Asia

Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The attractions of Thailand are myriad – ruined cities, ancient monasteries, Buddhist monks, colourful hill tribes, floating markets, rave parties, dense rainforests, exotic wildlife, tropical islands, golden beaches and pristine coral reefs. Then there’s Bangkok, the most exuberant capital city in Southeast Asia, which would justify a trip to Thailand all by itself. Thailand has so much to offer that one visit is never enough – you'll want to come back and discover more time after time.

Thailand is always welcoming, despite receiving hordes of tourists all year-round. Thailand’s majestic temples pull you in, and you can’t help but be drawn to the history of it all. Thailand’s pristine and turquoise waters are magical, warm and incredibly photogenic which add the perfect touch to a dream holiday.

Places to visit in Thailand

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of contrasts with action at every turn. The clash of tradition and modernity is most intense in Bangkok, which forms the first stop on almost any itinerary. Marvel at the gleaming temples, catch a tuk tuk through bustling Chinatown or take a longtail boat through floating markets. Food is another Bangkok highlight, from local dishes served at humble street stalls to haute cuisine at romantic rooftop restaurants.

2. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers. On a trip to Chiang Mai, the curious traveller can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. Others will be bowled over by the variety of handicrafts and antiques. The wild child will find plenty of lively nightlife, and the epicure can indulge in wonderful cuisine. Despite its relatively small size, Chiang Mai truly has it all.

Located 700 km (435 miles) north of Bangkok in a verdant valley on the banks of the Ping River, Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Today it is a place where past and the present seamlessly merge with modern buildings standing side by side with venerable temples.

3. Phuket

Phuket province is located in Southern Thailand. It is the biggest island of Thailand and sits on the Andaman Sea. The nearest province to the north is Phang-nga and the nearest provinces to the east are Phang-nga and Krabi.

Phuket has a large Chinese influence, so you will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese Restaurants around the city. A Chinese Vegetarian Festival is held there every year. While the Chinese community is quite big, there are many other ethnicities bringing all their traditions and festivals from all over the world to Phuket.

Being a big island, Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent Beaches such as Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Mai Khao. Laem Phromthep Viewpoint is said to feature the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.

It isn’t all just beaches though, there is also fantastic classical architecture such as the Goom Restaurant. That and the very welcome atmosphere and the famous Phuket nightlife, you can see why the island is a hotspot for tourists in Thailand.

4. Pattaya Beach

It is about 3 kilometres long Beach. There is a shady road along the beach. The north beach is quite a quiet place that tourists like to go swimming and chilling. Pattaya Beach is the most famous beach in Pattaya. It is a center of marine activities for those who come to rest such as sunbathing and water sports. The whole 3 kilometres along the beach is full of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. However, if you like a quiet atmosphere, the northern part of this beach is the best option.

5. Hua Hin

Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s premier Beach resort towns on the Gulf of Thailand, is less than 200 km south of Bangkok, making it one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations for city residents. A resort equally popular with young couples and families, tourists and Thais, Hua Hin is also the location of the King of Thailand’s summer Palace, Klai Kang Won, which means “Far from Worries.” Hua Hin features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, numerous Seaside Seafood restaurants, a lively night market, numerous beach activities, and some great inland activities, not least of which is golfing at some of Thailand’s most renowned courses.

6. Krabi

Krabi is the perfect holiday destination for those looking for a relaxing area in southern Thailand. The province, located between Phang Nga and Trang, features stunning scenery both inland and at sea. With over 150 islands off its 150km-long coast line (many of them featuring fantastic white-sand beaches and turquoise waters), a jungle-covered interior, towering limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls and exotic wildlife, Krabi a great selection of natural assets that offer its visitors a wide array of leisure activities for the whole family. Island-hopping, snorkelling, rock climbing, sea kayaking, jungle trekking and scuba diving, are among the most popular occupations that can be enjoyed while on holiday in Krabi.

What to Do in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most attractive countries in the world. The sights, sounds and scents of this exotic kingdom all add up to a sensual overload.

Choose from visiting glittering Buddhist temples, exploring awe-inspiring caves and grottos, epic cityscapes by night and by day and beautiful National Parks. The options are varied but the result remains the same - a feeling of awe.

Food of Thailand

Thailand offers an incredible culinary experience, with Bangkok and Chiang Mai dominating the food scene. The best of Thai cuisines can be found in these two areas. Thai curries flavoured with herbs, roots, spices and chillies represent the flavours of Southeast Asia. A Thai meal is mainly dominated by rice which cools the fiery flavours of the curry.

The best part about Thailand that is you never need to enter a restaurant to eat, since there are large numbers of hawkers selling street food at every corner. Most of these road side stalls are pretty hygienic and can safely be eaten at.

When in Thailand, do visit the local night markets which are gatherings of open-air night-time kitchens found everywhere in the country.

Best time to visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is in the dry season. From November to April, temperatures are cooler and you can expect picture-perfect days for outdoor activities.

The only downside is that it’s also Thailand’s peak tourist season. Flights and accommodation prices increase and the beaches on Phuket and Krabi will be full of people.

If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip to Thailand between May and October. While you will have to contend with short-lived rainstorms, you’ll be rewarded with cheaper flights and lower hotel rates.

How to reach Thailand

By Train

Thailand’s international train service connects the country to Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore. While international train travel options are limited, travelling within Thailand by train is a safe, economical and excellent way to see the country. In fact, trains are the best way to travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui or Krabi.

By Air

For international tourists, reaching Thailand by air is the most convenient way. There are direct flights to Thailand from all major cities around the world. The Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is well-connected to all the cities while Phuket International Airport is also a great option if you want to get to the beaches right away. Phuket Airport has two terminals – for international and domestic flights and there are frequent routes with daily flight options as well. There are also international airports at Chiang Mai, Krabi and Koh Samui which are connected through flights from Southeast Asian countries. The national carrier is Thai Airways although you can reach Thailand with other airlines as well.

By Water

Thailand is accessible by water from countries like Indonesia and Singapore. There are also cruises from Hong Kong, Australia and Europe which stop at Phuket and Bangkok, although Thailand isn’t often on their list of destinations. Within Thailand, ferries and cruises are a convenient way to see the different islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui.

By Road

Thailand is well connected to several other countries by road as well. If you’re wondering how to reach Thailand by road, then make sure you have an International Driving Permit and a valid driver’s license. There are also regular bus services from countries like Singapore and Malaysia that take you to Koh Samui or Krabi and Hat Yai. The routes are scenic and lush with greenery. But often, crossing the border can take at least a couple of hours, so keep that in mind as well and leave ahead of time. Within Thailand, you can use the reliable bus services to travel to cities like Phuket, Krabi, Phang Na and others.