Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Formerly known as Siam, Thailand is a country at the Centre of the Southeast Asian Indochinese Peninsula; bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Cambodia, to the south by Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea. Thailand also shares maritime borders with India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

WHAT IS THAILAND BEST KNOWN FOR?

Thailand is best known for its friendly people, their amazing culture, famous for their spicy cuisine and the beautiful natural environment. Best know for their beautiful Buddhist temples tended by orange-robed monks, famous for their gorgeous beaches and their blue lagoons; famous for their modern cities crowded with motorbikes and tuk-tuks.

Hence, Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destination.

FEW INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THAILAND

~ The official language is Thai. Other languages spoken include Chinese and Malay. English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country, especially in all major touristic areas.

~ Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai, which means “Land of the Free.” It is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European nation.

~ Thailand is currently a constitutional monarchy. The Thai monarch reigns, but does not rule, that’s why the king is loved and revered by the majority of the population.

~ The country has 76 provinces and a multi-ethnic population of almost 70 million.

~ Thailand’s currency unit is the Baht. 100 Thai Baht equals about $3.09 US Dollars.

~ The national flower of Thailand is the orchid. No wonder Thailand is one of the world’s largest orchid exporters.

~ There are about 35,000 temples in Thailand. Thailand is truly a land of temples. Visiting them requires modest clothing, meaning no shorts or sleeveless shirts.

~ Thailand has often been refered to as the “land of smiles” 🙂 A peace-loving culture – you’ll find more smiles here, than just about anywhere else.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

Although the climate varies throughout Thailand, you can visit all year round. The best time to travel is during the cool and dry season between November and March. The hottest month is April, and the coldest December. The wettest month is September, with an average of 220mm of rainfall.

Thailand’s climate ranges from the sub-tropical to the tropical zones, with three distinct seasons:

November to January – cool and dry season;

Thailand’s peak travel season is during this period, when it is cool and comfortable to travel throughout the country. The northeast monsoon brings cool, refreshing winds that help keep temperatures down.

February to May – hot and dry season;

These are the hottest months of the year. Thanks to the low rainfall, anywhere in Thailand is the best to visit during these months. Thai New Year in mid-April, which makes April a busier travel month.

June to October – monsoon season;

September is the wettest month of the year. Temperatures in the northern part of the country during the wet season are generally high. It is important to note that it doesn’t rain all day long, even during the wet season.

Here are some DOs and DON’Ts while in Thailand:

DO dress properly!
Make sure to dress properly when visiting Thai temples and royal palaces – shoulders and knees must be covered.

DO take off your shoes!
Feet are considered dirty in Thailand; in many places shoes are left outside and feet stay on the floor. When you enter homes and even in some hotels, shoes must be taken off.

DO respect the monarchy!
Thailand is a monarchy and its beloved by the locals, so make sure you respect it.

DON’T point!
Pointing your finger to someone or at something is considered to be a very bad manner in Thailand.

DON’T put your feet up!
Putting your feet up on anything, including a stool is considered to be very rude in Thailand.

DON’T touch anyone’s head!
In Thai culture the head is the most important part of the body.

DON’T ride the elephants!
Unfortunatelly, elephants are treated badly. Several sanctuaries around Thailand recover and take care of abused, beaten or abandoned elephants. DO help the staff to feed them or wash them, instead.

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THE 10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THAILAND

1. BANGKOK

Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok is a buzzing cosmopolis of high rise buildings, magnificent palaces, ancient temples, glittering nightclubs, bustling markets and streets lined with vendors selling souvenirs and delicious street foods.

Check out Bangkok’s most famous neighborhoods:

⦁ Chatuchak – is best known for its Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets not just in Thailand, but across Southeast Asia;

⦁ Chinatown – famous for its authentic Chinese cuisine, is a popular tourist attraction;

⦁ Khao San – its famous Khao San Road is the center of all backpackers;

⦁ Pratunam – is where the country’s tallest hotel lies: the famous Baiyoke Sky Hotel;

⦁ Bangkok Riverside – is the traditional heartland – is where the city’s historic roots lie;

⦁ Siam – is home to the city’s most popular shopping malls;

⦁ Silom – undoubtedly one of Bangkok’s most important financial districts;

⦁ Sukhumvit – is one of the city’s most modern areas with shopping, dining and nightlife experience;

⦁ Bangkok Old Town – this is where you can find Bangkok’s most spectacular temples and historical attractions, including the royal Grand Palace, the awe-inspiring Wat Phra Kaew, which contains the Emerald Buddha, and the amazing Wat Pho;

Bangkok is a city with action at every turn. Take a glimpse of its famous nightlife, catch a tuk-tuk through bustling Chinatown, or take a boat through the floating market – Bangkok never ceases to amaze!

Read more about Bangkok…

2. CHIANG MAI

Surrounded by the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a culturally important city where historical and modern Thai architecture and traditions coexist. Has dozens of Buddhist temples, which attracts millions of tourists every year.

Here are the best things to do in Chiang Mai:

⦁ Enjoy a walk in The Old Town, where most temples are located;

⦁ Discover the local market, including the famous Warorot Market, and the Night Bazaar;

⦁ Go to Huay Lake to eat in traditional bamboo huts by the water;

⦁ Visit Bhubing Palace and walk through the beautiful gardens of the Royal Family’s winter palace;

⦁ The Elephant Nature Park is a must visit while in Chiang Mai. This elephant sanctuary is best know for its ethics. Here everything is done to ensure the elephants live in an environment as close as possible to their wild conditions.

