There is nothing like that excitement, just before boarding the plane, especially for the first time when you are not yet sure what exactly it will look like and what the intensity of the experience will be. Yes, it's clear that Thailand is a kind of paradise, and you've probably read guides and seen pictures, but nothing compares to the reality itself that you'll meet in a few hours face to face.
Thailand is divided to six areas and 76 different districts, and holds an abundance of entertainment of all kinds: breathtaking islands, Festivals that attract millions of tourists From all over the world, diving with amazing animals, rock climbing, huge omegas, nature trips, huge shopping malls and the list really doesn't stop here. The amount of free information that exists today about anywhere in the world (and of course also about Thailand) is enormous, and besides the great advantage that this can also cause information overload and sometimes unnecessary confusion.
Therefore, we have gathered for you here in an organized guide the list of attractions and places that should not be missed in Thailand, in order to help you decide In general about the direction of your trip, and specifically what you really don't want to give up. It is also important to note that Thailand is large and in most cases it is not enough to see it all in one trip (unless you devote several months to the matter - and for that you need Get a visa before traveling), and therefore you should choose the places and attractions that interest you according to your trip destination, or vice versa - think about what you want to do and then decide where you are going.
Come on, take off.
Attractions not to be missed in Thailand
Bangkok as a must visit destination
You are anyway land there (It is likely that this will happen), so why not take a few days and enjoy this special city full of culture?
Bangkok It is a kind of one big attraction in itself that offers its visitors a multitude of entertainment and enjoyment options. If we have to choose only one, then without a doubt "Weekend market in Bangkok" Probably will be the winning attraction. This is a market that is active throughout the week (yes, we too still wonder why they chose this confusing name) and provides a cultural and culinary experience that you really shouldn't miss, with hundreds and even thousands of stalls where you will find anything you can think of, and some that you don't. The market is an excellent place to taste the local food, collect souvenirs from Thailand, and bring home special and cheap treasures as gifts for friends.
For the shopping enthusiasts among us, MBK Mall in Bangkok He is probably the local "Azrieli", but upgraded and many times bigger - With 7 floors of shops, a variety of products, some of which are quality and some are fake (but cheap!) and plenty of attractions for children, family and friends inside the mall itself. A visit to the MBA mall will easily take up a few hours of your vacation, so take that into account.
You haven't been to Thailand if you haven't been to one of the islands
"Is it worth visiting one of the islands of Thailand" is not a question at all, because the answer is simply self-evident - a huge yes!
Dozens of islands, each of which is more beautiful and special than the other, will make it very difficult for you to choose, but on the other hand will allow you to find the perfect place just for you: Kosmoy which offers touristic beaches and parties alongside quiet and pleasant beaches; קAnd Pangan, the "party island" where the evenings end no earlier than 4 in the morning, with a big smile on the face; and also Phuket, Kotaw, Coffeey And many more islands that offer open and calm spaces, diving clubs and a host of other experiences. On almost every island you will find amazing spots (really amazing!) for snorkeling and diving, beach tours that go out several times a day, parties, resorts, extreme activities and more as you can imagine. All that's left for you is to choose your place, let loose and just enjoy the adventure.
Temples and sites for culture lovers
Beyond the parties and entertainments, whose dignity is in their place, Thailand It is also an amazing place for lovers of East Asian history and culture. The history of Thailand is rich and interesting and includes plenty of places touched by the wings of history, a fascinating culture, royal houses and temples with the sounds of prayers and magnificent sights of sculptures and architecture that you don't need to be an architect to appreciate.
The White Temple, for example, is probably one of the most beautiful temples and sites you will see in Thailand. The temple is located near the city of Chiang Rai and offers visitors a spectacularly beautiful design, various sculptures, paintings and an interesting glimpse into Thai culture. The White Temple is joined by a host of other fascinating temples and sites such as Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is located in Bangkok andWat Chaiwatthanaram temple which is located in Ayutthaya.
Culinary attractions in Thailand
Thailand offers a culinary experience Completely different from the familiar Israeli cuisine. The local flavors and especially the combination of them which at first feels strange to the Israeli palate but becomes delicious and loved in a short time - this is undoubtedly one of the recommended attractions in Thailand.
