What Makes Thailand One of the World’s Leading Travel Destinations

Exploring the world has become easier than ever, as airfare prices have dropped and travelers have more resources to explore amazing places. Planning the next trip is just around the corner and you might finally be wondering – should I visit Thailand?

Well, let me share my very personal opinion: if you only had one chance to travel in your life, and you only had one ticket, you should go to Thailand!

Don’t take my word for it. From fun, bustling cities, to pristine, dreamy beaches, mesmerizing temples, and unforgettable cuisine, traveling to Thailand is one of the best travel tips you could ever get.

As I like to say, if you’ve never been to Thailand, have you truly lived?

But, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Let’s see what makes Thailand a top-ranked travel destination for both seasoned explorers and newbie wanderers alike!

Thailand’s Beautiful Beaches and Islands

With a coastline of more than 1500 miles (2500 km) and 1430 islands, Thailand has a lot of beaches to offer.

But this is not just a case of quantity over quality. Possessing an air of wonder and mystery, Thailand’s beaches host clear turquoise waters and white sand, which attract tens of millions of visitors every year. The beaches and islands in Thailand are indisputably among the most beautiful in the world, having been the inspiration for popular movies such as The Beach (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

But what about the islands? Popular island destinations in Thailand include Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Pha-ngan, and Koh Chang. Each island has its unique charm, from the bustling nightlife of Phuket to the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui, or the untouched wilderness of Koh Pha-ngan. These islands offer a range of activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing – and last but not least – unforgettable sights!

Rich Culture

Thailand is one of the very few countries in the world that has never been colonized, or occupied, by any foreign power in its history. This remarkable circumstance has resulted in Thailand possessing a vast cultural heritage to this very day, with a deep and varied legacy of Buddhist traditions and architecture.

The Kingdom of Thailand has over 40,000 temples, including the famous Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha – considered to be the most sacred Buddhist statue in Thailand. The nearby Grand Palace in Bangkok is another must-visit attraction, with its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens. Visiting both is affordable – a full-day ticket to both the Emerald Buddha and the surrounding palace grounds will set you back at just $15.

Unique Wildlife

Have you ever strolled through a wild jungle, and suddenly heard the wild roar of a leopard in the distance? Well, I have! And to me, nothing beats that feeling of awe, danger, and pure joy that I felt upon encountering Thailand’s wildlife for the first time.

The Kingdom is home to a wealth of unique animals and plants, including elephants, tigers, bears, otters, porcupines, monkeys – and many unique marine species as well such as manta rays (but also sharks.)

The elephant, though, is by far the most popular animal in the Kingdom of Thailand. You can see the famous Thai elephants up close at one of the many elephant sanctuaries, where you can bathe, feed, pet, and sometimes even ride them.

I recommend taking a trip to the Khao Yai National Park, which is home to Thailand’s unique tigers, leopards, bears, and other creatures. There you can take a guided tour to see these animals – or hear their growls! – in their natural habitat firsthand.

Friendly People

Thai people are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness toward tourists. Everywhere you go here, you will be greeted with a melodic “Namaste!”, combined with a generous smile and the famous Buddhist Namaskara / Anjali mudra hand greeting.

Needless to say, it’s a gesture that is more than enough to make everyone’s day.

The locals are often happy to share their culture, traditions, and opinions with visitors, making for a friendly, open-minded atmosphere and very memorable experiences. From asking a stranger for directions to making friends during the day or while partying until dawn, Thailand is an exceedingly friendly and welcoming place. During my stay there, Thailand truly felt like “home” to me. And I wish everyone could experience that.

Unforgettable Cuisine

I still dream of the fresh-looking but fiery tasting Green Curry I enjoyed in Thailand. The very thought of it just makes my mouth water! And here’s the thing. We’ve all enjoyed the occasional Thai dish in our own countries. But when your favorite Thai dish is made by Thai people, in the original Thai ways, in Thailand itself – it just hits differently.

Or in other words, it’s so much better!

But this isn’t just my opinion. Thai cuisine is deservedly famous for its spicy and flavorful dishes, masterfully blending sweet, sour, and salty flavors. The cuisine is a mix of the best influences from China, India, and Southeast Asia, resulting in a unique, world-famous

cuisine.

Some of the most popular dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Green Curry (I recommend the Green Curry, of course!). Also, do try some of the street food – the authenticity is irreplaceable and you’ll regret not taking a bite when you’re back home, twisting and turning on your pillow.

Affordable Luxury

Last but not least – how much does it cost? And the answer is comparatively little!

The most expensive part of visiting Thailand often tends to be the plane ticket itself. Once you’re there you can find decent accommodation for as low as $15 per night, tasty (and filling!) food for as low as $1, and most long-distance commuting expenses don’t exceed $20 per trip.

One way to term Thailand’s offer would be an affordable luxury. You can find anything from high-end luxury resorts, to entire seaside villas with swimming pools, budget-friendly hostels, and anything in between. The cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for travelers on a budget, so… What are you waiting for?

Conclusion

Thailand truly has something for everyone, and I’m not exaggerating. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an exciting adventure in the jungle, an unforgettable party, or a memorable cultural experience, the Kingdom of Thailand has it all.

Except you. Still sitting here, reading this. Well, it’s time to book that trip and finally, visit Thailand! You deserve to know what it’s like to feel truly at home on planet Earth; and gorgeous, vivacious Thailand provides that.