Depending on who you believe and which map you look at, there are around two-hundred countries in the world. Minus the US, that leaves one-hundred-and-ninety-nine to choose from when it comes to a vacation. That's a lot of choices. Although it can be hard to single one out, it's as tough to validate a selection. With two-hundred nations, why should you pick Thailand? That's a question a lot of Americans will ask themselves since it's a long-haul flight to a country that isn't always in the news for positive reasons. However, delve deeper than the image offered at face value, and you'll find a wide range of customs that create an incredible Southeast Asian culture. Yes, there are tons of destinations in the region alone, all of them worth visiting at some point. But, Thailand is a nation you have to see once in your life, and these are the reasons why.
Travel Affordability
Commercialization and globalization make it tougher than ever to visit countries where you get lots of bang for your buck. Even Thailand has expensive areas where you'll pay the same for a meal or a beer as you would in the US. Still, on the whole, the affordability of travel in Thailand is incredibly affordable.
For example, it's a couple of Baht for a tuk-tuk ride, and if anyone knows anything about tuk-tuk drivers, it's that they'll take you almost anywhere for the correct price! More traditional forms of transport - buses, trains, airplanes - are advanced and nowhere near as extortionate as other foreign nations. This is pleasant news since the country is big and takes a while to travel extensively.
Last but not least, there is the option to rent a car. Like the States, it's around $15 to $20 an hour for a comfortable ride with extensive coverage, meaning you can go off the beaten track and explore more of what Thailand has to offer its guests!
The Festivals
Asia and Southeast Asia have a selection of the best worldwide festivals, from Chinese New Year to Diwali and Holi. However, maybe the best out of all of them is Songkran, the Thai New Year. If you haven't heard of it, don't worry because many people haven't - it's not as popular as its Chinese cousin - yet it's ten times as fun.
Songkran is a water festival, and the Thais use the holiday to release their inner child and embrace the meaning. Basically, if you're in Thailand in April, you'll spend two to three days drenched in freezing cold water while people giggle and laugh at your expense. And it's one of the best experiences you can have in any location!
As you may expect from people who celebrate their new year so intensely, Songkran isn't the only festival on the calendar. Others that are well worth visiting for include:
Lopburi Monkey Banquet (Food Festival)
Yi Peng (The Lantern Festival)
Mekong Naga Fireballs
Of course, the most famous of them are the full moon parties that make the islands in the south famous among backpackers and travelers.
The Diversity
If you have a picture of Thailand in your head, it's probably best to store it away in your brain. The truth is, most peoples' perceptions of the country are not objective. From its people to its natural scenery and manmade sights and attractions, Thailand is a beautifully diverse place.
Firstly, Bangkok is incredibly vibrant, and you can spend a full week exploring the markets and shopping centers and riding around the metropolitan boroughs on the Skytrain. However, there is much more to Thailand than its capital, as a condo in Hua Hin or a beach hut on Koh Lipe highlight. Whether you want the hustle and bustle of city life or the tranquility of the coast, you're never too far away.
Thailand has a rich history and culture along with the breathtaking and idyllic Railay Beach and Similan Islands. Once you land, your biggest worry will be how you fit everything in within your time frame!
The Food
It's a little cliche to list food as part of the reason to visit a country. Unless it is Mexico, France, or Italy, it's probably over-exaggeration, or so you assume. In reality, Thailand belongs on the same pedestal as the nations mentioned as the cuisine is some of the world's finest.
You think you've seen it all, from roasted meat on skewers by the sidewalk to pad Thai noodles from a night market, then a creative chef throws spaghetti into a green curry and blows your mind again! What makes Thai food worth the fifteen-hour flight is the exclusivity. It's easy to mess up since several ingredients need balancing correctly.
Yes, you'll find expats and travelers who know their way around the fish sauce and coconut milk, yet they are few and far between. In Thailand, everyone is a cook, and every meal is an occasion. Plus, booking a vacation mainly to eat your way around the destination is the type of irresponsible traveling people can accept. Come on; where's your sense of adventure?!
Unfairly, Asia was branded as a no-go zone once the pandemic kicked off and the world went into lockdown. Of course, due to the fact the region has dealt with outbreaks before, they are better equipped than Europe and America to combat the health crisis.
So, it shouldn't surprise you to learn that Thailand is already opening back up to the world from the 1st of October. Some of the rules are different, because, you know, it's an unprecedented health situation, but the majority of the entry requirements remain the same.
Whether to travel is your decision and one you shouldn't take lightly, given the current climate. However, if you think it's worth a roll of the dice, Thailand is almost open and ready for business.
Are these five features enough to convince you to visit the pearl of Southeast Asia?
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