Thailand is one of the most preferred destinations in Asia and is located in a convenient place for travellers from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. The people of Thailand are extremely friendly and hospitable and the country is well geared for tourism. Thailand offers a whole lot of activities such as shopping, sightseeing, adventure sports and sailing as well as a variety of delicious cuisine. There is something for everyone and Thailand beckons you!
Here is a list of ten things to do in Thailand:
1. Bangkok City Tour
The city of Bangkok’s must see destination is the Grand Palace complex built in 1782. In close proximity is the Wat Phra Kaeo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Thailand being a predominantly Buddhist country has the Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha and also the Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. There are a lot of shopping arcades such as Siam Paragon, MBK market and Pratunam market. Also famous for its night markets, namely the Chatuchak, Patpong where they offer a carnival like atmosphere with a huge array of goods to browse , snacks, bars and live music. The Dusit Zoo is also a favourite for families travelling in this vibrant city. Feeding the giraffes is a must when you visit the zoo. You could end your day cruising down the Chao Praya River, having a sumptuous dinner while taking in the city lights.
2. Floating Markets of Bangkok
Bangkok, also known as the Venice of the East, is criss-crossed by many canals(khlongs), which gave rise to the floating markets when people still relied on canals for transportation. Traders in straw hats load up their boats with fruits, vegetables, potted plants and a variety of food, which they sell in the floating markets to domestic and international tourists. Some markets are open between 7a.m. and 9a.m., while others are open all day long. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, is the most popular market. Amphawa and Taling Chan Floating Markets are the other prominent floating markets. Though it can get incredibly crowded at times, it is worth a visit for first time visitors.
3. Full-Day Tour to Ayuthaya from Bangkok
Ayuthaya, the capital of the Kingdom of Siam (ancient Thailand), is an UNESCO listed heritage site, about 80 kilometres north of Bangkok. Explore the picturesque ruins of ancient palaces, statues and temples to get a glimpse of the splendour of Ayuthaya in its prime. There are many beheaded statues of Buddha at the site, a result of the attack by invading Burmese soldiers in the 18th century.
4. Fun-filled Pattaya
Pattaya is an ideal holiday beach-town 147 kms from Bangkok. Once a sleepy, charming fishing village, Pattaya has transformed into a lively destination for fun with family and friends. Check out the Pattaya Water Park and Teddy Bear museum, go parasailing and snorkelling in the bay or explore the surrounding wilderness on an elephant. Enjoy a night of music and dance at the Tiffany and Alcazar Cabaret shows, or unwind at the many night clubs, go-go bars, pubs and restaurants on the famous Walking Street. For the adventurous ones, Skydiving is a must. On Tandem Skydiving you can do a free fall jump attached to a highly experienced sky dive instructor, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Beautiful beaches and Pattaya City.
5. Vibrant Phuket
Phuket, home to some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, high-end seaside resorts and restaurants is a great place to visit for adventure and relaxation. Take a stroll through Phuket City to discover the Portuguese and Chinese style of architecture, old shop houses and busy markets. Sign up for a professional diving course, go snorkelling and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters around Phuket to see the colourful fishes and sea urchins, or visit the Phuket Aquarium. Chill out at the nightclubs, bars and discos of Patong. Spot macaques on Monkey hill, visit the Gibbon rehabilitation center, see Ladyboys at the Simon Cabaret show or get entertained at the Phuket Fantasea Show which showcases the best of Thailand’s myths and mysteries. Kata Noi beach is breathtaking and so is a visit to the Tiger Kingdom.
6. Phi Phi Island-Hopping Tour by Speedboat from Phuket
Phi Phi Islands are a group of 6 islands which can be reached from Phuket and Krabi in 45-minutes by speedboat or in 90-minutes by ferryboat. From activities such as rock climbing, world-class diving and shark watching, to breathtaking beaches, stunning rock formations and emerald green waters teeming with colourful marine life, Phi Phi islands have a host of attractions to suit everyone’s tastes. Explore the crystal clear waters of Maya Bay, the ancient paintings in Viking Cave and Tonsai Village in Koh Phi Phi Leh, enjoy snorkelling in the many coral reefs of Bamboo Island, discover the many treasures of underwater life at the various dive sites around Phi Phi Islands, or make the most of the vibrant nightlife at the many pubs and bars in the islands.
7. Canoeing at Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
Phang Nga Bay, situated 25 km north-east of Phuket, consists of numerous dramatic limestone karsts (cliffs) which jut vertically out of the emerald green waters. James Bond Island popularised in the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” is shaped like an obelisk and a popular tourist spot. You can explore the many limestone caves, tunnels, lagoons and mangrove forests by canoe during mid-tide.
8. Kanchanburi and Bridge on the River Kwai
Kanchanburi, a town to the west of Bangkok, is better known for the infamous Death Railway. During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army, who had taken over South East Asia, forced Allied prisoners of war and Asian slave labourers to build the 258-miles (415 km) railway, which originated in Ban Pong, Thailand and extended till Thanbyuzayat, Burma, to support its forces in the Burma. Visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, the Death Railway Museum, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, and the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and Walking Trail.
9. Krabi Jungle Tour Including Tiger Cave Temple, Crystal Pool
Krabi province is in the southern part of Thailand, and is located in an area of limestone karsts and mangrove forest. There are 150 islands off its coast. An 80 minute flight from Bangkok, Krabi offers white beaches, trekking, rock climbing, caves, towering cliffs, waterfalls and jungles. Snorkelling, sea kayaking and scuba diving are very popular here. The Krabi rainforest tour offers you a chance to bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Emerald Pond and invigorating hot springs before visiting the Tiger Cave temple. Day trips, outdoor activities and water sports can be done with Krabi town as your base camp. Island hopping is another popular activity in Krabi.
10. Tour of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest city of Northern Thailand and literally means New City. Ancient temples, rainforest reserves, hot springs, orchid and butterfly farms, elephant sanctuaries, night bazaars and handicraft villages are some of the many attractions to experience when you visit Chiang Mai. There are 36 Wats or temples within the old city walls which gives you a good insight of the wealth, beauty and history of the Buddhist temples. Nearby, on a 5360 foot peak, is Wat Chedi Luang, a 600 year temple which housed the famous Emerald Buddha until 1475. In this region of great natural beauty, there exist many hill tribe cultures. Popular adventure sports include trekking, river rafting and Zip lining.
A visit to Thailand is incomplete without a Thai massage. Likewise you should not miss eating the street-food which is delicious and affordable. Thailand is a dream getaway as it has tranquil white beaches, lush rainforests, warm and friendly people and all this being very affordable. Shoppers also get to choose from small shops, flea markets, night bazaars and big malls. The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht and One Thai Baht is equivalent to 1.90 Indian Rupees. Contact Ebix Cash World Money to conveniently and securely buy forex online before your trip to Thailand!
