Thailand for all Travellers
Think of Thailand and you may well think of: a) student backpackers; b) the book and film ‘the Beach’ and c) middle-age men past their prime going in search of a bride.
So if you’re not really interested in any of the above, why should you consider Thailand as a destination for your next holiday?
Well, it has plenty to offer for everyone. It has a wonderful blend of the modern and the traditional, with its cultural heritage largely unchanged and untouched by modern times. The country is practically awash with Buddhist temples that are built on such an awesome scale and with such elaborate detail that it’s hard not to be impressed and even harder to tear yourself away from.
The food – as we know in the UK – is very tasty, but the imitation Thai curries we are served on our shores are nothing in comparison to the real deal over there.
It’s one of the few far-flung destinations that one can visit freely, without the need for a visa and without restrictions on where you can travel to or what you can see. Why not rent a car and explore the island, to take in the sites offered by all the temples, national parks, beaches, waterfalls and mountains?
There are loads of active sports you can get up to – jet-skiing is one of the most popular, but you can also have a go at kayaking or rafting, and the mountains are brilliant for hiking and trekking. You can ride an elephant if the mood takes you.
Most inhabitants in the main cities and tourist destinations can speak pretty good English, but if you want to go off the beaten track a little you will find yourself the centre of attention (they don’t get to see many Westerners in the more remote parts of the country) but the people are extremely welcoming and would be delighted if you took the time and learned a few phrases in Thai beforehand.
If you’re interested in a nice relaxing holiday then of course there are the famous, glorious beaches you can laze on for hours. Or you could try a massage, which are specialist Thai massages renowned the world over and they’re cheap to boot. Or take a relaxing trip down the canals that lead to the river Chao Phraya, on a pre-booked canal tour or on a boat you can hire yourself.
The pound sterling isn’t doing brilliantly at the moment, but in Thailand you can guarantee that you will get excellent value for money!
As a precursor to your holiday you should really look into travel insurance for your belongings – www.endsleigh.co.uk offer some great deals at reasonable prices.