Thailand, in Southeast Asia, Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, It has long been a popular destination for many travellers. Thailand receives almost 40 million tourists, making it the second most popular APAC destination visited by international travellers.
Why travel to Thailand?
Thailand will amaze you with its cultural diversity, warm welcome and enchanting landscapes. From the majestic temples of Bangkok to the paradise beaches of the south, every corner offers a unique experience. Thai cuisine, a cornucopia of flavours, will electrify your taste buds with unforgettable dishes, while the locals’ hospitality creates an authentic bond with this “land of smiles.” Whether in the jungles of the north, in the crystal-clear waters made for diving, or in the bustling markets, Thailand has something for you whether you know it or not. The vibrant nightlife and picturesque shopping put the finishing cap on this captivating adventure.
Where to go in Thailand for your first visit?
Each of these destinations has something special to offer, making Thailand not only accessible to first-time travellers but irresistible to anyone looking for a unique adventure. Whether it’s the serenity of the north, the frantic energy of Bangkok or the paradise beaches of the south, Thailand presents itself as an essentially perfect destination, ready to captivate and amaze every visitor.
1. Bangkok, the vibrant capital
Bangkok, a thriving metropolis, is generally recognized as the ideal starting point. Visit the Grand Palace for its breathtaking architecture and explore Wat Phra Kaew for an immersive experience of Buddhist spirituality. Markets like Indra Market for shopping, and Chatuchak offer a refreshing adventure where you can pick up unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to try the delicious street food, sure to tickle your palate.
2. Pattaya, a Calm and Peaceful place
A clean and calm Place to enjoy your holidays. You must visit the Coral Island by motorboat from Pattaya. You may have an undersea walk, sky diving and many more in the ocean. A variety of shows are being organised in the city where you can enjoy what never before.
2. The beaches in the south of the country, a seaside paradise
For white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the south of Thailand is key. Phuket, the largest island, combines relaxing on the beach with a spirited nightlife. Krabi, with its striking rock formations, is a photographer’s paradise. The islands of Phi Phi offer incredible diving spots.
3. Chiang Mai, the treasure of the north
Head north and discover Chiang Mai, a city surrounded by mountains. Visit Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra Singh, soak up the local culture at the night market and explore the surrounding area to meet the hill tribes. A Thai cooking class will add a culinary touch to your adventure.
Five practical tips for visiting Thailand
By following these tips, your trip to Thailand will not only be enjoyable but you can also make it an authentic cultural experience.
- Respect local traditions: When visiting temples and sacred areas, be sure to dress modestly and take off your shoes. Respecting local customs enhances an already enriching cultural experience.
- Try the street food: Don’t miss out on the delights offered by Thailand’s street food stalls. Not only is it delicious, it’s also an authentic immersion in the everyday life of the average Thai person.
- Learn a few words of Thai: Although many Thais speak English, learning a few basic Thai phrases can make you some unexpected friends and make interactions with locals easier. A simple “Sawasdee” (hello) or “Khap khun” (thank you) can open many doors.
- Use local transport: In Bangkok, use the BTS (Skytrain) and the metro to avoid traffic jams. When travelling between regions, domestic flights are often quicker and more convenient than overland travel.
- Protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes: Thailand is often sunny and hot, so make sure you wear adequate protection, a hat and light breathable clothing. In addition, use mosquito repellent to avoid any inconvenience when exploring the great outdoors. And make sure you have travel insurance to cover any unplanned medical emergencies. Avoid drinking tap water and make sure your food is well cooked to prevent health problems.
Made up of 77 provinces, Thailand offers tourists a little bit of everything- the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan city of Bangkok, the idyllic sandy beaches of Koh Samui and Pattaya, historical sites and monuments in many cities, and a whole lot of culture, tradition and authentic Thai experiences.
In a recent travel survey conducted by GMO Research of 3,328 respondents across multiple countries in the APAC region, 32.9% of those polled indicated that they would like to visit Thailand, making it amongst the top five countries to visit for leisure. These figures are highly encouraging for the Thailand travel industry, as the Southeast Asian country outranked popular leisure destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Switzerland, amongst others.
With Thailand poised to see a steady influx of travellers, especially in the coming year, it is strengthening its travel and tourism infrastructure, deploying more personnel to handle the arrival surges. With Thailand’s food and drinks being a pull factor for travellers, the F&B industry is also arming itself with awards and accolades, such as boosting the number of restaurants.
Thailand draws in travellers from all over the world with its rich culture, paradise beaches and distinctive cuisine. If you are travelling to this enchanting country for the first time, there are several destinations you should pick first, each showing a unique face of this tropical paradise.
The best season to visit Thailand is from November to early April. This is when the heavens are no longer pouring and the sky clears up. The days are warm and perfect for an outing at the beach or for checking out the numerous heritage sites.
Thailand is known for being affordable, especially for Indians. Street food is delicious and cheap, and you can find good value in accommodation, particularly hostels or guesthouses.
7 days is enough to explore Thailand. While you won’t see every corner of Thailand, this itinerary covers the highlights, giving you a taste of its diverse offerings.
Proper planning can help to enjoy a luxurious vacation in Thailand under 1 lakh. Planning your bookings, and accommodations well in advance will help you save extra bucks.
Please visit my other article for other more places to visit.
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