1. Bangkok

Most all trips to Southeast Asia will run through this burgeoning city. It is a busy, vibrant city that truly never sleeps. Amongst the immense eight-story malls and ever-growing shopping centres are breath-taking temples laced with gold trimming. The extensive canal routes runs throughout the heart of the city past both historical and modern day sights of Bangkok. On Khao San Road – backpacker central – you will find an area buzzing with languages from all over the world, cheap drinks and delicious street food.

2. The Beaches

Thailand provides so much more beyond its shoreline, yet it is hard to imagine anything better. The white, silky beaches stretch past teal-green seas. The mountainous surroundings are lush, untouched jungles. The most frequent question becomes “What day is it?” and time loses its grasp for a while. Days full of snorkeling and trekking are followed by days of lounging amongst cold beverages and new friends. Night approaches, barbeques are fired up and sun-soaked travellers find themselves in a true paradise.

3. Affordability

The affordability of Thailand is in direct relation to the travellers’ expectations. A pint of beer is usually no more than one pound. A plate of noodles or mango and sticky rice is usually about the same. You can find a market almost anywhere and with a little haggling most things can be had at incredibly low prices. One issue travellers tend to experience is that they do not know typical prices for things such as transport or entry to popular destinations.

4. Thai Food

Food is an integral part of Thailand’s identity. Influences from all over Asia come together in a fantastic collaboration of tastes, smells and textures. The sweet smell of barbequed pork, simmering vegetables and fresh curries surround street food vendors. A hearty meal for two costs no more than two pounds. Entire families come together and share endless plates of food together. Don’t be surprised when the cart of fried spiders, larvae and grasshoppers roll past. Deep frying anything makes it edible, right?

5. The Weather

There are three seasons in Thailand. The country sits just above the Equator and so the temperature is always hovering somewhere around hot-as-hell to quite warm. The seasons are as follows:

Hot Season (March to June): Everyday will be hot, humid and beach-worthy.

Wet Season (July to November): The wet season is hot, humid, and well… wet. There are fewer tourists and travellers during this time of year but less congestion and queues.

Dry Season (December to February):
The weather is still balmy but much more tolerable for most travellers than in the hot season.

6. Temples

One cannot help but wonder at the preservation of this culture as it was hundreds of year ago. Temples can be found in every corner of the country. Monks adorned in orange robes and beat-up leather flip flops still roam the streets in the surrounding areas. While Thailand is becoming an increasingly modernized country there is something refreshing and mystical about these towering, ancient relics. From Wat Pho and the Grand Palace of Bangkok to Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, these are places to behold.

7. Preserved History and Culture

Thailand is one of the only countries in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a foreign nation. The ancient temples, cuisine and cultural practices have gone untouched in the midst of war and colonization in neighboring countries. Coming upon a group of traditional Thai dancers on the street is not uncommon. The elegant design of the women’s dresses mimics their intricate sign language that is spoken with elaborate hand gestures and body movements. The preservation of this history is one reason that Thailand has become such a popular destination among curious backpackers.

8. International Destination for Adventure and Parties

As mentioned before, there is no shortage of travellers and tourists in Thailand. On any night when walking down Khao San Road in Bangkok or the walled-streets of Chiang Mai you will find travellers from around the globe. Drinks are shared, stories are exchanged and new friendships are forged. The drinks are cheap and the experience is unforgettable.

9. Jungle Treks and Elephant Rides

Thailand is quickly becoming a popular destination for adventure sport connoisseurs and outdoor enthusiasts. From zip-lining through the tree tops of dense jungles or riding elephants through the underbrush and rivers, there are many opportunities for thrill-seekers. There are several National Parks such as Khao Yai National Park where nights camping under star-soaked skies are followed by mornings of hooting monkeys and chiming clans of various bird species.

10. Safe Travel Destination

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country (around 98%). Travellers often notice a level of patience among the Thai people and feel a sense of security while travelling the country. While traffic is certainly a perpetual occurrence in Bangkok, there is few times when you will encounter an angry blast of the horn or instance of road rage. The country moves at a different pace than many Western countries, which provides at least half the fun.

By Daniel Politz