Indulge in the authentic treasures of Thailand
Thailand welcomes her visitors with a friendly smile. Adorned by serene beaches and shimmering temples, Thailand is a multi-faceted country with something for everyone visiting the place. From vibrant shopping streets and indulging nightlife to close encounters with some of the most exotic wildlife on the planet and gorgeous beaches, Thailand has a lot to offer. Thailand is an intriguing yet harmonious blend of thriving urban cities and the surprisingly serene villages, tropical forests, captivating mountains, and waterfalls that form the rural face of this country. Here are our top picks for having an authentic and indulging Thailand experience:
1. Bangkok – The city break
Attractions: Shopping, nightlife, museums, massages
It’s always fun to have some upbeat city action on your vacation and Bangkok does it the best. This capital city is studded with jaw-dropping skyscrapers, busy public transits and the buzzing streets, affirming the fact that this city is indeed the heart of Thailand. Bangkok has awesome transport facilities making it easy for you to fall in love with the city. The Siam square is the bustling heart of Bangkok with modern buildings, billboards, and overhead railways. Shopaholics are guaranteed to get more bounce for the ounce in this vibrant city. And Terminal 21 is your haven. Each floor here serves as different shopping destinations. You could be shopping in Paris and Caribbean on the same day. If you dream to put together a wardrobe for the international fashionista in you, then Terminal 21 is your one stop shop. If you want to explore street life, Chinatown and Little India can be your go-to spot! Chinatown is the part of Bangkok where street life is at its best! Tasty treats and street shopping are two things that you cannot miss out on when in Chinatown. Markets, shrines, and food stalls here take you to China virtually. Little India is the place where you get to purchase Indian textiles and gems. There is a Hindu temple in the area. You can also spot Bollywood movie posters being sold. Dining at Indian restaurants, purchasing Indian goods, and listening to Indian songs at Little India is a great way to experience the diversity of Bangkok. The Chatuchak weekend market is where you can shop without burning a hole in your wallet. This market is the best place to purchase gifts and souvenirs. If you want to explore the traditional side of Thailand, Thaling Chan, a rural oasis where you can get on a boat and glide past the floating markets, pass through orchid farms, and enjoy the sights of traditional Thailand. The Grand Palace is 150 years old and was once home to the king, court and the entire Thailand government. Make sure you follow the dress code while visiting the Palace. Men must wear shirts with sleeves and long pants. Women must dress modestly. In case you end up at the palace with inappropriate clothing, there is a booth at the entrance that provides clothes to cover yourself up appropriately. The Palace at night is illuminated making it a romantic experience. Don’t miss the Emerald Buddha and Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. If you want to get information on the culture and tradition, Bangkok Art and Culture Museum, located near the National Stadium is the best place to go. This air conditioned museum has 9 floors of exhibits that are quite informative. The nightlife in Bangkok can be well experienced at the Skybar at Lebua. This open bar is situated in the 64th floor with stunning views of the city. The drinks here are expensive, but worth it. The Rolling bar in Banglamphu is a great pick too. Friendly service and great music make this a great place to unwind yourself! Baan Khanitha on Sathorn and Sukhumvit is a great place to try local food. Ban Kamnan, which is close to the airport, is a family friendly restaurant with some awesome delicacies to relish on. Four hours away from Bangkok is the Mahawangchang Elephant Camp where you can ride on elephants and swim in the water with them. The Khao Yai National Park is one of the largest national parks in Thailand. The park comprises of rainforests and grasslands and is home to elephants, deer, bears, gibbons and macaques. It is a few hours drive from Bangkok. Don’t miss out on the relaxing Thai massages that will refuel and energise you!
2. Chiang Mai – Calm and clear
Attractions: Nature, night safari, rural side, umbrella village, bazaar, hot springs
Rejoice under the clear skies of Chiang Mai. This place is a paradise for nature lovers and for those rooting for a calm and relaxed holiday. Get a little adventurous by going on the Chiang Mai Night Safari. You can encounter some nocturnal wildlife including white porcupines, giraffes, hogs, and raccoons closely, and can even feed them under supervision. The Tiger Kingdom is another awesome experience where you can interact with and even feed the adolescent tigers and baby cubs. In Thailand, where elephants are the symbol, there is yet another place that wildlife lovers should not miss. The elephant sanctuary is the place where you can get a closer look at the life of elephants in a responsible way, unlike a few places where elephants are abused for tourist’s amusement. The experience of walking with the elephants and playing with them is far more fulfilling than riding on them. This is an experience which you must not miss, when in Chiang Mai. The village of Pai, located on the north of Chiang Mai is a great place to visit too. Surrounded by jungles and awesome views, this place lets you get close to nature. Pai Canyon promises great views. Don’t miss the yoga classes and hot springs that are great options for relaxation. The nightlife in Chiang Mai is also spirited. There is a night bazaar where you can show your bargaining skills. Delicious street food, clothes, silk, jewellery, and shoes make visiting the Sunday night walking street a must-visit place. Another place that should not be missed is the Bo Sang village. This is fondly called the umbrella village where umbrellas are handmade. You can get impressed by seeing the entire process of making an umbrella and also purchase the ones you like!
