Thailand The Go-To Destination


By Joburg Post

Affordable, beautiful and breath-taking are the words that describe a holiday to Thailand.

 This scenic country in the Southeast of Asia calls for the perfect getaway on a decent budget, known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha.

 In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canalside communities and the iconic temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew).

Typically the perfect times to travel based on there 3 main seasons would be during their cooler weather (Nov–Feb) and the hot season (Mar-May). Also, you can simply keep track of their nationwide events such as the Songkran, or Thai New Year (Apr 13–15), celebrated with joyful water fights. Loy Krathong (Oct/Nov) is when small floats decorated with candles, incense and flowers are set adrift on rivers, lakes and canals.

The best places to travel to Thailand:

Bangkok

The capital city, of course, you have to make a stop here! This large city is known for elaborate shrines and lively street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to wealthy Grand Palace and its divine Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.


Ancestral teak buildings like the grand Vimanmek Palace and the residence-turned-museum Jim Thompson House contrast with the city’s skyline of modern high-rises. Shopping options range from the upscale mega-malls of the Ratchaprasong district to the thousands of tiny stalls at overflowing Chatuchak Weekend Market.

 The city’s famous food scene spans traditional street-cart snacks – spicy, sour, sweet and salty – to upscale international restaurants.

 Bangkok is also known for its effervescent nightlife, with venues ranging from swanky rooftop lounges to basic backpacker bars and nightclubs of the notorious Patpong district.

Phuket

You truly have not been to Thailand if you have not experienced the beauty of Phuket, this rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches. Situated along the clear waters of the western shore. 


Patong Beach is one of the busiest beaches, with vendors offering rental lounge chairs and umbrellas, and a variety of water sports,

 if you are looking for a more tranquil experience Karon and Rawai beaches, 

near the island’s southern tip, and those along the island’s northwestern and eastern coasts are your go-to beaches.

To wrap it up my finally go-to destination in Thailand would have to be Chaing Mai if you are looking to learn more about the culture and religion of the southeastern Asian country.

Chaing Mai

Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious centre. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.

Outside the central Old City, Nimmanhaemin Road is lined with sophisticated galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants cooking the signature local dish, khao soi (egg noodles in curry). Also offered around town are traditional khantoke dinners – served on low tables in teak pavilions – accompanied by classical Thai music and dance shows. Handicrafts such as silk, silverware and lacquerware can be found at open-air markets like the Night Bazaar. Chiang Mai also acts as a base for treks into the nearby mountains for visits to temples, elephant training and rehabilitation camps, or isolated hill-tribe villages.


In conclusion the next time you think travel, think Thailand and experience the beauty, nightlife and tranquillity it has in store for you. 



Thailand

-JP

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