It’s surprising how many options arise when you consider what Thailand is famous for when considering a trip there. Thailand has long been a popular destination for tourists who want to take advantage of everything the country has to offer. This long, south-east Asian nation, which has its toes in the ocean and its head in the jungle, seems to have it all to offer: exciting city breaks, profound nature immersions, and world-class beaches. Aside from that, the food is excellent.
It makes sense why Thailand always has a smile on its face. You’ll also be in awe when you see the brilliant cityscapes from Bangkok’s sky bars, encounter Chiang Mai’s elephants, or unwind on Koh Samui’s magnificent beaches. Here is a list of Thailand’s top qualities.
Bangkok
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is home to two million people and is centered on the wide Chao Praya river. This captivating city, which is undoubtedly the main urban center of the nation, is a visual feast of golden temples, glittering skyscrapers, and bustling streets filled with food stalls, tuk-tuks, and the occasional orange-robed monk. Thailand is well-known for the wild lifestyle of this “City of Angels”—whether by a sunny day or a neon-lacquered night.
For many, making a stop at the Grand Palace is crucial. The tall walls of this former official residence of the Thai royal family contain palatial architecture, gilded holy sites, and epic artworks, making it a sixty-acre shrine to Thai culture. You become firmly rooted in Thailand’s illustrious past at this stop.
Given that it is half the size of the Grand Palace, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the best places to buy trinkets from Thailand. The largest street market on the continent, it is an Aladdin’s Cave of interesting trinkets, authentic finds, and the largest selection of elephant pants in the entire world.
Be sure to arrive early—this Bangkok market runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and is popular with city denizens as well as farang (foreigners).
The well-known Khao San Road is less stressful. This popular tourist destination, which attracts backpackers in particular, has made a name for itself as a place where tourists congregate in rowdy bars, buy Rolexes with questionable provenance, and consume copious amounts of pad thai. It’s possible to stop by for a taste of its boisterous notoriety (or a longer stay depending on how it grabs you) because it’s only a short stroll north of the Grand Palace.
A tranquil river cruise along the Chao Praya is another option for getting away from the city. As you pass temples and riverside markets, cruise over its waters in the shade of old brick. The best time to travel is in the evening when dinner is served on board and the setting sun colors the clouds that linger in the sky below as neon signs come to life.
Stunning Beaches
One of the main draws to this stunning South-East Asian nation are the breathtaking beaches of Southern Thailand. Thailand has a wide variety of beaches on the mainland and on the islands that are just waiting to be discovered. Whether you prefer a pristine all-inclusive beachfront with sunbeds and umbrellas or a more secluded spot beneath a far-off palm tree, have no fear—Thailand has you covered!
The stunning beaches of the Thai islands have drawn throngs of visitors ever since the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach” came out. Thailand has beaches for everyone, from well-known locations like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui to more sedate islands like Koh Kradan and Koh Yao Noi.
Thailand is the place to go if you want to relax on a gorgeous sandy beach with warm waters and palm-lined shores.
Islands
Around Thailand’s coast, there are almost 1000 islands. Off the coast of Thailand’s west coast are the Andaman Sea’s most stunning islands. Beautiful coral reefs can be seen while snorkeling in the crystal-clear water of islands like Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta.
There are stunning islands in the far east, close to Cambodia, even though most people travel to the west coast. There are beautiful remote beaches on islands like Koh Kood and Koh Chang where you can completely avoid the crowds. Exploration opportunities on Thailand’s islands are virtually endless.
Temples
Thailand is primarily a Buddhist nation, and there are currently over 41,000 temples there. You can easily walk through four to five temples in many areas in a single day. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Wat Ratburana in Ayutthaya, and Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai are a few of Thailand’s most recognizable temples. The White Temple is located in Chiang Rai.
When visiting temples in Thailand, keep in mind to dress modestly by covering your knees and shoulders and removing your shoes before entering. Be respectful by speaking quietly and avoiding pointing your feet in the direction of the Buddha statues.
Oh, and Wat means Temple in Thai, in case you didn’t know!
Monks
You might expect that there are many monks since there are over 41,000 Buddhist temples in the nation. In fact, it’s thought that Thailand has over 300,000 monks!
As they wear simple, bright orange robes and frequently carry alms bowls to collect food donations, monks are fairly easy to spot. Any monk who approaches you on the street and requests a financial donation should be avoided because they are usually con artists.
In Thailand, monks enjoy great respect. There are notices requesting that you give monks priority seating on the trains, and most ticketing locations have express lanes available for them at immigration checkpoints. Keep in mind that women are not permitted to touch monks, not even as a form of greeting like shaking hands.
Buddhism
If you hadn’t already deduced, Thailand is a heavily Buddhist nation with 41,000 temples and 300,000 monks. Thailand has a majority-Buddhist population of over 94%, with a small minority of Muslims living near the Malaysian border in the extreme south.
