Thailand was one of the first countries I ever backpacked and it remains one of my favourites in the whole world. Despite the influx of gap year kids and honeymooners, the country hasn’t lost its charm to tourism and keeps on being a total winner.
Here why you absolutely need to visit Thailand, plus details on how you can WIN a trip there with Brightsun Travel! (Scroll down for the comp deets!)
10 Reasons To Visit Thailand
1. It’s the land of smiles
That’s right, Thailand is infamous for being one of the friendliest nations on earth. The locals love to talk to tourists and will go out of their way to help you. It makes such a difference.
2. The nightlife is insane
There’s a reason this is destination number 1 for backpackers, the parties are crazy! Your standard beach party will involve fire dancers, cocktails, dancing on tables and watching the sun rise over the sea. And that’s just your average Tuesday.
3. Banging food
Oh god, the food though. Whether it’s Massaman Curry in a fancy restaurant or 80p Pad Thai from a street vendor, the food is always outstanding in my experience. Make sure you try Morning Glory, Tom Yum Soup and Mango with Sticky Rice!
4. The ornate temples
You are likely to get ‘templed-out’ in Thailand, as there really are a lot of them. But you can’t deny they are stunning. Whether it’s the impressive golden Buddha in Wat Po or the intricate tile work at Wat Arun, you’re bound to be impressed. And that’s just Bangkok!
5. You can stay in a treehouse in the jungle
What I love about Thailand is how different your experiences can be there. You can stay in a five star resort in Koh Samui or you can get back to nature in a treehouse in Krabi or a beach hut in Koh Tao. Whatever your budget and whatever it is you want to get out of your trip, it’s there for the taking.
6. The beaches are out of this world
Beach please, Thailand is the king of beaches y’all. White sands, turquoise waters, palm trees and limestone karsts, this place has it all! Personal favourites are Ko Nang Yuan in Koh Tao and the infamous Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi (from the film The Beach!). Has to be done.
7. V cool festivals
Thailand has a whole host of cultural festivals that attract visitors from around the world. Songkran is a country-wide water fight in April to celebrate the Thai New Year, or there’s Loi Krathong the spiritual lantern festival that usually takes place in November… And that’s just to name a few!
8. The markets are full of gems
I just love markets. From embellished cushions to Buddha ornaments, beach dresses to ankle bracelets, Thai markets are full of trinkets and treasures. By the end of your trip you’ll likely have an arm full of friendship bracelets and a collection of fake Ray-Bans. It’s inevitable.
9. Buckets
When in Thailand, you drink out of buckets. You heard me. Said bucket is usually made from a combination of coke, an energy drink and either rum or whiskey. They’re lethal but also super cheap. Pace yourself, girl.
10. So many awesome sports.
I’m not exactly the sportiest of gals, but I can appreciate what a fabulous destination Thailand is for sports activities. Koh Tao is one of best places in the world for divers to get their PADI qualification, and Krabi is fab for rock climbers to scale the limestone karsts in the middle of the sea! Or you can do as I did and watch from the beach with a Chang beer…
WIN a luxury trip to Thailand with Brightsun Travel!
Now for the good stuff – your chance to win a trip for two to Thailand!
Well the fab folk over at Brightsun Travel are currently running a competition and the prize is an absolute gem! You can bag yourself all of this goodness…
- Two direct return economy tickets to Bangkok
- Internal flights to Phuket with Thai Airways
- 3 nights at the 4 star Furama-Silom Hotel in Bangkok
- 3 nights in a villa at the 4 star Vijitt Resort Phuket
What a holiday, am I right?
All you gotta do is head on over to the Brightsun Travel competition page, browse through the range of Thai activities on offer and select your favourite three to enter!
The competition is currently live and closes at 9:00am GMT on 28th of July 2017. Entries received after the closing date of the competition will not be considered, y’all.
Best of luck, pal!
What do you think of Thailand, is it one of your faves? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!
Total Blogger Transparency: This post was sponsored by Brightsun Travel but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.
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