There are many countries to visit in the world and each offers its own unique attractions and reasons to be visited. So, why Thailand? What makes this country unique, worthwhile and simply a great place to visit?
With approximately 15 000 000 visitors per annum, and many return visitors from previous years, certainly confirm the popularity of the country, but you are unique and will you find what you are looking for?
Many people have indicated to me that, if you are going to be flying all the way to Thailand, I guess you have to be someone who likes the beach and the ocean.
This indicates the perception of people that Thailand is all about warm weather, islands, blue seas, white beaches and palm trees. While this is certainly part of the allure, it definitely is not all Thailand is about.
The first thing that comes to mind is the price tag for visiting and staying in hotels in Thailand. Whether you are a back packer, 5 star vacationer or somewhere in-between, Thailand remains one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world.
When elements like the quality of hotel establishments in Thailand (which rival the best in the world) the beautiful surroundings, family friendliness and warm tropical weather to name but a few, is also brought into the equation, accommodation in Thailand is an outright bargain.
To add to the attractive hotel accommodation prices in Thailand, this must also be one of the countries in the world, if not the country in the world, where hotels offer the most incredible special deals and money saving packages.
Where else would you find hotels offering deals like "stay 16 nights and pay only 8" or "stay 10 and pay only 5"? It is also not like there is just one or two offering such a deal once in a while. There are a plethora of them, ranging from 3 to 5 star all over Thailand, including destinations like Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and basically all the rest.
The next reason on my list is the extremes to which hotels and resorts in Thailand go to create the ultimate family friendly vacation destination.
To start with, it is a known fact that Thais are extremely fond of children, and as an expat Thailand resident, this became very apparent very quickly. Hotels and resorts all over Thailand acknowledges children as their future customers and as such the highly professional kids clubs with an array of educational and other fun and exiting kids activities, creates a haven for children to enjoy their own holiday. At the same time, this creates time for the parents to have time available to them selves.
Many hotels in all price categories also offer ideal family friendly accommodation. From two to five bedroom accommodation and themed children's rooms, small to large families will find suitable accommodation anywhere in Thailand.
Thailand is safe. Even for the single female traveler, this must be one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. It certainly cannot be argued that crime will never take place in Thailand. However, Thais are a non aggressive people and the probability of a tourist falling victim to crime, especially violent crime, remains very low. To maintain this status as a safe tourist destination, The Royal Thai Police have established the Tourist Police Division. These men and women are mostly English capable, unbiased and a tourist's first friend when arriving in the land of smiles.
Referring back to our first point in terms of Thailand not being all sand and surf, the diversity of the country's landscape, history and culture as a tourist attraction, needs special mention.
Thai civilization dates back to 3600 BC, though Thailand first announced independence around 1238 AD. Since then, the city of Sukhothai was taken from the Khmer Empire and placed under Thai rule, the Lanna Kingdom was founded, Ayutthaya was the first capital and later moved to more or less where Bangkok is today and cities and temples, of which the outer walls and ruins can still be visited today, was build. Hence, Thailand with all these heritage sites, palaces and museums, is a history lovers dream and will enrich your knowledge of a very old and very exciting culture. Then many historical and ancient places are actually a must for every tourist.
As said, Thailand's beautiful islands, warm azure oceans, crystal white beaches and warm tropical weather is the primary reasons for many, if not most who come here. However, getting off the beaten track can lead to a very exciting and fulfilling visit.
Venture up north to Places like Chiang Mai (a place they say perfected hospitality), Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, to experience more typical Thai culture, the friendliness of the people and a jaw dropping landscape. Green forested hills, rivers and waterfalls define the beautiful environment, also rich with history and culture.
A plethora of national parks dot Thailand, especially in the north, criss crossed by hiking trails, waiting to be explored. This is a far cry from sipping cocktails under a palm tree on an island right?
And while you are there, visit the Northern Hill Tribes, descendants of Chinese, Burmese, Laotians & Vietnamese who migrated to Thailand over the centuries. Still dressing in traditional clothing and very much still living the way they always did, these friendly people is an experience not to be missed.
Another highlight of traveling through Thailand is the cost of transport. Certainly, if one is going to travel in private luxury all the time, things can be slightly more expensive, but generally, traveling in Thailand can be dirt cheap and the many colourful transport options make it as much fun as it is budget friendly.
Also, the more authentic and local your mode of transport, and thus also more fun, the cheaper it gets. Swap the fancy speedboat for a longtail boat for instance (not all longtail boats look like a canoe. Some are bigger boats carrying larger cargo, but they are basic). It is much slower, but you get to see so much more and it just feels great.
Take the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani if you are traveling to several islands in The Gulf of Thailand instead of flying. Even with a mini bus from Bangkok to Chumpon and from there by boat to islands in the Gulf will cost you less than 2000 Thai Baht for a 600 kilometer journey. All the while it will be a much bigger adventure and part of your entire vacation experience than just taking the fastest and most expensive option.
In summary, you want to visit Thailand because it is so different. Different to the west, but also different to most other eastern or Asian countries.
A big city like Bangkok aside, Thailand is still very much rural, and even in towns a little more developed like Hua Hin, Thailand still retains a very authentic Thai feel. Life is still simple in many ways with a relaxed, tomorrow will see to itself attitude.
Our advice is to book hotel accommodation in more than one region of Thailand. Spend a week on an island, but then also explore the inner and northern part of Thailand, be surprised and impressed at the same time and start making plans to return as soon as possible.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Conradie
