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5 Must-Do Activities for First Time Travellers in Thailand

Those of us who live in the Eastern Hemisphere are lucky enough to be surrounded by breathtaking travel destinations, and Thailand is definitely one of them. This Southeast Asian country remains a favourite for tourists all over the world. In fact, Thailand Business News predicts there will be about 41 million tourists in this year alone. Your first time to a new place will always be magical, and your first visit to Thailand is the perfect opportunity to see what the country has to offer. Here are five recommendations:

Eat your way around Bangkok

Good news, foodies: Thai street food is so much more than pad thai. Yaowarat is Bangkok’s equivalent to Chinatown, and this is where the best street food hawkers sell their wares. Pad see ew is a thick rice noodle dish that may even rival pad thai, while pad kra pao consists of stir-fried meat over rice. Go at night to get the full market experience.

Join a card game

Gambling is technically prohibited in Thailand, but locals still manage to enjoy card games. Expat Bets explains that Thailand’s love for gambling can be traced all the way back to the 10th century, with the country’s Playing Cards Factory spanning a history of over 70 years. To this day, it’s easy to find locals playing card games in bars and sidewalks, where visitors can either watch or join in.

Climb limestone cliffs

Krabi is a well-known beach destination, but the more adventurous travellers can go the extra mile and rock-climb on the site’s limestone cliffs. There are over 600 climbing routes to explore, which means beginners can traverse and explore the stunning landscape. You can cap off your day at the nearby Railay Beach, and if you can’t get enough of the climbing routes, there are operators who offer multi-day climbing tours.

Trek through the forests

One of the best ways to explore Thailand’s unique scenery is by foot. Trekking tours have grown in popularity over the years, with options available for those who want to trek for a few hours or a few days. Part of your trek may even include home stays in tribal villages, which you’ll experience trekking from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.

Experience Muay Thai

You can’t leave Thailand without getting a glimpse of the country’s national sport. Although Muay Thai has gained popularity all over the world, the best and the brightest can still be found in Thailand — Bangkok, to be exact. It’s common to find tourists and locals alike filling up stadiums whenever there’s a match going on, which makes this a definite must-do. Expect a rowdy and exciting night!

With so many tourists flocking in and out of the country, it’s easy to get swept into the hustle and bustle of moonlit parties and lazy days at the beach. These are great activities to do, but don’t forget that Thailand has a rich culture and history that’s just waiting to be explored.

Jitaditya Narzary

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