Thailand
The most well-known and popular travel destination in Southeast Asia, the lure of Thailand is felt by millions of tourists each year. Enticed by the sparkling beaches of the islands in the south, the enigmatic temples and hill-tribes of the north, and the neon lights of Bangkok in between, exotic Thailand has something for every traveller.
A great value-for-money holiday destination, Thailand is a favourite with both budget travellers and determined shoppers, who come to spend their baht at either the electronics shops or bars of Bangkok.
But once out of the infamous capital, the natural splendour of Thailand really shines. The limestone karst rock formations and lush rainforests of Khao Sok National Park and other nature reserves are popular spots for jungle trekking, and the crystal-clear waters around the southern islands like Phuket and Koh Pha Ngan are a paradise for scuba diving and watersports. Many travellers venture north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to see the many beautiful temples and the famous Hill-Tribes, and the more adventurous stray off the beaten path to Isaan.
Thailand’s strong and unique culture is just as big an attraction however; hundreds of visually-stunning Buddhist temples and shrines are scattered across cities and villages, and visitors can tour the ruins of ancient cities like Ayutthaya to get a sense of the country’s long history. No matter what part of the country you visit however, a holiday in Thailand is an experience to be remembered for a lifetime.
There is so much to see and do in Thailand that few visitors can resist returning. With an expansive coast line and gorgeous tropical islands, Thailand is justly famed for its wonderful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Inland, there are the iconic sights of lush jungles, rolling hills and rice paddies.
As a country of Buddhists, there is also an abundance of golden temples and beautiful, spiritually-inspired architecture. One word of caution though: to avoid the common fate of temple fatigue, don’t try to see too much. Rather concentrate on a few key attractions and spend some quality time in each of them.
In contrast is the buzzing atmosphere of Bangkok, whose neon lights and smoggy streets blend with gardens and floating markets to create a unique hybrid of old and new – at a frenetic pace.
One reason why Thailand is such a rewarding sightseeing destination is that it has retained its distinctive identity in the face of significant western influence. That makes visiting here an exciting and exotic experience, whether you are resort loving beach bum or an adrenaline junky exploring hill tribes and river rapids. More good news is that Thailand is blessed with year-round temperate weather so you visit at any time.