Sipping margaritas around the tropical sunsets and hopping from one island to the other, Thailand is a treasure trove for nature lovers and water babies.
Tripti Jain
Where the morning starts with chants around Buddhist monasteries and the sunsets with streets flooded with youngsters clinging their high spirits, Thailand is the country of many flavours. The tropical island country that is situated in the southeast part of Asia is the heart of culture, cuisine, adventure and beauty. The water engulfed beaches and small streams around cities lay a beautiful bed of water for the tourists to visit. The capital city of Bangkok opens gates to eminent traditions of Thai culture with local flavours bustling the town. Often known as ‘the land of smiles, the country is home to majestic temples and warm photogenic beaches. The turquoise water islands create a perfect canopy for travellers to wash their worries and breathe in the fresh brisk air.
Thailand opens up a Rolodex of water sports, and adventure trails along with cuisine that will make you drool. Anyone looking for a package deal should not think twice and plan a trip to the land of islands today. Thailand has a lot to offer travellers — no matter your budget or interests. You can backpack on a limited budget or you can live a luxurious travel life in fancy resorts on the beach. With its lush jungles, famous beaches, world-class diving, and amazing food, it should come as no surprise that Thailand is a travel enthusiast’s first in the world! Apart from being a bachelor pad, the country offers some mind-numbing excursions.
Let’s dive right in!
The country famous for its full moon parties is easily accessible, you just need to book a flight to any of the main cities and get going. Direct flights cruising over the sublime are a treat to the eyes and the soul. One of the best things that make your journey worthwhile is a visa on arrival. The land of surprise and course gorgeous beach resorts is a paradise for anything and everything. From seaside Hua Hin to outdoor-oriented Chiang Mai to beach-getaways like Krabi and Phuket, destinations that will instantly make you fall in love with the country.
The waters around Phuket Island offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in Thailand, with amazing weather conditions for a quick swim between the fishes. Visibility is good, and the water temperature ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Apart from the colourful corals and tropical fish, you can see seahorses, sea turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks.
The beauty of contrast
Thailand is a country of contrasts. While most people imagine soft white beaches and days in the sun when they think of Thailand, this tropical paradise is also home to cosmopolitan cities, grand palaces and ancient temples, hiking trails that disappear into misty mountains, and some of the best shopping in Southeast Asia. White sand beaches looking over the sunset and hammocks floating between trees relax every fibre of your being while the thumping sound of music and the gushing streets of cities like Bangkok and Phuket are the amalgamations that you wish for.
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. Club hopping is a thing of the past, Thailand is a place for island hopping where you can go for speedboat rides between the twin islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, and visit KohSamui looking over Buddhist temples with architecturally fantastic pagodas.
A blast of flavours
The street vendors at every corner serve delicious Thai including Thai curries, Kaeng Hang Le and not to forget the amazing seafood. Since tourism flooded to Thailand in the 1980’s Thai food has become one of the world’s leading culinary marvels. It is one of the 5 most popular food types globally, the others being Indian, Chinese, French, and Italian. You are in the home of one of the world’s great cooking paradises, so sit back and enjoy.
A good place to start your market adventure is at the Sunday Walking Street Market. This is one of Phuket Island’s biggest attractions, set in the heart of the historical part of town. Located on Sai Kor Road, the well-designed indoor Banzaan Fresh Market is also a good place to discover exotic fruits, pick up some vegetables or fruits, or try a glass of refreshing coconut water or sugarcane.
Pack your bags this year
The best season to go to Thailand if you’re in the mind for some beach hopping would be during the winter months of December and January. There is very little chance of rain and the sun is comfortably warm, especially on the beaches. Being a tropical country, the winters are not harsh but enjoyable in Thailand. Even so, you might want to carry a light jacket or sweater in case it feels slightly chilly. But most people discard them in favour of beachwear as its cool and fresh and humidity-free weather.
However, since December counts as the best time to go to Thailand, beach destinations like Krabi, Phuket and KohSamui are almost always booked ahead for the Christmas holidays. So, unless you plan, it’s going to be difficult to fly into Thailand and find accommodation that is reasonably priced. Thailand welcomes everyone with open arms to celebrate life as we know it while offering some of the most luxurious and breath-taking sights.
I bet you didn’t know this
- Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 (and again from 1945 to 1949).
- Siamese cats are native to Thailand.
- Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, much like England.
- Around ninety per cent of Thai people are Buddhist.
