Thailand is famous for its rich culture and long history, diversity and richness of people and nature.
Why visit Thailand? Take a few moments to explore this amazing country – Thailand, where radiant smiles symbolize the locals’ hospitality and friendliness. From world-renowned beaches to vibrant cities and rich culture, Thailand promises to offer you a memorable travel experience.
Let’s explore the reasons why you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to discover this country.
Overview of Thailand
The Kingdom of Thailand is a tropical monsoon climate country located in Southeast Asia. Thailand is currently one of the economically developed nations in the Southeast Asian region, renowned for its ancient culture and abundant natural landscapes. Bangkok and Pattaya are the two most populous central cities, annually attracting a large number of visitors.
With a rich history, Thai culture is consistently praised for its sustainability and diversity. From architectural landmarks to daily life, the Thai people exhibit distinctive characteristics that captivate travelers. The unique Thai language, vibrant festivals, and distinctive greeting customs create lasting impressions from the moment one sets foot in this land.
Why visit Thailand?
Why visit Thailand?
1. A Land of Smiles
Thailand is renowned as the “Land of Smiles” because its people are famous for their friendliness and hospitality, often seen with a smile on their face. Smiling is an integral part of Thai culture, reflecting politeness, respect, and amiability in all situations. Therefore, travelers are warmly welcomed with enthusiasm and friendliness when visiting here.
2. World-renowned nightlife
Thailand is famous for its vibrant and diverse nightlife that attracts visitors from around the world. Major cities that never sleep like Bangkok and Pattaya boast numerous bars, nightclubs, night markets, and pedestrian streets where visitors can enjoy music, shopping, and a rich variety of nightlife cuisine.
Additionally, events and nighttime festivals like the Full Moon Party and Loy Krathong, along with spectacular art performances, enrich the nighttime experience. The safety and hospitality of the Thai people make nightlife here both attractive and memorable.
3. Rich History and Culture
Thailand has a history spanning thousands of years, with various dynasties and kingdoms such as Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin leaving their unique marks on culture, architecture, and arts. This diversity makes Thai culture richly appealing.
Thailand is famous for its distinctive architectural landmarks such as royal palaces, temples, and colossal Buddha statues. Traditional arts such as puppetry, classical Thai dance, and folk music also play significant roles in Thai culture.
Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand and deeply influences the lives and culture of its people. Magnificent golden temples, religious festivals, and Buddhist ceremonies are integral parts of Thai culture. Apart from Buddhism, Thailand also embraces Islam, Christianity, and various indigenous beliefs.
Read more: 12 Most Famous Temples in Thailand That You Must Visit
Thailand have a delicious cuisine. Thai Cuisine is a delicate blend of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Good food worth enjoying in Thailand such as like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Som Tum, and various Thai curries are not only popular domestically but also beloved worldwide.
Read more:
- Top 15 Must-Try Desserts in Thailand That Delight Travelers
- Thailand Cuisine: 15 Best Thai Dishes to Savor in Thailand
Thailand hosts many lively and distinctive traditional festivals such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival). Each festival has its own significance and unique customs, attracting large numbers of locals and tourists alike.
Yi Peng lantern festival in Thailand
Read more: 12 Famous Festivals in Thailand You Shouldn’t Miss
The Thai language is the official language and an integral part of Thailand’s cultural heritage. Thai literature includes classical works like the “Ramakien” (Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana) as well as modern works by renowned writers.
Traditional Thai attire like Chut Thai and handicrafts such as ceramics, Thai silk, and silver jewelry reflect the sophistication and creativity of the Thai people.
The combination of these elements makes Thai history and intoxicating culture capturing the interest and exploration of travelers from around the world.
4. Beautiful Beaches
Thailand is renowned for its stunning beaches, world class beaches such as those in Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. Thailand has miles of beaches with powdery sand, warm turquoise water. Here, visitors can bask in golden sunshine, dive to admire coral reefs, or engage in exhilarating water sports.
Read more:
- Top 10 Beautiful Beaches in Thailand to Visit
- Why Visit Phuket? The Most Beautiful Island in Thailand
5. Natural Treasures
The country also boasts lush tropical forests, wildlife conservation national parks, abundant wildlife, verdant jungles and majestic mountain ranges in the northern regions like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where visitors can explore the cultures of ethnic minorities and participate in outdoor activities.
Read more: Most Spectacular National Parks in Thailand to Explore
6. Cheap travel costs
Why visit Thailand? Thailand offers a wide range of accommodations from budget guesthouses and homestays to luxurious 4-5 star hotels, making it easy for travelers to find suitable lodging with reasonable amenities and prices.
Thai street food is rich and delicious, yet notably affordable. Popular dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Som Tum, or mango sticky rice are very reasonably priced, often costing just a few dollars for a satisfying meal.
Transportation costs are also reasonable with Thailand’s public transport system including buses, subway trains, elevated trains (BTS), and convenient railway services. Additionally, services like tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and ride-hailing apps are quite affordable compared to many other countries.
Thailand’s markets and shopping centers offer a diverse range of goods at competitive prices. Visitors can shop for clothing, handicrafts, and other products at very reasonable prices while ensuring quality.
Thailand is also famous for its high-quality healthcare services and reasonably priced spas. Travelers can enjoy Thai massage therapies, skincare treatments, and other spa services without worrying about high costs.
