Just had a hectic schedule and want a relaxing trip to revive your energy and spirits? Whether you are in for scenic beauty or exotic beaches, shopping or spas, tours or an ancient, unique culture, adventure or recreational activities, hospitality and relaxation or traditional and international cuisines – the ultimate destination for you is none but Thailand- the land of smiles... The land of amazingly friendly people...
Situated in the Gulf of Siam, this country full of scenic beauty with modern and cosmopolitan Bangkok as her capital has unlimited possibilities to offer. Easily accessible by flights, the main airport of this exotic country is Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Regular buses, ferry services, hired limousines and rail services make it easy to get around in Thailand. The country boasts of rich history and religious tradition of the Thai people. The national language is Thai, however, most of the population is also conversant with english too. With the assets of a glorious history, predominance of Buddhist culture, warm tropical climate and world class hospitality, Thailand has enough to lure the international visitors.
Whether it is the visit to the Historical City ( Muang Boran), the huge Palace of the King or Wat Saket( Golden Mount) in Thai Capital, the notorious Golden Triangle or Doi Suthep temple faced towards Chiang Mai, ancient Kanchanabari, ride on the back of an elephant in Phong Nga, scuba diving or snorkeling… everything is going to enrich your soul with golden memories.
Looking for more insider info about Thailand travel? The 7 Best Things to Do in Thailand.
1. Doi Ang khang in Thailand
Doi Angkhang in the Chiang Mai district is fast attracting thousands of tourists from across the world thanks to its magnetic climate and as a much promoted agro-tourism destination. Located on the Thai-Burma border, 160 kms north of Chiang Mai city in Fang District it is indeed one of the coldest places in Thailand.
The ever-present influence of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, can be sensed at the Royal Agricultural Station, which has brought better quality of life to the ethnic people there by improving the greenery and encouraging afforestation and agricultural affluence. Restoring forests to denuded hills has fetched five fast-growing species suitable to the Angkhang climate — Taiwan acacia, Griffith’s ash, Camphor tree, Fragrant maple, and Paulonia.
If you love colorful flowers and fruits and get to visit this natural beauty, do not hesitate to visit the Bonsai Garden. It is an award-winning Bonsai and rock garden. The scented garden and the Temperate flower house are also worth a visit. The military base that provides security to Doi Angkhang is also a popular scenic spot.
Doi Angkhang has succeeded as an agricultural cum tourist spot thanks to its unique marketing strategy. The Royal Project guarantees to buy all the flowers, fruits and vegetables thus, ensuring high standards of life and improved conditions of living to one and all.
2. The Uthai Thani in Thailand
Uthai Thani province in Northern Thailand is less traveled but is richly endowed by nature with its large resource of forest and wildlife. “Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve” which has forests, plains, many streams, and many rare and endangered animals was proclaimed a Natural World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991.
Other attractions include the different lifestyles of locals, such as the life of raft residents on Sakae Krang River, a waterway that aided the birth of the province and which has been a lifeline for its people since ancient times. In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from all directions congregate in the province for a major merry-making festival called Tak Bat Thewo at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri.
3. Khao Lak in Thailand
Khao Lak is famous for its spectacular natural surroundings which consist of a variety of landscapes. On one side of Khao Lak are the dazzling white sandy beaches of Andaman and the famous Similan Islands, as well as abundant coral beds and wonderful marine life. On the other side are the rich and vibrant jungles, the home to the rare species of wildlife animals and plants.
Khao Lak offers a variety of activities and sightseeing opportunities for nature lovers. Here are some of the wonderful things to see and do there. Large sandy beaches shaded by casuarinas and palm trees. Offshore, coral forests are perfect for diving and snorkeling. You can reach here via long-tail boat, about 45 minutes from the shore.
Khao Lak National Park offers go trekking, swim in a waterfall, bird watch or have a picnic in the forest. Located only one hour offshore from Khao Lak, there is an archipelago of nine islands called the Similan Islands. Rated within the top ten dive spots in the world, it has to offer the reefs that surround the islands, which are home to giant sea turtles, manta rays as well as a huge variety of fish and sharks. The islands are numbered Koh 1 - 9, with camping facilities and a restaurant on Koh 4. There are a number of beautiful temples in Takua Pa, only 30 minutes drive north of Khao Lak.
Khao Lak is diving heaven offering easy access to many outstanding diving spots in nearby marine parks such as Koh Surin and Koh Similan, two of the best diving spots in Thailand. Most dive companies offer ‘live-aboard trips (spending the night on the boat) and day trips. The local bay is extremely sheltered, ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns and hidden caves here, which are not possible to be explored through other boats.
