The country with the nickname the land of White Elephants has been one of the most sought after tourist destinations in recent years. Thailand has indeed been widely known by world-travelling lovers. Not only is it known in the Asian region, but this country is also very popular to various other countries outside Asia. The number of tourists who come is certainly no need to doubt, considering that this country does have a wide selection of tourist destinations that promise to visit.
Not only is the city area known as a trade and shopping centre, Thailand also has many other interesting areas to visit. If you intend to travel abroad, then there is no harm in visiting a country known for its beaches and beautiful scenery. Not only that is, but also a variety of famous Thai culinary delights are certainly very interesting to taste. Immediately set your travel schedule and the choice of the most appropriate tourist destinations for you to visit in this country, so you can enjoy travelling that is different from usual.
All Things You Must Know about Thailand, Land of White Elephants
Thailand is a gem in Southeast Asia that is currently growing rapidly in the tourism sector. The beauty of nature, the stretch of beach that amazes visitors to become one of the favourite tourist destinations. Not enough to get there, you can feel the beauty of Thailand with historical heritage in the form of temples that provide valuable knowledge and experience. Even the many temples that stand firmly make this country known as the land of a thousand temples.
Geography Thailand Tourism
Thailand being the 50th largest country in the world is country landscape varies. There are landscapes in the form of highlands, some in the form of lowlands and mountains. The majority of the appearance or landscape in the Thai region is in the form of highlands or mountains. In the central part of the country is a lowland flowed by the Chao Praya River. This central region is the most fertile area in Thailand and is a rice barn in the country.
In the north and west part of the country, mountains are the highest and the highest peak is in Mount Dai Inthanon, which is about 2,565 m high. At the eastern part of the country are limestone mountains. In the limestone mountains there is the Korat Plato which covers more than a quarter of the land area and in this region, the flow of the Mekong River also flows.
Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand which is famous for its cool and beautiful mountain nature has a strong and distinctive cultural feel. This situation has existed since the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Surrounded by the highest country in Thailand, the northern region is cooler, especially in late December and January. This causes the emergence of “ice flowers”, especially in the Doi Inthanon mountains. Thanks to the soil and the climate, the northern region is very fertile for special flowers and fruits. In the Baan Khun Chang Kian area in Chiang Mai, for example, every December 15 – January 31 will grow Cherry Blossom, while Chiang Rai annually holds flower festivals, including tulips.
1. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
For you all wanting to visit Doi Kong Mu, you have to climb the hill west of the city. In the temple found in 1860, you can see a tall, slim Buddha, standing and looking at the scenery to the west of the ridge. In the morning, you can enjoy the view of the sea of mist that collects in the valley and you can get a beautiful view of the city and surrounding valleys also.
2. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
Visiting Northern Thailand, You can visit a Royal temple dating to the 14th century named Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. It located on the banks of the Nan River in the central of Phitsanulok is famous for its golden Buddha image named Phra Buddha Chinnarat. This place used the temple an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists is the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand.
Southern Thailand
The southern region of Thailand originated from Chumpon province, continuing to Songkhla province bordering Malaysia. This area is very famous for its beautiful beaches and the Virgin Islands. On the west side facing the Andaman Sea, while on the east side lies the Gulf of Thailand (Gulf of Thailand).
1. Phi-Phi Island
This island has become very popular and is famous not only in Thailand but also in the world, who is not familiar with one of the tours in Phuket that is already very global? The beauty of this island is indeed very busy talking about tourists around the world. This island is very famous and has become a pride of Thai people, and several world films have also been shot at this island.
2. Patong Beach
It is one of the most famous beaches even one of the most popular among tourists. The beach is long and opposite there are many cafes and restaurants. This beach is the most crowded with tourists, but the beach is still clean and also has a good sunset. Patong at a glance similar to Pattaya, on this beach you can find many cafes and massage places easily, so it is very suitable for you wanting to vacation and unwind with the atmosphere of the beach, besides that on the beach there are also malls, so you will not get bored because can walk in the mall.
3. The Upside Down House
Being happy with unique tourist attractions, this is one of the best places for you, besides that for those of you who like photos with stylish looks upside down this place is very suitable. The building of the house and also the items inside are above all upside down and as if against gravity. Starting from home furnishings such as tables, chairs, cabinets and even all are in an upside down position in this house.
