Hotels in Thailand

Thailand is a kingdom located in Southeast Asia on the Indochina Peninsula. The country, whose historical name is Siam, is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized by any country. Because of this, Thailand doesn't have an Independence Day celebration. Instead, Thais observe King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday on December 5 as Thailand's National Day. Thais refer to their own country using the polite form of prathet Thai. They use Thai script or Thai axon which is a type of abugida script for everyday writing.

Thailand joined ASEAN on August 8, 1967. Today, Thailand is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and is classified as a newly industrialized country. Its Human Development Index (HDI) score is also very high at 0,800. Thailand's wealth is supported by advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism industries. No wonder many foreign tourists make Thailand one of their vacation destinations. Especially Bangkok as the capital of Thailand, then Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Rai, to Chiang Mai.

What Does Thailand Best Known For

Thailand, dubbed the Land of Smiles, is one of the most visited countries in the world. Its attractions range from the stunning natural scenery, the diverse street food scene in Bangkok, the thousands of temples scattered across the country, to the traditional culture that is still preserved.

As the second most Buddhist-majority country in the world, Thailand is famous for its many temples scattered across the country. With over 41,000 temples, you can explore 4 to 5 temples in one day on foot. Some of the most iconic and magnificent temples in Thailand are Wat Pho and Wat Arun in Bangkok, Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, White Temple in Chiang Rai, and Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.

Not only that, Thailand is also famous for its beautiful islands. There are about 1,000 islands around Thailand. Some of the famous ones are Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket, Koh Similan, and Koh Lanta.

How to Get to Thailand from Malaysia

The long-distance makes best way to get to Thailand from Malaysia is by flight. There are not many requirements needed to visit Thailand, one of which is the mandatory documents of passport and visa. If you are visiting for a short-term vacation (30-60 days at most), you don't need a Thai visa, but you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. Then, you can apply for a Tourist Visa for visits longer than 60 days.

You can travel to Thailand from Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Kuching, or other major city airports in Malaysia. Once you arrive, you need to go through customs and immigration checks. Make sure your travel documents are prepared and complete any required arrival declarations.

Weather in Thailand

Thailand's climate is influenced by seasonal monsoons. The majority of southern and eastern Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate, as well as a tropical rainforest climate in the south. There are three main seasons in Thailand:

• Rainy season: mid-May - mid-October, with an average temperature of 26oC.
• Cold season: mid-October - mid-February, with an average temperature of 23°C.
• Hot season: mid-February - mid-May, with long stretches of warm weather and average temperatures above 34°C.

Thailand is highly susceptible to extreme weather and sea level rise. Make sure you pay attention to the latest weather information and bring the right clothing when visiting Thailand.

Transportation in Thailand

As one of the most popular tourist destinations, Thailand certainly needs transportation to facilitate access to travel to other regions and countries. Fortunately, Thailand offers cheap and varied transportation. Here are some of the types of transportation in Thailand that can make it easier for you to explore the rest of the country.

• Rail Rapid Transit System: MRT, Bangkok Skytrain or BTS, Suvarnabhumi Airport Link or ARL, SRT Red Lines,
• Road transport: cars, taxis: tuk-tuk local transportation, songthaew a share truck, buses,
• Air travel: domestic and international flights,
• Ferries

Accommodation in Thailand

1. Baiyoke Sky Hotel

Make the most of your urban escape in Bangkok with a stay at Baiyoke Sky Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you can easily access landmarks and shopping centers by foot or a short taxi ride, such as Wat Arunn, Romeo & Juliet Tailor's House, and Siam Paragon. Facilities include a spa, sauna, outdoor swimming pool, airport transfer, and bar.

2. Center Point Prime Hotel Pattaya

Staying at Center Point Prime Hotel Pattaya can complete your memorable holiday experience. This 5-star hotel features a waterpark that kids and adults will love, as well as a game room, spa, bar, kids club, and meeting/banquet facilities. Access to Pattaya's popular attractions is also short, such as The Sanctuary Of Truth, Pattaya Beach, and Walking Street Pattaya.

3. Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket

Want to stay at a resort with a view of the ocean and refreshing nature? Then Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket is the right choice. Facilities include massage, sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, car rental, balcony, mini bar, and sports zone. The resort is only 18 minutes away from the white sandy beaches of Patong Beach and Jungceylon Shopping Center.

Tourist Destinations in Thailand

1. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

This giant aquarium showcases the beauty and uniqueness of underwater life. You can encounter an amazing variety of fish and marine animals. Explore all the zones, from the Ocean Tunnel, 4D Cinema, Touch Pool which allows visitors to safely touch the marine animals, Ocean Feeding which feeds the marine animals, and Interactive Rockpool, so don't miss the enjoy dinner while watching the whales swimming.

2. Phuket Fantasea

Phuket Fantasea is one of the famous tourist destinations because it is the longest show in Asia. You can enjoy various spectacular attractions, from Tiger Jungle Adventure, Fantasy of A Kingdom Show, The Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant, Fort Kanom Thai, and Festival Village Shopping Street.

3. Madame Tussauds Bangkok

This is a museum with a collection of detailed wax replicas of world-renowned figures in their respective fields. Visitors can interact with the wax replicas and take photos with the desired figures. There are 9 wax replica exhibition zones, including music, movie, bollywood, sports, TV, history, science, and world leaders.

4. Dream World

As one of the largest theme parks in Thailand, Dream World has more than 40 rides that visitors of all ages can ride. Starting from Roller Coasters, Tornado, Space Mountain, and many more.

Thailand Food Specialties

1. Tom Yum Goong

This fresh, fragrant, and creamy soup uses a condiment blend of lemongrass, shallots, fish sauce, galangal, mushrooms, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, and red chili. Besides shrimp, you can order other fillings such as chicken, fish, or a mix of seafood.

2. Khao Niao Mamuang

Khao Niao Mamuang or Mango Sticky Rice is a dessert loved by Thais and sought after by tourists. This dessert is sticky rice doused with coconut milk and fresh mango slices and can be added with condensed milk. Khao Niao Mamuang is easily found at street food stalls to high-class restaurants.

3. Pad Thai

A dish made from rice noodles, seafood (alternatively, chicken, pork or tofu), dried shrimp, tamarind, fish sauce, bean sprouts, shallots, and eggs, all deep-fried. Pad Thai is delicious with a combination of sweet, sour, and salty Thai flavors.

Travel Tips in Thailand

Vacationing in Thailand can be an exciting experience. For a comfortable trip, you need to check the visa and passport requirements first. Check the weather forecast when you fly in, so you can bring the right clothes. In addition, prepare cash to anticipate requests to pay using cash. Make sure to always take care of your luggage wherever you are to avoid loss and other unwanted things.

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