The must-visit destination for back-packers and tropical beach-lovers, Thailand is a country of interesting culture and serene shores. With an array of islands sprinkled around the south coast, there’s plenty of sand and sea to see! Think crystal-blue waters, towering palm trees and enough activities to last a lifetime, this is the perfect pick for anyone seeking relaxing getaway or a non-stop adventure.
Beaches
There’s no doubt that you’ve seen ‘travel inspo’ pictures of stunning white sands, lush green cliff sides and clear turquoise waters… well, that’s Thailand! In Phuket, Kata Beach is a beauty, lined with palm trees and great restaurants. Plus, between May and October, the sea is perfect for surf-lovers. One of the more famous shores, Railay Beach in Krabi, is great for families with its shallow shores and super-soft sands, whilst being picture perfect too! Over in Koh Samui, Lamai Beach is a peaceful plot of shore, but still with plenty of local amenities nearby. If you’re looking for a picturesque beach only a brief stroll away from a bustling village, Nang Thong Beach in Khao Lak is the perfect spot for you.
Food & Drink
Thai cuisine is aromatic and is usually served with rice or noodles. One popular dish is Pad Thai, which features stir fried noodles with egg, tofu, shrimp, flavourings and is topped with roasted peanuts. Tom yam is another famous Thai dish, a hot and sour soup with shrimp. Massaman curry and green curry are both must-try meals, but they’re not like the curries we know and love in Britain, these dishes have the staple ingredients of coconut milk, palm sugar and fish sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, Thailand is also known for its consumption of insects, including deep-fried grasshoppers and crickets.
Culture
Culture in Thailand is heavily influenced by religion, with an estimated 95% of the population being Theraveda Buddhist. Wherever you choose to visit, you’ll surely come across a statue of Buddha or one of the beautiful temples. One tradition in Thailand is ‘The Thai Wai’ greeting, a movement of bowing to someone whilst holding your hands together as if you were in prayer. Festivals are also a large part of the culture, which are all celebrated with a ‘go big or go home’ attitude. ‘Songkran’ (Water Festival) is the celebration of Thai New Year, taking place in April. It consists of water being poured on Buddhas, young people and elderly people to wash away any sins or bad luck. In November, Chiang Mai hosts ‘Yi Peng’ (Lantern Festival) which, as you might be able to tell by the name, is a dazzling festival where a flock of lanterns are released into the night sky to celebrate the full moon of that month.
Nightlife
There’s no denying that the nightlife in Thailand is exciting. Patong in Phuket is one of the hot spots for partying, with streets sparkling in bright lights and a buzz that never stops. Shows, clubs, music, whatever you’re after for a wild night out, Patong has it! If you prefer to keep your feet in the sand for the evening, Coco Tam’s in Koh Samui is a popular open-air beach bar where you can sip cocktails with friends and enjoy fire shows performed right in front of your eyes. Of course, we couldn’t talk about Thailand’s nightlife without mentioning the famous ‘Full moon parties’. If you get the chance to visit Koh Phanghan then these parties are something else. So, prepare to be covered in illuminous paint and dance until sunrise.