See Also: Be Careful When Traveling In Southern Thailand
East Thailand
For tourism, East Thailand is dominated by Chonburi province with the city of Pattaya, although it has 6 other provinces, and 3 of them are bordering Cambodia. Besides Pattaya, Ko Samet and Ko Chang islands are also beautiful beach destinations.
1. Khao Khanap Nam
It is a symbol of Krabi which consists of two mountains that have a height of 100 meters. The two mountains are located on both the banks of the Maenam River Krabi which is the entrance to the city of Krabi. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the cave which is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites.
2. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
It is a National Park located in Ao Luek and Khao Phanom. This National Park has abundant natural wealth such as the habitat of wild animals, rivers, caves and beautiful waterfalls. When visiting here you must visit the Huay To and Huay Sad waterfalls which will provide peace and beauty.
3. Mu Koh Poda
It’s located to the west of Ao Nang by offering white sandy beaches with clear sea water and coral reefs that are still awake. Make Mu Koh Poda one of your favourite tourist destinations when visiting Ao Nang.
Central Thailand
Tourism in Thailand is becoming a tourist centre because there is a capital city of Thailand, Bangkok. Although dominated by Bangkok, the Central Thailand region also has many beautiful cities and villages for you to explore. Each city has a different beauty and uniqueness that makes you not bored here.
1. The Grand Palace
It is a historic building complex that is the main tourist attraction in Bangkok. Inside, there is the Royal Grand Palace which is the residence of Thai kings. Although closed to the public, this palace remains a must-visit spot for tourists to just take pictures in front of the page.
2. Wat Arun Temple
It is the oldest Buddhist temple located in the Bangkok District. You have to know that unlike most temples in Bangkok, Wat Arun has a unique architectural style which can be you interesting. You won’t find a golden wall here, because almost all the walls and towers of Wat Arun temple are covered with colourful porcelain and ceramics from China.
3. Wat Hua Krabeu
It is full of unusual surprises. One of them is Wat Hua Krabeu which is located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, precisely in Ban Khun Tien. Known as Buffalo Head Temple, this temple offers views of thousands of neatly arranged buffalo skulls adorning the temple courtyard. The collection of buffalo head skulls is a reminder that the buffalo population in Thailand had experienced a drastic decline in 1987. It is estimated that there are 400,000 buffaloes slaughtered each year to meet the meat consumption needs of the citizens.
Northeast Thailand
It is called Isan which comes from the Pali or Sanskrit word, Asiana means northeast. It is the largest region in Thailand, bordering the Mekong and Laos rivers in the north and east, with Cambodia in the southeast. The Isan tourist area closest to Bangkok is the Khao Yai area, which covers various cities such as Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima. In the north, there are the provinces of Udon Thani and Nong Khai, which will make you interested while Lopburi is famous for its sunflower gardens. Loei, a province bordering Northern Thailand, has a very beautiful Phu Kradueng national park, with maple forests.
Popular Tourist City in Thailand
Lately, Thailand has become the target of many tourists to travel. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the cities bustling with trading activities. Therefore, Bangkok is the main destination for the traveller. Besides Bangkok, there are still many beautiful places in Thailand that you can visit. You can feel the comfort of cultural tours, history, to explore exotic beaches there.
1. Bangkok
As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is also the main gateway to enter the country, especially for tourists who come by air. This city automatically becomes the city most visited by foreign tourists, so the name of Bangkok is always in the top list of names of cities that must be visited while in Thailand. However, Bangkok is visited by tourists not only because of its status as the capital city of the country. The city does have a lot of undeniable tourist charm. Many tourists describe Bangkok as a city with two very interesting contrasting sides. There are many tourist destinations that you can try to visit.
- Wat Phra Kaew
- Royal Grand Palace
- Wat Arun
- Chocolate Ville
- Bangkok Art & Culture Center
- SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
Visiting Bangkok feels incomplete without shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market. The market, which is only open on the weekend, is a mandatory destination for both foreign and local tourists. There are various types of items that you can get here, ranging from food, drinks, clothing and accessories, handicrafts, home decorations, to pets.
