The Joys of Thailand…Joy Travel Style!

Hawaii and Costa Rica have their charm, but if you want a bit more exotic flavoring, Thailand is an excellent choice! Located in Southeast Asia, this lush peninsula is famous for its ancient ruins, exquisite palaces, meditation temples and wildlife. The country is so vast it’s impossible to see it all in one trip. You can, however, make the most of your adventure by knowing what to expect from the various regions. Take a read and then let JoyTravel.com book you the trip of a lifetime, Thailand style!

1.Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is located in North Thailand and is worth a few days stop. Here are a few sites you’ll want to consider:
Tiger Kingdom: Founded in 2000, it was since retitled the Ubon Zoo. One can expect to find between fifty and sixty tigers roaming at any given time. Ranging from babies to small, medium and large, Tiger Kingdom is considered a sanctuary for tigers who are on their way to being extinct. All of the tigers are petted continually by trainers which allow tourists to pet and stroke them without harm.
Patara Elephant Farm: If you think swimming with dolphins is cool, just try swimming with elephants! At the Patara Elephant farm you can not only swim with these majestic and kind hearted creatures but you can bathe with them, ride on them through the jungle, wash them and feed them.
Elephant Nature Park: Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary where elephants are rescued and rehabilitated. Not only can tourist interact with the elephants there, but they can also see cats, dogs and buffaloes who are rescued and live peacefully on the lush grounds.
Chang Mai Zoo: Chiang Mai Zoo has over 400 animals including a few giant pandas – some of the only giant pandas to be in captivity outside of China. It also boasts two very large aquariums – one which has the largest tunnel enclosure in the world while the other is considered the largest aquarium in all of Asia. This is an excellent family friendly activity.
Chiang Mai Night Market: Target and the mall have nothing on the Chiang Mai Night Market. While it’s open during the day, it’s during the night that it truly comes alive. It’s open every night of the year, regardless of holiday or rain. What makes this market so interesting is that it’s operated by individuals with their carts, pushing everything from designer clothing, belts, watches, DVDs and shoes. While prices are cheaper than American dollars, it’s still considered totally fine to bargain. Don’t forget to eat, too. Choose from locals selling bread, fruits, meats and nuts, or hit up the Kalare Night Bazaar for some more elegant sit-down fare. Want something of the alcoholic variety? Consider the Red Lion Pub or perhaps O’Malley’s Irish Pub.

2.Bangkok
Located in the middle of Thailand, you could easily spend a month on its attractions. If you had only a few days, we’d recommend the following:
Floating Market: With the simple wide browed hats and boats full of simple foods, it’s easy to picture how commerce took place hundreds of years ago. The Floating Market, located in Damnoen Saduak, is only a 2 hours trip away from Bangkok and truly a spectacle of sight, sound and smell. It’s worth it just for the people watching! From young children and babies to older people in their nineties – all wearing wide brimmed hats – canoes float up and down the beautiful green water, filled to the brim with fruit, nuts, and Asian delicacies. It is so magical in appearance that its considered one of the most photographed areas in the entire world. Don’t miss this one!
Samutprakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo: Come for Yai (the world’s largest crocodile stretching to almost 20 feet) but stay for the other 100000 crocodiles on the farm. Kids and adults marvel at the croc shows where trainers put their whole faces in the mouths of crocodiles and crocodiles catch items with their hands. Lucky visitors can sometimes see a croc being hatched in the nursery. In addition to crocodiles one can check out hippos, horses, elephants, lions, tigers and monkeys. There’s even a dinosaur museum. Plan on spending the entire day at the Samutprakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo. Lots of dining and shopping is housed within the park.
The Grand Palace: Once the main residence of the Thai Royal Family, this huge complex hosts well over 8 million tourists per year. Its ornate grounds include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew.

3. Attractions in Bangkok include:
Khao Yai National Park – Ride elephants and see even more animals in this clean and reasonably priced park
Bangkok Safari World Zoo and Marine Park
Bangkok Night Bike Tour
Safari World and Marine Park
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
MBK and Siam Paragon

4.Interesting and Delicious Restaurants in Bangkok Include:
Chabad of Bangkok: Don’t expect Kosher in Bangkok? Think again! Chabad of Bangkok is famous for its Thai and American dishes that even a rabbi would approve of! (Note: Other kosher restaurants throughout Thailand include Chabad of Chiang Mai, Chabad of Phuket and Chabad of Koh Samui.)
Eat at Me: With its owner from Australia, one can expect Western, modern dishes with some Thai influence
Zuma Restaurant: International dishes and a classy atmosphere are a hallmark of this elegant restaurant.
Indian Hut: Expect delicious Indian food at a great price.

5.Ko Samui
This beautiful island sits on the eastern seacoast of Kra Isthmus. It’s the second largest island after Phuket (where you’ll find another Tiger Kingdom!). Ko Samui is famous for golden sandy beaches, trees teaming with coconuts and coral reefs. For those that want an island life with entertainment, this is the perfect weekend stop due its fine dining, dance clubs, bars and entertainment.

Want to choose from some resorts and spas? Consider these two:
Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa
Baan Samui Resort

Beaches include:
MaeNam Beach: This beach features beautiful clear blue water and not a lot of people.
Big Buddha Beach: This beach is surrounded by lots of restaurants, mainly Italian!
Choeng Mon Beach: This beach is made up of a bunch of bays, and entertainment tends to stay within the hotels that mark the surroundings.
Chaweng Beach: It’s known for its wild party scene. Those who want relaxed entertainment should check out another beach.

6.South of Bangkok
Hua Hin Beach: This is a favorite spot for those who love the water. You can wind surf, sail, parachute and even take banana boat rides, all easily accessible from a built up marina that features a Yacht Club. It is also a spot known for the growing sport of kite surfing.

Find Joy in Thailand Through JoyTravel!

Booking a trip to Thailand can be stressful. Don’t lose your joy! Let JoyTravel help you every step of the way. Whether you want to spend your whole time in a luxury resort or take a bike tour over River Kwai bridge, JoyTravel can help with all your accommodations and meet the needs of your individual, small or large group.  Contact us today so you can experience the joy of Thailand tomorrow!