Guide to Thailand
Thailand is often referred to as the ‘land of smiles’ and from the moment you arrive, it will become apparent why. You will see more people smiling in Thailand, than you will anywhere else in the world. Thailand is a destination where the people are truly as warm as the weather. This wonderful country is home to Golden temples and palaces, historic buildings, bustling markets and of course some of the finest beaches in the world. Each and every time you visit Thailand, not only are you assured of a friendly welcome, but also a new experience awaits you.
Beaches in Thailand
Beach holidays in Thailand are one of the main reasons why so many people visit Thailand each year. And why they also return year after year, a beach holiday in Thailand once experienced is never forgotten.
Amazing Thailand as it is also known is a country that is larger than the UK, but has a population that is very similar. Within this great country there are many tourist resorts, from the Tropical Islands of Koh Samui, Krabi and Phi Phi, to the bustling bright lights of the capital Bangkok, and the mainland fun resorts of Pattaya, Chang Mai and Chang Rai. Which ever type of holiday you prefer, Thailand has a resort to suit everybody’s taste.
Massage & Spa
Unlike certain other holiday destinations, Thailand allows you to do as little or as much as you want, and the hospitality and service in this country is world renowned. You may decide to indulge yourself with a luxury spa and massage, after spending a day enjoying you perfect beach holiday in Thailand. Elephant trekking in the jungles and bamboo rafting down the River Kwai may sound like fun. There’s always a visit to the spectacular Grand Palace, followed by a dinner cruise down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Or even a round of golf and a night on the town in Pattaya. Which ever you choose the only problem you may encounter, is the fact that there is so much to see and do in Thailand, you may require further trips to this heavenly country.
A balanced Thai meal would normally consist of a soup, a curried dish or spicy salad and a fish dish with vegetables and dips this would be served with one of many rice dishes. Fresh fruit would then be served to finish the meal. Usually Thai people consider eating as a communal affair, and as such do not eat alone. They prefer to eat with family and friends and in doing so can share many dishes, allowing them a greater choice of what to eat.
All the toursit resorts have as many different restaurants and eating places as you could ever wish for. World class restaurants will serve you with a mouthwatering gourmet meal, or you may prefer a relaxing beach front restaurants that can prepare a seafood feast, a local Thai restaurant that serves you with authentic Thai food at unbelievable prices. Alternatively you may wish to sit at one of the thousands of roadside stalls that serve just about what ever you can think of.
As most country’s Thailand also now has it’s fair share of fast food, from chicken and burgers to pizza’s and ice creams. You will also find many international restaurant chains here too. Basically what ever food you want, it’s here for you.
What can be said the about nightlife in Thailand, well usually a lot and mainly by people who have never even visited the country. We believe that the phrase that probably sums up Thailands nighlife the best, is ‘ There’s something here for everyone’.
Unlike many capital cities throughout the world you will find that Bangkok has a nighlife of its own. It not only boasts bars and clubs, but has many fine restaurants, some of the best being located in the hotels. Many of the hotels offer live music in a relaxing environment. Dinner cruises are also available on the Chao Phraya river, and are the perfect way to see the sights of this wonderful city at night. For lively entertainment the many clubs and bars are great fun, while offering a nighlife that is relaxed, safe and most enjoyable.
Some of the islands around thailand without doubt, offer the most relaxing, romantic and intimate nightlife you will ever experience. If your ideal senario is to enjoy a beach holiday in Thailand, and then spend the evening having a wonderful meal by the waters edge, and then relaxing in a bar that allows you to just chill out, then one of the islands sounds like the place for you.
You could also visit one of the many famous markets this, is where not only will you find great gifts to take home, but you will also see how the people of Thailand go about their daily business. These markets are at the heart of everyday life in Thailand, and if you enjoy bargain hunting then they are the ideal place to spend time shopping. Alternatively spend time on an evening at one of the amazing night bazaars, here not only can you hunt out a bargain, but also relax and enjoy something to eat and drink.
Elephant trekking in Thailand is one of the most popular outdoor activities enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Once you climb aboard the elephant and start your journey, the swaying rhythm allows you to relax and take in some of the most amazing scenery you will ever see. Elephant trekking in Thailand is available in most of the tourist areas, and can be one of those experiences that you will never forget.
Today there are hundreds of elephants living in Thailand and working in tourism. And of course it would be much better if all the elephants were able to roam the wild, but this is simply not possible in certain areas of modern Thailand. It costs approximately £250 per month to feed and care for an elephant in captivity, so regulated and controlled elephant trekking can help keep these animals employed, which in turn allows them to be fed, cared for and assures the survival of these majestic creatures.
