Thailand, a dreamy beach side paradise, is a country that has managed to retain its cultural integrity in spite of being a major tourist destination. One can find everything here – from pristine beaches to dense forests, ancient monasteries to coral reefs, from Buddhist monks to floating markets and finally the fragrant and rich food to treat your taste buds.

The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry and cool season between the months of November and April. The southern part of Thailand experiences a different climate between the eastern and western coasts. The winter season on the west coast is favourable for enjoying adventure activities such as diving and snorkeling. Though the climate differs throughout the country, the ideal time to visit Thailand is between November and early April, when the pleasant environment and the cool breeze makes a holiday experience better than ever.

Besides its major attractions, Thailand is excessively famous for its food. With many classy eateries, the country is dotted with delicious street food corners. Tourists can try out the local dishes of Thailand or opt to enter a luxury restaurant to find out what authentic Thai food looks and tastes like! While on a visit to Thailand, one must try Satay, Tom Yum Goong, Khao Soi, Pad See Ew, Massaman Curry, and many more.

Thailand is one of the perfect hubs to go shopping. With an endless array in souvenirs, clothing, jewellery and décor items, shopping in Thailand is always a great way to explore the country.

Best things you should buy in Thailand are: Thai Silk, Thai Jewellery, Handmade Bags, Thai Handicraft, Spa Products, Coconut Oil Products and Thai Spices.

While the official Thai language is widely spoken throughout Thailand, many Thais also speak and understand English, though more so in Bangkok and the major tourist areas.

1. BANGKOK

A city that never sleeps, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is a modern-day melting pot of contrasting cultures and faiths. Here, towering skyscrapers stand in harmony next to temples and monasteries. The luxury malls and shopping centres compete with the street bazaars and floating markets. Cuisines – both Thai and from around the world are showcased in all their glory on the streets as well as in rooftop restaurants. The nightlife of Bangkok, on the one hand, revolves around flashy nightclubs, rooftop and go-go bars, bright neon light signs and cheap drinks.

While on the other, it also includes cabaret shows, Muay Thai and dance exhibitions and even cultural walking tours. Sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew showcase the city’s rich history, while the likes of museums such as Art in Paradise and parks such as the Sea Life Ocean World cater to those seeking modern-day experiences.

Places to visit in Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chatuchak Market, Safari World, Madame Tussauds

2. PHUKET

The largest Island in all of Thailand, Phuket has everything Thailand has to offer. Serviced by the Phuket International Airport, the island sees no dearth of travellers during any time of the year. Golden beaches, numerous offshore islands, upbeat markets, a high octane nightlife and thrilling watersports characterise Phuket in a nutshell. Beaches like Surin and Kata cater to families and those individuals with eccentric tastes. Patong beach, on the other hand, caters to all those who like it cheap, loud and crazy, even after the sun sets. Bangla road with its numerous bars, ping pong shows and street food vendors comes alive as the night grows older. Those who shy away from dizzy bright lights and alcohol will find themselves at the Cabaret shows or even at the ever-popular street markets. The Phuket Walking Street or Phuket Weekend markets are places where one can spend hours sifting through various clothes, souvenirs and novelty items.

Places to visit in Phuket: Patong Beach, Phi Phi Islands, Karon Beach, Big Buddha, Phuket Weekend Night Market

3. KOH TAO

Koh Tao is an island in the Chumphon Archipelago group of islands in the south-eastern part of Thailand. It is largely popular for scuba diving and snorkelling as it has some of the best and cheapest diving spots in the world. The island is also known for its pristine white sand beaches, lantern-lit restaurants, delicious food, and of course, the abundant sea turtles residing on its shores, as suggested by its name. On the one hand, it has a proud and vibrant local culture, and on the other, it has a relaxing atmosphere and an exciting nightlife.

