The political trouble in Thailand has brought Thailand into the news a lot. Because of the trouble, tourists are fleeing the country and not coming back, despite all the great reasons to visit Thailand. Tourist bookings are way down, with some hotels reporting an occupancy rate of as low as 20%. December is normally one of the busiest month’s in Thailand because of the holidays. Yet even the backpacker ghetto of Khao San Rd was deserted this weekend during a time when it is normally bristling with people.
Don’t let the news scare you. The protests never seep into the daily life of Thailand. Prices are being slashed and if cost wasn’t reason enough to come here, here are seven things to do in Thailand that should be enough:
Bangkok
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a crazy city that moves at a lightening fast pace. There is always something going on, the food is great, the traffic terrible, and parties amazing. It’s the major hub of the area with people coming and going all the time. You’ll never be bored in Bangkok.
Tropical Beaches
Thailand has some of the best beaches and islands in the world. This picture speaks for itself.
Lush Jungles
Trekking in northern Thailand gives you great views of the lush tropical jungles, the wildlife, the hill tribes, and an appreciation for the landscape.
Amazing Animals
You’ll see great animals all over the country. From fish in the sea, to Elephants on the ground, to birds in the air, Thailand as a wide variety of animals. Exploring the jungles in parks like Khao Yai or diving in Ko Tao is a great way to see all of them.You can even ride an Elephant if you are inclined! You can also help save them from abuse by working at the conservation camp in the area.
Delicious Food
Thai food is known around the world to be delicious and you can bet it’s even more delicious in Thailand. The best food comes from the street vendors who serve up the most delicious, and spiciest, food in the country. Just find the stalls where the locals are crowding around for the best of the best.
Historical Ruins
The ruins of Sukothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthya are windows into Thailand’s historic past with ruins dating back centuries. Visit ruins from when Thailand was ruled by the Khmer and the Burmese and when Thailand ruled them.
Great Diving
Thailand has some of the best dive sites in the world. The diving near Phuket, Ko Tao, Similian Islands, and Surin Islands is famous for brightly colored fish and coral. It’s also one of the cheapest places in the world to learn if you have been thinking about.
So don’t worry about the recent unrest. Thailand has a lot to offer travelers. There are plenty of good reasons to visit Thailand now with plenty of things to do here.
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all these reasons and more..why one should visit india now as well
Wow, that beach shot is making me hate North America right now.
I planned a trip to Paris in 2005 before the riots in the suburbs broke out. It garnered a lot of comments from people (mom, this means you) such as “but isn’t it dangerous there?” “now isn’t a good time to go to Paris” and “be careful!” But unrest is sometimes limited to such a small area of a city/country that visitors really shouldn’t be frightened away at all. Sounds like that’s the case in Thailand. I hope the tourism industry can survive this bout of bad publicity.
Coming from (orginally) an Asian Country where there’s always “bad PR” on political instability, I agree with your post that that it shouldn’t scare the tourists. Once in the country, they will know it’s not that bad.
You did a good job on this post!
I don’t think anyone could ever stop me from going to Thailand lol. Good post.
planning to be in Asia in Feb for a month so this is good to know
There’s always a political upheaval anywhere and the Philippines, like Thailand, is a;so getting a lot of bad rap. Which is not fair because while it may not be safe to go in some parts of the south, that doesnt mean it’s unsafe anywhere. there are lot of places to visit in Philippines (and Thailand as well, or for that matter India – i agree with you on that Lakshmi ) where one can still enjoy and keep safe.
If you listened to every government advisory on travel, you wouldn’t go anywhere.
I know many people aren’t put off by violence, but the airport closure messed up a lot of people’s travel plans. If you had only 2 weeks a year to travel you don’t want there to be a chance of delays, lost tickets etc.
People should still go to Thailand, but I can understand it if they decide to go somewhere else.
Yup. Those are 7 pretty good reasons and I’m definitely hoping to visit early in 2009. I love thai food, and like you mentioned, so many people say it’s way better in the country and that nothing compares to it outside (except I heard the thai version of pad thai is crazy). I feel like I will be the last person on earth to go tho’! With Thailand in the news so much it’s an especially good time to visit. As you say, travellers are being scared off, meaning that it will be so much less crowded.
It is a great time to save money on a trip to Thailand. I thought it was very inexpensive before but now I can only imagine…
If one stays away from the main government centers you won’t run into any problems and I believe the airport situation has been resolved.
Time to go…
I had a cousin that traveled to Thailand this summer and couldn’t not saying just how beautiful that area of the world is. And she noted how inexpensive spa treatments are over there, as well (what a bonus!)
I found a great post on the new Peterman’s Eye Travel today and I thought I’d share…
http://www.petermanseye.com/travel
Cheers!
@Tanya: It will take years for the tourist industry to recover. Especially since there is bound to be some more political turmoil.
@skylab @a maui blog @quickroute THANK YOU!
@Mike I agree. People just wont come back.
@pokin @ray so we’ll see you here soon then? great!
The beach looks like reason enough for me. I’d love to be sitting there right now.
I’m tossing up a quick trip at Xmas time cause it’s so cheap and the Yen is so strong.
I would love to be on those beaches.
Yeah! I’m excited to travel to Thailand. I’ll be there in March and April–my first time.
Do you think flight prices will go down? I’m looking at buying a one-way ticket for March 1. On Mobissimo.com, the price is about $618.
FYI, I’m buying one-way because I’m going to explore SE Asia for the rest of the year.
Oh, and I’m flying from LAX to BKK.
I am sold.
@neil: totally come. we will cause havoc.
@bill: it will depend on how good the holiday season is. if it is bad, it will go down. if not, it will stay the same.
@everyone else: yes, that beach sold me too lol
Well the beach is as amazing as the place it self, and how can anyone ever forget diving while thinking about Thailand.
Wonderful pics!!
sweet life, bro
love the tips and the pics