In many facets of daily life, Thais take Buddhism seriously. There are numerous, large signs requesting respect and asking you not to use Buddha as a decoration as you leave Suvarnabhumi Airport. Respectfully, avoid getting a tattoo of the Buddha’s head on your arm or purchasing Buddha statues for your garden just because they look good in front of the trees.
Fantastic Festivals
Thais adore festivals. All throughout the year, Thailand is host to a number of vibrant festivals. They often come from sources like religion or the lunar calendar.
The Light Festival (Loy Krathong), which coincides with the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival, one of the most significant Thai celebrations with tens of thousands of lanterns flying into the sky each year in November, is one of the most significant celebrations in Thailand.
Another important Thai holiday is Songkran, which is celebrated in April and features a three-day water fight across the country. It also goes by the name of Thai New Year and represents renewal in Buddhism. Being a part of the largest water fight in history is an awesome feeling!
Street Food
If I included every famous dish—and street food is a very broad category, after all—this article would never end. There are several of Thailand’s most well-known foods that you must try, including Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Goong.
The majority of visitors are unaware that there are various cuisines in different parts of Thailand. The eastern regions are known for their abundance of spiced meat dishes, while the south is known for its extremely hot cuisine. The north places a strong emphasis on curries. Bangkok, a true melting pot of cultures with the most varied street food scene in the world, is the only place to find every type of Thai food.
Waterfalls
Visit a waterfall if you really want to connect with Thailand’s natural world. A magical natural shower beneath a waterfall awaits you after an hour or so of hiking through the hot, muggy jungle.
In Thailand, the north is home to the most stunning waterfalls. A gorgeous half-hour jungle trail leads to the Khun Korn Waterfall in Chiang Rai, which is over 70 meters tall. The wet season, which lasts from April to October, is the best time to visit these waterfalls. Certain waterfalls might not even have a trickle during the dry season.
Elephants
Elephant riding was extremely popular in Thailand. A number of elephant sanctuaries, on the other hand, have been established recently, where elephants can roam freely without being mistreated or restrained. Visitors have the option of feeding or bathing the elephants in the river instead of riding them. One of the best locations to see elephants up close is Chiang Mai.
Rich Wildlife
Thailand is home to more than 10% of the world’s animals, excluding elephants, and its natural forests make up about 25% of its total land area. There are more than 285 different species of mammals, including gibbons, dusky leaf monkeys, macaques, elephants, tigers, leopards, Malaysian sun bears, deer, and otters. There are currently 147 national parks in the nation.
A rare ape species like the white-handed gibbon can be seen in Khao Sok National Park, making it ideal for birdwatchers. Tigers, wild boars, elephants, porcupines, and gibbons live in the central Thai Khao Yai National Park, which is only 200 kilometers from Bangkok.
Tuk-tuks
One of the best ways to get around in Thailand is in a colorful tuk-tuk, which is a motorized rickshaw that can maneuver through traffic much faster than a taxi while also looking fantastic. Each tuk-tuk has a distinctive style, and the driver undoubtedly has a special personality as well.
You can even use tuk-tuks to get to your hotel when you arrive on an island because you’d be surprised at how much luggage fits in one of these tiny cars!
Be sure the price is fixed and acceptable to you before you get in by haggling with the driver before you board. If you’re unsure of how much something should cost, ask the staff at your hotel; they should be able to give you a ballpark figure based on the route you want to take.
Ladyboys
Surprisingly common in Thailand are ladyboys, or “kathoey” in Thai. Ladyboys live among Thais in this free country of Thailand. They hold jobs that are typically held by women, such as hairdressers, filmmakers, sex workers, waitresses, models, and filmmakers.
It is possible to go to a ladyboy cabaret show or stop by a ladyboy bar in some of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
Thai boxing, also known as Muay Thai, is one of the most well-known fighting sports in the world and Thailand’s national sport. Thai boxing gyms and arenas are plentiful in Thailand. This martial art is studied by people from all over the world.
Every city in Thailand has a renowned arena or show, including Patong Boxing Stadium in Phuket, Muay Thai Live in Bangkok, and Max Muay Thai in Pattaya.
Friendly Locals Of Thailand
People are one aspect of Thailand that attracts admirers time and time again. You can see the friendliness and generosity of Thai people wherever you go in Thailand, and you’ll never be far from a smiling face or a helping hand. There is always someone willing to help, whether you need directions in the city or advice on where to eat.
If you want to take it a step further, you can decide to take part in a homestay, where you will stay with a local family, eat their traditional food, and learn more about their culture.
Another entertaining way to meet locals is to barter at markets. Generally speaking, market vendors enjoy the back-and-forth of negotiating a price. Even if you’re apprehensive about haggling, keep a smile on your face and you’ll have a positive experience in general.
Rich History And Culture
Thailand has a long and intricate history. The Paleolithic era, roughly 20,000 years ago, is when the earliest Thai artifacts were discovered. Over the course of its lengthy history, the nation has been influenced by Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia (Khmer architecture can be seen in many of the earliest temples), India, and China.