Unfamiliar vegetables such as green papaya, famous noodle dishes, strong curry, special snacks and indulgent smoothies are found on every corner and in every local restaurant, and it is really recommended to go further and try less familiar things and not settle for names you recognize from home. Food, as we know, is part of local culture, and if you have already traveled to discover a new culture, there is no reason to skip its culinary part. You should ask the locals about the special restaurants that are everywhere you go, they will be happy to help. And in Thailand, as everywhere, make sure you don't fall into tourist traps - usually a menu in English or Hebrew with well-known dishes at very high prices will help you distinguish.
If you are strict about kosher, you will probably have to be less flexible with the menu, but Thailand has solutions for you as well - kosher Israeli restaurants will "bring you back" to Israel, and there are also quite a few restaurants with well-known international food such as pizzas and pastas, grill restaurants and even French restaurants that claim to serve Gourmet food.
Attractions for lovers of romance
If you are coming to Thailand to celebrate a pampering honeymoon or strengthen a long-term relationship, first of all - congratulations! Now you should know some perfect attractions to strengthen romance and love:
Romantic attractions in Bangkok - Bangkok the capital is a place on the perfect border for the couples among us. The city offers particularly luxurious hotels, with spacious double rooms, all-inclusive services, a romantic moonlight cruise with a chef's dinner and a host of other tempting offers that will make it difficult for you to leave the city after a few days.
Choose an island to isolate yourself on - The islands in Thailand are amazing in their beauty and the landscapes they offer, and some of them are considered perfect for newlyweds (and even for veterans among you, it won't hurt to maintain intimacy and refresh the relationship) - Kosmoy and Copenhagen For example, in addition to these views, we also offer private resorts with a pool, jacuzzi, pampering meals and a private beach, as well as parties into the night, to bring out your wild side.
Water attractions
For lovers of beaches, water sports, snorkeling, beach tours and diving - Thailand is nothing less than paradise. All over Thailand, and especially on the various islands, there are plenty of water attractions waiting for you to choose from. In addition, you can take a diving course at one of the local diving clubs and get a diving license (first and second star) within a few days.
Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts should know several recommended destinations for diving in Thailand: Kosmoy, Copenhagen, Kotaw, Similan Islands, Koh Ha, Koh Simila Fantasy Reef, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
Each island contains wonderful treasures that are fun to discover up close, but also looking at them from above is a great experience - starting with mysterious caves, magnificent ships, hammerhead sharks, coral reefs, fish and day dwellers of all colors, species and shapes and a host of other surprises.
Special celebrations in Thailand
Thailand enjoys plenty Festivals and special events during the year that is worth getting to know.
Chinese New Year in Bangkok
If you fly between the end of January and the end of February, you will get to celebrate the Chinese New Year with the locals all over Thailand and in particular in Bangkok. A huge parade, costumes, folk dances, live performances and non-stop parties make the Chinese New Year a must event for those planning to fly to Thailand during this period. Chinese New Year The holiday falls every year between January 21 and February 21.
The flower festival
And if you are already flying in February, the flower festival in the area Chiang Mai will be perfect for you! Thousands of locals and tourists from around the world, make this festival full of colors, shapes and of course... flowers. The flower processions at the festival are considered one of the most beautiful and festive in the world - a wonderful spectacle for festival lovers and of course for flower lovers.
Water Festival
If you chose to fly to Thailand in April, you will arrive right at the National Water Festival of Thailand. Every year on April 13.4, Thailand's Water Day is held, and the celebrations take place in many areas of the country, including the beaches of Petai, Bangkok and other cities. Water Day celebrations include parades, huge water fights and of course - huge parties with lots of joy, music and people from all over the world.
Phi Ta Khon Festival
If your vacation is towards the summer, you may be able to enjoy an unusual festival of its kind. If you come to the Isan region of Thailand during this festival period, you will find to your amazement that the locals dress up as spirits, Buddha and celestial beings. There is nothing to be alarmed - this is a festival that is celebrated in honor of Princess Vasandra, who was considered to be the reincarnation of Buddha's soul. The festival is celebrated for three days, usually at the end of June (the date varies - you should check before you come) and offers a unique experience that you will not forget for a long time.
Thailand's Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on December 10.12 every year and, as in any country that rejoices in its independence and sovereignty, there are celebrations and parties until dawn with shows, fireworks, speeches, parades and lots of street activities. The celebrations are of course held all over Thailand.