You can also go trekking or elephant riding to discover the areas wild flora and fauna by trekking or riding on an elephant through the forest.
4. Phi Phi Island (Viking caves) in Thailand
One of the most famous places to do a little Phi Phi Island sightseeing is on the island of Phi Phi Lei. Here is the famous Viking Caves, a 3.2 square kilometers place where the extremely expensive swallow-nests were once collected. Contradictory to its name, there have never been Vikings, but the cave has numerous paintings of vessels, resembling Viking longboats and that’s where this attraction draws its name from.
The Viking Cave has tour boats queuing up through the height of the day to pay an entrance fee, though they have started to levy the entrance fee for the caves (much to the relief of the tourists). There are many interesting points inside the cave. Stay at the landing point where the clarity of the water in this area is very good. You could have clarity to great depths. At the entrance, there is the precious swift’s nests, used to make Bird’s Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy for which the Chinese aficionados will pay handsomely.
You may also notice ropes and bits of bamboo scaffolding on the cliffs outside. These are used by local villagers to climb meters up into the dark recesses of the cave to retrieve these nests, occasionally falling to their death in the process! You can rent a longtail boat for a reasonable price or join a one-day or half-day tour to Phi Phi Lae island which stops at “Viking Cave”.
5. Koh Yao Noi in Thailand
In this world so full of stress and disagreements, there are not many options available for us to relax our senses. Amidst the ever-growing over-populated cities is the idyllic Koh Yao Noi island, situated in southern Thailand, where a small, award-winning home stay project has fast developed into a top tourist destination.
Actually the Yao Noi is a community-based tourism village offering plenty of fun filled activities and opportunities for discussion and cultural exchange using translators of English and Thai. The in house guests get involved in fishing and make fishing equipment or batik cloth. Some of them work in the rice fields, or visit the housewife working group and also learn how to make the local Muslim Traditional dress!
Everything is pretty cheap on the island. Highly recommend seeing the island is either on a pushbike (mountain bike) or via moped. It’s only 11-12 miles all the way around…so it’s pretty easy.
With no stunning views or fast-paced activities like scuba diving or parasailing, the Koh Yao Noi with its quiet roads reveals a place of true harmony and simplicity for the traveler. Come here only to experience leisure time and complete peace of mind coz Koh Yao is all about rice patties, livestock, beaches, water, rainforest and nature at its best!
6. Phuket Calling in Thailand
Though Phuket seems like heaven on earth, getting to this island is not as difficult as the way to heaven. You can get there by air, road, rail (in a roundabout way), and of course by sea if you have your own boat.
Perhaps, the easiest and the most preferred choice is by flying to Phuket. The island has an international airport with an increasing number of scheduled and charter flights arriving from Europe and Asia, as well as a dozen daily flights from Bangkok. By road, you can opt for a bus or car. Buses from Bangkok take approximately 14 hours. Private tour companies also operate coaches and minibusses. By Car the 867km journey from Bangkok to Phuket will take 10 hours or more also giving you the opportunity to explore the beauty on the way.
There is no rail link between Bangkok and Phuket but you can get to Surat Thani and take a bus to Phuket. Trains in Thailand are slow but cheap and very comfortable. As for deciding the best time to visit Phuket, it would be helpful to know a bit about Phuket’s climate. Phuket has tropical monsoon climate with warmth all year round and temperatures ranging between 25 - 34°C (77 - 93°F).
The dry season in Phuket is also the cooler season. It begins in December and usually lasts until March. With the climate is at its best, characterized by gentle breezes, calm seas and clear blue skies, this season is the peak for the tourists. But there is a brighter side to this period. Lower volume of tourists during this period means that prices plummet and hotel rates are often half that of the high season. So, this period can be ideal if you are the one on a budget or if you simply wish to avoid the crowds during the high season.
7. Ko Kred in Thailand
Once you have reached Ko Kred via small ferries or the Chaophraya River Express Boat, you step back into a Thailand of 50 years ago.The typical-looking
villagers will make you forget the fashionable crowd of Bangkok or Pattaya!
The scattered population of the Ko Kred island thrives on pottery. After making exquisite pots for years as a means of living, the potters have now turned their attention to the tourists who visit the island and are ready to pay generously for their unique creations!
On your way to this small yet stunning island, try the following, Joe Louis Theater, Big tree temple , Wat Poramai Yikawas or Wat Mon. But if you are not willing to hit any of these places, just take a stroll down the by lanes and enjoy the setting sun. Another option is cruising around the island to see the peaceful life of the locals. For the more adventurous ones, a bicycle ride at a reasonable cost would be most appropriate!