By Ian Pearson
When it comes to Southeast Asia, Thailand is one of the essential places to visit. Do you like to spend your time getting your tan on the beach? Or do you prefer feeling the pulse of a large, busy city? Thailand can offer both to you. There is a lot to experience in Thailand, such as wonderful natural sights, a very rich history and culture, and a tasty and colorful cuisine. There are also the Thai people, who are extremely friendly and will soon make you realize why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles. Here are some of the places you simply have to visit and things you have to know.
Thailand Temples
Places you have to see
Thailand is full of places and things that are attractive to all kinds of tourists. But there are some places that you simply should not miss when visiting this amazing country.
- There is no way that you should miss visiting Thailand’s capital city, located near the beautiful Chao Phraya River. It’s basically an Asian megalopolis, where there is something, somewhere for every kind of tourist. You could be looking for a market where you can shop, appetizing street food, a nightclub, or a yoga class – it’s got it all.
- Historic Ruins. Between Bangkok and the Thailand’s northern capital Chiang Mai, there are three locations with ruins of historic importance, which date back as far as the 13th Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are Thailand’s former capitals and popular places to visit. If you want to get a bit off the road, you should definitely visit Kamphaeng Phet.
- Chiang Mai. Thailand’s northern capital is smaller in size and population, but it has a lot to offer to tourists nonetheless. In the city centre, you will be able to visit enthralling temples, top-notch restaurants, and big shopping markets. The great thing is that you can easily move around on foot.
- Among all the islands that are there, four are particularly attractive and distinctive. Ko Jum has a bo-ho laidback feel. Ko Pha Ngan has various amazing beaches as well as good accommodation. Ko Kut, next to its beaches, is an upmarket option. Ko Bulon Lae is a place where you can truly feel how the people on the island fit together with its tourism.
Thai Massage
Thai massage
You may be familiar with the way massage therapists do it in the West. However, Thai massage is a completely new experience. You get a top and loose pants to wear, and lie on a thick mat. The massage itself is a combination of physical therapy, yoga, and shiatsu. The idea is that the therapist focuses on so-called energy paths. Most commonly, it will include having your things and back walked on. It generally lasts two hours, but you can find a one-hour massage as well.
If you don’t feel like getting a full massage, you can choose to get your feet massaged. Pressure points on your feet will be triggered with a wooden tool and by hand, which can be a little intense. Remember that whatever your choice of therapy is, you should tip the therapist well, as they heavily rely on gratuities. You can get yourself massaged in the Health Land spas in Bangkok, or in a unique place such as Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution.
Tropical Beach Vacation Thailand Phuket People
Things you need to know
In order to properly tour Thailand, without getting lost and wandering around too much, you should look into Thailand hotel deals, as some places are designed to help you plan your dream trip. Make sure that you have proper travel insurance as well. A sad fact about Thailand is that scams are a common thing. In Bangkok, you will quite easily come across a gem scam. In areas that are packed with tourists, you should look after your belongings, as theft isn’t uncommon. When it comes to violent crime, such events aren’t common when it comes to tourists, but it’s not impossible to happen, so you need to use your common sense, and if in real danger, get away and look for assistance.
The road toll is very high. Drunk driving is a very common thing, particularly during the holidays, so a lot of people die on the road. It’s quite common to end up in a bus accident. If you are riding a motorcycle, make sure that you wear your helmet. Public boats are often overloaded and not safe enough, so if you think that the one coming isn’t going to cut it, wait for the next one.
Of course, it goes saying that you shouldn’t do in Thailand what you don’t do at home. Don’t ride or drive drunk or stoned, or you will get into serious trouble. You should know that Thailand is run by a military junta, which took power in a military coup. Under their rule, public and press freedom radically changed. Very severe and harsh lèse-majesté laws are maintained, with the aim to protect the reputation of the Thai royal family. It has been quite common to be jailed for not following these laws. Make sure that you avoid having public political discourse, especially if you decide on drinking a lot that day.
Ian Pearson
Author Bio: Ian Pearson could be tagged also as a passionate sports fan, nature and photography enthusiast, always trying to keep up to date with tech innovations and development.
If you would like to submit a guest post on food, wine or travel to Where and What in the World, I would be happy to feature your travel experience , drink, special wine tasting, or family or simply delicious recipe. If you go to submission tab, you will see how to submit, as well as have the opportunity of telling me if you would like to would like to be a regular contributor. When uploading a file for submission, you are also able to upload jpegs. Please feel free to put a last paragraph about you and a link to your profile. No html please. You can also include a head shot.
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
