A travel guide in Thailand – Traverse through the ‘Land of Smiles’
Thailand is a nation of many wonders, hues and escapades that can commence within the bustle of Bangkok and conclude amidst the bliss and beauty of its north. For first-timers or visitors well-versed in the art of travelling in Thailand, below will be a comprehensive guide that can be factored in ahead of making your way to this part of Southeast Asia.
Spend time in Bangkok
Where better to kick off your vacation than in the country’s capital Bangkok? Merging the old with the new, the city is a cultural cauldron of bustling marketplaces, engaging nightlife, sublime temples known as ‘wats,’ green gardens and an inviting array of culinary adventures that will have you seated at Michelin-star restaurants and standing by street food vendors no sooner you’re out and about. Be sure to visit the Grand Palace which is Thailand’s royal palace that was constructed during the 18th century by Rama I and ride a long-tail boat at dusk on the waters of the Chao Phraya River.
Douse your neighbour with water during Songkran
Anything goes in the month of April as this is when the Songkran festival takes centerstage across the streets, towns and villages of Thailand. Conducted in a manner to herald in the Thai New Year from the 13th – the 15th of April, Songkran in short is the world’s biggest water fight! Thus, whether you choose to protect yourself with a massive water gun or fall back on a bucket of water, plenty of damage can be done as you join in raucous scenes that have a habit of spilling out onto the streets with amazing ease.
Plan to scuba dive in the Similan Islands
Water sports are a major reason to visit Thailand with a slew of captivating islands found off the mainland that would surely entice and enthral you. The Similan Islands and especially, Elephant Head Rock houses a marvellous reef whose inhabitants would simply be too hard to ignore. With average day trips to the Islands known to cost around 5,900 Baht for 2 dives that includes park fees and equipment, the keen scuba diver in you can be unearthed in the company of turtles, rays and snappers that are but the tip of the iceberg.
Shop at the floating markets
A far cry from your run-of-the-mill type of market or store around the corner, the floating markets of Thailand overflow with colourful goods piled up on rickety boats that add to the ambience of a side of the nation which unravels in its own unique manner. While you can also purchase sticky snacks to munch on, Bangkok’s Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market and Ratchaburi’s Damnoen Saduak will be your ‘go-to’ destinations to make good use of your camera, clicking on smiling locals busily attending to their daily chores.
Image by Dean Moriarty from Pixabay
Understand the value and riches of Elephant Nature Park
Rated as an exemplary conservation initiative that provides much-needed refuge and care for the Asian elephant, the Elephant Nature Park found near Chiang Mai ought to be included in your bucket list. While opportunities to volunteer and give back to local communities are readily provided, nature lovers and ardent fans of the animal kingdom will find the Park a worthy investment of their time and attention. A day tour will ideally incur a cost of 2,500 Baht (per adult) and in return, you will be able to spend time with elephants and understand their behavioural patterns and eating habits.
Trek up Doi Inthanon
Feel on top of the world so to speak as part of a hiking expedition that will have you ascending Thailand’s tallest mountain – Doi Inthanon. With a national park named after the mountain which rises to an awe-inspiring 2,565 meters above sea level, hikers will be in their element with the prospect of exploring the ‘ins and outs’ of this escape that include moving through evergreen forests and savouring the early morning mist en route to meeting the gushing cascades of Mae Ya Waterfall. Deciding to stay at a Chiang Mai hotel the likes of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort will see to it that you are well on your way towards exploring Doi Inthanon.
