Thailand Holidays Packages
Sightseeing Places in Thailand
Thailand Travel Info
History of Thailand
Thailand being one of the prominent countries of South Asia offers diverse tourism options with its lush green valleys and rich cultivated landmass. Being known as the second largest Buddhist nation in the world, Thailand is among the few countries that have never been colonized by any foreign powers. Once used to be a prominent part of the Funan Empire and Khmer Empire, most of the people have migrated from southern China and are among the oldest inhabitants due to which most of the culture and traditions resemble the Chinese culture. To date, Thailand is known for following the old-age traditions and rituals that have made it stand out as one of the authentic nations of Asia.
Geography and Climate
Spread across 5, 13,120 sq km of land, the country comprises one of the unique topographies. Unlike other nearby countries, Thailand is widely known for its rich grassland and dense forests that account for more than 38% of the total area of the country. The region enjoys tropical climatic conditions which are affected by the warm air of the Indian Ocean causing abundant rainfall throughout the year. The country shares international boundaries with Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Cambodia. Although the southern part of the country is full of tropical beaches, the northern and central part is known for their rich lifestyle and highly contribute towards the economy of the country.
People and Culture
Home to more than 70 million people, Thailand is home to diverse communities and religions that can be widely witnessed through their languages and cultural diversity. Chao Phraya, Siamese, and Tai Noi are some of the ethnic groups in the country. The country has a huge amount of refugees that have migrated from southern China due to which most of the citizens share similarities with the people of South Chinese and Northeast Indians. The people of Thailand are hugely inclined towards their cultural traditions and old-age rituals. Tourists need to how to respect their cultures as insulting the serenity and tradition can lead to serious conflicts. Agriculture and arts are the main sources of livelihood and are performed on a large scale across the country.
Foods and Cuisines
Despite being known for its serenity and scenic natural beauty, Thailand is hugely popular for its offering of a wide range of food delicacies. Being surrounded by diverse cultures and traditions, the country offers dishes that share similarities with its nearby countries. Thai cuisine is known for its complex flavours and a combination of spices which include a combination of sweet, sour and spicy flavours. Chillies and sugar are the most common ingredients that are used to prepare the majority of the foods. From Local Street shops to popular restaurants, Thai cuisine offers a range of food delicacies that are admired by food lovers from all over the world. some of the popular food dishes in Thai cuisine are
- Tom Yum Goong
- Som Tam
- Khao Phat
- Chim Chum
Festivals
Apart from food, nature and history, Thailand is also known for its vibrant festivals and religious events that are celebrated throughout the year. No matter which season or time of the year, tourists can witness the beauty of festivals in every corner of the country. Dance forms and musical nights are the highlights of these festivals and showcase the real beauty of the country that attracts people from all over the world. Unlike others, the people of Thailand follow the lunar calendar and share differences with the date of the festival each year. Some of the major festivals of the country include.
- Songkran
- Phi Ta Khon
- Yi Peng
- Wing Kwai
- Losar
Visa and Formalities
Acquiring a visa is a must when it comes to travelling to Thailand. You should possess a passport with more than 6 months of validity, proof of accommodation, and travel booking which needs to be produced at the immigration office. However, citizens of the US visiting for less than 30 days do not require any visa.
How to Reach Thailand?
Air : Although Thailand is located in the southernmost part of Asia, the country is well connected with other countries by airways. Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport are two of the major airports that connect Thailand with the rest of the world.
Road : There are no direct routes connecting India with Thailand. However, tourists can travel to Thailand by driving through the India–Myanmar–Thailand trilateral Highway which accounts for a total length of 1360 km.
Things to Do in Thailand
Kayaking : Thailand is a beautiful country that includes a cluster of islands and beaches in the southern part of the country making it an ideal place for kayaking. Tourists can rent the kayak from local operators and embark on an exciting journey where they can explore the nearby regions and get the sight of the surrounding beauty.
Thai Massage : The traditional massage therapy of Thailand is what makes the country stand out from others. With a blend of herbal ingredients and oils, the Thai massage is perfect for relaxing after a tiring day or after indulging in a tiring adventure activity. These massages not only help to relax but can also help to get rid of old injuries and correct your postures.
Beach Party : Beach parties and vibrant nightlife are what attract tourists in a huge number. Phi Phi Island is one of such places that are known for wild beach parties, from delicious foods to exciting activities, beach parties offer a unique experience that is a must-try in Thailand. There are multiple beach bars and restaurants that host beach parties and attract tourists throughout the year.
Scuba Diving : Located in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, Thailand offers its tourists the exciting activity of scuba diving. Being home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse aquatic animals, scuba diving offers an experience that is beyond imagination. Ko Lanta, Similan Island and Ko Pha Ngan are some of the certified diving centres of Thailand with which you can indulge in this exciting adventure.
Floating Markets : Floating markets are one of the most unique markets you can ever find where people sell food items such as fruits and seasonal vegetables in a boat. This floating market can be seen daily floating along the canals and is mostly operated by women.
Relish Thai Cuisine : A trip to Thailand will be incomplete without relishing the delicious Thai cuisine. Most of the dishes are made from chillies, sweet and sour gravy and a variety of sauces that add unique flavour to the food. Tom Yum Goong, Laab, Khao Soi and Kaeng Lueang are some of the popular dishes of Thai cuisine.
