1.  Thailand is Affordable

The dollar goes a long way in Thailand. There are hundreds of hotels and guesthouses for under THB 700 a night. Thai food is likewise inexpensive and often the street food vendors, who typically sell dishes for the equivalent of THB 200 or less, offer the most delicious stuff. Want to splurge? Even better, as Thailand has some amazing hotels and resorts, all for significantly less than you would pay back home.

2.  Year Round Sunshine

Whether you visit in December or May, expect warm weather and mostly clear days. There are seasons in Thailand, they’re just a little different from the ones we’re used to – cool, hot and rainy.

Thailand has a tropical climate with a distinct monsoon season, which means that whatever time of year you visit, it’s going to be warm and humid and might be wet. There are three seasons in Thailand — cool season between November and February, hot season between March and May and rainy (monsoon) season between June and October. Heat, humidity and rainfall vary significantly depending on where you’re traveling and what time of year you come.

3.  Beaches

Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world. Warm, clear water, stunning vistas and marine life to gawk at as you swim, snorkel or scuba. Plus, there are so many different types of beaches in Thailand, from quiet and laid back to party all night, that everyone can find the perfect place.

Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world, but with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the perfect one. The best Thailand beach spots are listed below. Each has its own distinct personality, so you’re sure to find the right beach for you.

1. Patong Beach, Phuket

2. Railay Beach, Krabi

3. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Ley

4. Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin

5. Kata Beach, Phuket

6. Lamai Beach, Samui

7. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

8. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang

9. Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan

10. Koh Mun Nork

4.  Thai Food

Few will argue that Thai food is delicious! But if you’ve only been exposed to it at Thai restaurants back home, you’re in for a surprise. Here in Thailand the food is better, there is more variety, and it’s very inexpensive. You’ll easily find favorites such as pad thai and curry, but you’ll also find an amazing selection of salads, noodles and snacks. p.s., Thailand has the most delicious fried chicken in the world.

5.  Shopping

If you like markets, bargains or cool and quirky stuff, you’ll find shopping in Thailand very rewarding. Big city markets carry everything from shoes to art, and the malls in Bangkok are some of the fanciest in the world.

Bangkok has some of the best shopping in the world and lots of people come here and spend days shopping. Use this Bangkok Shopping Guide for everything you need to know about what to buy, where to go and how much to spend.

Shopping Malls:

MBK Mall
Paragon Mall
Platinum Mall
Pantip Plaza
Emporium Mall
Markets:

The Night Market (Suan Lum)
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Sampaeng Lane
Patpong Night Market
Local Markets
Neighborhoods:

Chinatown (Yawolat)
Siam Square
What to Buy:

Thailand manufactures textiles, shoes and accessories so prices on these items can be shockingly inexpensive. The country also imports plenty of goods from China, so you’ll find items made there, too. You’ll find the best deals on cheaper items, not high quality goods.
Cash or Credit:

Unless you’re shopping at a high end mall, bring cash with you to cover any purchases. Vendors never take credit cards.

To Bargain or Not to Bargain:

Some shops and markets expect bargaining, in others you’ll be laughed at for even trying.

6.  Ease of Travel

Once you’re in the country, it’s easy and cheap to get around, thanks mostly to Thai Air Asia’s budget fares and good timetables. If you book ahead and aren’t traveling during the peak season, it’s quite common to get a round-trip ticket from Bangkok to Phuket for $100.

7.  Amazing Cities

The booming, bustling capital and the quieter, charming center of Northern Thailand both offer culture, history, architecture, great food and lots of diversions.

8.  The People

They don’t call it the “Land of Smiles” for nothing. While there are occasional tourist scams and once in a while you’ll encounter someone who isn’t smiling, by and large the people of Thailand are friendly, open and kind.

9.  Thailand’s Buddhist Heritage

Buddhism is the country’s predominant religion and it influences everything from the architecture to the way people interact with each other. Any of the country’s major cities have breathtaking Buddhist temples to visit, Chiang Mai and Bangkok especially.

10.  Nightlife

Whether you are on the beach or in one of Thailand’s cities, you won’t be far from the bars and nightclubs that have made the country famous. Don’t worry, it’s not all go-go bars and scantily clad women! There are plenty of discos, nightclubs and regular bars, too.