Visiting the ‘Land of Smiles’? Here is a rundown of all amazing things you can do in Thailand, from island hopping to bowing down at temples.
It has been long that all we heard about Thailand’s international image is an electrifying nightlife and fancy day at beaches. But anyone who wants to get a Thailand visa and explore the country should know that they can spend weeks here doing array of other fascinating things. Besides lazing around at seaside and drinking coconut water, the country is sprawling with urban beauty and religious charm.
We aren’t giving you more gossips until you scroll down and find it out all yourself-
Start the trip at best Thailand islands
Thailand has 300 islands and we know more than half of the travellers have already started packing their bags. And yes, you should, because the islands are gorgeous. Each of these has some unique features to put them up on your bucket list. Try your hands in the adventure in Phi Phi island, get a laid-back vacation in Koh Chang, applaud scenic art at Phuket, stay at exclusive villas in Koh Samui and discover coral reefs and ocean life at Ko Lanta.
Visit the Grand Palace
Set in the heart of the most visited city of last year, Bangkok, the Grand Palace has aesthetic grandeur. The Thai king, his court and his government lived in this home of 218,400 sq metres for 150 years. The city’s most famous landmark was built in 1782 and still manages to leave the tourists in complete awe with its attractive architecture and intricate detail. There are Royal reception halls, the temple of Emerald Buddha and other impressive structures for you to explore and marvel.
Watch elephants
Ask people who have travelled to Thailand on what is the cutest thing they have found here. And the world would say, elephants! The top place to experience elephants and their friendly affection is the Elephant Rescue Park in Chiang Mai. You can spend some fun times with your new big-eared buddies. It is restricted to ride the elephants, but you can feed them, bathe them and walk along with them. Be aware there are some sanctuaries that are ill-treating the animals by performing tricks or stunts on them.
Get Sak Yant tattoo
What about a souvenir that stays for life? Amongst many the traditional Sek Yant tattoo is worth it. It is done by a monk with a metal rod and is believed to have magical powers such as luck, money, good health, family, protection, etc. You can tell the monk about what you fear and what you need protection for, the monk would decide the tattoos and ink them on you.
Ride a tuk-tuk
As you are applying for visa to Thailand now, do you know the best way to travel around the cities? Riding in taxis have been cliche, so why not put your foot into something different and real. Grab a tuk-tuk in Thailand which is cheaper than the rest transport systems and has got its own fun. It is a three-wheeled vehicle that has got a good sofa at the back for the customers to sit, opened entrances both side to not miss any marvel on the roads and a small engine in the colourful hood. You can always haggle in these vehicles, so do bargain before you hop in.
Boat in the Golden Triangle
You must have heard about this stunning point that has Burma, Laos and Thailand meeting at the confluence of Ruak and Mekong Rivers. Locally called as Sop Ruak, it is a peaceful place with lush hills, shining temples and villages. Standing on the viewpoint, you can admire a large golden Buddha image seated in a boat, an ancient temple on a hill and the House of Opium Museum.
Sightsee Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun attracts many eyes. Situated on the riverside, it has a different kind of architecture as compared to other temples in the country. It sits beautifully over the water, with colourfully decorated spires. The quietest time to visit is early mornings, before the sunrise and before the crowds reach here. Still, if you want to see this temple at its peak, visit at sunset. It is lit up at night, which highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of this structure. Take a few more steps and you will stumble upon the magnificent Wat Pho.
Join the street food tour
Thailand has no dearth of high-end restaurants and you can always sit in one of those rooftop bars to dine in style. The street food tour has the upper hand as it offers the compilation of delicious local food, along with a guide that tells you what is the dish and what goes in it. Bangkok remains the ideal city to experience this tour. Take this tour in the initial few days, then it becomes easy to find your favourite and savour them as long as you stay.
Take a Thai cooking class
Thai cuisine is lip-smacking, but the best part is yet to come. You can take back the recipes of the dish you like! Well, Thai cooking classes are very famous and engaging. You can spend a full or a half day with a local chef and discover what makes the food here taste like out of this world. You get to visit the local market, know the spices, vegetables, herbs and fruits, and then learn its preparation.
Explore a floating market
Seen the canals in Venice? Not exactly the same, but this is sort of one. Be hungry to buy and eat before you come here. Because as you sit on the boat and start riding you can see several fresh fruits and delicious food on your way. Besides getting your hands dirty in these mouth-watering foods, you can take back home some precious souvenirs too.
Get a Thai massage
A Thai massage is an ancient form of massage developed by Buddhist monks that use stretching and giving pressure on the body. It is not your regular relaxing and oiling spa. Rather this comes with a lot of hitting and smacking, done by a therapist crouched over you. You can at times be shocked on what is happening around but do not worry they are professionals in what they are doing and will only increase flexibility, release tension in joints, and offer energy.
Stop by historical parks
Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Thailand is proud of its ancient ruins and national parks. These feature diverse landscapes, spots for trailing and hiking, and picturesque ambience.
Few of them are:
- Ao Phang Nga National Park (all about beaches, caves, cliffs and lagoons)
- Khao Sok National Park (widest range of flora and fauna)
- Khao Yai National Park (one of Asia’s largest monsoon forests and first national park in the country)
- Kui Buri National Park (sights of endangered species)
- Doi Inthanon National Park (home to Thailand’s highest mountain)
Experience the Flight of the Gibbon
It is an engaging activity in Chiang Mai that involves friends to folks. Thailand has many adventurous activities with elements of action and excitement, where Flight of Gibbon is a 3 km course of 22 zip lines. You are going to spend a day zip-lining on different heights and lengths, swinging from tree to tree, standing on viewing platforms, and abseiling in the rainforest canopy. Linked to the zip line park is Khao Kaew Safari, one of the enjoyable animal sanctuaries in Thailand with a range of animals living in open enclosures.
Drop at the Jim Thompson House Museum
Originally the home to Jim Thompson, an American businessman also the “Thai Silk King” who vanished in an enigmatic manner to Malaysian Jungles in 1967, the Jim Thompson House Museum centres around Asian art and antique collection of the owner. The displays are an amalgamation of Thai and Western styles. This lovely garden-enclosed compound in Bangkok also showcases Thai home architecture and design.
Yay! What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready with your Thailand visa and passport for this crazy vacation!
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