top ten reasons to visit thailand

Honestly, when it comes to Thailand—what’s not to love? Stunning landscapes, warm weather, crystal water, beautiful culture, and genuinely kind people. I love traveling and I love to experience new places—but Thailand is the spot that I always long to return to. Here’s why...

10.  Shopping

Thailand goods are unique and inexpensive. From colorful, flowy textiles to teak furniture—there really is something for everyone. I am not a huge shopper, and rarely buy things to bring home when I travel. Thailand, however, is an exception. Maybe it’s the novelty, maybe it’s the affordability. But I rarely leave without a few trinkets. Some of my favorites are elephant pants, silk shirts, Tiger Balm, lemongrass essential oil, beaded necklaces, and miniature Buddhas.

9. SNORKELING

A true highlight of sailing is snorkeling. The accessibility to quiet coves and hidden reefs is fantastic. And the snorkeling in Thailand is remarkable. Throw on a mask and fins and jump in! Experience warm, crystal water and vibrant coral reefs swarming with sea life. The colors and varieties of tropical fish will blow you away. You’ll also encounter huge rays, barracuda, giant clams, and sea turtles.

8. Adventure

I am always up for adventure, and Thailand has no shortage of adventures. Elephant sanctuaries, rock climbing limestone cliffs, kayaking caves, lagoons and mangroves, cliff jumping, motorcycle riding, and snorkeling. We have been to Thailand numerous times—and each time rewards us with a new adventure to add to the list.

7. Affordability

Sailing the Mediterranean is beyond amazing. But I often find myself admiring things from the shop window, deterred from the purchase because of the lofty price tags. Not so in Thailand! Go ahead and enjoy that four course meal, the mango sticky rice, another coconut ice cream, a Chang beer, that foot massage, or a handmade novelty. It will barely make a dent in your pocketbook.

6. Beauty

Thailand is breathtakingly beautiful! Limestone monoliths dripping with lush vegetation. Crystal blue water and alabaster sand. Wooden long-tail boats adorned with colorful ties. Ornate Buddhist temples and shrines. Exotic Southeast Asian architecture. Giant tropical birds, monkeys and elephants. Magnificent festivals and exquisite art. And of course, the absolutely beautiful people.

5. Island Hopping/Beaches

Thailand beaches are plentiful and dazzling. Some are packed with tourists squeezed into orange life vests vying for a spot to put down their umbrellas, but the vast majority are completely unoccupied--not a soul in site. Thailand boasts several archipelagos with islands that are all relatively close together. Another perk of sailing is the ease of island hopping and the accessibility to remote and secluded areas. Additionally, one can travel at one’s leisure and avoid the masses that pile onto the fast boats.

4. Buddhist Culture

I have a great deal of awe and reverence for the Buddhist culture. There is a humility, kindness, generosity, and respect that is unique to these people. Life is beautiful here. And it is honored. I love the bright orange robes of the monks, the abundant shrines laden with offerings, the ornate temples and the extravagant festivals. The arduous hike up the 1,237 steps to Tiger Temple in Krabi should definitely be on your list.

3. Thai Food

Really—this one speaks for itself. Thai food is internationally beloved for its rich flavors and exotic spices. A trip to Thailand is a culinary treat. Pad Thai, Massaman curry, Tom Kah Gai, Khao Pad served in a pineapple, Som Tum, and Penang curry. And for foodies like me—there is delectable street food galore. Thai pancakes dripping with Nutella and vanilla cream sauce, mango smoothies, coconut ice-cream, Thai iced coffee and tea, and my all-time favorite— mango sticky rice.

2. Thai Massage

This one has to be near the top of my list because it truly is magical. Of course—there is a huge range of massages that are offered in Thailand, but I have yet to meet one I haven’t liked. Foot massage, hand massage, scalp massage, shoulder and neck massage, massage with coconut oil, massage with lavender and lemongrass, massage with sugar scrub, beach massage and chair massage. Yes please! But the crem dela crem of massages is the traditional Thai massage by one trained in this ancient healing art. It incorporates gentle, passive stretching techniques, rhythmic compression, and acupressure for a result that is both unbelievably relaxing and miraculously energizing.

1. Thai Hospitality

So many things to love about Thailand—but the people just make this destination exceptional. Warm, gracious, and kind, the people of Thailand are extraordinarily hospitable. They beam at you with huge beautiful smiles and will never miss the opportunity to greet you with a bow and friendly “Sa-Wa-Dee-Ka”. It is terribly hard not to be happy when surrounded with such energy. It’s no wonder Thailand is designated “The Land of Smiles”.