What Not to Miss While Traveling to Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful and inexpensive place to visit. Right now the exchange rate is roughly $1 for 34 Thai baht. So if you had $100 you would have about 3400baht. What this means is that you can get far on a relatively small amount of money. Thailand is a mix of old and new, featuring a rich sense of culture as well as a more modern feel in the big cities. A lot of places cater to tourists while other parts remain pristine and natural. Here is a list of six places you don't want to miss.

Wat Traimit also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha protects a nearly ten foot tall, 5 ton, solid gold Buddha. The figure was originally covered in stucco, probably to protect it during an invasion, and was presumed to be of little value. During an effort to move it to Bangkok in 1957 the stucco was cracked revealing the shining metal underneath. Since then visitors have flocked to see the worlds largest solid gold Buddha. The cost to see the monument, a $0.45 donation, the money is used to maintain and clean the Buddha and the temple.

The Grand Palace was the king's official residency from the 1782s through the mid-20th century. The palace is a must see for most visitors and includes the famous Jade Buddha in Wat Phra Kaeo. The compound covers an area of nearly 220,000 sq miles and reflects the cultural epochs of Thai kings and of the country's history. Most of the buildings have been restored several times but have managed to remain true to their style of architecture. Huge murals adorn the walls of some of the buildings and are generally the focus of the restoration.

Thaleh Ban National Park is a 121 sq mile reserve Thai-Malaysian border in southern Satun Province features some of Southeast Asia's best preserved sections of rainforest. The terrain features hills, caves, limestone cliffs, lakes, waterfalls and some rare wildlife exclusive to the region.

Ko Si Chang is one of the last islands on Thailand that could be considered practically deserted. Located near Chonburi Province on the Gulf of Thailand the island includes a meditation center, complete with hermit caves beaches that are great for snorkeling, palace ruins, Chinese temples with a view of the sea, and plenty of limestone caves. Camping is allowed anywhere on the island but there are also a few hostels and bungalows available.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand and while it is open all week most stalls are open only on the weekends, hence the name. the nearly 400,000 square foot area fills with an estimated 15,000 stalls and most would warn that if you find something you really want buy it now, because you'll never find it again. The stalls are constantly shifting and changing throughout the day and weeks. Each weekend nearly 300,000 visitors' com to shop and end up spending a combined total of $800,000. With all those people and stalls it can get kind of hot so make sure you come early and take a break during the midday heat. In recent years the market has become a popular place to have a drink or something to eat with friends.

Nakhon Pathom is located just west of Bangkok and is notably the oldest city in Thailand. Its name actually translates to "first city." Among the magnificent architecture you'll find the 417ft, orange-roofed Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest Buddhist monument in the Thailand and also the world. The original monument was erected in the 6th century by Theravada Buddhists. Suan Sam Pran is a huge natural reserve featuring a garden and neighboring a zoo and crocodile farm.

While visiting an exotic place should be fun be respectful of the locals and their cultures. Thailand offers a unique old world feel with many amenities available to make it more luxurious. Now is the perfect time to travel! Get out there and go!

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