Thailand is not one of the biggest countries on the map, but it sure feels large when you’re here. Whether you’re looking for some fast-paced city fun or you prefer to visit the rustic corners of the country, there’s a little piece of Thailand for everyone. The Land of Smiles is used to having “Farangs” or “foreigners” come visit, and no matter where you go here, you’ll be sure to feel welcome. From beaches, to rainforests, to massive cities, Thailand can be a lot to take in. But, if you go on a tour, you won’t miss a thing. Your tour guide will take you to all the places you want to go, so you can the most of your trip. And, you won’t have to worry about booking activities, transportation, or where you’ll rest your head each night.
Most tours of Thailand begin and end in either Bangkok, Koh Samui, or Phuket. Thailand borders many other countries and a majority of travelers choose to combine their Thailand trip with tours of Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, or all of Indochina.
There’s a lot to see in Thailand, so let’s get a move on, shall we?
Thailand Tour Destinations
There’s no question that one of the biggest attractions in Thailand are the many beautiful beaches. The islands here are like nothing else in the world. The scenes of that traveler relaxing on the beach is often the same scene you can find anywhere on Thailand’s islands. Not sure which one to choose? An island hopping tour or scheduled boat rides between islands will help you find your favorite one. From your base island, you can go on snorkelling tours or even luxury cruises.
Speaking of boats, there are many ways to get around Thailand. Whether you choose a bus, a tuk-tuk, a songthaew (a red pickup truck), or a private charter, it’s easy to go places no matter where you are. And, your tour guide will help you with all the logistics. That being said, the roads are still a little bumpy here and the traffic can be exhausting, so having the opportunity to rest in an exclusive accommodation in the city or a world-class beach resort surely makes up for it.
A tour can take you to any part of Thailand you wish to go. Head to big cities like Chiang Mai or Bangkok where your guide will lead you through the markets and tell you how to avoid Thai tourist scams. Afterwards, if you want to disconnect from civilisation, you can do so on a jungle tour in places like Khao Sok National Park. Get to know the local culture by visiting a hill tribe, and perhaps even have the opportunity to experience an authentic homestay or dinner. Most tours will give you free time to explore these destinations at your own pace unless you need some guidance getting around. Enjoy side trips like elephant tours, cooking classes, or canoeing.
We know what you’re thinking…how can you possibly do all this and still enjoy your vacation? Well, a tour will take care of all the major details for you, so you can worry about satisfying your needs. How does a Thai massage sound? What about a relaxing tuk-tuk city tour, or a WWII guided tour to the Bridge on the River Kwai and Erawan Falls?
All you need to do is decide what you want to see, or, rather, what you don’t want to miss! Check out the huge list of tours of Thailand to get an idea of what the options are. And, if you hope to see other countries in Southeast Asia as well, your tour can also organize that for you.
Facts About Thailand
There’s a lot to know about Thailand, that’s for sure. If you don’t have time to do intense research, then you can simply show off your knowledge with these facts about Thailand, which come from real tour guides.
- There are approximately 1,430 islands in Thailand.
- A temple is known as a “Wat” in Thai.
- Thailand was formerly known as “Siam” and was once a huge civilization.
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama XI, died in 2016. He was admired greatly by his people and was the longest-serving monarch in Thai history (70 years).
- Many movies were filmed here, including “The Beach,” James Bond (the island where it was filmed is now called “James Bond Island”) and “The King and I.”
- Songkran is the World’s Largest Water-Fight, which takes place every year, and is perfect in the Thai heat.
- The inventor of Red Bull, Chaleo Yoovidhya, is Thai.
- The most famous pair of Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Bunker, were Thai and traveled with the Barnum and Bailey Circus for many years.
- Thailand’s last tsunami was in 2004, the devastating act of nature which left 230,000 dead, and was the basis for the film “The Impossible.”
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
