A trip to Thailand is the best thing you can do for yourself. This Southeast Asian marvel welcomes tourists with warm smiles, a tropical climate, and a never-ending list of attractions.
If you’re planning your first-ever trip to the Land of Smiles, you might want to know what makes it so special. Coming up next, we’ll look at the reasons why Thailand is so popular among tourists.
Fair warning: resistance is futile in the face of this country’s natural beauty and fun vibe. Step your foot here once, and you’ll want to come back the next year. It’s simply that addictive.
Thailand is Road-Trip-Friendly
Road trips are always fun, and Thailand offers many opportunities to enjoy your time on the road, passing by picturesque rice fields, majestic temples, and stunning beaches.
The best part is that you can find affordable car rentals in most cities. You can also take buses, minivans, and trains at an affordable price.
Here are some road trips you can consider for your journey:
Bangkok to Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a coastal city located about four hours south of Bangkok. You can rent a private car for 2000 TBH for this journey. On your way, take a break at Kanchanaburi—home of the Bridge over the River Kwai. Or make a pit stop in Phetchaburi for a bite of its famous mussel omelet. When here, stay at Sofia Hotel Hua Hin for a truly luxurious experience!
Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son Loop
At 841km long, this loop is one of the most incredible road trips in Asia. It takes you through some of Thailand’s iconic sights, from the hill tribes in Chiang Rai and the Shan villages of Pai to the idyllic lake at Mae Ngat and the hot springs of Chiang Mai.
Phuket to Khao Lak Loop
A great trip for beach bums, this loop takes you on a journey around the Gulf of Thailand. Start from Phuket and make your way up north to Krabi before going south to Khao Lak via Surat Thani. Enjoy stunning beaches at Phi Phi Islands, Railey Beach, and tons of national parks. And if you’re lucky, you can catch the sun setting over Phang Nga Bay!
Thailand Is Naturally Blessed
From postcard-perfect beaches to dense jungles and idyllic islands, Thailand rounds up as one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia.
If you’re looking for a gateway that’ll untangle your nerve knots, this is where you have to be.
Where should I go for the best views of Thailand’s impressive landscape?
Here are a few places where you can enjoy the most breath-taking natural sights in Thailand:
- Phang Nga Bay – This 400 sq km island-rich destination is known for its limestone karsts and emerald green waters. James Bond Island and Samet Nangshe Viewpoint are its two stand-out attractions.
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Waterfalls, remote villages, wildlife, and viewpoints—this national park has it all. The highlight, however, is the Doi Inthanon Mountain – the highest mountain in Thailand.
- Erawan Falls – A seven-tiered waterfall with turquoise pools, Erawan Falls is a magical sight straight out of a fairytale. Take a dip in the tranquil pool after completing your 4-hour trek.
The Food Scene Is Splendid
Thai food is irresistible. Bold flavors, fragrant spices, and a generous helping of fresh herbs—there’s no shortage of scrumptious offerings here.
Street cuisine is a great way of tasting the best of Thailand. Whether it’s an early-morning bowl of khao tom or a plate of pad thai at night – you can treat your tastebuds wherever and whenever you want.
The mango sticky rice dish is a local favorite, and so is tom yum.
For a culinary adventure, head to the countryside and explore Isaan province. Here, you’ll find unique regional flavors such as laab (minced meat salad), tom saap (hot and sour soup), and kai yang (grilled chicken).
If you’re more into fast food, New York and Paris burgers from Prime Burger are amazing. Oh, and don’t miss out on the fried ice cream. The Nutella-Oreo flavor mix is to die for. Plus, it’s only for 100 TBH.
Thailand Is Full of Life
Who wouldn’t want to spend their vacation grooving under the moonlight? That’s what you can do at the world-famous full moon parties in Koh Pha Ngan. Every month, thousands of revelers gather on the beach for a night of nonstop music and dancing.
The best part—it’s completely free! All you need to bring is your own alcohol and plenty of sunscreen. The party starts after sunset and lasts till the sun’s rays light up the sky again. Besides dancing, you can enjoy fire shows, juggling acts, and fireworks.
If fun means adventure to you, there are plenty of opportunities, including snorkeling, deep-sea diving, and parasailing. You can save quite a few dollars if you know how to bargain.
Thailand Is a Shopping Hub
You can’t not shop when in Thailand. It’s literally a shopper’s paradise. You can’t come to Thailand and not shop. It’s a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for high-end brands or local goodies, you’ll get it all here.
Head to Siam Paragon in Bangkok to shop from big names like Burberry, Louis Vuitton, or Fendi. Besides shopping, the mall is also home to Siam Ocean World – the best aquarium experience in Thailand. There’s also a stunning food court where you can grab a bite from some of the best restaurants.
For an exclusively Thai shopping experience, nothing beats the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. This is where more than 1,500 stalls come together to create a fantastic shopping experience. The products here are unmissable, from hand-crafted goodies and custom-made passport covers to funky-shaped soaps and artisan jewelry. The prices are incredibly affordable, too. Plus, you can practice your haggling skills as much as you want.
There are floating night markets in Bangkok, too. As the sun sets, vendors set up shop on a few major canals and offer incredible bargains on clothes, accessories, and more.
Final Thoughts
Thailand is everything you want in a fun-filled, adventurous, and close-to-nature vacation. You can spend weeks here and never get bored. The best time to be in Thailand is between November and March. However, if you prefer traveling during the shoulder seasons, visit in September.
So, what’s holding you from booking your tickets? Pack your bags (and pack light), grab your selfie stick, and get ready for the time of your life.
