Michelle Scullock Michelle Scullock

The Top 5 Must-See and Do Experiences in Thailand

It all begins with an idea.

Thailand is an incredible place with amazing food and stunning landscapes. If you're planning a trip, you may be wondering what you should do. Here are my Top 5 Must-See and Do in Thailand: 

·      The Grand Palace in Bangkok. Opulent with grand architecture, this 54 acre complex once held the royal residence.

·      The Historic City of Ayutthaya. Walking through the ruins of  this ancient historical city near Bangkok offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past. As the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, Ayutthaya is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

·      Thai Street Food. Pad Thai…mango sticky rice….I’m trying it all.

·      The White Temple of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun. Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its beautiful and ancient temples. The detailing and symbolism in the construction of the White Temple in Chang Rai is most impressive.

·      The Beaches of Phuket. The island's clear blue waters and golden sandy beaches appear to be the perfect spot to relax.

When planning a trip to Thailand, one question that comes up frequently is whether it is necessary to take medication to prevent malaria (“malaria prophylaxis”). The answer is… it depends. Thailand is a tropical country and certain rural and forested areas can pose a risk of malaria. However, most major cities and tourist destinations, like those mentioned above, are typically in low-risk areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends anti-malarial medication for travelers visiting rural areas, and specifically, the provinces that border Burma, Cambodia, and Malaysia, the provinces of Phitsanulok , Ubon Ratchathani (bordering Laos), and Surat Thani (see map). Rare to few cases have been noted in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket. For those areas where anti-malarial medication is not recommended, avoiding mosquito bites by using topical mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing (e.g. long pants with socks, long- sleeved shirt) and sleeping under a treated mosquito net is recommended. Once your particular itinerary is set, consulting with a travel health specialist is a good idea to help you understand what precautions you should take. Safe travels.

Map source: National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ).

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