Places to visit in Koh Tao: Koh Nang Yuan, John Suwan Viewpoint, Sairee Beach, Tanote Bay, Wat Koh Tao, The Shark Bay

4. PHI PHI ISLANDS

Phi Phi consists of a group of six islands. Only 40 km away from Phuket, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the two most famous islands of the six. With their pristine waters and vibrant parties, these islands are a wonderful way to spend a few days in Thailand. With four other islands besides the large ones, Phi Phi houses Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Ko Mai Phai, is also known as Bamboo Island. Phi Phi Islands became famous after the 2000 Hollywood flick ‘The Beach’ that was shot in Ko Phi Phi Le. Ko Phi Phi Leh houses The “Viking Cave” which is a thriving industry that sells edible birds’ nests. It’s striking cliffs, white sand beaches with jungles all around and clear blue waters make it look nothing short of paradise.

Places to visit in Phi Phi Islands: Phi Phi Viewpoint, Bamboo Island, Moo Dee Bay, Bida Islands, Mosquito Island or Koh Yung, Viking Cave

5. CHIANG MAI

Old-town temples, the best of Thai crafts, cookery courses and fine restaurants – the north’s sophisticated capital is a great place to hang out. The capital and transport centre of the north, it’s also a great place just to hang out or prepare for a journey into the hills. For many tourists, this means joining a trek to visit one or more of the hill tribes, who comprise one-tenth of the north’s population.

Places to visit in Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park, Wat Chedi Luang, Chang Puak Gate Night Market, Sunday Walking Market, Kat Rin Kham Night Bazaar, Lanna Folklife Museum

6. PATTAYA

Popularly known as Thailand’s Sex capital and party hub, Pattaya is a coastal city in the Gulf of Thailand which over the years has steadily grown out of its infamous tag. The beaches and islands in Pattaya offer a wide variety of watersports, snorkelling options, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, making it ideal for families, friends and couples. The nightlife in Pattaya is quite famous for being loud, flashy and handsy. Walking Street in Pattaya is characteristic of bright streets lights and signs hovering over open bars, go-go bars and women standing along the streets. Cabaret shows such as the Alcazar Show and Tiffany’s Cabaret Show also are popular tourist attractions during the night. Located within a two hours drive distance from Bangkok, most tourists to Pattaya come via trains, buses or cars from the capital.

Places to visit in Pattaya: Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Walking street, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya Beach, Pattaya Floating Market, Art in Paradise, Underwater World Pattaya, Pattaya View Point, Mini Siam, Wat Yansangwararam Coral island, Ramayana Water Park, Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Tiffany Cabaret Show, MIMOSA Pattaya

7. KRABI

One of the oldest provinces in Thailand, Krabi is home to the traditional yet the modern, the touristy and the local flavour. A coastal destination often visited with Phuket, Krabi is home to beautiful beaches, islands and limestone formations. In addition, Krabi offers some of the beautiful coral diving spots in the world, making it an excellent destination for diving enthusiasts and Instagram photograph hunters alike.

Home to the Phi Phi Islands, Krabi sees a large amount of footfall on them. The islands are known for their unmatched beauty and, over the years, have become a favourite spot among partygoers and private vacationers alike. Beautiful beaches like Railey Beach are sought by those looking for amazing photographs and by rock-climbing enthusiasts who come to conquer the towering limestone formations.

Places to visit in Krabi: Railay Beaches & Caves, Koh Poda, The Emerald Pool, Mu Koh Hong, Tiger Cave Temple, Ko Phi Phi, Tup Island

8. CHIANG RAI

In the last few years Chiang Rai has acquired several genuine sights of interest, notably the Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, a beautiful storehouse of Lanna art. There’s now also a good choice of guesthouses and upmarket riverside hotels in which to lay your head, and from here you can set up a wide range of trekking, day-trips and other outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside.

Places to visit in Chiang Rai: Doi Din Dang Pottery, Khun Korn Waterfall, Baan Dam Museum, Wat Phra Kaew, Doi Mae Salong

9. KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK

The stunning jungle-clad karsts of Khao Sok National Park are well worth heading inland for. Located about halfway between the southern peninsula’s two coasts and easily accessible from Khao Lak, Phuket and Surat Thani, the park has become a popular stop on the travellers’ route, offering a number of easy trails, a bit of amateur spelunking and some scenic rafthouse accommodation on Cheow Lan Lake.

Places to visit in Khao Yai National Park: Haew Narok Waterfall, Primo Piazza Khao Yai, Khao Luk Chang Bat Cave, Night Safari Korat, The Bloom By TV Pool

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