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Are you afraid of the sudden drop in temperatures and the days getting shorter and shorter as we approach a cold and dreary winter?
Maybe it’s time you start narrowing down your winter vacation options and, dare we say it, to one Southeast Asian country in particular.
Famous for its paradise beaches, entertainment districts, vibrant city breaks and low costs of living, Thailand is slowly becoming one of the most sought-after tourist hotspots in the world, with as many as 25 million visitors expected by the end of the year. .
Be here These are four of the top reasons why the Asian gem is not just a world-class tourist destination but the ultimate winter escape:
The Thai capital is the fourth most popular city in the world
Bangkok has always been a favorite destination for backpackers exploring Southeast Asia due to its lower prices compared to most national capitals, wide range of attractions and vibrant social scene, but now it’s officially called one of the most important tourist destinations worldwide.
This is evident from a study published by eDreams Odigeoan important travel company, is the Thai capital 4th most popular tourist city of the moment, after London, Paris and New York, and the most mapped Asian hub on the list.
This is further evidence that Thailand as a whole is becoming increasingly popular with international visitors, as Bangkok is the main gateway to the country as well as its largest cultural center, home to an abundance of historic temples, ethnic districts and entertainment areas.
Bangkok’s most famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, an important symbol of the traditional kingdom of Thailand, the only one in Southeast Asia not colonized by European powers. the imposing Wat Arunand the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Beautiful off-path sites
The trend in Thailand isn’t just about all-time tourist favorites like Bangkok, overdeveloped Phuket, or adult entertainment capital Pattaya: in addition to the most obvious points of interest, there’s also a whole undiscovered country Westerners are only now becoming acquainted with it.
Off-trail tourism is a leading trend in a post-crisis world, especially now that the hordes of tourists are back, but fortunately for the public-conscious visitor, Thailand has certainly done just that. no shortage of lesser known gems where they can still escape the madness.
One of these is the mysterious island of Ko Kut, which unlike Phuket has not essentially been dollarized or overrun by Americans and Europeans.
It remains essentially an unspoilt Thai island, with pristine nature reserves, pristine beaches and undisturbed fishing villages.
Lopburi, 150 kilometers from Bangkok, is another coastal town that doesn’t often appear on tourists’ wish lists, although it should: it is mentioned by legendary Italian explorer Marco Polo in his To travel book, and it features a high concentration of temples and shrines.
Thailand is extremely affordable
We know Americans are flocking to Cancun, Punta Cana and the wider Caribbean this winter, but these are far from affordable, sunny vacations.
Hotel rates in Cancun can easily increase up to $500 per night During the high season, and in the Caribbean as a whole, the hospitality industry is almost exclusively focused on big spenders and luxury tourism, making it less attractive to price-conscious travelers.
Thailand, on the other hand, is a budget traveler’s paradise, with lower prices across the board, from accommodation to transportation and eating at local restaurants.
According to BudgetYourReisvisitors can spend as low as $30 per day during their stay in the country.
A mid-range holiday for two in Thailand costs an average of $1,178, including rates for two- or three-star hotels, local transport and even sightseeing, making it one of the least expensive tropical destinations in the world.
Americans do not need a visa to enter Thailand
Southeast Asia may be an incredibly popular destination among Westerners, but it’s certainly not the easiest place to go, nor the least bureaucratic.
A majority of countries in the sub-region still have quite strict visa rules, requiring Americans to either obtain a pre-authorized entry permit or even apply for a visa upon arrival – Thailand, on the other hand. allows them to visit smoothly.
Upon arrival in the kingdom, US passport holders can stay up to 30 days without having to apply for a visa or an e-Visa in advance.
This means that as a US citizen you are free to book the next flight to Bangkok without hesitation or worry that your entry authorization will not arrive in your inbox on time.
Moreover, Thailand is now considering extending the visa-free stay up to 90 days for some nationalities starting with Europeans.
While this doesn’t apply to Americans yet, we wouldn’t be surprised if the United States is added to the list of three-month visa waivers soon.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
