(photo courtesy of press release for AVI International)

Thailand is quickly becoming the new, cool place to go in Asia. The exotic-ness of it, the friendly people, and the budget-friendliness of it has made Thailand a rising start for backpackers, expats and even luxury travelers. Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand, is even joked about being a city of English-speaking expats.

According to the travel insurance company, AVI International, one in 5 of their clients are choosing Asia as a travel destination, and out of those that choose Asia, over 19% are choosing Thailand. Why? For many reasons, including the amazing food, beautiful temples and architecture, the ability to experience a vastly different culture, and the affordability.

Claudine Palomares, the deputy director general of AVI International explains that Thailand is rising in popularity because, “It is a country with an enormously rich culture. It offers a variety of religious and natural sites and it is a destination that is very easy to travel to, even with children, it is safe, with good sanitary levels and everything is organized for the tourists.” 

And from everyone I know who visits Thailand, they all seem to fall in love with it, so I can’t wait until I can visit it myself.

So what is there to do in “The Land of Smiles”?

 

EAT:

Thai cuisine is gaining popularity in the USA, and for those who haven’t tried it, it is a totally unique experience. Often combining spicy, sweet and tangy into each dish, it can be an overload to your taste buds the first time you try it. Many people have at least heard of Pad Thai – a wide noodle dish with tofu or meat, scallions, bean sprouts, and a thick and delicious peanut sauce. But you can’t forget to try some other great Thai cuisines like Tom Yang Goong, a sweet and spicy soup with a citrus kick which combines the flavour of lemongrass, lime leaves, chilies and fish. And try the Khao Na Pet (pictured below) – a dish of boiled rice and roast duck, served with duck broth on the side.

(photo courtesy of Wikimedia, CC License Share-alike)

 

And of course, you can never go wrong at a street vendor. Just remember to look for the ones popular with the locals. Locals always know who is the best.

 You can also go visit a Thai vineyard (Thailand produces wine? Why yes, yes it does!). The Chateau de Loei Winery and Vineyard in Loei makes the oldest wines in Thailand. You can go tour the vineyards and taste some Thai wines. You can bet none of your friends can say they’ve had Thai wine!

SEE:

Thailand is full of amazing temples, that to us outsiders, are a totally unique thing of beauty. The most famous temples are Wat Phra Kaew – the Emerald Temple – in Bangkok and Phra Buddha Chinnarat – with its giant golden Buddha – in Phitsanulok, Thailand. All over Thailand are various, gorgeous temples, so don’t forget to just go out and explore.

 (photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons under CC License Share-Alike)

Thailand also has an abundance of natural beauty. You can go kayaking around sea caves in Krabi, or visit the emerald pool there. You can see wind-shaped rocks at Hin Ta Hin Yai in Koa Samui, or visit the Kaeng Krachan National Park for hiking, cave exploring, and see some amazing waterfalls. 

DO:

 If you can, visit Thailand in early spring for the Thai New Years festival called Songkran. Thailand explodes into a week long gigantic water fight, so get your water balloons and SuperSoakers ready, and make sure you waterproof all your gear, because even the inside of electronics stores are not safe from this event!

(photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons under CC License Share-Alike)

If you are more adventurous (or just have a desire for pain) why not try taking some lessons in the national martial art of Muy Thai – a Thai kickboxing made famous here in the states with MMA and UFC. This martial art will definitely leave you with some bumps and bruises to tell your friends about back home.

 And if you want to get up close and personal with the local animals, but want to stay eco-friendly, or just do some good and volunteer while traveling, why not head up to Chaing Mai and visit the Save Elephant Foundation, which rescues, rehabilitates, and homes the majestic Thai elephants. You can get up close and personal while learning about the elephant plight, or go volunteer working around the park for a week.

 If you are planning to head to Asia this year, make sure to put Thailand as one of the must-see countries on your list, and don’t forget your travel insurance.  

 

(Thank you AVI International for the amazing information about Thailand)