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How to make your Thailand holiday more authentic

Thailand is renowned for its iconic beaches and its flavour-packed cuisine. But do you know what else the destination has to offer?

Thailand is renowned for its iconic beaches and its flavour-packed cuisine. But do you know what else the destination has to offer?

With authentic experiences in hot demand, Thailand’s latest tourism campaign urges travellers to think outside the box and Open to the New Shades of the country.

What does that mean? Well, it can be interpreted in a couple of ways.

For example, finding new ways to enjoy the already popular attractions Thailand has on offer. Or simply getting off the beaten track to find new and exciting sights and experiences.

Basically, don’t just flop and drop.

Here’s a little extra inspiration for anyone pondering a Thai escape:

 

Dig into its diverse cuisine

Pad Thai Pixabay KarryOn

You may have had your fair share of Pad Thais in your time but you may be surprised to learn that there are, in fact, numerous variations of the popular noodle dish to be found across the country.

And the diversity doesn’t end there. The country’s immensely varied cuisine ranges from punchy street food from a ramshackle kiosk to elegant fine-dining in some of the world’s most glamorous restaurants.

Dig a bit deeper by taking a food tour or even a cooking class so you can recreate the tastes back home.

What better place to experience all of the tastes of the country than its bustling capital Bangkok? In the Michelin Guide 2018, 14 restaurants in the city were given one star and three restaurants were given two stars.

 

Get into the festival spirit

Songkran Festival 2017 Image credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Songkran Festival 2017
Image credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand

We all love a good celebration and the Thais are no different. So what better way to get to know the local culture than by participating in one of its popular events?

You’ll get to see a completely different side of the destination and get to interact with the locals while having some serious fun. It’s a no-brainer.

The only real dilemma with so many filling the calendar is which one to choose. Popular ones include the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival and Loy Krathong Festival.

 

Take in the natural beauty

Sunflower-fields-of-Rai-Manesorn-TAT KarryOn

Sun-worshippers will be pleased to hear that Thailand has no less than 2,000 miles of coastline and around 8,000 tropical islands. That means there are plenty of stretches of sand on which to sun yourself.

And these aren’t your average sandy shores. These are some of the world’s most stunning coastal areas, with the beaches of the South renowned as being among the most beautiful in Asia.

But it’s not just about the beach. There’s even more natural beauty to be found inland. In fact, from North to South and from West to East, you’ll find spectacular landscapes to explore.

 

Learn a different way of life

Jeweller Puan Chaiothong in his workshops in Surin Image credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Jeweller Puan Chaiothong in his workshops in Surin
Image credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Travel is all about those immersive experiences, so why not try to understand the Thai way of life by interacting with the locals?

If you’re not sure where to start, then try a farm tour or home-stay. Or learn more about the country’s beautiful arts and crafts by visiting the workshop of a local artisan.

Even a walk through one of the country’s frenetic street markets is a great way to have a truly authentic experience with the added bonus of a little retail therapy.

 

Find out more about TAT’s latest campaign by watching this video:

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