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7 REASONS TO VISIT THAILAND
I have always been aching for Thailand. It is my favorite place in the world other than PH of course. When I retire one day, I want to spend my last few years in this country. Ask Westerners & other Asian backpackers about their most loved place and Thailand is in their top 3. I have to warn you though that I will sound biased on this post. I tried not to but the place is just magical it deserves all my firsthand & honest views about it. :)
1) Temples
Thailand is 95% Buddhist so it has about 40000+ temples they simply call as “wat”. I think a lifetime is not enough to visit all these majestic shrines ornately decorated in gold. Their roofs are of multiple tiers and on top is what they called “chofa,” the top structure at each and every temple that somehow looks like a thin bird and is hornlike.
My personal favorite is Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai. It is a break from the other gold temples for it is beautifully white & decorated with millions of mirror chips. It has lots of weird statues & terrifying demonlike structures which convey the traditional Buddhist message of overcoming worldly desires.
Most temples are open to tourists but make sure to dress & conduct yourself appropriately.
Wat Rong Khun
Royal Palace
Wat Chai Watthanaram
Dhammakaya Pagoda
Dhammakaya Pagoda Details
Thai Architecture
Wat Phra Kaew Details
2) Food
Thai food is internationally well known for its flavors and varieties. Majority of the world’s capital cities are surrounded by Thai restaurants but of course to experience the real thing is something else. What I love about it is the harmonious use of herbs, meats, seafood & spices. According to Australian chef David Thompson, a prolific chef and expert on Thai food, "Thai food ain't about simplicity. It's about the juggling of disparate elements to create a harmonious finish. Like a complex musical chord it's got to have a smooth surface but it doesn't matter what's happening underneath. Simplicity isn't the dictum here, at all. Some westerners think it's a jumble of flavors, but to a Thai that's important, it's the complexity they delight in."
Tomyam is my comfort food. It is deliciously sweet, sour & spicy altogether.
Tom Yam (Spicy Prawn Soup
Pad Thai
Tom Kha Gai
Papaya Salad
3) Beach
Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world and are often awarded by international magazines such as Conde Nast Traveller & other agencies. Crystal clear waters, white sand, private, crowded, romantic, deserted, uninhabited, world class diving sites, super affordable massage at 4am? Eating at a fishing village nearby? Name it!
Phi Phi Island
Phuket
Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Samui
4) People & Spirituality
I have this warm feeling when I see Thai people. I can attest to the fact that they are one of the kindest & most helpful bunch of people out there. The whole time I was there I had never met a grumpy soul even when I asked too much directions and help. They are just so welcoming that you instantly feel you are a part of them. You won’t be judged by how different you act, speak or thrive thus making them one of the best people to talk to. I often heard Mai Pen Rai amongst the locals. It means “never mind” and is another way of saying just enjoy life.
The first time I visited Thailand, I was utterly astonished by the obvious spirituality of the people. The people take their beliefs very seriously ranging from the supernatural, ghosts, black magic, sorcerers & spirit mediums. If you want to go on a retreat or just want to clear your mind, Thailand offers spiritual enlightenment and meditation courses at some of their temples.
Buddhists Gathering
Locals smiling for the camera
5) Culture
When I was in Chiang Mai, I had a meaningful conversation with the hotel manager about their culture and how they are as a collective. I was amazed at how proud she was of the fact that they were able to maintain most of the traditions despite modernity & outside influences. Have you ever seen a Thai put palms together like a prayer and say “sawatdee-ka (sawatdee-hrap)? It’s their way of greeting people. Thais show great respect to the royal family that making bad remarks about them could cause imprisonment. They also put emphasis & value on the different parts of our body. Never point your feet on people or do not touch their heads.
Thailand is a non-confrontational society which means they avoid arguments and disputes as much as possible. Showing anger in public is not advisable as this implies an intention to damage the other person.
Thai dance
Thai dance
Pattaya Cultural Show
Rose Petal Ceremony
6) Value for money
Probably one personal reasons why I love the place! Almost everything is affordable, food, clothes, accommodations, attractions, personal service and so on. You can buy lots of things and it won’t even hurt your pocket. There are hotels ranging from $10 a night to $15, a sumptuous meal at $1 or less. And of course, you can enjoy a good authentic spa massage at $4! Beat that.
Railway Market
Spa Products
Floating Market
Cheap Bike Rentals
7) Nature
I am instantly addicted to anywhere that is green & lush. And Thailand just perfectly offers that to anyone searching for that connectedness with Mother Earth. Below pictures will explain everything.
Angthong Park
Nongnooch Park
River Kwai Bridge
Variety of Colors
To experience Thailand, The Land of Smiles - please contact us at +63 9354052250 or email info@altheiyatravel.com for inquiries.
We have over 100+ of budget, midrange & luxury travel packages for the following:
» Bangkok
» Chiang Mai
» Hua Hin
» Khao Lak
» Koh Samui
» Krabi
» Pattaya
» Phuket
» Trang