Thailand

These cold grey winter days have had many people hankering after warmer climes, but how hot is too hot? Following on from last week’s virtual visit to some of the coldest places on Earth, this week, we’re bringing you to the hottest places on Earth. Those silly looking hats with attached fans may come in handy should you find yourself in any of these hotspots. 

Death Valley, USA – With a name like that, you won’t expect to find many signs of life or greenery in the driest place in America. Summer temperatures have been known to top 56^oC, but that hasn’t stopped hikers from attempting to walk through the valley. If you’re not (fool)hardy enough to do the same, Death Valley also boasts many luxurious resorts scattered throughout its seemingly inhospitable terrain, so you can take in the stunning dessert scenery from the air-conditioned comfort of your room.

Bangkok, Thailand – It may come as a surprise to you to find out that Thailand’s capital has the honour of being named the world’s hottest city. Bangkok is surrounded by lush green farmland, but the constant smog and high humidity raises the average daily temperature to well over 28^oC. For some respite from the heat and notoriously bad traffic snarls, head north to the cooler provinces, such as Chiang Mai.

Dasht-e Lut, Libya – If a name like Death Valley doesn’t scare you, then perhaps the sight of parched, cracked mud will. This plateau in the Libyan desert is said to be the driest spot on earth, and is so hostile to life that not even bacteria is able to survive. The temperature here has exceeded 70^oc in some years, so you’ll need more than a fan to keep cool.

Bangkok may be one of the largest, busiest cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun on the cheap. In fact, the bustling Thai capital offers many opportunities for visitors to indulge in big-time fun while on a small budget.

Stay
Imm Fusion Sukhumvit – Located right on the busy tourist stretch of Sukhumvit Road, this hotel is only a short hop from most of the city’s famous shopping centres. Should Bangkok’s non-stop hustle and bustle tire you out, you can always retreat to the hotel’s massage area to recharge your batteries, or why not have a foot massage while soaking in the sun’s rays by the lap pool. All this luxury and convenience can be yours from only £30 per night.

Play
Chatuchak Weekend Market – If you’re staying in Bangkok during the weekend, flag down a noisy tuk-tuk and treat yourself to a hair-raising ride on the way to Chatuchak Market. Billed as the world’s largest market, you’ll be able to find almost anything you need - and many more things you certainly won’t need - within the maze-like sois (or alleys) of this seemingly endless market.   And remember, the only way to bag a bargain is to haggle, so don’t be shy!
When your voice is hoarse from all the haggling, simply walk into a different soi to find yourself presented with an endless variety of food and beverages. Once you’ve eaten, it’s time to shop again. After all, with 27 sections and over 15 000 stalls in the place, there’s bound to be something for everyone back home.

Eat
Somboon Seafood – No trip to the City of Angels is complete without a taste of their  succulent seafood. And Somboon Seafood is the place to go to. This huge, noisy restaurant may not be known for its atmosphere but it’s certainly highly rated for it’s delicious seafood dishes. Order the house specialty, chili crab curry, then walk over to the large aquariums outside to pick out the rest of your meal – crabs, lobsters, prawns, fish, what will you pick next? Seafood is sold at market prices, but with such an abundance of it, there’s no need to worry about blowing a hole in your pocket.

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