Holiday Guide to Thailand

Thailand has always been a popular tourist destination with tourists from the Middle East. Known for it’s tropical beaches, opulent palaces, ancient ruins and lush greenery, Thailand is undoubtedly one of the favourite destinations in the Far East amongst tourists from the Middle East. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canal-side communities and a bustling street life. For families on holiday from the Middle East, the nearby beach resorts include bustling Pattaya and upmarket Hua Hin are an added attraction.

Despite a huge tourist influx, Thailand has managed to retain its cultural integrity. The ancient Thai culture is reflected in the country’s ancient monasteries, Buddhist monks and ancient temples and royal palaces. Not to mention the exquisite Thai cuisine.

Bangkok, the capital city, is regarded as a modern hub of various cultures, faiths and experiences. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to the north cater to those looking the quiet countryside flavour to spend time in the lap of nature. Down south, beach destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui offer some of the best tropical experiences by the sea with plenty of water sports activities. On the western end, the Hua Hin region is popular for resorts where one can relax in luxurious surroundings. Finally, towards the east, Ubon Ratchathani is a spiritual and historical escape where one can learn about Buddhist and Thai culture.

What To See, Where To Go

Bangkok

A city that never sleeps, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is a modern-day melting pot of contrasting cultures and faiths. Here, towering skyscrapers stand in harmony next to temples and monasteries. The luxury malls and shopping centres compete with the street bazaars and floating markets.

Pattaya

Popularly known as Thailand’s Sex capital and party hub, Pattaya is a coastal city in the Gulf of Thailand which over the years has steadily grown out of its infamous tag. The beaches and islands in Pattaya offer a wide variety of watersports, snorkelling options, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.

Phuket

The largest Island in all of Thailand, Phuket has everything Thailand has to offer. Serviced by the Phuket International Airport, the island sees no dearth of travellers during any time of the year. Golden beaches, numerous offshore islands, upbeat markets, a high octane nightlife and thrilling water sports.

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi consists of a group of six islands. Only 40 kilometres from Phuket, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the two most famous islands of the six. With their pristine waters and vibrant parties, these islands are a wonderful way to spend a few days in Thailand.

Krabi

One of the oldest provinces in Thailand, Krabi is home to the traditional yet the modern, the touristy and the local flavour. A coastal destination often visited with Phuket, Krabi is home to beautiful beaches, islands and limestone formations. In addition, Krabi offers some of the beautiful coral diving sights.

Chiang Mai

Formerly the seat of the Lanna Kingdom and regarded as the northern capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai is entirely opposite to what first-timers to Thailand expect it to be. Unlike its southern counterparts, Chiang Mai is known for its laid back vibes, numerous temples and monasteries, crowded local markets.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, short for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is a small city in Thailand containing archaeological sites like temples, monasteries, palaces, etc. It lies just 80 kilometres north of Bangkok and is an ideal destination for a day trip from Bangkok. Often referred to as Krung Kao or ‘ancient capital’.

Koh Samui

The second-largest island of Thailand, Ko Samui is a gem of an island in the Koh Samui (or simply Samui) Archipelago which lies in the Gulf of Thailand. Once a hidden secret of only persevering travellers, the island has transformed into one of the most visited tourist destinations of Thailand.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a mountainous city in northern Thailand, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar. It has many ancient temples and tribal villages along the Mekong river. It has a plenitude of historical and cultural attractions and immerses a traveller in its pleasant collection of temples, art, music, and adventures.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park, in the Surat Thani province of Thailand, is the largest pristine forest in the area and is a small part of a rainforest that in yesteryears was bigger and denser than the Amazon rainforest. Rich and diverse in flora and fauna, the park is one of the best places to witness Thailand’s diverse wildlife.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is one of the islands of the Tarutao Marine National Park. Initially, this island was predominatly settled by the Chao Ley, or the sea gypsies who live in small villages here. Tourism has increased in Koh Lipe since the 1990s, and hasn’t seen a pause ever since. The vast reefs and gorgeous topography of the region has been atracting tourists from all across the world, especially from the Middle East.

Trang

Trang is a city in Southern Thailand known for its food and culture. It shares the same traditional heritage as the nearby cities of Krabi and Phuket. It is not crowded, but still a very lively city with many natural attractions surrounding it. Most people use Trang just as a transit destination.

Similan Islands

Similan is an archipelago of 9 small islands which has Malay roots. The Similan islands national park is a UNESCO World heritage site. These are one of Thailand’s most stunning places with beautiful marine life underwater and also great birds in the air. There are splendidly pictursque white sand beaches and a plethora of water activities.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is an island that is part of the Chumphon Archipelago, located between the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao. It being world famous for its full moon parties on Haad Rin, usually the rest of the time the island remains half empty. But Koh Pha Ngan is so much more than just parties.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

An exotic tropical paradise, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected archipelago of 42 islands. With unusually spectacular scenery, the Marine Park features Limestone Mountains, thick jungles, white-sand beaches, waterfalls, surreal lakes, unexplored caves and challenging trekking trails.

