Thailand continues to be one of the favorite holiday destinations for more than 35 million travellers. 2018 has been proclaimed "Year of Tourism in Thailand" and as such, grandiose events will be offered throughout the year, as well as major annual gatherings such as the Krathong Law or Yi Peng celebrated with great pomp and ceremony at the end of November. In short, once again, the land of smiles, cuisine, beaches, historic cities, wild evenings, unforgettable encounters... holds countless surprises in store for you
Thailand is not nicknamed the land of smiles for nothing. As soon as you land in Bangkok, you will see that famous smile everywhere. But talking about smiling in the singular is a mistake that "farangs" (Westerners) usually make out of ignorance. Thais use nearly 18 different smiles, so much so that there is an official smile manual published by the Royal Thai Institute! Generous smiles, acquiescence, smiles of misunderstanding, shameful smiles, thanks, provocation... A complex language that is also expressed with the eyes and sometimes with the hand. It's up to you to pay attention! And the further away from the main tourist attractions, the more you will be confronted with this multitude of smiles, as in Isaan or in the very south of the country. Thais will always be ready to help you in your journey, and their natural curiosity and spontaneity will encourage them to engage in conversation with you. Warm exchanges punctuated by bits of English, nodding, guttural sounds, incomprehensible gibberish, tirelessly accompanied by large smiles..
A natural terrestrial museum...
And this country, whose geographical shape resembles a large elephant head in profile, has made this animal its national symbol. In addition to this, there are many mammals (monkeys, buffaloes, tigers, leopards...) that you will be able to see in the country's national parks, especially in the dean of the Khao Yai National Park. The coasts are full of fish and other multicoloured marine animals. Thailand's diversity of landscapes and natural species is remarkable. In terms of flora, Thailand has nearly 10% of the species known in the world of orchids, lotuses and other bougainvilleas. In short, from north to south, from the green escarpments of the Golden Triangle, the confluence of Myanmar and Laos, to the limestone massifs erected in the turquoise waters of the paradisiacal islands of the south, passing through the plains and rice fields of Isaan, bordered to the east by the Mekong, the landscapes and historical or religious sites follow one another as in a dream, of extreme beauty and variety
... and submarine
Amateur or passionate, you will be amazed by the beauty of Thailand's underwater world and the variety of tropical species, including different kinds of sharks, rays, sea turtles... Underwater life is remarkable for its diversity and sparkling colours. The country is also one of the preferred diving destinations because of its warm waters (28°C in high season) with good visibility outside the monsoon season; an often very rugged coastal relief - choice of drop offs, caves, coral reefs punctuated by wrecks - offering multiple exploration sites, world-class technical support and attractive prices (at least until now). Dive centres can be found almost everywhere on the coasts of the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand, but the most interesting areas are as follows: Ranong with the proximity of the Surin and Mergui archipelagos, Phuket with the surroundings of Koh Phi Phi Phi and the Similan archipelago, Koh Lanta still preserved from mass tourism, Koh Tao and the northern part of Koh Pha Ngan, the islets located south of Koh Chang or Koh Samui
Paradise at low prices!
And, not to spoil it, a very serious study has shown that the cost of living is up to five times cheaper in Thailand than in France. But what it does not say is that everything is cheaper, you consume more... Nevertheless, we can really enjoy starting with food, very cheap and delicious, prepared in the street or in small neighbourhood gargotes. Fresh, varied and generous, it is to be tried absolutely, without moderation. Transportation is relatively inexpensive, even more so if you travel by public transport. Trains are generally punctual and quite comfortable. Bus journeys between the main regional cities are convenient, fast and very numerous. Many private companies provide minibus shuttles between different tourist areas, especially from Bangkok, almost "door to door". And for accommodation, there are still small wonders for a few hundred baht, even in Bangkok!
One of the best kitchens in the world
A trip to Thailand is also a unique opportunity to taste exotic dishes, many unknown foods and fruits often not found in France. In the capital alone, there are nearly 500,000 "cooks" in the streets, several thousand restaurants, markets, very good restaurants with great international chefs... And some street vendors too, generally in the busiest corners of the capital, offering crickets, worms or fried scorpions for a few baits... You will therefore have no excuse to experience the richness of this cuisine. Known as one of the most popular and appreciated in the world, it is characterized by its originality, variety and subtlety. Fragrant, it emphasizes the mixing of flavors and textures, integrating many ingredients such as herbs and spices. Influenced by its neighbours, it has been enriched over time by Western, Indian and Chinese customs. Thai cuisine is a cuisine of sharing, without taboos. The various dishes ordered are generally served together. So, the more people you are sitting around a table or on the floor, the more fun you will have!
Unforgettable festivities
If you organize your trip in November, there are two traditional festivals not to be missed under any circumstances. The traditional festival of lights and lanterns, Loy Krathong, is celebrated on the evening of the full moon in the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. And it is one of the most famous - and photogenic - Thai festivals. Krathong are small banana leaf and lotus-shaped boats, in which incense sticks, candles and coins are placed, boats that are placed on rivers to honour spirits and ward off sins. A truly magical light show. In Bangkok, the Montagne d'Or fair is the occasion for a night procession around Wat Sakhet, decorated with hundreds of candles. In the same vein and at the same time, the traditional Yi Peng Lantern Festival highlights the north of the country and especially the city of Chiang Mai where houses, streets, and rivers are transformed by lanterns and lanterns flying into the sky one after the other
Smart info
When? When? From December to March, the dry season is an opportunity to visit Isaan (north-east of the country) where life is cheaper. From June to September, it is the summer holiday period and prices are at their lowest. Finally, from October to November there are never many people, and yet it is the most pleasant season even if the rain can still be present intermittently. To attend the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival of Light in 2019, meet around November 11.
Getting there. Several airlines offer flights to Bangkok several times a day. For a direct flight between Paris and Bangkok, it takes about 11 hours to get there.
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Book your train tickets - Book
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful. To prepare your trip as well as possible.
THAILAND TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Get a quote from a local agency for a custom trip - Request a quote
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