Numerous ancient ruins can be found in cities like Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai. Thai traditional dance and puppet shows, among other forms of Thai art, are examples of how its history is present.
Well-developed Tourism Facilities
In comparison to other countries, Thailand is renowned for having the highest number of tourists per capita! People visit Thailand for its stunning natural and cultural attractions as well as its well-developed tourism infrastructure and practical travel options.
Thailand has something to offer everyone, whether they are traveling solo, with children, looking to relax or experience some adventure, traveling during the dry or wet seasons, on a budget or in style.
Cheap Travel Costs
Living and traveling in Thailand are both affordable. Thailand has a lot of very affordable goods. Some roadside eateries offer meals for just $1 USD, guesthouse rooms are $10 USD or less, and domestic flights can cost as little as $20 USD in some circumstances… Although the price increases for higher quality, it still represents a very good value when compared to Western nations.
The majority of newcomers from abroad are backpackers who can survive in Thailand for one month on less than $900 USD.
Crazy Traffic
One of the ten nations in the world with the worst traffic is Thailand. You’ll quickly notice that traffic is crazy in Thailand, especially in Bangkok.
When a road is designed with two lanes, Thais frequently convert it into four chaotic lanes, where Tuk Tuks and motorcycles pass closely in the small spaces that are left. During the busiest times of the day, getting around the city can be difficult.
Scams
Thailand has some shady characters who con unwary tourists, just like many other Southeast Asian nations. One of the most well-known con games is “the Grand Palace is closed today, but come and tour the city in my Tuk Tuk to expensive shops.”” The Tuk Tuk Mafia is hard at work in this scam earning meager commissions from everything you purchase.
Taxi drivers in all 50 states frequently con customers by demanding flat rates that are significantly higher than metered rates. The answer is straightforward: only use taxis that have meters and display the driver’s information on the dashboard.
The Tourist Police department has been established in Thailand so that visitors can report scams and other wrongdoings by shady locals.
Quiet Rural Getaways
Thailand’s tropical beaches are not its only claim to fame. The nation is renowned for its breathtaking rural areas that welcome visitors in spite of appearing to be in the middle of nowhere. You can easily find lodging and tours, whether you’re looking for a quiet place to stay or a rural adventure.
Thailand’s numerous farming villages, hill tribes, caves, mountains, national parks, nature reserves, forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife are some of the country’s other magical features that are not associated with the beach lifestyle. Some of the most well-liked travel destinations for rural adventures are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mai Hai Song, and Pai in the north.
Massage
Too many people laugh and assume misbehavior when the words “massage” and “Thailand” are combined in a single sentence. They may have been led down the wrong tourist route, and they are oh so mistaken.
Think about relaxing foot massages that cost less than $10 an hour while you recline in a comfortable chair and take in the sounds of birds chirping and waterfalls. Of course, you could also get a Thai massage that cracks your spine and pops your shoulders, which removes all of your back’s knots but leaves you in excruciating pain for days.
Parties And Nightlife
Due to the increase of tourism in Thailand during the last years, their parties and nightlife in general have become very popular as well. In Thailand, there are many different places to spend the evening, including bars, rooftop discos, and a sizable number of nightclubs.
Khao San Road, Soi Ranbuttri and Full Moon Party are some of the favourite party destinations for travellers and for locals. Even if you are not much of a party animal, you will be able to enjoy the legendary nights of Thailand in these areas because they have a great atmosphere with street food stands and nighttime activities.
The one thing we recommend you is that although locals are very nice, you are still partying at a place where people don´t have much money, so always be careful with your stuff.
Floating Markets
In Thailand’s waterways, especially in Bangkok, there are fascinating makeshift markets called floating markets. These floating markets, which sell everything from fruit and flowers to street food and trinkets, are built with boats and floating platforms.
Even if you have no desire to purchase anything, you should still put visiting at least one floating market on your bucket list because they are stunning to behold!
Exploring one of these markets is a wonderful way to gain insight into local life, and the vibrant colors, aromas, sounds, and sights of a bustling floating market will stay with you for a lifetime.
Shopping
Cheap furniture, cheap furnishings, cheap souvenirs—the list goes on. For those who love to shop, Thailand is a paradise. There seems to be a sizable shopping center in Bangkok on almost every corner. Pratunam is home to hundreds of independent clothing stores, while MBK has just about every electronic device you could possibly need. Some shopping centers are entirely devoted to one type of merchandise.
Most sizable malls have fantastic food courts with a wide selection of regional cuisine. In addition to being a great place to escape the heat, food courts are also very affordable.
Conclusion
That concludes our discussion on “What is Thailand well-known for?”” list, as you have seen there are many reasons to visit Thailand and we can guarantee you that you will have an incredible experience if you ever decide to make a trip to this fantastic country.
Hope you enjoyed reading about these cool and fun facts about Thailand, and if you have any other question or suggestion, please let us know!
