It is becoming increasingly easy to travel and there are so many countries to discover, so you may wonder why you should visit Thailand?

Let's see what makes Thailand a destination of choice for seasoned explorers as well as novices!

The magnificent beaches and islands of Thailand

Banana beach in Phuket. Photo: Kaimark Lifestyle

With a coastline of over 2500 km and 1430 islands, Thailand has a lot of beaches to offer.

But it's not just about favoring quantity over quality.

Thai beaches, with their turquoise waters and white sand, attract tens of millions of visitors every year.

The beaches and islands of Thailand are undeniably among the most beautiful in the world.

See: A beach on Koh Kradan island in Thailand, voted the world's best beach

But what about the islands?

The most popular island destinations in Thailand are Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan and Koh Chang.

Each island has its own charm, from the lively nightlife of Phuket to the quiet beaches of Koh Samui, and the wild nature of Koh Phangan.

These islands offer a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and surfing, not to mention unforgettable landscapes!

See: Islands in Thailand: choose from the 5 most popular

A rich culture

Woman in traditional costume in a Thai temple. Photo: Le Quoc Huy

Thailand is one of the few countries in the world that has never been colonized or occupied by a foreign power throughout its history.

This remarkable circumstance has allowed Thailand to preserve a vast cultural heritage to this day, with a deep and varied legacy of Buddhist traditions and architecture.

The Kingdom of Thailand has more than 40,000 temples, including the famous Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn, with its magnificent Prang (tower) inlaid with colored porcelain.

The Grand Palace of Bangkok is another attraction not to be missed, with its complex architecture and magnificent gardens.

A unique fauna

Black panther and leopard in Thailand

The kingdom is home to a multitude of animals and plants, including elephants, tigers, bears, otters, porcupines, monkeys and many marine species, such as manta rays, dugongs, Irrawaddy dolphins…

The elephant, however, is by far the most popular animal in the Kingdom of Thailand.

You can see the famous Thai elephants up close in one of the many elephant sanctuaries, where you can bathe, feed, and pet them.

You really should visit Khao Yai National Park, which is home to tigers, leopards, bears and other unique creatures in Thailand.

A guided tour will allow you to see these animals, or hear their growls, in their natural habitat.

A welcoming people

An American tourist and two Thai women in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Photo: Matthew Martimo

Thais are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards tourists.

You will often be greeted with a wai accompanied by a generous smile.

See: Learn to do the wai in Thailand

It goes without saying that this gesture is enough to delight everyone.

The locals are often happy to share their culture, traditions, and opinions with visitors, creating a friendly and open-minded atmosphere that allows for memorable experiences.

Whether it's asking for directions from a stranger or making friends during the day or partying until dawn, Thailand is an extremely friendly and welcoming country.

Of course, if you have a little Thai vocabulary, it will help you enormously to make warm encounters.

See: Thai language, the minimum vocabulary to know during the first trip

An unforgettable cuisine

Massaman curry best dish in the world for CNN Travel

Curry Massaman. Photo: Emily and Matt Clifton – nerdswithknives.com

We have all savored a Thai dish in our own country.

But when your favorite Thai dish is prepared locally with fresh market ingredients, it's another thing.

Thai cuisine is rightly famous for its spicy and savory dishes, which masterfully blend sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

This cuisine is a blend of the best influences from China, India, and Southeast Asia, which has given birth to a unique and world-renowned cuisine.

Among the most popular dishes are pad thai, tom yum goong, and massaman curry, which has been voted the best dish in the world several times.

See: Curry Massaman: the world's best dish for CNN Travel

Don't miss out on the delicious and affordable street food either.

See: Street food: the best street dishes in Thailand

An affordable luxury

The Capella hotel in Bangkok

The most expensive part of a stay in Thailand is often the flight itself, even if there are tips to know to find the cheapest.

See: How to find cheap flights: tips to know

Once on the ground, you can find decent accommodation for less than 14 euros per night, delicious food for just 1 euro, and most long-distance trips do not exceed 19 euros per trip.

Thailand's offer can be described as affordable luxury.

You can find both luxury resorts and entire villas by the sea with pool, budget hostels, and everything in between.

The cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for travelers on a limited budget.

Conclusion

Thailand has something to offer everyone.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting jungle adventure, an unforgettable party, or a memorable cultural experience, the Kingdom of Thailand has everything you need.

Source: Chiang Rai Times