Page 47 - Intra Muros April 2024

TRAVEL

YOUR VERY OWN THAILAND BUCKET LIST

A month-by-month guide for South Africans visiting Thailand in 2024

hailand is one of the world’s For those needing an inspirational nudge in comes complete with a ceremonial
top travel destinations – and the right direction, Sangnil has this month- waterproof marriage certificate – what’s not
Tfor good reason. From island- to-month guide of what Thailand has to to love about this unique way of starting an
hopping and cultural exploration to offer: incredible new journey together?
shopping and water-based activities,
Thailand has much to share with the Sunlit serenades in January Conservation and connection in
world. It’s no surprise that millions of The beginning of the year is peak season in March
foreigners flock to Thailand yearly – in Thailand. You can expect sun-filled days and For the animal-loving travellers, March is
fact, 2023 saw over 27 million tourists mild evenings with little chance of rain. As the month to visit Thailand. The elephant
touch down on Thai shores. Among the such, it’s the ideal time to visit a festival or is Thailand’s national animal and 13 March
most frequent visitors to the Land of outdoor event. Some of the month’s most is National Thai Elephant Day. To celebrate
Smiles are South Africans, many looking popular events include Bangkok’s ‘Concert the day, tourists can visit several different
for a tropical getaway or a luxurious in the Park,’ a unique musical attraction elephant sanctuaries, including the Elephant
break from the hustle and bustle. attended by a flurry of international visitors National Park – one of Thailand’s most
yearly. The concerts, held every Sunday popular conservation projects. Elephant
“2024 might just be the year when you during January and February, showcasing a Haven in Kanchanaburi is also a great option,
take the chance to treat yourself to selection of music, from top-charting pop as is the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. At these
some well-earned bucket-list longings. hits to Broadway medleys as well as classical sanctuaries, visitors can observe these
The good news is that Thailand is one music and traditional Thai favourites. The majestic giants in their natural environments,
destination that ticks all the boxes. best part? Admission is free, and there are play with them in mud pools, or do volunteer
From lovers of culinary experiences to many different public transport options to work – the perfect chance to give back.
travellers looking for a mind and body travel to and from the event.
reset and eco-tourists, we welcome Grab your water gun in April
many different types of visitors and February: Love beneath the waves Arguably, no other event is as synonymous
cater to every wanderlust wish. February is the month of love for people with Thai culture as the Songkran Festival.
worldwide, and for South Africans looking to The festival, which centres around water
What makes travelling to Thailand get hitched in true communal Thai fashion, play, is hosted in April every year to celebrate
simpler and hassle-free compared to it’s the month to be in Thailand. In what the Thai New Year. During Songkran, people
other overseas destinations is that has become an internationally renowned engage in world-famous water fights,
South Africans don’t need a visa to enter spectacle of love, hundreds of local and but there’s also a spiritual component to
Thailand for up to 30 days for tourism foreign couples visit Thailand in February the festival, which sees people visiting
purposes. It’s as easy as booking a flight, to participate in the Trang Underwater temples for purification rituals and blessing
packing a bag, and making your escape Wedding. Couples are paraded through the ceremonies. April is a great time to be in
to a country that quite literally has it streets of Trang town and then travel by Thailand if what you’re after is a chance
all,” says Sadudee Sangnil, Director of boat to an underwater location where they to see all the islands and towns in one go
the Tourism Authority of Thailand for slip on scuba gear over their wedding garb because each region celebrates the festival
the UK, Ireland, and South Africa. and tie the knot underwater. The ceremony in unique ways.

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