Take a trip to Thailand this Christmas
The holidays are fast approaching and Thailand is set to boom once again this festive season. Traditionally, one of the busiest times of the year for tourism in Thailand, recovery from Covid has been quite slow. For many people, especially those in colder climates, that means finding a vacation destination to relax, unwind and stay warm. Why not consider a beautiful Southeast country?
Thailand is the perfect place to escape the rat race this time. You’ll be hard-pressed to say no to regular festivals, wide-open beaches, national parks, historical and religious sites, and mountainous regions!
Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this tranquil tourist destination, including the ideal time to visit in terms of the weather, the potential cost of travelling there, nature, shopping and much more.
What To Know Before You Go
For generations, travellers have been flocking to Thailand, and for very good reason. Friendly locals who are fluent in both English and Thai, a tourism industry that knows the ropes, relatively untouched nature reserves, and much more are a siren song to returning and new visitors alike. And what’s not to love, from abundant wildlife and serene shrines to delicious cuisine and everything in between?
Weather and Peak Time to Visit
Thailand is most pleasant from November to February, as the monsoon season has just ended. During this period, the country is marked by cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it the optimal time to explore Thailand fully, especially in the North. June through October sees heavy rains countrywide, but travel is still possible, provided you don’t mind a bit of rain!
Entry Requirements & Travel Restrictions
Thailand allows you to visit, as long as your passport has a blank page and an expiration date of up to six months after the date you arrive. You’re allowed to stay for a period of 60 days for tourism, urgent or ad-hoc work, and business engagements. However, if you go over the allotted period, you must pay a daily fine and could be detained, deported, or banned from entering Thailand for up to 10 years.
Currency & Costs
Thailand’s local currency is the Thai Baht. Accommodation, food and items in the country are well-renowned for being affordable and range from luxury resorts to budget hostels and everything in between. But, if you fancy a bite, you can choose from inexpensive street food or exotic restaurants.
Wildlife and Nature
Thailand has a diverse ecosystem, including tropical forests, elephant sanctuaries, mountainous regions, marine life, and other nature reserves. Additionally, it has multiple zoos that are available to explore. Khao Kheow Open Zoo is one such establishment, being the home of Moo Deng and her family, the adorable yet feisty baby hippo that has taken the internet by storm. Kangaroos, capybaras, koalas, sloths, hyenas, and more reside in the zoo as well.
Getting Around
Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, has an incredibly efficient and reliable skytrain and subway system. However, if you’re more inclined to stick to the streets, taxis and tuk-tuks are also readily available. Additionally, if you’re travelling a longer distance, buses, trains, and flights connect most of the country, from the southern islands to the northern mountains and everywhere in between.
Top Places To Visit
While everyone knows that Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, there are a few more cities to explore, each offering its own unique experience in terms of festivals, shrines, nightlife, beaches, hikes, nature reserves, street food, and more.
- Bangkok, Thailand’s capital and most well-known city offers historical and religious sites to explore while you work up an appetite. Once you’re ready to eat, there are at least seven quirky-themed restaurants nearby to have a meal at with fun and flair in mind!
- Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, sits proudly in the azure-blue Andaman Sea. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches where instructions and equipment for learning to dive, snorkel, windsurf, and sail are readily available. However, if you’d like to experience life on the sea in a slightly different way, why not give Pirate Bonanza ค่ายไหน a try?
- Chiang Mai is another beautiful city in Thailand, awash with landmarks, stylish shops, a Botanical Garden, a Royal Park and last but not least, nature and mountain tours where you might spot a few monkeys along the way.
- Chon Buri is the closest seaside town to Bangkok, about 80 kilometres from the capital. Gorgeous beaches, local traditions, fresh seafood and regional delicacies are all on offer here, along with a Chinese shrine, a well-known market, a Cactus Garden and wildlife roaming the hillsides.
- Ubon Ratchathani boasts beautiful mountain ranges and wide-open plateaus with a gorgeous river winding through the middle. Two virtually unknown national parks, a waterfall, and an annual Buddhist candle festival are also located here.
Thailand is an absolutely beautiful and affordable tourist destination. It bustles with friendly locals, mild weather depending on the time of year you visit, delicious street food, intriguing sights, gorgeous views, fun zoos, and much more. It’s no wonder it has been and will continue to attract tourists. The only question now is: when will you book your flight?
