Pushpitha Wijesinghe
Whether you wish to backpack across Thailand or stay at a luxurious hotel Chiang Rai, there are a number of things that must be considered when planning the perfect Thai Getaway. Make your vacation in Thailand a memorable one by taking into account the following.
Prior to locking down the dates of your getaway, it is worthwhile to check whether the weather in Thailand is conducive to a sunny vacation. This country is prone to two monsoon seasons that affect different parts of the country. Therefore, a little bit of research is sufficient to ensure that your holiday is not ruined by rain or wind.
If discovering gorgeous natural sites is on the top of your things to do in Thailand, it is worthwhile to consider Koh Chang, also known as the Elephant Island, and Koh Samui, an island located off mainland. Thailand is replete with forest tracks and pathways that lead you through splendid natural beauty and sometimes emerge in a natural cove untouched by tourism.
Former Siam is filled to the brim with unique local quirks that can be experienced and are well worth the investment. Dare to climb aboard a tuk-tuk and hold on for dear life as it darts in and out of traffic and whisks you away or stay at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, and see elephants up and close in their natural habitat.
A visit to Thailand is incomplete without a shopping expedition, particularly through the streets of Bangkok! For high-end, quality products, one can rarely go wrong with the large malls that are frequently found in the heart of the city, but for knick knacks, souvenirs and cheap items, the street sellers and the night markets are the places to go.
No tour of a foreign land is complete without sampling the local treats and delicacies. These delicious delights are made accessible, especially in Bangkok, through the multitude of street vendors that can be found almost anywhere in the capital. Enjoy light soups and snacks created with fresh local ingredients and gain an insight into the diverse cuisine of the Thai people.
For families travelling with children, theme parks offer a wonderful mode through which to keep an entire family entertained. Visit Safari World for deliciously close encounters with animals, Dream World to bring favourite fairy tales to light and the Rose Garden for some downtime where children can play freely and enjoy themselves.
While Bangkok enjoys its own charm and allure, a Thai getaway is wholly incomplete without a visit to its pristine beaches and idyllic islands. Make your getaway that much more special by island hopping! This excursion is bound to offer something different to your tour of this South Asian nation.
Whether it is culture, architecture or history one may be interested in, there are diverse points of interest in Thailand. Visit Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Golden Buddha for an insight into religious practices, the Grand Palace, Vimanek Mansion and Sanctuary of Truth for different styles of architecture and other sites such as Thonburi and the Walking Street in Pattaya for a true local feel.
