Thailand is a wonderful place to take the family for an exciting vacation. Also called the “Land of Smiles” due to the friendly nature of its native people, Thailand offers all sorts of entertainment that is sure to satisfy everyone in the family. With beautiful beaches, exotic markets, majestic temples and natural wonders, even if you’re planning a short ten-day trip, your vacation is sure to be a memorable one. Listed below are just some of the wonderful natural and cultural marvels that you can experience if you choose to vacation in Thailand.
Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a cultural center that is a dazzling melting pot of the modern and the traditional. While there, you can shop in a modern mall or ride the pristine sky train before exploring the alleyways where you’ll find the more traditional aspects of Thai culture in the form of markets and street vendors selling exotic wares and foods.
The Grand Palace is also a popular attraction to visit. It was once the home of the Thai King and it also housed the Thailand government. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace is an architectural marvel to behold and is one of the most popular landmarks in the city.
It’s also well worth it to take the time to visit the Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho. At forty-six meters long, fifteen meters tall and completely covered in gold leaf, the Reclining Buddha is a stunning sight. Wat Pho is only a ten-minute walk from the Grand Palace, and because Wat Pho is also a renowned school of massage, it’s the perfect location to receive a traditional Thai massage.
Kanchanaburi
Located only two to three hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi offers a fantastic blend of natural attractions along with historical sites.
One of the most popular attractions of Kanchanaburi is Erawan National Park. The park is forested with both evergreen and deciduous trees and also has numerous plunge pools for visitors to swim in. The crown jewel of the park is Erawan Falls, a seven-tiered waterfall with emerald green pools. Named after the three-headed elephant in Hindu mythology, many say that the top tier of the falls resembles the head of an elephant.
Wat Tham Sua, also known as Tiger’s Cave Temple, is a must-see attraction. Wat Tham Sua is a meditation center that is also an archaeological and historical site. Numerous archeological finds have been discovered here, including molds used for the creation of Buddha footprints. There are also what appear to be tiger’s paw prints embedded in the stone floors of the cave. While the climb to the site might be strenuous, it is well worth the visit.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the next stop you’ll want to make while in Thailand. This lovely province offers a wide variety of things to enjoy including the night-time food market where you can experience local Thai delicacies, as well as natural attractions located in the nearby rainforest.
There are seven national parks located in Chiang Mai province, but the one park to include in your travel plans is Doi Inthanon National Park. Also known as “The Roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon National Park has the highest mountain in Thailand, and also contains lovely waterfalls and nature trails. You can also visit the royal pagodas while visiting the park. They are a short drive from the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail and were built in commemoration of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his Queen.
There are plenty of temples in Thailand, but one that you don’t want to miss is Wat Phra Singh, also known as the Temple of the Lion Buddha. This active temple compound is outfitted with beautiful monastic buildings, as well as a small chapel that houses the Phra Singh (Lion Buddha) that was first enshrined in 1367. The chapel and monastic buildings are lovely to see, with gilded serpent gables and stenciling. There is also a sanctuary on the grounds that is inlaid with mosaics that depict the lives of locals who inhabited the area hundreds of years ago.
Phuket
Not only is Phuket Thailand’s largest island, it also contains some of its finest beaches. The island has over 30 beaches to choose from and all of them are known for their white sands, gorgeous sunsets and clear blue seas.
There are also a wide variety of night markets. Night markets are only open after the heat and humidity of the day has passed, and often they have a festive feel to them that is accented by the presence of street performers, music and food vendors. Night markets are also known for the unique items that they carry, making them the perfect place to pick up gifts, souvenirs, and mementos.
While visiting the island you should also make a point of stopping off at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. The sanctuary has been created as a safe, natural and peaceful environment for the elephants that reside there, with many of the elephants having come from unfortunate circumstances. Visitors are welcome and some interaction is allowed so long as it isn’t detrimental to the elephants or the visitors. You can also make arrangements to volunteer at the sanctuary for a full week, during which you will have the opportunity to assist the handlers in the care of the elephants as well as other tasks that need attention within the sanctuary.
Thailand is the perfect choice when considering the next place to take your family on vacation. The people are friendly, the food is fantastic, the sights are amazing, and there are a variety of activities to participate in to entertain and educate people of all ages.