2. Pattaya
This seaside town, which is about 150 kilometres from the southeastern side of Bangkok, does have many cool beaches, ranging from popular beaches that are never deserted from visitors to hidden beaches that offer private atmosphere. Various activities can also be done on Pattaya beaches, ranging from just sunbathing, enjoying a variety of culinary delights to the beach, to doing various water sports. Not only that, but Pattaya is also famous for the excitement of its nightlife.
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
- Jomtien Beach
- Sanctuary of Truth
- Wat Yansangwararam
- Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
- Koh Larn Day Trip
- Art in Paradise
Visiting Pattaya, You have to visit the traditional market which is the first and only floating market in Pattaya. There are many things you can get there souvenirs, arts and crafts, and clothing are among the many items. One thing that you have to try here indulges in some exotic cuisine; you can try everything from scorpions to crickets and crocodile meat.
3. Phuket
You must know that Phuket is an island in southern Thailand, also the largest island in Thailand. But still, this island is worth a visit in Thailand, especially if you are a traveller who is still looking for information about tourism in the country nicknamed the White Elephant. Phuket offers many things that are sought by tourists, especially those of you who want to find beautiful beaches that can enter for free.
Besides the beach, Phuket also has many other attractions; starting from the same city area with ancient buildings in the style of Sino-Portuguese architecture, various beautiful temples – including temples that have super large Buddha statues, various points of view – places to enjoy Phuket from a height, and others.
- Phang Nga Bay
- Phi Phi Island
- Big Buddha
- Similan Islands
- Phuket’s Best Beaches
- Island Hopping
- Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples
In Phuket, You can get some typical southern Thai culinary specialities as well as local handicrafts and gift stalls. Phuket Walking Street is named the market is known as Lardyai, which means ‘big market’ in southern Thai dialect.
4. Ayutthaya
Claiming to be a lover of past romanticism, you have to include Ayutthaya in your list of destination. The city, which is approximately 85 kilometres north of Bangkok, is indeed a historic city. In the past, Ayutthaya was once the second capital of Siam (after Sukhothai), as well as being the largest city in the world (in the 1700s). Its strategic location makes the city located between China, India and Malay which is called the big city in the world and is visited by many people.
- Phu Khao Thong
- Ratchaburana
- Phanan Choeng
- Phra Si Sanphet
- Phra Mahathat
- Chaiwatthanaram
There is something different between Ayothaya Floating Market and others market in Anyothaya. Serving cooked on a boat and served to customers sitting on the deck next to them.
Transportation in Thailand
Every time, morning, noon and night there is always congestion in the corners of Bangkok, Thailand. Take up a lot of your time when going around Bangkok. Luckily, with a variety of modern public transportation facilities, it will be easier for you to visit small places in Bangkok. Following are various choices of public transportation in Bangkok Thailand.
1. Skytrain (BTS)
BTS Skytrain is the safest, most convenient, and easy way to get around Bangkok. Inaugurated since December 5, 1999, and has changed the face of public transportation in the Thai capital, where for the first time Bangkok offers traffic-free traffic, noise and pollution to locals and tourists in downtown Bangkok.
Each station consists of two parts, namely concourse and platform. Concourse offers ticketing facilities and other passenger facilities, while the platform is a place where passengers wait, ride, and get off the train.
2. Subway (MRT)
The newly opened underground train system (called the MRT – Mass Rapid Transit) in Bangkok has limited lines. Starting from Bangsue Station to Hua Lumphong Station, and connecting with Skytrain at 3 stations, Silom, Sukhumvit and Chatuchak Park.
3. Airport Rail Link (ARL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link began operating officially in August 2010. To avoid congestion in downtown Bangkok, ARL travelled 28.6 km from Bangkok to the International airport or vice versa in less than 30 minutes.
4. Taxi
Taxis are the quickest and most convenient way to get around Bangkok, at least if the road conditions are not totally jammed. All taxis in Bangkok are also equipped with air conditioning. The minimum tariff is 35 baht and the average trip in Bangkok requires 100 baht. A sign in the form of a red light indicates that the taxi is empty. Once it starts running, you will immediately see a rate of 35 baht on the display screen.
