7 Experiences You Can't Miss on Your Trip to Thailand

♫♫ Phoolon se jo khushboo aaye ajooba hai

Titli jo saare rang laaye ajooba hai

Basuri ka yeh sangeet ajooba hai

Koyal jo gaati hai geet ajooba hai…

Yeh bhi hairaan hai, Thailand bhi ek ajooba hai ♫♫

We’ve all seen, talked and amazed ourselves aplenty over the Seven Wonders of the World. But have you seen the Seven Wonders of Thailand? What? Never heard such a thing? Well, that’s because Thailand and its amazing wonders are more of an experience for your senses and soul than just a treat for the eyes. On my recent visit to Thailand, I experienced it too. Here they are…the Seven Wonders of Amazing Thailand!

Thainess

Even before the sun shines through your window, the waft from the kitchens permeates your nostrils. Thais hurry to prepare rice dishes, exotic desserts and other cuisines to offer as alms to the columns of Buddhist monks that roam the streets in the morning. Known as Merit Making, offering food to monks is an integral part of Thai lifestyle.

A major part of Thai culture demonstrates the importance of Buddhism in the natural flow of their life. Respectful and always smiling, Thais display generosity and hospitality to guests and strangers alike. Resonating the essence of warmth and amicability, Thailand’s symbol are the mighty and friendly elephants that have a strong historical bond with the Thais.

For a country known for its hospitality, could food be far behind? Needless to say, Thai Food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. Wherever you travel, there’s likely to be a Thai restaurant! Works of art in its own, Thai cuisine is a sight to behold, but wait till you taste it… Mmmmmm, the exotic, exquisite taste amidst salivating aromas still lingers as I think about it. And not to forget, comprising an eclectic variety of vegetables, herbs and meat, Thai food is also one of the healthiest cuisines.

Talking about being healthy and the next thing that comes to my mind is the ancient Thai sport of boxing, also called the Muai Thai. Muai Thai is for Thailand what cricket is for India. The sport not just represents the fighter spirit in each Thai, but is also part-ritual, part-athleticism, and part-performing arts.

 

Wellness

Synonymous to Thailand is Thai wellness and health. Thai massages and spas are renowned all across the globe and have now become an essential part of Thai tourism as well. For those seeking to relax and recharge your mental and physical energies and restore your health amidst stunning natural beauty, Thailand is the place to be.

Thailand is the land where body meets mind and soul and science meets art. Thais have sought to combine traditional and ancient methods of wellness therapies with Western efficiency and technology.

There is a laundry list of boutique resorts and luxurious hotels that offer its guests an eclectic variety of treatments like a Thai herbal spa, traditional oil massage, sea therapy, mineral stone sand-bath and hydrotherapy, to name a few.

Read More: Thailand Tour Packages: One for Every Traveller

 

Trends

Dazzle your senses by a myriad Thai trends that have made the nation the unmatched jewel of Southeast Asia. Vibrant, eclectic, electric and dreamy - Thailand is nothing less than a world of fantasy. A shopper’s paradise and a delight for every leisure traveller, in Thailand, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Thailand is inarguably one of Southeast Asia’s leading shopping destinations. From state-of-the-art malls to bustling street markets, Thailand shopping culture has no bounds and attracts over a million shopaholics every year. Some of the famous markets in Bangkok are Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chinatown, Phahurat and Bo Be. Siam Paragon, Central World, Emporium are major malls in the city. Shopping avenues in other cities include Central Festival Pattaya, Hua Hin Night Market, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Hat Pai Plaza Shopping Centre and Jungceylon Phuket.

Talk about art and entertainment in Thailand and there are rarely other shows that could give Thailand competition. Thailand’s entertainment culture is dramatic, vibrant, fantastical and magnificent. No less than a dreamland, Thailand cultural shows take you to a world soaked in Thai culture and history. Some of the not-to-be-missed shows in Thailand are the Siam Niramit Show with its ornately designed sets and costumes, magical illusions and aerial performances; the cabaret shows at Alcazar and Tiffany’s in Pattaya; and Phuket’s Fantasea, the stunning 140 acre theme complex with myriad activities and shows.

