Thailand is a country with a wonderful culture and stunning beaches. And it is a remarkably affordable destination. Small wonder that many South Africans choose to visit Thailand. Two groups of friends recently independently asked me what is worthwhile seeing while you are there, so I decided to share what I enjoyed most.

Grand Palace in Bangkok

Grand Palace

I think that it is worthwhile spending a few days in Bangkok sightseeing. And one of the most spectacular sights to see is the Grand Palace. The palace is actually a whole complex of buildings, and one can spend hours there without seeing the same thing twice! We booked a guided tour in advance through our travel agent, and we were lucky enough to be the only people on the tour.

Summer Palace in Ayutthaya

Summer Palace

The Bang Pa-In Royal Palace (also called the Summer Palace) is another fabulous palace complex that is a must see! The grounds are beautifully kept and spacious, and the whole place just has a wonderful tranquility to it. There are day tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, which usually include the palace as well as some of the historical wats (Buddhist temples).

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island

If you are visiting Thailand for a beach holiday, Phi Phi Island is the place to be! It is more expensive than Phuket, but the natural beauty of the island more than makes up for the cost! There is a two hour speed boat transfer to the island, and the view along the way is just wonderful.

Some Tips

Book your holiday through a travel agent – it is just so much easier to have everything planned out and paid in advance when travelling to a country that is not predominately English speaking.

If you are worried about the current unrest in Thailand, talk to your travel agent for information. She should be able to provide you with up to date information about the region(s) that you plan to visit.