Why Thailand Should Feature on Every Travel Itinerary

Guest Post by James

Thailand is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their life. Unfairly famous for the notorious sex shows of Bangkok, there are far more reasons to book flights to Thailand than to visit a ping-pong show: lush rainforests, picture postcard islands with long stretches of sandy white beaches, clear waters teeming with fish, and yes, the party atmosphere of the Khaosan Road.

The best way to start a Thai holiday is to throw yourself in at the deep end: book those flights to Bangkok and marvel at the screaming traffic and gleaming shopping centres, whilst desperately avoiding touts on tuk-tuks.

Although the ping-pong shows can be considered an essential by some travellers, the women involved are usually treated very badly so it’s best to avoid them. If you want to see a show native to Thailand, visit a Ladyboy cabaret such as Calypso.

Experience a culinary adventure by trying Thai food. Searingly hot and world’s away from the Thai food we’re used to in the UK, remember to order your food “mai pet” if you’re planning on tasting anything ever again. Some of the restaurants in Bangkok are world class, but you can get a real taste of South East Asia by trying some of the famous street food.

Be sure to visit a stall that lots of locals are frequenting: these will probably be the safest, and best quality ones. If you can’t speak the language, be brave and just point at whatever looks good. You might be surprised.

You won’t want to stay in Bangkok for long: as the famous show tune states, “one night in Bangkok makes the hard man humble”. Spend a few days chilling out in bohemian Chiang Mai, but be sure to try out the Flight of the Gibbon jungle zipline just outside of Bangkok first.

There are a number of cookery schools in Chiang Mai, if you want to take a taste of Thailand home with you. If you want to spend some time doing some good, try to get a volunteer place at the Elephant Nature Park. This reserve is home to elephants that have been mistreated by humans. Some of their stories are heart rending. Spend a few days getting to know the pachyderms before heading off to get in touch with your spiritual side at Chiang Mai’s many temples.

No visit to Thailand would be complete without some island hopping in the Andaman Sea.  Although the unspoilt paradise of the film The Beach will be hard to find (Kho Phi Phi, the island which was used, is now a tourist haven) you can still spend a very pleasant few days visiting other islands in the chain.

Be sure to bring your waterproof camera, as the crystal clear waters are perfect for scuba diving.

James writes for Skyscanner.net, a cheap flights comparison site based in the UK. For more information about Skyscanner, check out the Skyscanner Youtube channel.

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.