Top 10 things that attract travellers from around the world to Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, here are the top 10 things that make the land of smiles so attractive.

The kingdom has a lot to offer, between the beautiful landscapes, the welcoming population, the delicious food, the temples, the white sandy beaches, the green mountains, the massages...

Here are ten factors that contribute to Thailand's popularity as a tourist destination.

1. Cheap travel costs

Restaurants in Thailand. Photo: Viarami

Even though the Thai currency was much weaker a few years ago, living and travelling in Thailand is still very affordable.

Thailand offers a variety of items at extremely low prices.

One can dine for one euro in some roadside restaurants, stay in a guesthouse for ten euros or less, and take a domestic flight for as little as twenty euros in some circumstances...

Although the price goes up for higher quality, it is still an excellent deal compared to Western countries.

2. Welcoming premises

The famous Thai wai is no doubt familiar to anyone who has heard of Thailand (the clasped hands salute).

See : Learn to make wai in Thailand

The reason why so many people love visiting Thailand is that Thais are often some of the most polite and well-mannered people you will ever meet.

Their slogan is Mai pen rai, which translates as "don't worry" "it's not serious".

Many Westerners are envious of the easy-going attitude of the Thais.

Thais tend to handle stress and emotions well, often using the expression "jay yen yen" (cold heartedness, or keeping one's cool), unlike many Westerners who tend to worry and lead a stressful lifestyle.

When travelling in Thailand, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Thai people are friendly and willing to recommend restaurants or give you directions.

See also : What tourists should never do in Thailand

3. Breathtaking beaches and famous dive sites

Koh Phi Phi. Photo : SoleneC1

Thailand's islands and beaches are perhaps the country's most spectacular natural asset.

You can discover an island or beach you love, whether you want to party until dawn, learn to dive or have a peaceful, romantic getaway, with over 2,400km of coastline and around 1,000 islands.

Thailand's west and east coasts each have a large number of islands.

Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta offer wonderfully clear waters and beautiful coral reefs for snorkelling.

While Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi are widely known for their well-developed facilities and plethora of activities on Thailand's west coast.

Islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, on Thailand's east coast, offer breathtakingly secluded beaches where you can get away from people.

See : Islands in Thailand: choose from the 5 most popular

4. Thai cuisine and street food

Street food in Thailand. Photo: Lee Lefever

Thai cuisine is renowned throughout the world.

One of the most popular cuisines in the world is Thai because of the way flavours, temperatures, textures and cooking methods are combined.

You must try the hot shrimp soup tom yum koungon pad Thai and the som tamamong other specialities.

See : 10 delicious Thai dishes not to be missed, what to eat in Thailand

The Thai street food is also excellent.

In Bangkok and throughout the country, there are many cheap stalls where you can buy prepared foods such as meals, snacks, fruit and drinks.

See : Street food: Thailand's best street food

5. Ladyboys

Transsexuals at the Alcazar cabaret in Pattaya

Men who cross-dress as women, "ladyboy" or "kathoey" in Thai, are surprisingly common in Thailand.

Ladyboys live among the Thai people in the free nation of Thailand.

They work as hairdressers, filmmakers, sex workers, waitresses, models and other jobs normally done by women.

It is possible to see a ladyboy cabaret act or stop by a ladyboy bar in many of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, including Bangkok, PattayaPhuket and Chiang Mai.

See : 13 things to know about ladyboys in Thailand

6. Parties and nightlife

Nightlife in Thailand. Photo: National News Bureau of Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular party destinations in South East Asia.

Nightlife in Thailand is varied, with trendy beach bars, craft breweries and high-end rooftop bars.

Khao San Road, Bangkok's backpacker district, Pattaya's clubs and the Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Phangan are some of the country's main party spots.

7. Muay Thai (Thai boxing)

Dancing before a Thai boxing match

Thai boxing, known as Muay Thai, is one of the world's best known combat sports and the national sport of Thailand.

Thailand has no shortage of gyms or Thai boxing arenas.

All over the world, people come to learn this martial art.

Every city in Thailand has a famous arena or show, including Muay Thai Live in Bangkok, Max Muay Thai in Pattaya and Patong Boxing Stadium in Phuket.

See : Muay Thai or Thai boxing: all about the art of the eight limbs

8. Thai massages

Thai massage. Photo: Tourism Thailand

Thailand is a country that must be mentioned when talking about the best massages in the world!

This massage stretches the muscles in depth.

Traditional Thai body massage (Nuad bo rarn), oil massage, foot massage are some of the different styles of Thai massage.

See : Thai Massage: types, benefits, techniques

They are affordable and very soothing.

A one-hour Thai massage costs an average of 300 baht (about 6 euros).

You should not miss out on this pleasure if you are planning a holiday in Thailand.

9. Shopping

Chatuchak market, clothing

If you are looking for clothes, handicrafts, knick-knacks and other souvenirs at a good price, you are bound to find the right shop in Thailand, between the gigantic shopping malls like Icon Siam or huge markets like the one in Chatuchak.

See : Handicrafts in Thailand: shopping tips

10. Rich history and culture

Dancers of Manora

Thailand has a long and complicated history.

The oldest Thai artefacts were found in the Paleolithic era, about 20,000 years ago.

Throughout its history, Thai culture has blended with that of its neighbours such as Laos, Cambodia (Indo-Khmer architecture is visible in many ancient temples), India and China.

Many ancient ruins can be found in cities such as Bangkok, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai.

It can also be found in many of Thailand's cultural forms, such as Thai puppet shows and traditional dance.

Source: The Thaiger