Surat Thani

Not a go-to destination in itself, Surat Thani provides a base point from which travellers meander across Thailand. Once the seat of the Srivijaya empire, Surat Thani today is an important trade and transport hub.

Hua Hin

The original beach resort of Thailand, Hua Hin is a renowned destination among both locals and tourists alike. Once known as the beach getaway for Thai royals because of their summer palaces, this seaside resort is growing into a fashionable getaway for visitors to escape the loud urban city life.

Koh Kood

Koh Kood, commonly spelt as Koh Kut, is one of the few islands in Thailand that is not overrun by tourists and is increasingly becoming popular among people looking for a peaceful getaway to beautiful islands. Housing a population of fewer than 2000 people, this island stands to be the sixth-largest.

Khao Laem National Park

Situated in Bangkok, it is located to the northwest of Kanchanaburi province, near the Sangkhlaburi district. This national park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and was made to honour the 60th anniversary of King Bhumipol Adulyadej on December 5, 1987.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a city situated at the confluence of river Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai. It’s well known for its waterfalls and national parks. The most important attraction of this place is the “Death Railway” built during the World War II. All in all, Kanchanaburi is a treat for nature and history lovers.

Krabi Town

Although it doesn’t have any beaches of its own, Krabi Town is a charming choice for people who want to experience a very local Thai culture. Most tourists use this town majorly as a pass through to go to the nearby island towns, but Krabi in itself is very beautiful.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is located in the Phanom district of Thailand. Falling under the Surat Thani province of Thailand, it is accomplished as the oldest rainforests of the world. This National Park will welcome you with enormous limestone mountains, deep valleys, lakes, caves, and the unique ecosystem.

Where to Stay

Thailand has some of the best hotels and resorts in the Far East region. From luxury hotels to motels and guesthouses, Thailand has it all.

Most of Thailand’s budget accommodation is in guesthouses and bungalows. These are small, traveller-friendly hotels whose services nearly always include an inexpensive restaurant and safe storage for valuables and left luggage, and often also run to internet access (sometimes even in-room wi-fi) and a tour desk. The difference between guesthouses and bungalows is mostly in their design, with “bungalows” – which are generally found on the beach and in rural areas – mostly comprising detached or semi-detached rooms in huts, villas, chalets or indeed bungalows, and “guesthouses” being either a purpose-built mini-hotel or a converted home. En-suite showers and flush toilets are common in both, but at the cheapest places you might be showering with a bowl dipped into a large water jar, and using squat toilets.

Best Time To Visit Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February which is the cool and dry season. The period of April to June is the shoulder season when the rain starts to set in and temperatures hover around the late 20s to early 30s. Travel fares and hotel prices see a drop in this period making it a great time for budget traveling. July to October is the wet season charaterised with high rainfall and humidity. Many islands shut down during this period keeping safety in mind.

How To Get There

The main international airports in Thailand are in Bangkok and Phuket. These are well-connected to all the countries. All the airlines that travel to Asia fly to Thailand. So there is no dearth of flight options. Other international airports are located in Krabi, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai. These are connected via flights from the South-east Asian countries. The major national carrier in Thailand is Thai Airways, followed by Bangkok Airways.

Visa Requirements

Some nationalities do not require a visa to enter Thailand. Others will need a visa. It is also necessary to prove that you have funds of at least 10,000 THB per person and 20,000 THB per family for your stay in Thailand. A fee of 2,000 THB  is payable upon entry and is subject to change without notice.

Getting Around

When it comes to the best way to get around Thailand, there are actually many options. The most popular travel options include getting the train, getting the bus, using tuk-tuks and if your island hopping in Thailand then using the boats!

How Long to Stay in Thailand

On average, most people spend about 10 days to two weeks in Thailand and if you want to experience the best of what the country can offer, this should give you enough time to visit the must-see sites and to even discover a few hidden gems. And there is much more to Thailand than just Bangkok.

Itinerary: Editor’s Suggestions

During my several visits to Thailand, I explored many areas in the country. based on my extensive travels across Thailand, I have hereunder listed a suggested itinerary for those planning a holiday in Thailand.

• Day 1-2: Bangkok
• Days 3: Chiang Mai
• Days 4-5 Chiang Rai. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
• Days 6-7: Phuket
• Days 8-9: Koh Lanta
• Days 10-11: Ao Nang

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Thailand in Pictures

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