The All-In-One Thailand Guide On What To Explore As Senior Citizens

Thailand is the go-to location for the younger population. But after reading this guide, you’ll be convinced that golden agers can have tons of fun in Thailand too! 

They say, “Travel when you want because age is just a number and ifs and buts are just excuses!” Retired and looking for a fun getaway? Or just want to relax to celebrate this next chapter of your life? Maybe give the parent’s a perfect 50th wedding anniversary gift? Then Thailand is just what you’re looking for.

In 2019, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the World Integrity Centre (WIC), organised a fantastic ‘Thailand Golden Experience’ to attract senior citizen travellers to Thailand. According to TAT New Delhi Ex-director Isra Stapanaseth, “Apart from the various attractions, warm Thai hospitality and the welcoming nature of the Thai people is one main reason that makes Thailand a favourite holiday destination among senior travellers.” Still don’t believe us? 

Have a look for yourself:

  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

Start your trip in the best way possible at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This landmark is a Buddhist temple situated in the Chiang Mai province of Thailand. There are several ways to get up to Doi Suthep to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, including renting a car and getting a ride in a red songthaew (shared taxis that run all over Chiang Mai). If you want to take a songthaew to the temple, they leave from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo, costing around 40 baht per person each way.

The destination accommodates various food and beverage stations that you can visit before starting your 300 step journey to the temple. You can either walk or take a cable-car that drops you directly at the temple. The statue of the iconic white elephant is on the terrace on top of the steps. People believe that this elephant carried the Buddha relic to its resting place on the temple grounds.

You can easily spend a few hours here and take beautiful pictures of the scenery around you. As there is a massive crowd at the temple, it is advisable to reach the temple as early in the morning as possible so that you can have a quiet and peaceful experience.

  • Khao Yai National Park

Located in the Pak Chong district of Thailand this national park is the first-ever national park and the third-largest national park of Thailand. It covers more than 2,000 square kilometres of forest and grassland in central Thailand.

The Khao Yai National Park can be explored in multiple-choice packages depending on your budget and the length of stay. These packages are usually anywhere between 1 to 4 days and must be booked in advance to avoid any disappointments. You can even go on a night safari to admire the natural beauty around you!

Apart from being a scenic beauty for its tourists, the Park also shelters diverse wildlife such as bears, gibbons, elephants, and hornbills which makes it a perfect destination for activities like bird watching and wildlife photography on an exclusive photo tour.

One thing to be aware of is that the park is vast and so you will need your transportation if not visiting as part of a tour. Many independent visitors opt to rent a scooter, but this is strongly discouraged if you do not have comprehensive insurance and prior riding experience on mountain roads.

  • Sukhothai

Sukothai is a UNESCO World Heritage City that is home to several historical sites and temple ruins. The city itself is a quiet rural area where you can still relish the charms of Thailand’s rustic lifestyle. 

The Sukhothai Kingdom was the birthplace of Thai art, architecture, and language and still carries the flavours of ancient Thai civilization, within its ruins. The word ‘Sukhothai’ means ‘the dawn of happiness,’ and the kingdom enjoyed great peace and prosperity in ancient times. Visiting these ruins is like taking a time machine back to explore something lost. 

Due to its location a little outside the city, Sukhothai sees a smaller number of visitors than Ayutthaya which lets you explore at your own pace. Discover historically significant temple ruins inside the Sukhothai Historical Park and enjoy a stroll at the nearby Si Satchanalai Historical Park.

One thing to note while visiting Sukothai is that, except for just one boutique hotel, the accommodation choices around Sukhothai Historical Park are somewhat limited. But you will find more options about 12km from the historical park. The dining options in Sukhothai too are  limited to street-side ready-to-eat dishes. But one dish to try out before you leave is the Sukhothai spicy noodle dish.

  • Nong Nooch tropical garden and cultural village

Nong Nooch Garden’s fascinating landscapes are spread across 2.4 square kilometres, making it perfect for an all-day trip. With amenities like cultural shows, restaurants, and accommodations with splendid views of the garden, the entire area feels like a massive theme park.

Take a stroll in the themed gardens like the 17th-century French garden, Stonehenge, or the European Renaissance garden. A walk through these gardens is like a world tour in its own right!

The species-specific gardens in Nong Nooch are equally fascinating. The park’s highlights are the orchid nurseries that house more than 670 native species and hybrids all in one place – the most extensive collection in the country. Showcasing exotic-shaped leaves and blossoms, the cactus and succulent plants garden is educational and eye-opening. Love bonsais? Spend time viewing some rare stunning pieces here too.

Due to its vast landscape, it’s unlikely that you will visit all the attractions within Nong Nooch Garden by walking alone. It’s a good idea to rent a bicycle and explore the garden at your own pace. The Garden’s ticket prices from $11 and vary for different combinations of tours chosen.

While there are many beautiful and alluring locations in Thailand, we shortlisted some that you definitely can’t miss the next time you visit Thailand.

A few things senior citizens should keep in mind before travelling are,

  • Try finding a hotel near the city centre, so you can have easy access to transportation and other necessities.
  • Keep photocopies of your visa and passport with you, as immigration checks are frequent these days. The original passport should always be kept safe inside a locker in your hotel.
  • Medical insurance is highly recommended to cover your expenses in case of an unfortunate incident, as all the good hospitals in Thailand can be a little heavy on the pocket. 

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