20 Reasons to Visit Thailand At Least Once in Your Life

From Anna and the King of Siam to James Bond’s Man with the Golden Gun to Leonardo DiCaprio and The Beach, the beauty of Thailand has captured our collective attention for many decades. But its gorgeous beaches and ancient temples are just part of the reasons to visit Thailand at least once in a lifetime.

Here are a few more:

1. The History & Culture

Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand boasts a rich history influenced by various kingdoms like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Thai puppetry performances are a fantastic cultural experience for visitors.

2. The Buddhist Temples

No trip to Thailand is complete without a pilgrimage to the ancient temples, most prevalent in Chiang Mai or Bangkok. Even for the unindoctrinated, it’s a spiritual experience.

3. Affordability

From food to lodging to goods purchased in the markets, you’ll be shocked to see how far your dollar stretches in Thailand. Affordability of everything you can think of is one of the primary reasons why people travel to Thailand for vacation or bachelorette trips. 

4. The Climate

How do year-round sunshine and warm temperatures sound? You can experience only 3 seasons in the country, all of them are amazing to experience. Thailand's temperature remains moderate throughout the year. 

5. Incredible Food

In a word, phenomenal! For those who think they know and love Thai food, you’re in for a big surprise when you eat the ‘OG’ REAL Thai food. There is more variety than you can imagine, and it’s fresher than fresh. In addition to Pad Thai and curry, you’ll find a wide variety of salads and snacks. And last but not least, it’s VERY inexpensive. Think lunch for less than $2.00.

6. World-Renowned Nightlife

Whether you are relaxing on a beach or exploring one of Thailand’s bustling cities, you will never be far from a bar or nightclub. For all the party junkies, its nightlight is something that can make it to your list of reasons to travel to Thailand. 

7. Ease Of Travel

There are many modes of transportation available in Thailand, and none of them are expensive. Even air travel, once you’re in the country, is affordable. This means no more missed opportunities due to expense!

8. Fascinating Cities

History buffs will appreciate the culture, history, and architecture of both Bangkok and expat-rich Chiang Mai, located in the quieter, charming center of Northern Thailand.

9. Friendly People

The smiling faces of the Thai people are a welcome sight to weary travelers. Known as the “Land of Smiles,” the people of Thailand are friendly, open, and kind to foreign visitors. You won’t find a better welcome than smiling and warm people.

10. The Markets

Regardless of what you’re shopping for, you’re bound to find it in Thailand - and for much less than you’re accustomed to paying at home. Whether you seek quirky, eclectic souvenirs or shoes and art, vendors will be vying for your business.

For a true Thai experience, make sure you visit one of the floating markets. Taling Chan is one of the cities to visit in Thailand to enjoy the best-floating market experience. Here, vendors arrive with their wares in small boats, and patrons either meet them on the water or call them over to the shore to make a purchase. Food vendors will prepare meals from their small floating markets.

11. Festivals

Thai people love to celebrate, and their festivals are often colorful and joyous. If you want to be a part of the celebration then the best time to visit Thailand is during Songkran, the national water fight festival.

12. Picturesque Beaches

Remember The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio? That was in Thailand,  on Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh island, to be exact. While that’s now closed to tourists, we are sure that you’ll find your own paradise with over 5,000 miles of coastline to explore. The crystalline blue waters and powder-soft white sand are some of the many reasons concluding why do people go to Thailand.

13. Diving

Thailand has some of the best dive sites in the world. Make sure to take a trip to Pattaya to dive with the sea turtles. Other great dive spots include Koh Tao, the Surin Islands, Koh Chang, and Chumphon.

14. Varied Terrain

In a week’s time, you can go from surfing waves on a beach to trekking and zip lining through the jungle to whitewater rafting on a river.

15. Elephant Sanctuaries

Animal lovers will rejoice in seeing these intelligent, family-oriented animals being properly cared with love and respect afterlives of servitude.

16. Backpacking

In the past decade, backpacking has increased by over 80%. Much of this is due to the ultra-affordability of the country and the friendliness of both locals and visitors, who meet upon arrival and set off on their adventures together.

17. Full Moon Parties

This monthly event on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan is famous for its all-night beach party with loud music, fire performances, and, of course, alcohol. While this party happens only once a month, there are now Half Moon Parties and Black Moon Parties happening in between. 

18. Astounding Beach Bars

Beach bars in Thailand are what make the holiday of the visitors complete. With a multitude of options, from driftwood shacks playing Bob Marley to remote hippy hideouts selling psychedelic mushrooms, there is everything for everyone to enjoy.

19. Phuket Vegetarian Festival

A version of the Taoist Nine Emperor Gods Festival, this Phuket Vegetarian Festival features gruesome self-mutation. Held mainly in Phuket, these unusual rituals attract thousands of spectators and participants. You must check out this festival at least once in your lifetime. 

20. World’s Prettiest Lake 

In Udon Thani, Red Lotus Lake blooms with crimson lotuses between November and February. Spanning 15 km by 5 km, this beautiful yet little-known lake offers small boat tours led by local guides. Upon looking at this riverscape, are you still wondering why is Thailand a good place to visit? Then, you must visit yourself to find out!

With all of these activities and attractions, your trip to Thailand will be filled with days of excitement and discovery, with memories to last a lifetime.

And an item on that list checked off.