Top 10 Things to Experience on Your First Trip to Thailand

Thailand, commonly called the Land of Smiles is the dream destination of the worldwide travelers. Thai has tropical beaches, crowded markets, splendid temples, and a welcoming hospitality that first-time visitors are sure to remember their entire life. No matter whether you are an adventurer, a gourmet, or a person who wants to rest on the quiet beaches, Thailand will suit any type of travelers.

You have to know how to seek a visa to Thailand before you pack your bags. Obtaining a tourist visa to Thailand is not a problem as far as one meets all the requirements beforehand. Beautiful temples, busy night markets, and picturesque islands, this guide will take you through the 10 things you simply cannot afford to miss when you visit Thailand the first time.

1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew at Bangkok

A visit to Thailand would not be complete without the Grand palace in Bangkok, the centre of the rich Thai history and culture. The architecture is simply breathtaking and inside its walls there is a Wat Phra Kaew where a most sacred image of the Emerald Buddha is found that is a most significant image in Thai Buddhism. Being a first-time traveler, the Grand Palace is an unforgettable cultural experience.

2. Go on a Boat Ride on the Floating Markets

Thailand has floating markets that are famous and they provide some insight into the traditional Thai lifestyle. Two of the most famous of the floating markets are Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa where you can do your shopping in fresh fruits, handicrafts and even get a meal cooked in the boat. There is a delight to the senses of cruising through these markets, the chatter, the colors and the tantalizing aromas are a must-do when making the first visit. It provides as well much space to take photos and taste the local street food.

3. Take it easy on the Phuket or Krabi Beaches

The southern part of Thailand has got world class beaches. Phuket and Krabi are the ideal places to visit by beach enthusiasts because of white sands, turquoise waters, and limestone cliffs. These are good places to be whether you love water sports, sunbathing, or simply taking a tropical cocktail by the seaside. Phuket is more geared towards tourists and has a lot of entertainment whereas Krabi is more of a quiet and scenic place. Do not forget to visit Ao Nang, Railay Beach, or go on a day tour to Phi Phi Islands at one of those destinations.

4. Spend time on Thai Street Food

Thailand is known all over the world as the country of street food. Whether you like Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice or Tom Yum Goong, local snacks such as grilled satay and spring rolls, you will always have something tasty to try. A good place to delve into Thai food is at night markets such as Chatuchak in Bangkok or Sunday Night Market in Chiang Mai. Eat like a local is not only cheap but it is also a cultural experience in each bite.

5. Thai Cooking Class

Why not learn how to make Thai food, when you love it? One of the practical methods of learning Thai flavors and ingredients is a cooking class. Most of the classes start with a market tour to purchase fresh herbs and spices then cook a multi-course meal. It is not only an enjoyable experience, but also a fantastic idea of taking the flavor of Thailand home with you. It is also an ideal activity to do by individuals, couples, and families.

6. Have a Traditional Thai massage

The Thai massages have gained international fame based on their therapeutic and rejuvenating nature. When you visit Thailand the first time, you should indulge yourself in a traditional Thai massage at a spa or massage parlor. Thai massage, as compared to Western massages, entails the use of stretching and deep-pressure movements, which assist in the reduction of stress and increase in flexibility. It is also very cheap and it is a soothing reward after a tiring day of touring.

7. Learn about the Temples of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, also called the cultural capital of Thailand, has more than 300 Buddhist temples. One of the most sacred ones is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which is located on the top of the mountain and provides a panoramic view of the city. By visiting these old temples one can know about the spiritual traditions of the country. The city itself is relaxed and there are lovely lanes, cafes and local art scenes to visit.

8. Visit a Thai Cultural Show or Festival

Thailand boasts of numerous festivals and cultural shows. In case your visit coincides with Songkran (Thai New Year in April) or Loy Krathong (festival of lights in November) then you are in luck. Alternatively, you may go to cultural performances that include classical dance, music and even Muay Thai dancing. The shows provide an excellent introduction to the Thai traditional heritage and story telling.

9. Visit Ancient City of Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and is located only a short drive away from Bangkok. The ancient ruins, complexes of temples, and large Buddha statues occupy the historical park. Travelling around Ayutthaya using bicycles or tuk-tuk is an experience that will show you the glorious Thai past. It is a relaxing day trip which is a combination of history, architecture, and nature.

10. Island Hopping in Andaman or Gulf of Thailand

The islands in Thailand are as diverse as they come with some islands being party destinations like Koh Phangan and others like Koh Lipe to be peaceful. The favorite destinations are Koh Samui and Koh Tao and Similan Islands. Island hopping tours are very common and they allow you to snorkel, dive or even just relax in beautiful beaches. All the islands are special so you should find time to visit at least a couple of them during your visit.

Conclusion

Thailand is a place that offers a little bit of everything; beautiful beaches, street life, historical monuments and kind locals. First-time or not, a visit to the country is an experience that you will always remember with a lot of discovery and delight. These ten activities are the cream of the crop of what Thailand has to offer and will make your first time visit an adventure, a relaxing experience and one which will teach you about the culture.

Check the procedure of obtaining a visa to Thailand before traveling. When you are going online or through a travel agency, ensure that you have the correct documents, fees and time to process them. Thailand tourist visa usually lasts 15-60 days since it varies according to your nationality and mode of entry, so you need to plan accordingly so that you can maximize your visit.