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If you love to travel, chances are Thailand is high on your list of exotic places to visit.
This cultural hotspot has rightly earned a place on our bucket lists, and any traveler who has spent time here will speak of it with fondness and the stars still in their eyes.
Digital nomads, luxury vacationers, budget backpackers and everyone in between can’t help but fall in love with this incredible country nicknamed ‘the land of smiles’.
After an increase of growth of tourismthe Thai government has set the ambitious goal of attracting a record number of 40 million tourists by 2024.
If you’re wondering what’s so magnetic about the land of smiles, we’ve listed seven reasons why Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in the world.
Vibrant culture
Few things are as fascinating as being immersed in a culture that is completely new to you.
Thailand was my first taste of the East, and after traveling extensively in Europe it was an exciting change; I had never experienced true culture shock until I found myself on the busy streets of Bangkok.
This country’s vibrant culture, captivating traditions and rich heritage capture the attention of travelers around the world.
From breathtakingly decorated temples to tasty cuisine and vibrant festivals, Thailand is a top destination for discovering Eastern culture.
Beautiful natural beauty
The land of smiles also happens to be home to some of the most stunning natural beauty around.
In the south you will discover islands with pristine beaches that seem too good to be true.
The small but beloved island of Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive and is home to world-famous dive sites.
The colorful coral reefs, huge schools of silvery fish and deep azure waters are straight out of a National Geographic poster.
But beaches are not the only thing this country has to offer.
Thailand’s mountainous north is a great place to road trip on a motorcycle, explore caves or watch the sunset from a hammock.
Most tourists do not need a visa to enter
Another reason why Thailand attracts so many tourists is that the country is easy to enter in terms of visa policy.
A total of 64 countries are allowed to visit for 30 days visa-free, including the US.
Travel visas cost money and plan to purchase, and being able to visit a country without that hassle is very attractive.
It’s incredibly affordable
One of Thailand’s strongest points is the fact that it is an incredibly cheap destination.
Thailand is an excellent destination for those looking for luxury at an affordable price, as well as for long-term travelers who want to stretch their money as far as possible.
I have to admit, I really miss the delicious $1 Pad Thai meals and $30 per night bungalows now that I’m back in the US!
It’s hard to beat the value for money that Thailand offers.
Vibrant cities
Thailand’s iconic capital Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai attract travelers from all over the world.
Bangkok is currently one of the five most popular cities in Asia, and Chiang Mai is consistently one of the best cities in the world for digital nomads.
If you’re looking for a thrill, you don’t have to look far when exploring a city like Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Thai cities are a feast for the senses; with its numerous temples, sprawling night markets and endless street food options, there’s always something to do.
Beautiful weather
This tropical country’s warm weather is magnetic year-round for those of us who are hit with months of cold and gray skies every winter.
The winter months of the Western world are some of the best times to visit Thailand as it is the country’s dry season and you can enjoy days of wall-to-wall sunshine.
Sun worshipers flock to Thailand to soak up vitamin D on the sun-drenched beaches, making it a popular destination for the winter sun.
It is a top destination for wellness
Wellness trips are one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry and Thailand attracts millions of travelers who combine travel with self-care and personal growth.
Thailand’s natural beauty, budget luxury, and spiritual heritage all make it an excellent destination for wellness travelers.
Travelers looking to relax can easily find meditation retreats and Thai massages.
The southern island of Koh Phangan offers an abundance of spiritually focused workshops, yoga retreats and wellness-related offerings.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
