Find the best Alaska Hotels

The northernmost of the states in the US, Alaska stands closer to Russia than any other American state. Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867, but Alaska did not become the 49th state until 1959. Anchorage, home to half of Alaska's population and the state's biggest international airport, is the first stop for most air passengers. There are currently no flights between Anchorage and Bangkok, so travellers will have to transit at one of a number of airport options en route.

Despite Alaska's reputation as a cold destination, its two major cities enjoy comparatively mild climates. While subarctic interior winter temperatures can plummet down to -50°C, the daytime reading in state capital Juneau hovers around the freezing mark between December and March. Winter is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights, but visitors with low tolerance for cold weather should wait until summer to visit Alaska. Average July summer temperatures are 24°C in Anchorage and 18°C in Juneau. The sun shines during most of the day during Alaskan summers. Summer is also the time for music festivals, and there are number to choose from in Anchorage, Juneau and other locations around the state.

Half a dozen museums are located in Alaska's largest city, Anchorage. Visitors can see bears, moose, bald eagles, and other native wildlife at the Anchorage Zoo or Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. A Northern Lights exhibit is among the highlights at the University of Alaska Museum in Fairbanks, the state's second biggest city. Visitors can also learn more about the Alaska history at Pioneer Park, soak in the Chena Hot Springs, or watch for birds at Creamer's Field during their Fairbanks stay. The southern Alaska Katmai National Park and Preserve is a popular brown bear viewing spot named after a volcano which last erupted in 1927.

Reindeer sausage and fresh king crab are among the most unique foods diners can order at Alaskan diners, where portions are huge and filling. Alaskan restaurants are otherwise very similar to other American restaurants aside from their higher prices. Nightlife is scarce outside of Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau, but Alaskan beers can be found at nearly every bar and microbrewery in the state.

North America's highest peak, Denali, stands in the middle of Alaska's rugged wilderness. It takes between two and four weeks for most mountain climbers to reach the summit of Denali, which towers nearly 6,200 m above its namesake national park and preserve. About 500,000 people explore the hiking trails around the 22 km long Mendenhall Glacier, located 19 km northwest of Juneau, each year. Northern Lights watching and dog sledding are a couple of popular Alaska winter pastimes.

Food and nearly everything else costs more in Alaska than elsewhere in the United States because of its isolated location. Ulu knives and Inuit stone carvings are among the most popular Alaskan souvenirs sold at local galleries and markets. Larger Alaskan cities contain the same chain shops found elsewhere in the United States.