is "so much more" to Thailand than the reasons people often decide to travel there, according to a travel writer and editor.

Many people travel to the south-east Asian country for the great weather or shimmering beaches and - although these are undoubtedly bonuses - there are so many things to see on in Thailand that an activity trip may make best use of tourist's time.

Lucy Ridout, writing on the travel advice website Wanderlust, recommended visiting the big cities but also seeing as much as possible of the relatively-unseen areas of Thailand.

"It's all so easy to explore. Wherever you pitch up you'll find boats, buses, bicycle rental and tour operators ready to help you," she said. "Just consult the unthumbed sections of the guidebook to design the perfect route."

Thailand is the most popular country for tourism in south-east Asia, with 11 million people arriving every year, mostly though the capital of Bangkok.

Ms Ridout is a south-east Asia travel specialist, having written guidebooks for Thailand, Bali and the region in general.