3. KANCHANABURI

Located in western Thailand and admired for its beautiful scenery and accessibility to national parks, caves and waterfalls, Kanchanaburi is best known for the Bridge over the River Kwai that is linked with the historic Death Railway to Burma in which thousands of Asian laborers died during its construction.

Some of the main points of interests in Kanchanaburi:

⦁ The Railway Museum – about the history of “the death railway” and the harsh living conditions of the prisoners;

⦁ The Allied Military Cemetery – where the graves of nearly 7,000 soldiers are located;

⦁ The World War II Museum – provides a great view over the famous bridge, and of course don’t forget to cross the bridge itself! It’s a must do while in Kanchanaburi.

4. AYUTHAYA

Once declared the most magnificent city on earth, the historical city of Ayuthaya was an impressive site, with three palaces, more than 400 temples and a population that reached nearly one million.

Sitting on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting it to the Gulf of Siam, the city of Ayuthaya is located in the Chao Phraya River Valley.

King U Thong proclaimed it as the capital of his kingdom, the Ayuthaya Kingdom, better known as Siam. In 1767, the capital was moved to Bangkok after the Burmese people attacked and conquered Ayuthaya.

Located just 80 km (50 miles) north of Bangkok, the ruins of Ayuthaya are now a major attraction for those visiting Thailand. It can easily be reached by train, boat, or car.

5. LOP BURI

Located just an hour’s drive away from Ayuthaya (40 minutes by train), Lop Buri is the oldest city in Thailand. Lop Buri is also called “City of Monkeys”.

There are few temples and ruins worth visiting, but usually tourists gather here to see the macaque monkeys that roam around free. The Macaques are thought to bring good luck to the city’s residents. Just careful with the monkeys – do not feed them, they can be aggressive.

The 12th Century ruins of Phra Prang Sam Yot is Lop Buri’s oldest and most well-known landmarks. It’s a must see while in Lop Buri.

6. CHIANG RAI

The northernmost city in Thailand, Chiang Rai serves as the main commercial hub of the Golden Triangle, which contains the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

Sometimes it is referred to as the “Art Capital” of Thailand, as it was the birthplace of many Thai artists.

What to see and do in Chiang Rai:

⦁ Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple): This unique structure is almost entirely white! In order to get to the temple, one must cross a white bridge surrounded by creepy concrete hands, grasping upwards. The White Temple its well know worldwide, and it’s truly an impressive place to see.

⦁ Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple): In contrast to the White Temple, this entire temple has a deep blue color, symbolizing the sky. A very nice site to visit and the entrance is free.

⦁ The Black House Museum (Baandam Museum): a rather unusual creepy place with small houses decorated with crocodile skins, skulls, bones and other objects, even skeletons;

⦁ The Night Bazaar: is the perfect place to buy all kinds of souvenirs.

⦁ Khun Korn Waterfall: is the largest waterfall in the Chiang Rai area;

7. KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK

Khao Yai national park is one of Thailand’s best spots for wildlife watching. A visit offers a real chance to see Asian elephants in the wild.

Besides elephants, the national park has healthy populations of gibbons, macaques, deers, bears, jackals, snakes, exotic birds and lots of other tropical creatures that call the park home.

The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, including the 150-meter-tall Haew Narok Waterfall is one of the highest and most impressive waterfalls in the country. The most famous waterfall, however is the Haew Suwat Waterfall, which appeared in the Leonardo DiCaprio’s film, The Beach.

8. RAILAY (RAI-LEH)

Surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs, Railay (also known as Rai-Leh), is a small peninsula in South Thailand that is only accessible by boat due to the high cliffs cutting off mainland access.

The Railay Peninsula is rimmed by four beaches on it’s sides, making you feel like you’re actually on an island. It is known as one of the greatest rock climbing destinations in the world with many cliffs and caves, but the area is also a popular attraction due to its beautiful white sand beaches, providing a beautiful scenery, and a quiet relaxing atmosphere.

9. KOH PHI PHI

Thailand’s pride and joy, Koh Phi Phi is actually a series of six islands off the coast of Phuket, but they are administratively part of Krabi. The islands that make up the Phi Phi archipelago are pure paradise.

The two main and famous islands are: Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Don is the largest of the two and attracts hundreds of visitors every day, while the smaller Phi Phi Leh has stunningly beautiful bays and beaches. The island hosts only one beach situated in Maya Bay that became world-famous after Leonardo Di Caprio’s movie: The Beach.

If you’d prefer to escape the crowds of Maya Bay, book a tour or hire a private longtail boat for the day and discover the other surrounding islands: Koh Phai (Bamboo Island), and Koh Young (Mosquito Island).

10. PHUKET

Located in Southern Thailand of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is an incredibly popular tourist destination frequented by millions of tourists every year from all across the globe. While in Phuket, you can enjoy numerous white sand beaches, clear turquoise blue waters, open sea boat tours, unbelievably beautiful sunsets, engaging live shows, adventurous watersports, and a vibrant nightlife.

Here are some of the best things to do in Phuket:

~ Discover the caves and lagoons at Phang Nga Bay;

~ See The Big Buddha Statue;

~ Take a Trip to Wat Chalong;

~ Be Inspired At Jui Tui Shrine;

~ Check out the wild nightlife in Paton Beach;

~ Visit the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket Town;

~ Discover the best beaches in Phuket, including: Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, Bangtao Beach, or Banana Beach;

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN THAILAND!

With some stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, lush mountains, wild jungles, delicious spicy foods, rich culture, and friendly people all around, Thailand should be on every traveler’s bucket list!

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