Why Visit Thailand? Here are the Top 10 Reasons

Last year, Thailand welcomed some 32 million tourists. Visitors flock to this Southeast Asian country. Why visit Thailand? There are hundreds of reasons to visit the Land of Smiles, but we’ve narrowed it down to these Top 10. You’ll be convinced by the end of the article to pack your bags and go!

Why Visit Thailand? The Food

Thailand’s cuisine is some of the most memorable in the world. Not only are Thai dishes delicious, but they also greatly vary depending on the region visitors frequent. Even during a lengthy trip to the country, visitors could indulge in a new dish for every meal: there is that much variety. Travelers to Southern Thailand, for example, will get a taste some of the spiciest dishes in the country, many of which feature hot chili paste as a main ingredient. Cuisine in the northeast comes in second in the running for being the spiciest, though it certainly takes the top prize for having the most interesting ingredients, with dishes featuring things like ants and fermented meat, for example. The country is one of the most vegetarian-friendly destinations, as well, with plenty of signature Thai dishes lacking any animal products and vegan and vegetarian restaurants found in abundance.

Why Visit Thailand? The People

The country is not known as the Land of Smiles for nothing. Thailand was nicknamed this first as a promotional stunt in hopes that the friendly label would convince travelers that they must include this country on their travel itineraries. This was certainly successful, and now the tourists who flock here find that Thai people are generally very friendly, hospitable, and outwardly kind to all those who visit. The language barrier can certainly be daunting, but locals are always at the ready to help a tourist in need. As with every country, there will always be someone looking to take advantage of tourists and scam them. Visitors will find, however, that if they are diligent and do research prior to coming, this is hardly the case.

Why Visit Thailand? The Low Cost

Thailand is one of the cheapest countries in which to travel in. Venturing across the country can cost visitors as little as ฿500 (approximately $15.50), and flights to and from some of the biggest cities in Thailand are affordable, as well. Hostels and accommodation options start out at as little as ฿100 (approximately $3.10) in some parts of the country, and oftentimes this affordable price does not necessarily reflect the high quality of the accommodations. Food is another thing that is extremely affordable, and visitors will find that they can indulge in as much food (especially street food) as they want and still only spend a dollar or two per meal.

Why Visit Thailand? The Beaches

The lure of lounging on a stunning, white sand beach is one of the main reasons as to why so many tourists pack their bags and board a red-eye to jet to the Land of Smiles. Thailand is home to over 2,000 miles of coastlines and one too many islands to choose from, making it the perfect destination for those travelers wanting to do nothing more than lounge on a beach. Both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are adorned with the most beautiful of islands with even more impressive beaches, as well.

Why Visit Thailand? The Weather

Thailand is equipped with three major seasons. The cool and dry season is from November until February, and this is known as the high season. The majority of tourists attempt to visit during this time, as temperatures are the coolest and there is little rainfall and less humidity. The hot and rainy season still attracts its fair share of tourists, as well, as the country remains one of the top tropical destinations in which to visit.

Why Visit Thailand? The Holidays

It seems as though Thai people cannot go long without finding a reason to celebrate. Because of this, the abundance of holidays in which both locals and tourists can partake in makes Thailand a destination worth frequenting. Songkran is certainly the country’s most memorable holiday. This water festival is celebrated in the middle of April and marks the first day of the year. A giant water fight takes place across the country, though the use of water during the holiday originated from a tradition where Thais would gather around and pour water onto the hands of their elders. They did so in hopes of receiving blessings from them. Today, thousands of people head to places like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and other major cities in hopes of partaking in the festivities. This is just one holiday out of many that locals celebrate here throughout the year.

Why Visit Thailand? The Temples

From the busiest of sois (streets) in the city to the most remote of towns in even remoter provinces, there are one too many temples worth exploring in Thailand. Over 95 percent of the people practice Theravada Buddhism here, so Buddhist temples are found in abundance. There are also Lanna-style temples found in the north, Khmer-style temples found in cities like Ayutthaya, and more sprinkled throughout the country.

Why Visit Thailand? The Nightlife

Thailand is equipped with some of the best nightlife in the world. The half and full moon party have made the island of Koh Phangan an international destination that all backpackers and partiers frequent. Soi Cowboy attracts the seediest of travelers in hopes for a naughty night out. Rooftop bars scatter the capital while reggae bars are in abundance on the many beaches the country is adorned with. Whatever it is travelers are looking to do after the sun goes down, Thailand is eager to please.

Why Visit Thailand? The Markets

From wet markets to floating markets and even flower markets, there is a talad, or market, for every type of visitor to Thailand. The markets here are incredibly vibrant and colorful, and visitors can head to one with less than $30 in tow and still be able to purchase quite a few items as they explore. These are the perfect places in which to buy unique souvenirs for friends and family back home, as well, and are found in all major cities across the country.

Why Visit Thailand? The Malls

Those looking to shop until they drop in a more luxurious setting may instead opt to visit one of the many malls found around the country. Shopaholics simply flock to Thailand in hopes of meandering some of the most unique and extensive shopping arenas in the world, with places like Siam Paragon making their way to the top of many itineraries of those traveling to Thailand. Other top malls in Bangkok include MBK, Siam Discovery, and CentralWorld.