5. Express Boat
Chao Phraya Express boat is one of the general transputers in Bangkok that operates on the Chao Phraya River. This transportation connects the centre of Bangkok and Nonthaburi, a province in the north of Bangkok. On weekends, this boat also offers tours for tourists. Even you can rent the boat for a day.
6. City Bus
The Bangkok City Bus, which is mostly operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), is the cheapest mode of public transportation, but it is also challenging because there are many routes available. Even numbering a bus using Thai, makes you more confused.
National Holiday in Thailand
Get your experience with gathering their celebration holiday. Thailand has 16 sixteen public holidays in a year which is regulated by the government. It’s different with bank holiday has least 13 holidays per year including National Labor Day. The western Gregorian calendar is used by Thailand officially but Buddhists more adopted traditional holidays. Many companies and schools are closed on national holidays where forbids alcohol is a holiday or holiday celebrating the royal house. But for those of you who want to enjoy a vacation along with a national holiday Thailand must be quicker to place a residence. This is because there are so many hotels used by Thai people including tourist destinations.
Taste Traditional Food Thailand
Not only the tourism sector that makes the Country of White Elephant favoured by tourists but also Thailand food is recognized for its delicacy. Thailand specialities consist of food and drinks cooked in typical Thailand ways. On average Thai cuisine is made with the rich flavour produced by full seasoning. Usually, Thailand cuisine combines the balance of taste between spicy, sweet, salty, and sour. Although known as Thailand cuisine, but in Thailand actually has four types of regional cuisine from North Thailand, Northeast Thailand, Central Thailand and Southern Thailand. Each area is influenced by Chinese cuisine and the cuisine of neighbour countries.
1. Tom Yum
Maybe Tom Yum’s name is no stranger to your ears. Because traditional Thai food is very popular in various countries. Tom Yum is a soupy dish served with a variety of ingredients. There is Tom Yum Pla that contains fish, Tom Yum Goong with shrimp stuffing and Tom Yum Po Taek which contains various kinds of seafood. There are two choices of broth, namely clear and coconut milk. The ingredients used are galangal, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chilli, orange leaves, soy sauce and others.
2. Tom Kha Kai
It is a soupy dish from Thailand that is similar to other Thai specialities, namely, tom yum [which will be discussed at two points later]. Tom is shaped like a soup with coconut milk which is white in colour and tastes spicier than Tom Yum. The resulting spicy taste is a result of the use of chilli which is quite a lot.
3. Kaeng Phet
It is a red curry that tastes spicy. Thai specialities are very popular with local people and foreign tourists. The main ingredients are beef, chicken or pork cooked with coconut milk and curry spices from a mixture of red chilli, onion, garlic, pepper, coriander, shrimp paste and many more. After smoothing, the spices are put into the sauce and served with stuffing such as eggplant, bamboo shoots, pumpkin, tofu, sausage and cantaloupe.
4. Kao Na Ped
This food is one of the mainstay menus with duck ingredients, served deliciously on a plate, rice with a choice of duck meat. Also equipped with duck soup, this menu can be found in Open Ricers in a row of Chinatown, Bangkok.
5. Tod Man Pla
In Thailand a lot of food is sold on the side of the road, one of them is Tod Man Pla. This dish has almost the same shape as a pudding but is made from fish or chicken meat. Usually, street vendors choose fish as the basic ingredient of Tod Man Pla. The fish is not careless, it must have white flesh. The fish is given a distinctive Thai red curry spice, so you can imagine how the colour and taste.
6. Gai Yang
It is Thai food that is suitable for lunch. Because, this dish is in the form of whole grilled chicken, not just the chest or thighs as can be ordered in a restaurant in general. The cooking process begins by distributing the spices to the chicken that you want to burn to soak into the meat perfectly. After being burned, it is cut into rough pieces to make it easier to eat and served on a large serving plate. You can get this delicious food in the Chiang Mai area.
See Also: Cheap and Varied Suvarnabhumi Food Court in Bangkok
Thailand Souvenirs
Spending time on vacation will not be lost if you have not bought Thai souvenirs to the Land of the White Elephant. Once satisfied to enjoy the excitement in the tourism objects, you can stop by the shops or malls that sell various souvenirs.
