Whether you’re traveling alone or as a family, whether you want to simply relax or have an adventure, Thailand is the perfect place for you to visit Whether you’re traveling alone or as a family, whether you want to simply relax or have an adventure, Thailand is the perfect place for you to visit
Thailand is one of the most visited nations on the planet, seeing more than 35 million travelers yearly. Thailand is a fabulous, diverse country that is famous for many things. From white sandy beaches and terrific hotels to historic temples and mouthwatering food, there’s simply too much on offer for visitors in this tropical paradise.
If you have heard of Thailand, then you have no doubt heard of the famous Thai smile and Thai wai (the hands together mini bow). This is a big part of their culture. Thais are, in general, some of the politest and most well-mannered people you will ever meet, and this is why so many people love visiting Thailand.
One of their mottoes is mai pen rai, which means ‘never mind’. Thai people’s carefree attitude is one that many Westerners envy. Unlike many Westerners who tend to worry and live stressful lives, Thais tend to take stress and emotions with a pinch of salt. Even when Thais are losing in sports events, you rarely see them lose their temper and, instead, they just smile their frustration away.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you travel around Thailand, Thais are kind and helpful, from recommending restaurants to helping with directions.
Scenery, history and culture
Thailand’s most impressive natural feature has got to be its islands and beaches. With over 2,400 km (1,500 miles) of coastline and almost 1,000 islands, you will find an island or beach to love, whether you want to party till dawn, learn to dive, or escape from the world on a secluded, romantic break.
There are so many islands on both the west and east coasts of Thailand. On the west coast of Thailand, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi are famous for their well-developed facilities and plentiful activities; Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta have incredibly clear water with stunning coral reefs to snorkel over. On the east coast of Thailand, islands like Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan, and Ko Tao have stunning remote beaches where you can escape the crowds.
Stretching more than six kilometers (four miles), Bang Tao Beach (or Bangtao) is the second-longest beach on Phuket. It is home to a famous resort complex known as ‘Laguna Phuket’, with some of the best resorts of all southern Thailand, such as Banyan Tree Resort, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket Resort, and SAii Laguna Phuket Resort. Guests staying at any of the Laguna Complex resorts can enjoy tons of activities offered by the hotels: sailing, kayaking, archery, immense swimming pools, massages, and amazing spas. There are many local restaurants and bars to enjoy food and drinks.
Kata Beach Phuket consists of two parts: Kata Noi and Kata Yai. As it is a great combination of beauty, facilities and activities, it is a popular choice for visitors. From golden sands, clear blue water, sun-bathing, to surfing, snorkeling, family fun, decent nightlife, and endless other activities, it really is everyone’s beach.
Silver Beach, Koh Samui is a 250-meter-long tropical beach. It is small, but it is one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Samui. It is a tranquil strip of sand, perfect for couples and those looking for a calmer getaway. It offers many laid-back activities, including swimming, snorkeling, Thai massages right in sight of the waves, and sea kayak rentals.
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi became a world-famous beach because of the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. Apart from its gorgeous beaches, dramatic karst cliffs, and fine white sand, the exotic Thailand honeymoon resorts and villas there add luxury and comfort to the idyllic peace that couples get to experience while holidaying there.
Thailand is famous for being one of the most devoted Buddhist countries. Around 94% of Thailand’s population are Buddhists. There are over 40,000 Buddhist temples and sanctuaries in Thailand, and about 300,000 monks. No matter which part of the country you find yourself in, there are always temples, shrines, and pagodas for you to visit. The most famous Buddhist sanctuaries in Thailand are Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, the White Temple in Chiang Rai, and Wat Ratburana in Ayutthaya.
The history of Thailand is long and complex. The earliest Thai relics date back to the Paleolithic period, some 20,000 years ago. During its long history, the country has been influenced by Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia (elements of Khmer architecture are visible in many of the earliest temples), India, and China. Cities like Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai are home to many ancient ruins. Its history is also found in Thailand’s many art forms, like traditional Thai dancing or Thai puppetry performances.
Unique Thai experience
The markets in Thailand are like no others in the world. Thailand hosts a range of markets from floating markets and nighttime street markets, to markets on train tracks. Even if you do not love shopping, you should visit one of Thailand’s local markets.
As one of the most famous floating markets in Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is definitely deserving of a visit. You can ride a long-tail boat, paddled along the canal, which is full of boats laden with all kinds of products, including food, fruits, and souvenirs. Explore the ancient remote villages and plantations if you have enough time.
Elephant riding in Thailand was all the rage. In recent years, however, a number of elephant sanctuaries have been set up, in which elephants are free to roam around without being tortured or kept in chains. Instead of riding the elephants, visitors can feed them or bathe them in the river. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to have a close encounter with elephants.
