Thailand

In the heart of Southeast Asia lies a monarchy that has become a revered touristic gem. The Kingdom of Thailand, or simply Thailand, is the jewel of Indochina and is rich in historical and cultural attractions as well as beautiful landscapes. On top of that, visitors can expect excellent food and warmth and hospitality from the genial locals. If you’re considering an extended stay, navigating the intricacies of the boi work permit might be part of your journey, allowing you to explore this enchanting land more deeply.

There are also numerous celebrations on the Thai calendar and if your visit happens to coincide with these national fetes, you will be treated to opulent displays of this country’s unique religious and cultural heritage. Given Thailand’s magnificent climate and collection of natural features, outdoor activities both in water and on land will appeal to most any tourist here.

Sightseeing and activities

Thailand’s brand of Theravada Buddhism has heavily influenced its culture and this is evident in the many gold-decorated temples or wats that dot the country. These structures are lavishly adorned with curved shapes and shiny materials and really light up the landscape.

The Wat Phra Kaew is the most treasured of these structures and is home to the amazing Emerald Buddha. Wat Pho and Wat Arun are other temples that are worth a visit. Before making for the lush countryside or the scenic beaches you will also want to see the cities of Siam, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai to immerse yourself in this country’s glorious past. The ruins in the city of Si Satchanalai, which is close to Sukhothai, are a treasure for history buffs and the city has thus been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Traipsing about in Thailand’s tropical forests is an invigorating exercise and on visiting either the Khao Yai or the Khao Sok national parks you can get closer to the many wildlife species that this country is home to. While there you will also be treated to the soothing beauty of waterfalls and unique limestone formations.

Thailand’s coastline is replete with scenic beach resorts where thousands of visitors flock every year to escape the daily grind. Among its most visited beach resorts are Ko Lanta, which boasts stretches of fine golden sand, Phuket and Ko Samui. To avoid holiday crowds you could try visiting the more isolated Ko Kut though you may find it a little challenging to explore. This locale is also ideal for scuba diving if you are so inclined, though it is far from the only spot where you can dive. Ang Thong and the waters off the Similan Islands are also established diver favourites. One of the more recently discovered diving areas with unspoilt reef is the Ko Lipe Island.

Other water sports doable here include snorkelling, surfing and sea canoeing. When you’ve had your fill of water activities you can go ashore for a round of golf on any of Thailand’s 200 plus courses, a number of which have been designed by household names such as Jack Nicklaus.

Events

While Thailand has many holidays and causes for throwing a party, the one most Thais look forward to is the Thai New Year or Songkran which is celebrated every second week of April. It is when the world’s largest water fight takes place and locals prowling the streets with water pistols is a common sight so beware.