3. Phuket – The party scene
Attractions: calm Sea, clubs, beaches, party, water sports
For the beach bums out there, Phuket is where you can party hard and relax in the beach. For party scenes, visit the Bangla road. As soon as the sun sets, you can see the flashing neon lights and hear loud music from the clubs around. Booze is the staple drink here and nightlife here is at its best. Dance the night away and drink to your heart’s content. Get amazed at the talent of the pole dancers and party like there is no tomorrow! The next morning, you can probably relax in the Patong beach and enjoy the views of the ocean. Ko Phi Phi is for the nature lovers. This is a beach destination too! While the clear water is complemented by colourful fish and sea plants, the beach sand is studded with star fish. Get that adrenaline pumping by indulging in some water sports like jet skiing and banana boating or simply have a relaxed time sunbathing and appreciate the luxury of the place. Phuket in a nutshell, is the ideal location for those looking to have a relaxed holiday filled with parties to get your spirits high. Phang Nga Bay is filled with caves, lagoons, and mangroves. This is a quiet place where the sea is calm and so is your mind.
4. Hua Hin – The fishing paradise
Attractions: Beaches, elephant rides, water sports, temples, markets
Hua Hin is a beach town that shines brightly with colourful markets, tasty street food, and a cosmopolitan ambience, on the Gulf of Thailand. Hua Hin is a perfect blend of city and sea. This former fishing village is a 125 miles away from Bangkok. White water beaches and clear blue skies stretch across this place. The night markets, Buddhist temples, elephant rides, golf, and scuba diving are a few things that can make your vacation a memorable one.
5. Phetchaburi – Caving spot!
Attractions: Architecture, ancient buildings, caves
Phetchaburi is an ancient city very close to Bangkok and a great place to explore. The Royal palace and the numerous temples fill the skyline of the city and for those who love ancient architecture, visiting this city is a dream come true. There is an archaic Buddhist shrine in the Than Khao Luang Cave, which is also a must visit place.
6. Krabi – Cliffs and pristine beaches
Attractions: beach, sunset, cliffs, family vacation
Krabi is a beach town that you might not want to miss if you want to pervade your vacation with cliffs, clear waters, and sun-kissed beaches . If you have the mood to indulge in watersports like kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating or rock climbing, Krabi is a great destination! Railay beach is the best place to enjoy sunset in Thailand. Krabi has a 150 km long coastline filled with a number of islands. The white sand beaches, jungles, cliffs, caves, wildlife and waterfalls make Krabi optimum for a luxurious family vacation.
7. Sukhothai – Historical tour
Attractions: Ruins, bicycle tours, statues, historical place
The term Sukhothai translates to “Rising if happiness”. The Sukhothai Kingdom is said to be the golden era of Thai civilization. The art and architecture of the era are classic and the remains of this Kingdom, which are partially rebuilt are preserved in the the Sukhothai Historical Park. This park can be enjoyed on a bicycle or on walking tours. The Buddha statues here look the best at sunrise. This city in the Northern Thailand is a great way to peek into history.
8. Kanchanaburi – the river city
Attractions: Death railway, backpacking, waterfalls
In the western part of Thailand, at the mountain edge is the beautiful Kanchanaburi, the river city of Thailand. There is a bit of history in this place too! Way back during the World War II, in the death railway to Burma, a number of war prisoners and labourers died. This historical incident is connected to the bridge over River Kwaithat. Apart from this, this place is filled with lush green forests and is ideal for backpackers. You can also visit the Srinakarind National Park to enjoy sights of waterfalls and caves. The place also has elephant camps.
9. Chiang Rai – temples and golden triangle
Attractions: Temples, street stalls, Golden Triangle, Museum
Chiang Rai is filled with temples and street fairs. The White Temple is a Buddhist temple that is an art by itself and does not look like traditional Buddhist temples. The white colour of the temple shows Buddha’s pure nature. Another attraction here is the Golden triangle which is 45 Kms north of the city. This is the place where the Mekong River separates Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. You can also visit the Opium museum. It is an elaborate museum with a number of exhibits.
10. Ayutthaya – Historical encounter
Attractions: Statues and shrines
The city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1350. The city was destroyed in 1767, but the ruins still remain in the Ayutthaya National Park, letting you to explore the history of the city. The statues and shrines here are fascinating. This National Park is just an hour away from Bangkok.
Thailand is a great place with a lot of options to choose from. It is a country that satisfies all types of tourists. Looking to visit Thailand to explore her treasures? Contact us.
