Take a Trip to Thailand

19 Dec, 2011Asia, Travel
Take a Trip to Thailand

You love beaches, you love ancient history, you love adventure, and you love exciting gastronomic choices … you’re going to love Thailand! About 15 million people visit Thailand’s wonders every year. Deep in the heart of Southeast Asia, this thriving Buhhdist country offers rich diversity in both atmosphere and activity.

The weather on your Thai vacation will likely be hot and humid, refreshed a bit by the rains that occur from July through October. While you’ll want to dress comfortably enough to last through many days of sightseeing, don’t keep it too casual. Thai people have a conservative sensibility when it comes to dress; it’s safer to dress up than to dress down, if you can help it.

English speakers should have very little problem being understood, especially in bustling Bangkok, since English is sometimes thought of as the unofficial language of Thailand. But, as is always the case with international travel, it is considerate and responsible to keep some words and phrases of the official language, Thai, at the ready.

Thailand is a cradle of rich history all around. Ayutthaya Historical Park, just north of Bangkok, is a popular historical spot. It is located in what was Thailand’s capital from the 14th through 18th centuries, and houses both royal palaces and Buddhist temples to look upon and become awed by. Buriram’s Phanom Rung Historical Park holds the country’s impressively preserved Khmer stone monuments.

Beach lovers can soak up the sun and stretch out on the sand by clear turquoise waters. Exclusive Maya Bay, hugged by massive limestone cliffs, is only accessible by day boat. Not far from Bangkok, Hua Hin Beach has long, flat stretches of sand which ease seamlessly into still waters. Patong Beach is the country’s largest and most popular, although its high activity level is not a great match for those seeking solitude! If you are indeed looking for that deserted-island vibe, head to Railey Beach. Rock climbing and watersports are an option, but you’ll probably end up wanting to just relax in this postcard setting.

An active holiday in Thailand is a special treat. Kayak through glassy waters or grab a snorkel to explore beneath the surface. Explore meandering caverns and marvel at craggy overhangs of rocky mountain surfaces. Bike alongside ride paddies and through deep forests. Enjoy a unique hike through a misty jungle trail. Mother Nature has bestowed so much natural beauty on Thailand, and much of it is accessible to the adventurous traveler.

When it is time to break for a meal, Thai food does not disappoint. The ubiquitous street carts can introduce you to a quick taste of roasted banana, fish curry mousse, pickled veggies or coconut rice pancakes. A restaurant might offer eggplant salad, duck noodles, spicy basil chicken, or mango with sticky rice.

With so much to see and do in Thailand, you may want to consider a return trip to revisit your favorite haunts as well as to take in those that eluded you on your first Thai holiday!

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