Thailand

New Year between the temples of Bangkok and the beaches of southern Thailand. A perfect week to start the year with the smile of Southeast Asia, among spirituality, urban chaos and some of the world's most beautiful sea.

Bangkok is a marvellous chaos that overwhelms every sense. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are a triumph of golden spires, mosaics and demonic guardian statues — the ultimate expression of Siamese art. Across the Chao Phraya river, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) rises with its central tower decorated in Chinese porcelain, spectacular at sunset when reflected in the river water. Temples alternate with markets: the floating market with boats laden with tropical fruit, and the night market with the aroma of pad thai, mango sticky rice and satay filling the streets. Bangkok's street food is considered the best in Asia — and rightly so.

From Bangkok a flight south to Krabi, on the Andaman coast. Here the landscape changes radically: limestone karst towers emerging from the emerald sea like natural sculptures. Railay Beach, accessible only by boat due to the cliffs separating it from the mainland, is one of the most photographed beaches in the world — white sand, crystal-clear water and sheer limestone walls ideal for rock climbing. The excursion to the surrounding islands (Koh Poda, Chicken Island) by longtail boat is a must: coral reefs, tropical fish and deserted beaches.

The last stop is Koh Lanta, the most authentic and least touristy island in the area. Long stretches of virtually deserted white sand, a slow and relaxed pace of life, and sunsets that paint the sky pink and orange every evening. Beach bars serve ice-cold Chang beer and grilled fish as the sun dips into the ocean. The Mu Ko Lanta National Park at the island's southern tip offers jungle trails leading to hidden coves with coral cliffs.

The second visit to Thailand after 2014, this time more focused on the southern coasts — and confirmation that this country has a charm that never fades.