Thailand is a large country situated in Southeast Asia, that you may have heard about before. Thailand is a stunning country full of history, culture and quite frankly some incredible cuisine. The country spans a total of 513,120km2, having a population of nearly 70 million people. Thailand has become somewhat of a tourist hotspot in recent years and in 2019 the total number of visitors for that calendar year was 39.92 million, an increase from previous years. This is no surprise! Thailand is full of stunning views and has something for everyone. It suits the young party-goer, it suits the person looking to relax, a family holiday, a girls trip- it really has something for everyone. So where can we recommend you visit? Take a look below and discover the must-see parts of this marvelous country.
Thailand: The ‘Must-See’ Sights & Adventures
Koh Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are just off of mainland Thailand, situated between Phuket and the Straits of Malacca. This island is a must-see. Where do we begin? Firstly, Phi Phi is home to some of the bluest waters you will ever see in your life. They are even nice to swim in! There are areas of water that are just stunning and not so deep, so you can happily swim in these magnificent waters. Simply take a boat ride out, take in the views and seize the day with this luxurious activity- that won’t even cost you all that much! Furthermore, Phi Phi offers snorkeling, diving and has some awesome views. Take a hike to reach the Phi Phi viewpoint- you won’t be disappointed. It takes around thirty minutes and the view at the top is incredible. Even better, at the top there are places to buy drinks and snacks, sit and enjoy the view. We recommend doing this journey at sunrise or sunset to add a cherry on top of the experience.
Monkeys!
Monkeys are not something you necessarily see every day, never mind wild monkeys! In Thailand, they are very common. Take Koh Phi Phi again, there is literally a secluded beach which houses wild monkeys. You can take a boat over and socialize with these monkeys, take pictures and more! Just be careful, monkeys are very cheeky animals. In other areas of Thailand monkeys will happily roam unaccompanied, so make sure to keep all your valuables with you!
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a type of martial arts that was first displayed in mid-18th century Thailand. It is a very exciting sport to watch, nothing like anything we have in the West. The sport prioritizes kicking and is less commercialized than UFC-style MMA. You can attend matches, place wagers and watch as two fighters use their skills to try and defeat their opponent. The best thing about this is the sportsmanship that remains throughout. No matter how aggressive the fight might be, the players always show respect to the other at the beginning and the end.
Temples
Thailand is a Buddhist country, and as such it is home to around 41, 205 Buddhist Temples. These temples are very different, but always stunning. There are some that are more famous than others, such as Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)- considered the most sacred temple in Thailand. A temple that dates back in construction to the year 1783, these temples have impressive architecture that can not only teach you about the history of Thailand but can wow you with some beautiful monuments.
The Road From Chiang Mai To Pai
This one is a little more daring and isn’t necessarily for everyone. If you’re willing though, this could be your greatest adventure in Thailand. There is a 90 mile journey along essentially one road. The road has 762 twists ad turns, which may sound scary but are very easy to get the hang of. The sights are absolutely stunning and a must-see. The road goes through the jungle and you will see some truly incredible views, mountainous overlooks and wildlife that you can’t fully appreciate without stopping every now and then- an option not so possible from the mini-van option. Such sights include Mork Fa Waterfall (around 30 minutes in), Pong Dueat Geyster (a trail to mineral baths), Pai Canyon (an impressive hiking trail) and numerous coffee shops on the way that will offer you an authentic Thai experience.