Thailand is not just beautiful white sandy beaches and amazing local food, there is so much more to this diverse country and it is all waiting to be discovered.
Positioned in South East Asia. 11.5 flying hours from London and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, many located on one of the 1430 islands. A country of contrasts with beaches, rainforest and cities all easily accessible.
I was lucky enough to experience my trip with firstly a few nights in Bangkok. This truly is a love it or loathe it place….and I loved it; a bustling centre, with so much to see and do. There are local markets selling anything you can imagine, stunning Buddhist temples, delicious street food to sample (this really was a highlight of my trip – the food was AMAZING), grand shopping centres, or perhaps just sit back in a bar on the Khao San Road and people watch. One of most famous modes of transport in Thailand is a Tuk Tuk and this is an experience not for the faint hearted but a must do all the same. It is relatively easy to get around, trains, public buses, boats and taxis are all easily accessible.
For a hint of colour and local life why not visit one of the many floating markets Bangkok has to offer. You can purchase anything from local food to local handmade items, perfect for a souvenir or soak up the atmosphere and appreciate the experience.
We visited MANY iconic temples (too many to talk about), and there are Buddhas of all shapes and sizes to be admired. You have to keep in mind the local culture and dress appropriately for a visit to a temple but this is nothing to worry about. For women shoulders and legs (past the knee) should be covered and for men, they should also wear long trousers and also have their shoulders covered (no vests).
It’s hard to imagine quite how large some of these statues and buildings are. The Temple of the reclining buddha was one of the first sights we saw and standing next to it made me feel very insignificant. As you can imagine, certain times of the year can be very busy, but it is easy to find your own little space and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that comes with these impressive temples. You can take local tours to learn about the fascinating history that lies behind these structures and they are well worth it, usually group tours but you can pay for private tours if you prefer the more intimate experience. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of the most sacred and revered temples in Thailand, and is said to be home to a strand of Buddha’s hair – not sure I could prove that to be true!
Koh Tao is one of my favourite places in Thailand. I loved how small and intimate it was with the gorgeous scenery all around you it has a very laid back feel about it. A definite must is a trip to Nang Yuan Viewpoint – the view is simply stunning. There is spectacular marine life waiting to be discovered, whether you are a diver or just want to snorkel you are sure you see the most colourful fish and tropical coral reefs, and if you’re lucky enough you may get to see a Whale Shark (we were not so lucky on our trip – swimming with a whale shark is still on my bucket list.)
There are so many beautiful places to talk about; Koh Phangnan – famous for their celebrations of the Full Moon and hosts thousands of tourists every year. The Phi Phi Islands in Phuket are truly something spectacular to behold with the crystal blue waters, fine white sands and stunning on the beach properties close to Krabi where you can laze around, kick back and have a very chilled experience. Koh Samui which is another of the popular islands that tourists visit each year can be very busy in parts, however is a beautiful spot to holiday.
I have only just scratched the surface and could go on talking about many aspects of Thailand and things to see and do, but you should really add this to your list of places to visit and go and experience it for yourself. Thailand is steeped in history, colour and wonder and it really is a holiday of a lifetime. You will not get bored in this memorable destination – so easy to kick back and relax or go off exploring. Enjoy with friends, families, celebrating special occasions. There is something for everyone. If you want to talk about Thailand in more detail, please get in touch I would love to have a chat with you.
Keep travelling and discovering!