1. Benjarong Porcelain
For you love to collect ceramic items, you must buy Benjarong porcelain as a souvenir from Thailand! In the past, Benjarong porcelain was only used in the homes of royal families and the elite. Over time, the porcelain is now widely used by the public, even sold as one of Thailand’s souvenirs. You can buy porcelain Benjarong in various forms, from plates, glasses, coasters, vases, too many more. One type of Benjarong porcelain usually has 3-8 colours, so it looks bright and charming. Ornaments that are suitable for home use or presented to guests during special events
2. Rice Soap
Thailand is also quite famous for its various body and beauty care products. One that you can buy for souvenirs is rice soap. As the name implies, rice soap is indeed made from natural rice mixed with milk. The combination produces a very fragrant aroma. In fact, reportedly when used the fragrance can last long enough on the skin.
3. Jasmine Rice
Have you ever tasted rice made from Thai jasmine rice? When compared to other types of rice, this typical Thai jasmine rice has a more sticky texture after cooking. This happened because of the high amylopectin content in rice.
4. Miniature Elephant Statue
In Thailand, elephants are animals that are sacred by their people. That is the origin of the nickname of the White Elephant State owned by Thailand. This elephant species with white skin indicates that the elephant belongs to the kingdom. So, don’t be surprised if you find a lot of souvenirs or elephant motifs in Thailand. One that is quite popular is a miniature elephant statue. Usually, this miniature is sold in a box with a transparent top so you can see the contents of a miniature elephant statue without having to open the cover.
5. T-shirts
They are gifts that tourists almost always buy wherever they go on holiday, including Thailand. Because, shirts that read “Thailand”, “I Love Bangkok” and the like can be evidence that the user has visited the place. The shirt itself is a simple souvenir, can be worn by anyone and is universal. But, if you want to buy it for someone else, calculate their size.
Thailand Culture
Thai culture combines cultural beliefs and original characteristics of the area known as modern-day Thailand coupled with many influences from ancient India, China, Cambodia, along with neighbour Southeast Asian pre-historical cultures. This is influenced primarily by Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, as well as by later migration from China, and southern India.
1. Art
Thai Buddhist images from different periods have a number of different styles. Thai art and temple architecture evolved from a number of sources, one of which was Khmer architecture. Contemporary art in Thailand often combines traditional elements with modern techniques. Literature in Thailand is strongly influenced by Indian Hindu culture.
2. Religion
Almost all Thais are 95% Theravada Buddhists with Muslim minorities in Thailand (4.6%), Christians in Thailand (0.7%), Mahayana Buddhists, and other religions. Thailand Theravada Buddhism is supported and supervised by the government, with monks receiving a number of government benefits, such as being free to use public transportation infrastructure. Buddhism in Thailand is strongly influenced by traditional beliefs about ancestral spirits and nature, which have been incorporated into Buddhist cosmology.
See Also: The Celebration of the Loi Krathong Festival
3. Wedding
Wedding ceremonies between Thai Buddhists are generally divided into two parts. Buddhist component, which includes recitation of prayers and food offerings and other gifts for monks and images of Buddha, meanwhile the non-Buddhist component is rooted in folk tradition, centred on the spouse’s family.
4. Habit
Every country knows that Thailand is “Land of Smiles” in tourist brochures. Showing and displaying affection in public is not common in traditional Thai society, especially between lovers. Friends can be seen walking together hand in hand, but couples rarely do it except in westernized areas. A prominent social norm states that someone touching the head can be considered rude.
Those are some of the uniqueness of Thailand’s nickname, the land of white elephants. Variety unique possessions include natural beauty, traditional and cultural food that is still trusted by Thai people. You can try to enter the state of Thailand in the list of vacation visits with family. It will certainly be more different and amazing by visiting Thailand.
So, there you have it! Thailand, a destination full of wonders and cultural treasures, awaits your exploration. Book your trip to Thailand now exclusively at Airpaz and embark on an unforgettable journey. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes that make Thailand a truly captivating destination. Don’t miss the chance to experience the warmth of Thai hospitality and create lasting memories.
