Des unforgettable experiences to live in Thailand
Thailand is attracting more and more tourists. To enjoy an authentic and unforgettable trip, here are 6 experiences to live as quickly as possible in Thailand.
Already a must-see destination in Asia, Thailand should further increase its notoriety in the coming years. By 2020, the land of smiles could welcome 47,5 million tourists against 29,9 million in 2015. Overview of these Thai experiences to do and enjoy before the arrival of mass tourism.
1. Living with elephants in the Chiang Mai jungle
There are many solutions to live as close as possible to elephants, apart from walks which have nothing good to offer in terms of tourist experiences and which make these animals suffer. While some travelers decide to make a full retreat in Kanchanaburi to care for elephants, northern Thailand, with Chiang Mai in their sights, is also a top destination.
Close to the jungle where mahouts who have been converted into guides live for tourists concerned about the well-being of the pachyderms, the city of the province of the same name is an ideal starting point for a day of change of scenery. Visitors will learn to ride on the backs of elephants like mahouts (without a basket). They will go for a walk in the jungle and will have the opportunity to give them a bath before offering them a meal consisting of bananas.
2. Make friends with the Lopburi monkeys
North of Bangkok, a few hours drive, discover Lopburi, the city of monkeys. When discovering temples of Khmer origin, travelers must put up with the small macaques that inhabit the city. Better to be careful and keep food in the bag (or plan to have lunch later) to avoid becoming a target. The meeting promises in any case to be remembered, and to produce funny photos.
3. Travel back in time to Sukhothai by riding a bicycle
Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, which became Thailand. Located at 4h30 drive from Chiang Mai, the city is interesting for the remains of the 21 temples surrounded by old fortifications. If the discovery of these testimonies of history gives rise to superb photos in which Buddha is immortalized from every angle, the historical park of Sukhothai is especially pleasant thanks to its mode of visit. Just rent a bike for a few baht. Free choice then to come and go in the park.
4. Relive the history of the River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi
130 km west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is a key stopover for fans of Thai history. They come to take a picture of the bridge over the River Kwai, the construction of which killed several thousand workers. During the Second World War, the Japanese, occupiers of the region, decided to rally Kanchanaburi to Burma, a road of more than 410 km. The work was supposed to take five years, but the work will be completed in just 18 months. The Japanese occupation decided in particular to appeal to Australian, Dutch and English prisoners of war. A drama made immortal by the novel by Pierre Boulle and its famous film adaptation “The Bridge of the River Kwai”.
5. Experience Loy Kratong, the lantern festival
A moment suspended in time. Every year on the evening of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, Thais celebrate the end of the rainy season and compliment the water spirits. They make small boats with banana leaves in which candles are placed. They also send lanterns to the sky. A popular and family celebration that is easy to join since the Thais do not look down on tourists indulging in this ritual.
Loy Krathong is celebrated throughout Thailand and is accompanied by live entertainment and dining. Sukhothai is particularly famous for this festival thanks to its sound and light show organized in the historical park.
6. Take your time in Koh Tao
A trip to Thailand would of course not be complete without a detour to one of its paradise islands. Each corresponds to a profile of vacationers. But if only one had to be chosen, Koh Tao could well fulfill the contract.
In the Gulf of Siam, Turtle Island offers tranquility and relaxation, far from the tourist attractions of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Pha Ngan, popular with revelers for the Full Moon Party. Koh Tao will delight divers and snorkelers.
Continue your visit to Thailand
We hope that these few unforgettable experiences will have inspired you for your next trip to Thailand. Do not hesitate to deepen your research with our articles on Bangkok or Phuket, or to learn more about Thai history and culture. Share with other travelers (in comments) your itinerary for visiting Thailand.
