Have you ever come across travelling brochures with breathtaking photos of Thailand?
The warm, tropical country with an equal share of natural bounty and man-made attractions has something to suit everyone’s taste.
The beautiful islands, the serene temples, the mesmerising beaches, the lush green national parks, it’s not surprising that so many people want to go there. But once you are there, you might be wondering what to do.
Thailand has got you covered with a bunch of unique experiences for all types of travellers. If you like challenging yourself, you can try hiking. And if you want to enlighten yourself, then take a temple tour or visit a historic spot.
Beach lovers can explore scuba diving and sea kayaking opportunities, and foodies will love the cooking classes and night markets.
Thailand has two main floating markets-Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market. Both floating markets are a great place to buy traditional Thai items. You can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, and food from the vendors who sell their items from boats. The best time to visit the floating market is early in the morning, as it is the liveliest and you can get the best deals.
Conclusion: Thailand the Land of Smiles is a traveller’s paradise and the various points of interest keep tourists intrigued throughout their vacation.
Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital is located on the delta of the Chao Phraya River, about twenty -five miles from the Gulf of Thailand. It is a city of contrasts with action at every turn. With the Bangkok Package marvel at the gleaming temples, catch a tuk-tuk through bustling Chinatown, or take a longtail boat through the floating markets. Food is another major highlight in Bangkok. From local dishes served at humble street stalls to cuisines at romantic rooftop restaurants. Luxury malls compete with a sea of boutiques and markets, where you can treat yourself without overspending. And no visit to Bangkok would be complete without a glimpse of its famous nightlife. The dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace is the most famous landmark in Bangkok. It was built in 1782 and for 150 years was the home of the Thai King, the Royal court, and the administrative seat of government. Within the palace complex, there are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha) which houses the famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the king of markets in Bangkok and the world’s largest weekend market, Chatuchak is spread over 35 acres with more than 15,000 stalls. Also known as JJ Market, it is divided into 27 sections each intended to sell different kinds of products ranging from clothing, accessories, handicrafts, antiques, and much more.
Phuket
Located in the Andaman Sea of Southern Thailand, Phuket is an incredibly popular destination where visitors can enjoy open sea boat tours, engaging live shows, adventurous water sports, and vibrant nightlife. The highlight of the Phuket Package is Bangla Road or Soi Bangla as it is the hub of nightlife in Phuket. It has a vibrant display of bright lights, street performances, street vendors, restaurants, bars, and shops. Loud music and booze shops lend it a happy vibe as restaurants and pubs compete for customers. Almost all bars and restaurants here are open-air or open-fronted, allowing passers-by to get a good glimpse of the inside. Patong Beach is the most popular beach in Phuket and is often called the party capital of Asia. It is known for its clean sandy shores, bold nightlife, and colourful attractions. The clear Patong waters are ideal for swimming and you can indulge in a variety of water sports offered here such as parasailing, jet skiing, and motorboat racing. Enjoy a soothing self-pampering time during the day with massage and salon facilities. Touristy highlights of Patong include hair-braiding, henna tattoos, and permanent tattoos. Phang Nga Bay, also known as Ao Phangnga, is a group of forty-two islands located between the Malay Peninsula of Thailand and Phuket and is spread over 400 square miles. It is known for archaeological sites of limestone caves and cliffs, mangrove forests, beds of seagrass, and numerous species of flora and fauna.
Iconic White Temple, Chiang Rai
The White Temple, also renowned as Wat Rong Khun, is the most popular attraction in Chiang Rai. It is a privately owned art exhibit in the form of a temple, beautifully showcasing the Buddhist teachings of karma, hell, heaven, and earthly sins. An architectural wonder and brainchild of the artist -Chalermchai Kostipitat, is filled with many Buddhist elements in its architecture, mirror decorations, and ornate reliefs. Visitors can enter the main building after crossing a bridge from the temple entrance. The white colour of the temple embodies the purity and sacredness of Buddha and his Dhamma teachings. The bridge signifies the “cycle of rebirth ” as it goes over a “pool of death” where figures with outreaching hands represent unfulfilled desires. The temple also consists of a golden building that represents the worldly desires people seek, white represents peace of mind.
Get Soaked at Songkran
Songkran, also known as the Thai New Year, is one of the most celebrated and iconic festivals. The word “Songkran” comes from the Sanskrit word “Samkranti”, which means change or transformation. Traditionally, water was sprinkled to wash away bad luck and sins, but now it has become a huge water fight and brings entire cities and towns together. People, young and old, take to the streets armed with water guns, hoses, and buckets, dousing one another playfully and refreshingly. The water symbolizes cleansing and renewal, as well as the washing away of bad luck. It takes place from April 13 to 15 each year, marking the beginning of the traditional Thai calendar. Songkran is known for its temple visits, joyful water fights, and a strong sense of community. It is customary to wish “Sawatdee pi mai” or Happy New Year. Though water fights are fun and exuberant, Songkran is deeply rooted in tradition and respect as it’s time for Thai people to pay their respects to their elders. Many wear traditional Thai clothing, such as brightly coloured sarongs and shirts that add to the festive atmosphere and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.
Experience a Lady Boy Cabaret Show
Thailand’s cabaret shows stand out from regular cabaret shows around the world. The performers are ladyboys, who are an accepted part of society and Thai culture. These shows have it all from elegant dances, songs, and whirling acrobatics. The Tiffany’s Cabaret Show in Pattaya and Simon’s Show in Phuket are two of the most attended cabaret shows in Thailand. Cabaret shows offer some of the finest night-time entertainment in Thailand with shows that are jam-packed with glitz, glamour, and a touch of humour. The performers are world-class, with at least two shows every night, and have a house full of tourists every night.
Climb the Sathorn Unique Tower
Get a kick of adrenaline and quench the thirst of your adventurous soul as you visit the Sathorn Unique Tower, though many know it by a different name Ghost Tower. It is located at the heart of Bangkok and is an “abandoned skyscraper”. The tower was left incomplete due to the global financial crisis. Climbing this forty-nine-storied abandoned building is not for the weak-hearted. But from the top, you get to see the most alluring views of Bangkok. The Ghost Tower has become a unique tourist attraction in its own right. Visitors from around the world seek out this abandoned skyscraper and are drawn to it for its enigmatic presence and the opportunity to capture breathtaking photographs. The decaying tower poses a potential for accidents as it has unstable floors and falling debris.
Ride a Tuk-Tuk
The Thai Tuk-Tuk is an icon of Thailand and at the heart of the authentic Thai experience for most visitors. It is one of the most popular modes of transport for Thai nationals and tourists travelling around Thailand. Tuk -Tuk is a motorized rickshaw that has three wheels and consists of a seat in front of the driver and a bench for passengers. The name comes from the sound their engines make as they move through the city streets. It can accommodate two to three people and has a cloth covering to protect passengers from the sun and keep them cool. Tuk Tuks can trace their ancestry back to the early 20th century when they were simply known as “sam lor” meaning three wheels in Thai and were pedal-powdered. One cannot miss riding on one while getting from one point to another, also it makes for great photographs and interesting conversations with the driver. It saves money too!
Conclusion: The promise of daily massages, Michelin-starred Street food, island-hopping on a whim and top-notch nightlife, and exploring alluring natural beauty(white sand beaches lush rainforests, and exotic wildlife) are a few of the favourite things to do in Thailand. If one has an eye for the unseen and a spirit for the unexplored, Thailand has a plateful of captivating activities for its visitors.
