Many countries in both East and West compete for the title of being the “Land of Smiles”, and Thailand happens to be one of the top contenders.
It’s a tourist-friendly place where you’ll be greeted with typical Asian hospitality, the type that can be shy and hesitant at first as well as warm and welcoming as a whole. But in any language, scores of smiles are what you’re sure to get and bring back with you on your way home from a Thailand holiday.
Now, as to how much fun and thrill you’ll get from a visit to Thailand, it all depends on what type of vacation you’ll be taking. Will it be more of a cultural tour, a historical journey, or a purely leisurely one? You’re bound to enjoy the most of it when you avail of the best of all of these worlds! There are many Thailand holiday packages that offer a perfect blend of informative, exciting and relaxing.
Truly a divine experience, your enchantment with Thailand begins with a ceremonial round of temple visits. You will be impressed by the golden spire of gleaming temples that decorate the landscape, their majestic splendor of which can only be described as postcard-perfect. Too numerous to name and see all in one short visit, the ones you ought not to miss can be found in Chiang Mai. These include the Grand Palace hailing back from the reign of King Rama I and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (or the Wat Phra Kaew) found within its courts.
A residence for the king, queen, and royal consorts, The Grand Palace will remind you of movies and plays like “The King and I”. All the more, it makes you realize that you are in the fascinating Land of Siam, partaking in one of the richest cultures and histories of the world.
Filled with ornate statues, religious paintings, and intricate works of architecture, these shrines to the deity will catch your gaze and leave you transfixed. Just imagine a large Emerald Buddha 31 inches high and carved from real jade or a Reclining Buddha 46 inches high and adorned with mother of pearl.
Yet, if you wish to be able to set foot in certain Buddhist temples and come as close as possible to their inner chambers, then be sure to observe the sacred. For example, bring along a light silk wrap or, better yet, wear your choice of traditional attire. Incidentally, Thai silk happens to be one of the best materials for scarves, shawls, and other pieces of clothing, such that it will be one of the top items on your list of souvenirs to shop for.
Another spectacle to see would be the Royal Barge Procession. Now housed in the royal museum, this is a priceless collection of 52 wooden barges, all beautifully decorated and gold-crafted. Each requires about 2,000 rowers and all possess a royal figurehead, the most popular of which would be the mystical swan featured in the Thai tourism logo.
Away from the shimmering brilliance of Buddhist temples, you may also go on elephant rides or visit underground caves like those found in Kanchanaburi. Here, you will find the historic Bridge over River Kwai and the Death Railway from World War II. Nowadays, it is largely visited by foreigners as a landmark for peace and a memorial to prisoners who perished during the war.
Another interesting Thai icon that has been restored is the Wat Pho pavilion. Remarkably, it is in this local learning institute where you can learn the secrets of authentic Thai massage and other ancient techniques for mind-body relaxation.
With relaxation in mind, it’s time to soak up the sun and get to know the crowd. Your first stop would be the golden beaches that Thailand is famous for. Just think of the resort-filled coastlines of Phuket and Pattaya, and you are in for days and nights of endless, intoxicating pleasure. You can pamper yourself with a quiet day on the beach, or you can go on a sightseeing trip to Phang Nga Bay where you’ll be rewarded with the vision of limestone cliffs over emerald-clear waters.
Another exotic pleasure to keep you hooked would be the delectable taste of Thai cuisine. A mixture of sweet, salty, spicy and sour, each dish is made from local ingredients and served with spices. Other than the seafood markets and noodle shacks to appease your hunger at night, there are also the floating food markets by day. These are actually boats which serve as makeshift kitchens for instant meals, tropical fruits, and fresh coconut juice!
In all its raw and open beauty, Thailand has a unique charm all its own. It promises you a colorful holiday that’s far from forgettable and boring. Luxury experiences in Thailand are surprisingly affordable compared to most countries, so even if you’re budget isn’t huge, you can still have the opportunity to experience the incredible sights, sounds and tastes that Thailand has to offer.
