Amazing Thailand: Discovering the country's unique finds

Thailand is a popular destination known for its Buddhist temples, pad thai, bargain buys, and clear beaches; but beyond those characteristics that make Thailand famous lie a pile of hidden gems that showcase the country’s “Thainess” that visitors will love.

Here are five ways to experience Thailand like no other:

1. Participate in the Vegetarian Festival. If you’re a foodie who is game for a different kind of experience, taking part in the annual Vegetarian Festival is a must in your travel checklist. A widely celebrated event in Thailand, the Vegetarian Festival calls on participants to observe a strict vegan diet for nine days  in the ninth lunar month in the Chinese calendar—usually in October. This is to signify spiritual cleansing and to usher in good luck, among others. During this time, vegan food is sold in participating cities like Bangkok and Phuket, with restaurants and vendors labeled with yellow flags to signify their meat-free status.

Som tum or papaya salad is one of the many dishes to eat during Vegetarian Festival. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND.

2. Get your hands dirty with Ikat dyeing. Discover the beautiful tradition of Ikat dyeing in the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon. The province’s culture involves weaving cotton clothes and dyeing them into a beautiful indigo  that are eye candy. Visitors can get into the culture and produce their own fabric souvenir in workshops in the area.

When in Sakon Nakhon, try your hand at Ikat dyeing. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND.

3. Be blessed at Songkran. Celebrate the wet and wild Thai New Year in the three-day celebration known as Songkran. Locals and tourists are encouraged to engage in a fun water gun fight as the revelry signifies spiritual cleansing  to mark a new year. Happening every April, Songkran is celebrated in the whole country.

Celebrating Songkran at Ayutthaya. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND.

4. Join the Full Moon Party. Nothing beats partying under a bright moon by the sea—that’s what visitors of Rin Beach in Pha-Ngan Island  get every time a full moon is out. Join the Full Moon Party and get a beach getaway you won’t forget.

The Full Moon Party happens at Rin Beach off the coast of Pha-Ngan Island. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND.

5. Visit the Pattaya Floating Market. Thailand is teeming with floating markets, its traditional process of exchanging goods and services from boats. The biggest one is the Pattaya Floating Market in eastern Thailand—an attraction you don’t want to miss. Get unique local souvenirs and fresh produce as you row along the interesting floating stalls.

Pattaya Floating Market is the biggest of its kind in Thailand. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND.

This 2018, Thailand is inviting travelers to visit the country as it opens its new shades to the world.

Thailand has recently partnered with leading global trade groups ITB Asia and World Trade Market for the launch of its new marketing concept, “Open to the New Shades of Thailand.”

Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor of Marketing Communications Tanes Petsuwan says, “The places may be the same, but potential visitors will be provided new perspectives.” He adds, “We [TAT] are promoting a genuine form of truly ‘inclusive tourism,’ which is especially important in this day and age.”

Open yourself to the new shades of Thailand and experience what makes the country uniquely Thai.

Thailand is open, are you?