Elephant Rescue Park is the best elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. It is a place where elephants are treated with total respect and kindness. All the elephants in the park are rescued from places like circuses, logging industry, mistreatment camps, hard working sites and unfortunate accidents. In the park, you’ll learn so much about elephants and what it takes to treat them with the respect that they deserve and need. You’ll get to feed them, walk with them, hug them, play with them, bathe with them and so much more.
Apart from elephants, Thailand is home to more than 10% of the world’s animals, as natural forests cover approximately 25% of Thailand’s total land area. There are more than 285 mammal species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, Malaysian sun bears, deer, and otters, as well as a variety of primate species including gibbons, dusky leaf monkeys, and macaques. The country currently has 147 national parks.
Parks like Khao Yai and Khao Sok are perfect for hiking along the trails of the jungle and try to spot some wild animals like elephants or gaurs. Doi Inthanon, with the tallest mountain of Thailand and more than 300 hundred species of birds, is perfect for birdwatching and enjoying some amazing views when hiking the peaks. In Doi Suthep-Pui you can also enjoy some pretty high peaks, and you can visit the winter residence of the King, Phubing Palace. Erawan National Park is famous for its seven-layered waterfall. The layers form seven ponds where you can swim while hiking to reach the top. Kui Buri offers you a safari-like experience. You can reach several viewpoints with an open-air vehicle while a guide will introduce you to the wildlife of the park.
Apart from visiting the parks, try Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, the most popular sport in the country and one of the top internationally-known fighting sports. There is no shortage of Thai boxing gyms or stadiums in Thailand. People travel from all over the globe to learn this martial art. There are famous arenas and shows in every city in Thailand, like Patong Boxing Stadium in Phuket, Muay Thai Live in Bangkok, and Max Muay Thai in Pattaya.
Thai cuisine and shopping
Thai gastronomy is highly praised worldwide. The combination of flavors, temperatures, textures, and cooking methods makes Thai food one of the most appreciated in the world. Some specialties you cannot miss are tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), pad Thai (Thai fried noodles), and som tam (spicy papaya salad).
Shopping in Thailand is ideal for both the big spenders and the penny pinchers. From the premium shopping malls, night or weekend markets, to street stalls, you can buy anything from monied designer goods, silks, and antiques to bargain clothing, snacks, and souvenirs.
Thai silk is rightfully considered to be the best in the world. It is completely handwoven and no two pieces look exactly alike. The intricacy of its patterns is stunning, and the use of threads in alternating tones gives Thai silk a peculiar color-changing sheen. In Bangkok, Jim Thompson is the most recommended place. There is a huge store on Surawong Road, and there are many others inside different luxury hotels.
You will taste a Thai dish that you love and want to cook when you’re back at home. Buying bags of Thai spices is the only way to recreate the authentic flavor. Some of the most common spices and herbs used in Thai cuisine are galangal, which is a relative of ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil. They are usually used to make pastes or broths – they are boiled for a long time to release all their flavor – and many noodle dishes are topped with chopped herbs. Chatuchak Market is a great place to buy packs of spices.
You will find good silver jewelry for a fair price in Thailand. Most of these beautiful objects are handcrafted by hill tribes in the north of the country. Showy pieces of silver jewelry, from necklaces to rings, are an important part of the hill tribes’ traditional attire. Khao San Road and Silom Road in Bangkok are also good shopping places.
Traditional Thai massage
When talking about the best massage in the world, one cannot miss talking about Thailand! Thai massage is a yogic acupressure technique, which is applied all over the body, from head to toe. It is a deep, muscle-stretching massage.
There are several types of Thai massage, including traditional Thai massage (known as yoga massage), oil massage, foot massage, and pinda (herbal, relaxing movement) massage.
A traditional Thai massage uses compression and stretching techniques. No oils and creams. And no soft tissue (skin and muscles) gliding. A Thai massage generally involves treating the whole body, which can take 1 or 2 hours. The massage is done dressed in loose clothes, which the massage center provides.
Thai massages are used as a therapeutic technique. They believe that it releases blockages along the body’s energy lines (sen), which is influenced by traditional Chinese medicine. During the massage, the technician uses the elbow, forearm, foot, and knee to do the massage. In some moments, you will feel very relaxed, and during others, discomfort and tension in your muscles. However, by the end, you will feel relief, the sensation that your whole body worked, and even pain mitigation. The Thai massage session ends with a lovely hot tea.
