From 2015 and 2019, about 30 to 40 million tourists visit Thailand each year. However, according to Statista, this number fell drastically to 6.7 million people in 2020 due to the menacing coronavirus pandemic that affected tourism and other activities around the world. Due to the significantly high number of tourists, you may wonder why so many tourists visit Thailand.
Without a doubt, Thailand has everything that most tourists are looking for. From awesome beaches to rich history and culture, great food, exceptional temples, and wildlife, the Land of Smiles doesn’t lack both natural and manmade attractions. Therefore, it is not strange that many tourists are always ready to explore the country.
As noted by Worlddata.info, the tourism industry contributed as much as 65 billion USD to the country’s economy in 2019. As a result of this, the country is always attracting more tourists from different places. For more understanding, we will consider why so many tourists visit Thailand.
Affordable and accessible travel options
Money is the #1 factor that prevents lots of individuals from visiting other countries. This is because lots of hotspot holiday destinations are expensive to live in. Fortunately, Thailand is different from other options as the country is affordable to travel to.
Generally, getting a visa, buying a flight ticket, and living in Thailand are not expensive. Factually, you can live in most parts of the country with less than $1,000 in a whole month. Accommodations, food, utilities, transportations, entertainment, etc. come at relatively affordable costs. As a consequence, tourists that are looking for the best value for their hard-earned money often flock to Thailand.
Magnificent ancient temples
Being the country with the largest Buddhism devotees, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Thailand has more than 40,000 Buddhist temples. Factually, a good number of Buddhists and other religious people visit Thailand specifically because of the ancient temples. These temples come in different architectural designs, sizes, colors, and are found in almost all parts of the country.
According to Culture Trip, here are some of the most iconic temples in this Southeast Asian nation:
- Wat Pha Sorn Kaew (Bangkok)
- Wat Pho – also called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Bangkok)
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)
- Wat Arun (Bangkok)
- Wat Mahathat (Ayutthaya)
- Wat Phra Kaew (Bangkok)
Thai Beaches
Another factor that draws many tourists to Thailand is the array of beaches available in the country. The country has several islands that have tons of beaches that will keep you engaged for a long period. The white sandy beaches of Thailand are filled with coral shells, palm trees, and other astonishing features.
Thai beaches are available in different forms. If you prefer a quiet place to share a good time with your loved ones, you can visit Lamai (Koh Samui) or Freedom Beach (Phuket). For those that like crowds and buzzing environments, there are various suitable beaches in Pattaya, Chonburi, and other parts of the country.
Great food
As long as great delicacies are concerned, only a few countries can compete with Thailand. The country has diverse food choices that offer a wide range of tastes. Although rice is commonly eaten in Thailand, it is often combined with tasty soups, condiments, etc. Notably, many Thai diets contain seafood, fish sauce, pork, chicken, eggs, and so on. Khao tom, Som tam, Jok, Khao rad kaeng, Tom yum goong, Kai jeow, and Moo/gai ping are just a few of the culinary delights Thailand offers.
When in Thailand, you can visit one of the local restaurants to have a taste of your favorite Thai meals. Otherwise, visit one of the street food vendors to enjoy Thai food.
Rich history and culture
The Siam dynasty started more than 20,000 years and went on to become one of the greatest in the history of Southeast Asia. Besides, Thailand is one of the few countries on the planet that were never colonized. Also, there is a lot to learn about the various exploits of the kings and royal families of Thai as well as the Thai people. The unparalleled affiliation with Buddhism contributes significantly to the history of this country.
Therefore, tourists that want a first-hand experience and knowledge of these things shouldn’t hesitate to visit Thailand.
Astonishing wildlife
With natural forests forming about 25% of the country, Thailand has over 10% of all animals in the world. In addition, 147 national parks are found in Thailand, and each park is home to tons of animals. Therefore, if you want to see some of the animals that may not be found elsewhere in the globe, Thailand is the place to be. Many wildlife lovers often make a yearly visit to Thailand to see the animals.
When visiting Thailand for wildlife watching, you should look forward to seeing varieties of leopards, elephants, deer, tigers, otters, Malaysian sun bears, and other mammal species. Additionally, you can see primate species such as macaques, monkeys, and gibbons. Even if you are a birdwatcher, several birds are available for your viewing pleasures in different parks across the country.
Friendly people
Regardless of the beauties and amenities of a country, her people will determine whether you will enjoy your visit or not. Thais are amazing and friendly individuals. These people welcome citizens of other countries with open arms and also respect them without any discrimination. Therefore, the wonderful experience of meeting these great people is one of the major factors that make some people visit Thailand.
Thai markets
From day markets to night markets and floating markets, Thailand has a wide range of markets. These markets are quite different from what you will find in most other parts of the globe. The sellers and their demeanors and wares make Thai markets a must-visit for every tourist. Lots of tourists spend several hours checking out the souvenirs and other items available in the markets as they enjoy their stay in the country.
As mentioned by Asia Highlights, fantastic Thai festivals, Thai weather, and functional transportation systems are other reasons that make many tourists visit Thailand.
