With a fascinating blend of culture, cuisine and coasts, Thailand is Asia’s ultimate travel destination. And now as COVID-19 has finally taken a back seat, the country is open to visitors.
Thailand is as cosmopolitan as it is traditional: against the background of neon-lit nights and high-rises are the typical fishing and farming communities. Everywhere you look, the sky seems to be meeting the sea in this tropical paradise.
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Search flightsAn enticing escapade, Thailand lays out a varied menu of relaxation, rejuvenation and recreation. Its simple yet sophisticated cuisine serves the fundamental flavours of sweet, spicy, sour and salty uniquely and deliciously in perfect preparations. This Buddhist nation is charmingly colourful in its cultural aspects, which is reflected in its religious festivals, cave shrines and other sacred spaces. Its fields and forests conjure up a charm like none other in their simplicity and surreal attributes.
Are you planning on visiting Thailand soon and want to avoid the hassle of exchanging currencies? Carry a Visa Card instead that loads up to 10 foreign currencies and is accepted in over 200 countries and territories around the world.
Amazingness Abound: The Dreamy Destinations of Thailand
From concrete cosmopolitans and temple towns to isolated islands, Thailand is blessed with breathtaking beauty all around.
Bangkok – Usually the first stop on everyone’s itinerary, Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is as handsome as a city can be, thanks to its gold-spired temples, street markets, spa houses and a thriving nightlife.
Ko Lipe – Welcome to the ideal island life of blissful beaches, reggae bars and a contagiously casual and chilled vibe.
Chiang Mai – A traditional Thai temple town, Chiang Mai is an idyllic retreat for long, leisurely walks and for connecting with your spiritual self.
Phuket – Bring out your flip-flops and wander down streets and alleyways lined with arty cafes, small Taoist shrines, shopping shacks and eccentric galleries.
Ko Samui – This island has everything on the table: sunbathing on the beach, gorging on world-class cuisines, partying all night at the beach and treating yourself with a spa therapy.
Street Smart: Spa and Shopping
When all is explored and beheld, Thailand shows you a way to slow life down with holistic spa therapies, just perfect for calming down and cooling off before getting ready to go home or on yet another adventure.
Spa
The pursuit of pampering brings everyone from around the globe to Thailand. It has a world-renowned healing history of traditional massage, which is a therapeutic practice with origins in Chinese and Indian medicine. Some of the best spas in the country are in Bangkok, Bophut Bay, Hua Hin and Phuket Town.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa – Bophut Bay
Best for: Swedish Massage, Dawn Renewal treatment and the Anantara Lawana Coconut Paradise
Banyan Tree Spa – Phuket Town
Best for: The Royal Banyan treatment, Master Therapist Experience
The Oriental Spa – Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Best for: Oriental Organic Journey, The Rose Essence of Heaven treatment
Shopping
You’ll need all your shopping stamina as Thailand is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations and rightly so. From designer goods, silks, antiques, snacks and souvenirs to T-shirts galore, there will never be a dull moment for shoppers in the country’s many night markets, luxury malls and floating markets. The best places to shop are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi and Hua Hin.
Remember to buy Thai Silk, Coconut Wind Chimes, Thai Spa Products, Paper Umbrellas and a bottle of Magic Alambic Rum (a locally-made delicious souvenir).
Pro tip: Use a Visa card for all your purchases. It is the safest way to pay and you can enjoy the Visa exchange rate. This saves you from the hassle of comparing and calculating exchange rates. And also, you don’t have to worry about counting and keeping track of your cash on your trip.
Also, let’s be honest: carrying a large amount of cash, especially in an unknown country, is not a good idea. Foreigners are more likely to be scammed and robbed. Simply carry your Visa card and you’re good to go.
Seasons in the Sun: Best Time to Visit
Thailand sees three seasons: rainy (May–October), winter (November–February) and summer (March–May).
Winter is the most ideal and pleasant time to visit Thailand. Although temperatures can still reach a broiling 30 degrees Celsius in the middle of the day, the evenings are much cooler.
In summer, temperatures often rise to 35–40 degrees Celsius in Bangkok, but this could be seen as the best time to hit the beach.
Most importantly, the rainy season must be avoided as it plays a spoilsport and dampens all the fun. Also, the unpaved roads become really muddy to navigate through.
Thailand should, most definitely, be a part of your ever-growing bucket list of places to explore. Whether you are a backpacker, an adventurer or a luxury traveller, this country will be the perfect destination for your next holiday.
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