We all know that Thailand is famed for beach resort holidays with many great resorts, all within meters of the beach, yet there are other ways that you can enjoy the Land of Smiles, some if which we mention in this short article.
- Health & wellness retreat – Locals enjoy a health yoga weekend in Thailand, while foreign tourists typically book for 2-3 weeks as part of their annual holiday. The program is grounded in a Buddhist foundation, with both yoga and meditation featuring prominently and a holistic approach to overall health & well-being. There are at least 6 top-rated spa & wellness retreats across Thailand and Google can help you find them.
- Homestay holiday – Most definitely not for those who love luxury on holiday, staying with a Thai fishing family for a couple of weeks is a real eye-opener, or you could live with a rice farming family in Isaan; there are specialist tour companies that can arrange such an experience. There is no better way to understand a culture than immersing yourself in it and those who take on the challenge gain a lot from the experience.
- PADI Certification in Phuket – If you have a fascination for marine life, you can enroll in a PADI course that sees you become a certified diver. If you are an experienced scuba diver, you can explore the many wreck sites and reefs, with or without a guide. Koh Tao is the best place to scuba in Thailand and all the dive operators have websites.
- Train Muay Thai – Muay Thai, or the art of 8-limb combat, is very popular in the west and if you are serious about learning this martial art, Thailand has the best gyms in the world. Some young travelers decide to stay on and make a living from professional bouts, which is possible if you obtain the correct visa. Here are a few solo travel hacks that everyone should know.
- Thai National Parks – There are 156 National Parks in Thailand so there is something for every type of nature lover and they offer a range of accommodation ranging from 5-star to tents and everything in between. Many parks include marine environments, especially those in the southern part of the country; lush forests in the north are home to many wildlife species, so if you are into bird-watching, this is the region to head for.
- Houseboat holidays – Many people are unaware that you can rent a huge houseboat on a lake in Kanchanaburi and spend a few weeks in floating luxury. You use a jet ski to get from the houseboat to the mainland and if you like seclusion, this is a trip that is ideal.
The above are just a few of the ways that you can enjoy a holiday in Thailand and regardless of which you choose, you will return because everyone does!
