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Thailand
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A gateway to the East, the ‘land of smiles’, the golden land –
these are just some of the names that Thailand is known for. But
what is it about this Southeast Asian country which makes it such a
popular tourist destination? That is exactly what we will try to
discover here.
An Introduction to Thailand
Officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, this independent
country is bordered by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Gulf of
Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok
which also happens to be the largest city in the country. Bangkok
also serves as Thailand’s commercial, industrial, political and
cultural district.
Aside from the capital, other popular and often-visited cities in
Thailand include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ayutthaya, Chiang
Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Phuket and Surat Thani.
What Makes the Land of Smiles Truly Unique
As the nickname ‘Land of Smiles’ implies, Thailand has friendly
locals who will welcome you the minute that you step off the plane.
But more than that, there are plenty of other things which make this
country a truly unique place to be in.
If it is your first time to travel to Thailand, you can take your
pick from a multitude of activities like lounging by one of the
pristine beaches, trekking through the lush forests or sampling what
the local cuisine has to offer.
Those who have already visited Thailand in the past keep coming back
for more because of its exotic charm which attracts foreigners. The
tropical weather, which becomes hottest during the months of March
to June, is perfect especially for those who would like to indulge
in a multitude of water sports and outdoor activities.
More importantly, the culture of Thailand is heavily influenced by
Buddhism which is reflected in the many wats or temples abundantly
found in Central Bangkok. Visiting a shrine or witnessing a muay
Thai or Thai boxing match are just some of the culture-related
activities that you can indulge in during your stay in Thailand.
Backpack Your Way through Thailand
Another thing which makes Thailand stand out as a number one tourist
destination in Southeast Asia is that you can travel through it no
matter what your budget is. If your budget is tight, you can
backpack your way through the country and still comfortably enjoy
your stay.
At the same time, those who are looking for luxurious accommodations
would find that the rates here are still relatively lower as
compared to staying in one of the resort cities in the Caribbean or
a European country.
Whether you’re backpacking or staying in a luxury hotel, there are a
multitude of sights to see and places to visit in Thailand. Phuket,
Koh Samui, Krabi Province, Phi Phi and Pattaya are places where you
will find world-famous beaches. Chiang Mai, located 700 kilometers
north of Bangkok, is the center of Thailand’s handicraft industry.
Also, your visit to this lush country will never be complete without
indulging in a relaxing spa treatment – be it in the hotel where you
are staying or in an establishment which specializes in offering
such services.
In Thailand, Buddhism is a way of life, pampering has turned into an
art form and pristine beaches are a common sight. With an exciting
culture, world-class beach destinations, lush forests, a mouth
watering local cuisine and a lot more to offer – why would you even
say no to the prospect of spending your vacation in Thailand? |
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