Diving in Thailand is famous the world over, and with tropical seas around Thailand that provide some of the most incredible sub-aqua adventures, it is no surprise that many divers from all around the world visit Thailand to experience what can only be described as truly amazing.
A live-aboard is the ultimate for many divers, and Thailand offers some amazing live-aboard boats. These modern boats are like floating hotels, with air-conditioning, private rooms, sun decks, mini bars and all the meals and movie entertainment you could wish for. Allowing you to spend time with fellow enthusiasts, and visit some of the many dive sites available. Some of the dive sites are even close enough to allow you to dive in multi locations on the same day, should you so wish.
Thailand has without doubt some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and people visit Thailand every year to enjoy a beach holiday in Thailand. Apart from the spectacular scenery that these beaches offer, you will also find that there are many different beach activities and water sports that are provided for your enjoyment. These beach activities and water sports can be found on most of the beaches in and around Thailand, and certainly on the beaches in the main tourist resorts.
Thailand like many other popular tourist destinations has many beach activities and water sports that let you have fun with your family and friends. Some of these beach activities include the banana boat ride, a favourite of many that allows you and your family or friends to sit together on a long banana shaped boat, while a speed boat pulls you along, and occasionally overturns you safely into the water. Then there’s the doughnut ride, again a speedboat pulls you along while you sit in a big black rubber ring, occasionally throwing you into the water. Or you can even try your hand at the water sport of Parasailing you are pulled along by speedboat while attached to a parachute, allowing you to take in the views of the beach from above. All these beach activities and water sports are safely controlled, and allow you to have fun, fun and more fun.
Jet skiing in Thailand is probably the most popular water sports there is. And on most of the tourist beaches around Thailand you will find Jet Ski operators who you can rent various different types of Jet Ski from. You should however regardless of which resort you are staying at, always ensure that you are on a beach that legally allows the use of Jet ski’s, and also that the operator that you hire your jet ski from is fully licensed. Riding a jet ski can be like riding a motorbike on the water, and can be amazing fun. And in popular tourist resorts like Phuket you are also able to visit some of the wonderful islands on a Jet Ski tour, allowing access to areas you would not normally get to see by boat.
On most beaches in Thailand you will, in dedicated places find a group of people playing volleyball, a great and fun beach activity. And usually should you so wish, you will be allowed to play. Just make yourself known to the people playing, and remember Thailand is a very friendly place, even most of the tourists that arrive here end up with a smile on their face, and are usually not as hostile as they are in their home countries. Or to put it another way, a polite can I have a game? Is usually met with of course no problem.
Speed boats are in use a lot in Thailand, and they are also involved in most of the water sports that are available. They are also a favourite of many tourists, when they wish to take a boat trip around the islands of Thailand. You can climb aboard a speed boat and take a trip along the coast, viewing the coastline and the islands from the sea while having great fun.
Golf in Thailand during the last few years has become an extremely popular sport. And this dramatic increase in golf’s popularity not only in Thailand, but around the world, has brought about the development of many world class and championship golf courses in Thailand, some of which have been designed by some of the world’s top professional golfers. These magnificent courses with breathtaking scenery, coupled with the unrivalled hospitality of Thai people, has made Thailand one of Asia’s premier golfing destinations
The golf courses in Thailand are often located near to some of the country’s most popular and desired resorts. The facilities available at these courses are indeed world class, as you will not only find fully equipped pro shops, but luxury saunas and spas, and excellent restaurants and bars. And all these golf courses with magnificent facilities are within easy access from the resort of your choice. Golf carts are also available at most of the courses in Thailand, and you will find the service of the well trained caddies both at the clubhouse and on the course, invaluable and inexpensive.
Not only are there a large number of magnificent golf courses in Thailand, but for those golfers who wish to improve their game, or even people who have never played before and would like an introduction to golf. Thailand has many golf schools throughout the Kingdom, and most of these are located in the popular tourist resorts. These golfing schools, along with the green fees at most of the courses continue to be extremely well priced.
If golf is included in your idea of a perfect holiday, then Thailand has to be the place to visit. Whether you are a first timer, or a professional golfer, Thailand has many golf courses that will not only excite you, but that will also be challenging. And for a country that has weather so good, golf is played all year round, with prices that are unbelievable for the quality of course you will play, Thailand for golfers is a must. Along with everything else Thailand has to offer, golf is yet another experience not to be missed. Visit the “Land of Smiles” and play some of the most amazing golf courses you will ever find.