You don’t have to look very hard to find a Thai massage in Bangkok. Small studios are located on just about every street, sometimes within just a few steps of one another, especially in popular tourist areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Khaosan Road. There are also many well-known chains that operate several spa branches around the city, as well as high-end luxury spas located at the city’s resort hotels.
Thai massage studios and parlors
The Lavender Massage by Arunda is a very affordable massage parlor that offers an array of services and is particularly popular for its aroma oil massage. Customers finish their treatment with a warm cup of tea in a nice garden area for one last moment of stillness before heading off. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 250 baht.
Zen Tara Massage & Spa is located just an eight-minute walk from Ratchathewi BTS Station. The modern and minimalistic interior is filled with a soothing aroma that will automatically put you at ease. Choose from a selection of different massages and services, including a traditional Thai massage, a body scrub, a foot massage, an aroma oil massage, and the salon’s very own ZEN massage. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 250 baht.
At Ease Massage is clean and inviting and the staff places a high emphasis on hospitality. Enjoy a traditional massage, a foot massage, a neck massage, or an oil massage. The Japanese-owned salon also offers some unique services, such as a rice enzyme bath. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 400 baht
For an even wider array of additional spa services with your massage, consider scheduling an appointment at one of the many urban spas located around the city.
Chain spas for traditional Thai massage
One of the most popular spa chains in Thailand, Let’s Relax has numerous branches all over Bangkok, most of them easily accessible from the Skytrain. Any branch is well worth your visit but, if you can, you should try to book an appointment at the Let’s Relax Onsen and Spa located in the. This location is not only one of the largest, but it is also home to Japanese-style hot springs where you can relax in the mineral-enriched waters. At the end of your treatment in any Let’s Relax location, you will be treated to a bowl of sweet Thai mango sticky rice. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 600 baht.
As per its name, the Asia Herb Association Herbal Massage & Spa provides numerous treatments that make use of traditional Thai herbs grown on an organic farm. Customers can choose for treatment to focus on certain areas of their body where they may be experiencing issues. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 600 baht.
Yunomori Onsen and Spa is an authentic, Japanese-style spa in the heart of Bangkok, which means that you can expect unparalleled Japanese customer service during your appointment. Experience traditional onsen bathing culture in baths filled with water sourced directly from real thermal hot springs and make sure you try the jet and carbonated pools as well. Of course, you can also receive an excellent traditional Thai massage that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 450 baht.
For the ultimate in luxury, you’ll want to book a visit to one of Bangkok’s luxurious spa resorts.
Luxury hotel spas for traditional Thai massage
Away Spa is an ultra-modern retreat located on the sixth floor of W Bangkok that offers a highly personalized spa experience. From the treatments, to the color of the lighting in the treatment room, to the type of music played during your treatment, everything is up to you. Choose from an array of massages, facials, body scrubs, wraps, and more. Always Spa also offers a range of beauty services, including manicures, pedicures, and haircuts. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 2,500 baht.
I.Sawan Residential Spa & Club is a club-style spa at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel and is often considered to be one of the most beautifully designed spas in the city. The treatment menu includes everything from quick facials to whole-day spa packages. One of the pricier luxury options, I.Sawan Residential Spa & Club is worth the price due to its numerous facilities, which include a pool, tennis courts, squash courts, a fitness center, a hair salon, a nail bar, and restaurants. With everything so conveniently located under one roof, you can easily spend a whole day at the spa and using the facilities. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 2,800 baht.
Located in the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, the Anantara Spa focuses on using traditional Ayurvedic therapies combined with indigenous Thai therapies to restore balance to the body. Treatments usually begin with an indulgent 30-minute green tea body scrub for gentle exfoliation and end with a 30-minute milk bath that leaves the skin radiant. The Anantara Spa has both single and couples’ suites so that you can enjoy your day of pampering in solitude or have a romantic time with that special someone. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 2,700 baht.
Tailored wellness is at the core of Auriga Spa of Capella Bangkok. It’s a calming enclave where your path of rejuvenation is mapped out in alignment with your individual needs. In this soulful setting, skilled therapists bring an integrated approach to healing, drawing on traditional, time-tested, and cutting-edge contemporary practices to craft a truly personalised treatment. Price for a traditional Thai massage: 5,500 baht.
The underlying philosophy of the Nitra Serenity Centre at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai and 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok focus on ensuring a pampering experience which leaves you feeling restored, invigorated and full of vitality. The guiding principle is creating a “balance” of the body, motion and spirit and integrates the “Seven Pillars of Wellness” into the guests’ daily life, namely “Exercise, Diet, Mindfulness, Restoration, Evolution, Expression, and Social interaction” . Price for a traditional Thai massage: 3,500 baht.
*Sources: Global Wellness Institute,
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