Thailand travel: A guide

Thailand is a country that offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural adventure, or a thrilling nightlife. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles because of the friendly and hospitable nature of its people, who will welcome you with a warm smile and a wai, the traditional Thai greeting. Thailand is also a land of diversity, with a rich and varied history, culture, cuisine, and landscape. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to see and do in Thailand, as well as some tips and advice to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

Bangkok: The Vibrant Capital

Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, and a must-see destination for any traveler. Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers and shopping malls coexist with ancient temples and palaces, where street food stalls and night markets offer a feast for the senses, and where traditional Thai culture meets global influences. Some of the highlights of Bangkok include:

The Grand Palace: The former residence of the Thai kings and the most sacred site in Thailand, the Grand Palace is a stunning complex of buildings that showcases the exquisite Thai architecture and craftsmanship. The palace also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contains the most revered image of Buddha in Thailand.
Wat Pho: The oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho is famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue that measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The temple is also a center of learning and healing, as it contains more than 1,000 images of Buddha and a school of traditional Thai massage.
Khao San Road: The backpacker’s haven, Khao San Road is a lively street that offers cheap accommodation, food, drinks, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. It is a great place to meet other travelers, enjoy the local atmosphere, and have some fun.
Chatuchak Weekend Market: The largest market in Thailand and one of the biggest in the world, Chatuchak Weekend Market has more than 15,000 stalls that sell everything from clothes and accessories to antiques and handicrafts. You can find anything you want here, as well as some bargains and surprises.

Chiang Mai: The Cultural Hub

Chiang Mai is the second-largest city in Thailand and the capital of the northern region. Chiang Mai is known for its rich cultural heritage, as it was once the seat of the ancient Lanna kingdom that ruled over northern Thailand for centuries. Chiang Mai is also surrounded by lush mountains and forests that offer many opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration. Some of the highlights of Chiang Mai include:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: The most famous temple in Chiang Mai and one of the most sacred in Thailand, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located on top of a mountain overlooking the city. The temple features a golden chedi that contains relics of Buddha, as well as a terrace that offers panoramic views of Chiang Mai.
Night Bazaar: The Night Bazaar is one of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai, as it offers a variety of goods and services at reasonable prices. You can find clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, electronics, art, books, food, massage, entertainment, and more at this bustling market that opens every evening.
Elephant Nature Park: Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary and rescue center for elephants that have been abused or exploited by the tourism or logging industries. Here you can learn about the plight of these majestic animals and interact with them in a respectful and ethical way. You can feed them, bathe them, walk with them, or even volunteer to help take care of them.
Doi Inthanon National Park: Doi Inthanon National Park is home to the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, which stands at 2,565 meters above sea level. The park boasts a diverse ecosystem that includes tropical rainforest, montane forest, pine forest, and grassland. You can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, waterfalls, and scenic views at this natural wonderland.

Phuket: The Tropical Paradise

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most popular beach destinations in the world. Phuket offers a range of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers, from sunbathing and swimming to snorkeling and diving, from golfing and spa to shopping and nightlife. Phuket also serves as a gateway to many other islands and marine parks that are worth visiting. Some of the highlights of Phuket include:

Patong Beach: Patong Beach is the most famous and busiest beach in Phuket, where you can enjoy the white sand, the blue water, and the lively atmosphere. Patong Beach is also the center of Phuket’s nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and shows to choose from.
Phang Nga Bay: Phang Nga Bay is a stunning and unique natural attraction that features hundreds of limestone islands and cliffs that rise from the emerald sea. You can explore the bay by boat, kayak, or canoe, and discover the hidden caves, lagoons, and beaches that dot the landscape. You can also visit the famous James Bond Island, where the movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed.
Big Buddha: Big Buddha is a 45-meter-tall statue of Buddha that sits on top of a hill overlooking Phuket. The statue is made of white marble and can be seen from many parts of the island. The statue is also a symbol of peace and faith, as well as a place of worship and meditation. You can enjoy the serene atmosphere and the panoramic views of Phuket at this impressive site.
Phi Phi Islands: Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands that are located about 40 kilometers from Phuket. They are famous for their stunning beauty and have been featured in many movies, such as The Beach. The islands offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life. You can relax, swim, snorkel, dive, or hike at these paradise islands.

Tips and Advice for Thailand Travel

Thailand is a wonderful country to visit, but there are some things you should know before you go to make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are some tips and advice for Thailand travel:

Respect the culture: Thailand is a country with a rich and diverse culture that you should respect and appreciate. You should dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites, and avoid touching or pointing at Buddha images or monks. You should also avoid showing the soles of your feet or touching anyone’s head, as these are considered rude gestures. You should also be aware of the Thai royal family and avoid making any negative comments or jokes about them, as this is considered a serious offense.
Learn some Thai: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, it is always helpful and polite to learn some basic Thai phrases before you go. You can greet people with sawasdee (hello), thank them with khop khun (thank you), apologize with khaw thot (sorry), and ask for the price with tao rai (how much). You can also add kha (for females) or khrap (for males) at the end of sentences to make them more polite and respectful.
Be careful with money: Thailand is a relatively cheap country to travel in, but you should still be careful with your money and budget accordingly. You should always carry some cash with you, as not all places accept credit cards or have ATMs. You should also exchange your money at official banks or currency exchange booths, and avoid black market dealers or touts who may offer you a better rate but scam you in the end. You should also be aware of common scams and rip-offs that target tourists, such as taxi drivers who refuse to use meters, tuk-tuk drivers who take you to shops or attractions where they get commissions, or vendors who sell fake or overpriced goods.
Stay safe and healthy: Thailand is generally a safe country to travel in, but you should still take some precautions to stay safe and healthy. You should avoid drinking tap water or ice cubes, and stick to bottled water or boiled water. You should also avoid eating raw or undercooked food, especially seafood, and wash your hands frequently. You should also protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects by wearing long sleeves and pants, using repellent, and sleeping under a net. You should also get vaccinated for common diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and rabies before you go. You should also have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies.

Thailand is a country that will captivate you with its beauty, charm, and diversity. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural adventure, or a thrilling nightlife, Thailand has something for you. With this guide, you can plan your trip to Thailand and enjoy the best that the Land of Smiles has to offer. Happy travels!

Text by Harender Singh