Travelogue from Thailand: Why I adore Thailand so much!

Thailand is a wonderful destination, bursting with experiences that could fill a lifetime. Our travel specialist Britta knows this better than anyone. Below, you can read what it is about Thailand that keeps her coming back time and again.

I first visited Thailand in 1999. It was only a brief stop in Bangkok, but I instantly fell in love with both the country and its people. Right away, I knew I simply had to return.

Since then, I’ve travelled to Thailand several times, and every single visit fills me with the same excitement. It remains, without a doubt, my absolute favourite destination in Asia. Here, I’ve gathered seven reasons why I’m so taken with Thailand:

1) Climate:

Swap chilly Northern Europe for sundresses and sandals.

If you’re like me, weather perfect for flip-flops 24 hours a day is absolute bliss. In Thailand, with very few exceptions, temperatures typically range from 27 to 34 degrees. Thailand is a year-round destination. During the rainy season, expect brief but intense showers – but the sun quickly returns, inviting you to seek adventure, explore vibrant cities, or unwind on the beach. So, if you fancy travelling outside of the peak season and aren’t put off by a quick downpour, you’re still in for an amazing holiday in Thailand.

2) The people:

The Thai people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. The standard of service far surpasses what you experience in many other countries. Everyone is eager to help and always answers your questions with a warm smile. Over 94% of Thais are Buddhists, and Buddhist values such as compassion, kindness, and mindfulness permeate the culture, leaving a distinct mark on everyday life. Many Thais meditate and practise spiritual exercises, which contribute to a peaceful and harmonious coexistence. Community spirit is also extremely important here, and people always look out for each other, fostering a loving and positive atmosphere.

3) The experiences:

Whether it’s lavish temples, ancient ruins, or fascinating museums – Thailand offers a wealth of captivating experiences. On every tour I take there, I find myself visiting temple after temple – sometimes even returning to ones I’ve already explored…

4) The food:

You either love it, or… you love it 😉

The Thai kitchen is truly a delight for the senses, dazzling with its bold, diverse flavours, fresh ingredients, and healthy options. Spicy seasonings often take centre stage, but these days, it’s usually easy to request milder alternatives – not something you could count on 15 years ago. All in all, Thai cuisine is tasty, nourishing, and takes your taste buds on a real adventure.

5) The massage experiences:

For around 300-700 THB, you can treat yourself to a blissful hour-long massage. Whether it’s a foot massage, a full body oil massage, traditional Thai massage, or another relaxing option, there’s something for everyone.

The Thai massage is renowned for its health benefits, as it combines stretching, acupressure, and meditation techniques. Altogether, a Thai massage helps both the body and mind to regain balance, offering a holistic approach to wellbeing.

I absolutely love these massages and do my best to fit one in at least every other day 😊

6) The beaches:

I’ve already discovered some incredible beaches in Thailand. This time, we ventured to Koh Samet. Koh Samet isn’t just for those who adore the sun—it’s a sanctuary for anyone seeking tranquillity and relaxation. We especially recommend visiting on weekdays, as the island is a favourite weekend getaway for Bangkok holidaymakers (it’s just about a 3-hour drive away). The island has been officially designated as a national park, which means its natural beauty and unspoilt landscapes are carefully preserved. Here, you’ll find idyllic coves with only a handful of beachfront resorts blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Our hotel sat right on Ao Prao Beach, treating us to simply stunning sunset views. And the best part? Koh Samet is a haven for food lovers! The combination of exceptional cuisine and breathtaking scenery will truly tantalise your taste buds and delight your senses. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and create lasting memories, Koh Samet is the perfect place to go!

7) Nature:

We spent a day in Khao Yai National Park and loved every minute of it. The scenery was breath-taking and, although we didn’t spot any elephants, we did come across monkeys (a gibbon and lots of macaques), porcupines, hornbills, a monitor lizard, and a large black squirrel – just to name a few of the animals we encountered.

We also visited a waterfall (a word of warning – there are lots of steps!). Since it was the dry season, the waterfall was quite narrow, but the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for our visit.

The walk through the jungle was nothing short of awe-inspiring! The dense forest was fascinating, and it was amazing to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. Our guide went above and beyond to ensure we saw as many animals as possible, taking us to view points with splendid vistas. We were especially captivated by the dazzling array of butterflies we saw along the way.

Britta,

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller

Are you dreaming of a tour to Thailand, hoping to experience what Britta describes above?