Travel Tips for Thailand
A dish of Thailand Khao Pad with salted fish
What to Prepare Before Traveling to Thailand
Passport Validity: To enter Thailand, your passport must have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry. Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly check your passport before booking your flight to Thailand.
Thailand Visa: Many countries are exempt from a Visa for stays in Thailand under 30 days. You can check if you need a Visa here.
Scan Passport/ID Card : It’s advisable to carry a scan of your ID card/Passport as a backup in case you lose your passport or if your luggage is misplaced.
Round-trip Ticket: You need a flight ticket proving that you will leave Thailand within the designated period to enter the country legally.
Hotel Booking Confirmation: You must have a hotel booking before arriving in Thailand to show customs officials a clear place of accommodation. If you’ve booked a hotel, you only need to present the confirmed booking document or show it on your phone. If you’re staying with friends or family, have them write a letter inviting you to visit, specifying their address in Thailand.
Thai Baht Currency: It’s advisable to have Thai Baht in cash before arriving in Thailand to avoid situations where card payments are not possible. Plan ahead for the appropriate amount to exchange, preventing cash shortages and the need to exchange money in Thailand, which could cause inconvenience.
SIM Card: Purchase a SIM card in advance for convenient communication, accessing Google Maps, or finding useful travel information.
These preparations will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Thailand, covering essential aspects like entry requirements, accommodations, finances, and communication.
Best Time to Visit
Although you can visit Thailand year-round, the ideal time depends on activities and destinations.
For example, the southwest monsoon brings heavy rains, which can inconvenience visits to islands. The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February when the weather is cooler, less rainy, with temperatures averaging around 31 degrees Celsius, and many festivals are celebrated.
Particularly, April attracts many tourists to Thailand to join the vibrant Songkran water festival, welcoming the Thai New Year, the largest festival of the year and traditional Thai New Year.
Songkran Water Festival in Thailand
From March to May, the weather gets hotter, suitable for beach and island trips. However, it’s advisable to avoid northern Thailand during this period due to crop burning by farmers, which can cause discomfort for tourists.
Tourist numbers decrease significantly from June to October – Thailand’s rainy season. Nevertheless, this is a perfect time to enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery in peace.
Things to keep in mind when traveling to Thailand
Respect Local Culture
Respecting the local culture is crucial when visiting Thailand. Avoid wearing revealing clothing when visiting temples and remember to dress modestly and neatly in sacred places.
Avoid Touching Monks
In Thai Buddhist tradition, it’s customary for women to maintain a distance and avoid close contact with monks. Touching monks is considered disrespectful and discouraged within the Buddhist community here.
Do Not Step on Thai Currency
Thai Baht features images of the King, who holds a revered position in society. Therefore, stepping on or mishandling Thai currency is seen as inappropriate and disrespectful to this national symbol. This is an important rule to adhere to as you could face serious penalties!
Do Not Touch Someone’s Head
In Thai tradition, the head is considered a sacred part of the body. Therefore, touching or any playful actions involving someone’s head is viewed as disrespectful and impolite according to Thai cultural standards.
Moving around Thailand
Train
To get around Bangkok’s attractions, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and BTS Skytrain are your best options to avoid traffic jams.
Bus
Thailand has an extensive bus network across cities, offering flexible and cost-effective transportation. You can travel to any province in Thailand by bus, from small villages to major cities.
There are different types of buses available. Look for bus stops with blue signs and wave your hand to signal the bus to stop.
Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks, colorful three-wheeled motorcycles, are a cultural icon in Thailand. Each can carry up to 4 people and can move quickly during off-peak hours. Negotiate the fare with the driver before boarding, or book a tuk-tuk through the Grab app.
Songthaew
In smaller towns or villages, you’ll find songthaews, small pickup trucks with two rows of seats along the sides to carry passengers, often accommodating many people.
If you don’t mind waiting 10 to 15 minutes for a ride, this is a great low-cost transportation option and a unique feature of Thailand. Moreover, songthaew drivers usually drive slowly, making it quite safe to ride.
Taxi
In general, taxis in Bangkok are relatively new and the drivers are polite, ensuring a comfortable ride. There are many taxi companies in Thailand, but based on experience, it’s advisable to book a taxi through apps like Grab or All Thai Taxi for a clear trip itinerary and upfront fares.
Note: Avoid taking taxis during rush hours from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM due to heavy traffic congestion.
Ferry
One of Thailand’s main attractions is its pristine beaches, winding river systems around cities, and emerald green lagoons. Therefore, aside from land transportation, ferries and boats are popular modes of travel. During peak hours, many tourists opt for ferries to avoid traffic jams.
Self-drive Car Rental
Thailand car rental with driver allows you the freedom to travel anywhere you want while ensuring safety and avoiding confusion in a foreign country.
Bangkok, Thailand
Why visit Thailand? Thailand captivates visitors with its warm hospitality, diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exquisite cuisine. Whether you’re drawn to its bustling cities, pristine beaches, or ancient temples, Thailand travel offers a wealth of experiences that leave an indelible mark on every traveler. From the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok to the tranquil beauty of Chiang Mai’s temples, or the idyllic islands in the south, there’s something here for everyone.
So pack your bags, prepare for a journey filled with smiles, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking tapestry of Thailand. Contact us for advice and to create a personalized adventure in the Land of Smiles.
