Thailand Tourism And Travel Guide

Thailand, the 20th most populated country in the world with a total population of approximately 66 million people, is considered as the tourist capital of Asia. The country is also known as the Kingdom of Thailand as it is a constitutional monarchy. The Thai economy is the 20th largest by GDP and tourism in Thailand is one of its major sources of income. The country is considered a favourite tourist destination for its tropical beaches, beautiful monasteries and rich culture and throbbing nightlife. If you are visiting this southeastern nation of Thailand, here's a detailed travel guide to help you plan a memorable holiday.

By Air:

There are direct flights from major cities of India to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Bangkok's major international airports are Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. Direct flights from Mumbai, Varanasi, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai land at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

By Train:

There are no railway routes from India to Thailand. There is only one international train from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar station at the Thailand-Malaysia border.

By Road:

There is excellent road connectivity to Thailand from India via the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. The distance of the road trip is approximately 3200 km between Moreh (Manipur) and Mae Sot (Thailand). It is a week-long drive to reach Thailand from India.

Thailand sees a tropical climate that consists of three main seasons – summer, monsoon and winter. The months from November to February is considered the best time to travel the country and witnesses a high footfall of tourists. January is the coolest month with very little chances of rain. The monsoon season (from June till October) is considered an off season.

With its many tropical beaches, centuries old monasteries and temples, delectable street food and various shopping options, it is impossible to experience Thailand in one visit. There are numerous things you can do in Thailand.

Grand Palace in Bangkok: This formal royal residence is open to the public and is a great tourist attraction. There are four palace buildings with a mix of British, Italian and Thai architecture.

Phuket Island: Surrounded by green sea water, this island is a haven for water sports lovers. Also called ‘pearl of the Andaman’, this island covers an area of 49 km. The months from November to April are perfect for snorkeling and May to October are great for surfers because of the wild waves.

Krabi: If you are looking for a calm and peaceful holiday destination in Thailand, Krabi is the place to be. There are 150 white-sand beaches and turquoise waters spread across Krabi. It is also considered as an ideal destination for honeymoon couples.

Thailand has streets lined with restaurants and vendors serving authentic Thai cuisines, some of which include Pad Thai, Som Tum, Green Thai Curry etc. It is difficult to list the favourite food joints. Though it is more exciting to try the delicacies served by the street vendors rather than at a posh restaurant.

Shopping in Thailand is full of possibilities, especially in Bangkok, the capital city. Textiles and fabrics are the favourites among tourists with endless options and economical prices. There are numerous night markets in Thailand giving an enriching shopping experience. Visit the wine merchants, pick up teak furniture and get the best of fashion from the various glitzy malls.