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Some countries have the best beaches, some are famous for their exceptional natural beauty, and others offer incredible food.
But some destinations are lucky enough to have it all!
And one of those magical destinations is Thailand.
This is why Travel and leisure has declared Thailand destination of the year 2025.
In August, Thailand was named 8e most popular tourist destination in the world, so I recognize that we are not talking about a hidden gem here.
What was once considered an off-the-trail paradise is now a global treasure.
But this is why I still think Thailand deserves the Destination of the Year trophy!
Iconic beaches
If you are looking for sun in Thailand this winteryour best bet is to head south.
Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi are the best winter destinations in Thailand.
As an added bonus, these hotspots are also home to some of Thailand’s most iconic beaches.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and has beautiful white sandy beaches.
Try Freedom Beach with incredibly soft white sand and turquoise water, ideal for swimming or water sports.
This beach is located in the popular city of Patong, but it’s still a great spot: visit early in the day if you’re looking for peace and tranquility away from the crowds.
One of the most impressive beaches in Thailand is Railay Beach in Krabi.
This beautiful white sand beach is only accessible by boat and in addition to relaxing on the sand, you can also take walks through the rainforest, explore lagoons and caves and even climb the beautiful rock formations.
Thai beaches are among the best in the world and also have the clearest water. If you are interested in diving or snorkeling then this is an incredible place to be.
Diving is also incredibly affordable in Thailand.
For example, at Super Dive Thailand in Phuket you can take a day trip on a dive boat for 3,900 baht ($113) or a half-day snorkeling course starts from just 990 baht ($28.85).
Welcoming culture and people
Thailand is known as the ‘land of smiles’ thanks to the warm welcome you receive during your visit.
The people here are known for being friendly and kind, with a gentle attitude.
Thailand is also best known for its rich culture, especially the ornate Buddhist temples that punctuate each city.
In Phuket, the largest and most popular of these temples is Wat Chalong, built in the early 19th century.
Here you will find graceful gold details and gold statues. Inside, the buildings are decorated with beautiful paintings that illustrate the life of Buddha. Admission here is free.
On Koh Samui, you will be amazed by the size of the golden Buddha at Wat Phra Yai Temple. It is 12 meters high and is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand.
Situated on top of a hill and overlooking a beach (known as Big Buddha Beach), the clever positioning means the attraction can be seen from miles away.
This is a hugely popular attraction, so come early in the morning if you want to experience this temple without the crowds.
Perfect for party goers
Thailand is known for its incredible nightlife, and many people (myself included) have attended one of the iconic Full Moon Parties on the island of Koh Phangan that was on their bucket list.
As the name suggests, these parties take place every full moon and are decadent and riotous, even when up to 40,000 people attend.
Due to their popularity, accommodation prices on Koh Phangan increase significantly around the full moon and also book up quickly.
If you can’t stay on the island, consider staying on Koh Samui, which is a short and easily accessible boat ride away.
Phuket also has a reputation for its wild nightlife. Head to Bangla Road for the liveliest party atmosphere. Here you will find the highest concentration of bars and clubs.
Some of the most famous and popular of these are Majestic Lounge Phuket and Sugar Club Phuket.
If buzzing nightclubs aren’t your idea of a great night out, don’t worry, there’s plenty to suit you too.
Thailand is also known for its night markets, where you can shop all night, meet the locals and eat delicious local delicacies as the sun sets.
Located on Noppharat Thara Beach, Landmark Night Market is the biggest and best night market in Krabi and a great place to find local street food.
But if you are looking for something bigger, then you should go to Phuket.
The Phuket Weekend Market is the largest and most popular night market on the island. Here you will find a large number of second-hand treasures, traditional tourist souvenirs and delicious local dishes. It is an incredible experience in itself, and one not to be missed!
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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.