 

Festivities

Up for some sanook? Sanook in Thai means fun and enjoyment, which is a characteristic of Thai lifestyle. Thais love to celebrate and their calendars are dotted with numerous festivals all-round the year.

The Songkran Festival marks the New Year on the Thai calendar and is celebrated in the middle of summer (April 13-15). Similar to Holi, Songkran is a water festival where Thais throw water and flowers on each other.

At the start of the three month Buddhist Lent, usually at the end of the July, Thailand celebrates the Candle Festival with a competition of ornately carved wax creations in the form of large decorative candles that are exhibited in an impressive procession all across the city. The end of the Buddhist Lent is celebrated with one of the most spectacular events in Thailand called the International Swan Boat Race on the Chao Phraya River in September.

The year closes with the famous Loi Krathong Festival on a full moon night in November. The festival is a shimmering spectacle of floats containing flowers, candles and incense sticks onto lakes, ponds, canals and rivers.

And a special festival for all romantics…hear o hear! We know about the several marriage festivals, but how about an Underwater Marriage Festival? The newest and most exciting festival in Thailand, this festival is celebrated on Valentine’s Day and plays host to a number of divers and lovers every year.

Read More: Thailand Visa Tips for the Indian Traveller

 

Treasures

Such an eclectic variety of festivals in Thailand instates the fact that Thailand is a fascinating melting pot of different cultures. This fact is further elaborated by the historical gems of Thailand that traces its influence from two of the greatest civilizations - India and China. Thailand is dotted with numerous places of historical significance out of which several are famed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Just like it is for temples in India, you may lose count of Wats in Thailand (over 30,000 around the country). However, the most popular ones are the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), Wat Phra Kaeoa and Wat Benchamabophit, to name a few.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok, encompassing the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is breathtakingly beautiful.

Each of these structures is exquisite in its own way and is gorgeously designed. These beautiful edifices represent Thailand’s glorious past resonates the spiritual message of Buddhism.

 

Beaches

You’ve seen it aplenty in movies - the dreamy song sequence with gorgeous beaches in the backdrop. Well, it’s not a dream, these beaches are for real and can be found in Thailand!

Enjoy the sun, sand and serenity of Thailand’s beaches. Relax on white sandy beaches to soak in the sun, sip a cocktail inside the grass-roof huts snuggled in the shade of coconut palms, plunge into the Andaman Sea, discover the underwater world or simply float on the azure waters - enjoy the exotic beaches of Thailand, one of the best in the world. Be it Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Samui or Phuket, Thailand beaches are a delight to be at.

In the east of the country in Muko Chang, the second largest island in Thailand has over a dozen beaches, most featuring beautiful sands, unspoiled coral reefs and stunning scenery. Most of the beaches in Krabi have breathtaking sites due to the limestone ranges in the backdrop. The Pran Buri Beach, Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Ngai beaches are a haven for those seeking tranquillity and natural sanctuary.

If you are the sort of person who is full of energy and never shirks the challenges of excitement can head to the famous beaches near Pattaya that offers all types of accommodation, water-sport avenues, clubs and restaurants. For those who love exciting nightlife, Ko Samet is a major attraction. The resort towns of Cha-am and Hua Hin offer a range of adventure sports. Hat Rin on Ko Pha-ngan is known for its full moon parties.

For never-ending parties and fun, head to Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. Hat Patong is the liveliest beach in Phuket that is a fit for people with every mood and budget.

Spoilt for choice, savour the serenity and peacefulness and also relish the exhilaration of the beaches in Thailand.

 

Nature

The luscious green…the pristine blue…the sultry brown…and the midnight hue- be a part of the perfect canvas picture as you encounter the sheer beauty of Thailand. Hop on an elephant’s back and ride through the awe-inspiring panoramas of the wildlife sanctuaries of Umphang and Thung Yai; or drift gently on a bamboo raft along a peaceful stretch of river in Chiang Mai. For adventure enthusiasts, explore the innumerable adventure avenues like kayaking, rock-climbing, abseiling and rafting.

If you wish, explore the traditional lifestyle of Thai tribes. You can also stay overnight with different ethnic groups such as Hmong, Akha, Karen and Lisu.

Thailand truly is the potpourri of culture, history, spirituality, hospitality, beauty and nature. I can’t wait to make another trip to Thailand, what about you?

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