Thailand Travel Highlights

It might be helpful to consider Thailand as having 3 different specific geographical areas of interest.

The city of Bangkok

The first would naturally be the city of Bangkok which is a must-inclusion on your Thailand vacation. With its teeming life and natural abundance of energy where temples sit side by side with canals and markets. It is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone on Thailand tours.

Some of the more important venues and activities on trips to Thailand include the following. The Grand Palace complex, the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782, situated right on the Chao Phraya River is a must-see as is a cruise on the river itself. Perhaps take one of the ferries sailing up and down the river from which you can get on and off at leisure at any of the sites along the way. . On the riverbanks, you can also visit the Wat Pho Temple with its Reclining Buddha, the Wat Phra Kaeo Temple with its Emerald Buddha and the Wat Arun Temple also known as the Temple of Dawn. 

Close to Bangkok are two very interesting side trips, both of which are included in most trips to Thailand. The first is the Kanchanaburi region famous as the place where the “Bridge over the River Kwai” was located. Here you can visit the bridge, and the cemetery and stay overnight in a floating hotel. The other is to travel to Damnoen Saduak to experience a traditional floating market and also visit the Rose Garden for a show including Thai traditional dancing, Thai boxing and musical entertainment. Although there are many beach resorts throughout Thailand, mainly in the south of the country, there are a few which are not too far from Bangkok such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko Samet and Ko Chang.  

For more information on Bangkok Tours and Vacations click here

Northern Thailand

The second area of interest would be a visit to Northern Thailand perhaps travelling overland via such ancient cities as Sukhothai, a world heritage site and the first capital of Thailand dating back to the 13^th Century with its restored temples and monuments and nearby Ayuthaya, another world heritage site and previous capital with extensive archaeological discoveries. 

Chiang Mai

On a Thai vacation, Chiang Mai is the principal city in the north where the ambience is much more serene than that of Bangkok. It is surrounded by mountains and lush countryside and is known as the "Rose of the North". Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality. The famous Night Bazaar is a must-visit, especially during the amazing Loy Krathong Festival in November. The locals say you have not experienced Chiang Mai until you have seen the view from Doi Suthep, eaten a bowl of kao soi, and purchased an umbrella from Bo Sang. Definitely make time for a visit to Doi Suthep, a temple located on top of a mountain with wonderful panoramic views or to a local elephant camp to see the animals at work and play. Northern Thailand is also the region to visit with genuine hill tribes to experience how they live their separate existence from the rest of society. They originally migrated from neighbouring China, Tibet and Myanmar to the rural highlands of Northern Thailand to continue their traditional way of life as farmers in the mountains.  

For more information on Chiang Mai Tours and Vacations click here

Chiang Rai

Further north is Chiang Rai. It is an excellent base for exploring the region on a Thailand vacation. Despite its relatively small population, Chiang Rai has respected universities and other civic facilities. It includes a good percentage of hill tribes and Myanmar exiles such as various varieties of the Karen tribe of people.

For more information on Chiang Rai Tours and Vacations click here

The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle in the far north of Thailand is so-called as it is where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. The landscape is hilly and consists of lush jungle scenery through which the mighty Mekong River flows. 

The best beach resorts in Thailand

On trips to Thailand, the third region is Thailand’s beach resort in the south. With hundreds of beautiful tropical islands, Thailand has no shortage of fine beach resorts. These include Phuket on the west coast along with the quieter Phi Phi Islands reached by ferry from Phuket., Ko Samui and  Krabi on the east coast plus many others with their pure white sand and blue, green sea can provide a stay and a fitting end to a sojourn in this exciting country. Most of the luxury beach resorts can be found on the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket.

For more information on Phuket Tours and Vacations click here

Top things to do on a Thailand Trip

Bangkok River Cruise

The Chao Phraya River plays a vital role in the history, economy, and cultural fabric of Bangkok. Whether you’re indulging in a romantic night-time dinner cruise or just taking the ferry for a closer look at beautiful Wat Arun, you’ll want to see Bangkok from the water at least once. A night-time cruise is highly recommended when the Royal Palace comes aglow with golden light.

Golf in Thailand

If one of your favourite pastimes is golf, Thailand has a number of excellent courses. One of the best-known is the Blue Canyon Golf Course in Phuket.  Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai also have good courses. Most of the scuba diving destinations are on the Andaman Sea on the South East coast of Thailand. The most famous ones are on the outstanding Similan Islands with truly excellent diving on a Thai vacation. Closer to the mainland you have very good diving opportunities around Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket Islands. 

Phuket Boat Tours

Phuket is among the most popular of Thailand’s islands, and one of the largest. If you want to see more of this Thai treasure, it makes sense to explore some of the surrounding islands and shores by boat. Take a full-day tour of Phi Phi Island or put your dexterity to the text sea canoeing around Phang Nga Bay. 

Temple Tours

All that temple hopping gets a bit tiring if you don’t have the benefit of the full story. A temple tour gives you an in-depth look at Thailand’s many temples along with an understanding of why each one is significant or unique. You’ll learn a little more about temple etiquette and come away with a greater understanding of religious mores in this deeply spiritual country. 

A unique experience in Thailand

Worth a visit on a Thailand vacation is the Jim Thompson House, the CIA-operative's mansion assembled by combining six traditional Thai-style houses and the Vimanmek Mansion, the largest golden teakwood house in the world. The street markets and night bazaars are second to none and offer a wide array of merchandise at excellent prices.

Thailand Honeymoon

With three distinct regions, each nothing like the next, Thailand can be the ideal destination for just about any kind of honeymoon. Enjoy an urban adventure packed with shopping, street food, and iconic sights in Bangkok, or immerse yourselves in northern Thai culture in enchanting Chiang Mai. If you’d prefer a sand and sun honeymoon getaway, the islands of the south have this covered.

Thailand Vacation Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to a Thailand vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of Thailand, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Thailand's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Thailand for yourself. Start exploring… book a Thailand vacation today!

So with the many varieties of reasons to visit, Thailand - "the land of smiles" offers something for everyone. Book your Thailand vacation today.... and put a smile on your face. 

Extend Your Trip beyond Thailand

After your Thailand vacation considers taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages and India tours plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Foodie Walking Tours and Cooking Classes Make Thailand Travel Come Alive | Have a Love Affair with Phuket on a Romantic Thailand Vacation | Relax in Koh Samui on Your Thailand Vacation | Escape to Paradise on Phi Phi Island on a Thailand Vacation | Hua Hin, Thailand’s Fashionable Resort | Explore History on Your Thailand Vacation With a Visit to the River Kwai | Pattaya – A Diverse and Dynamic Beach Resort on Your Thailand Vacation | Amazing Scenery and Beaches of Krabi, Thailand| Visit Hong Kong and Thailand for an Ideal Asia Getaway