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Some countries have the best beaches, some are famed for their outstanding natural beauty, and others offer incredible food.
But some destinations are lucky enough to have it all!
And one of those magical destinations is Thailand.
This is why Travel & Leisure has named Thailand their destination of the year for 2025.
In August, Thailand was named the 8th most popular tourist destination in the world, so I acknowledge we’re not talking about a hidden gem here.
What was once considered an off-path paradise is now a global treasure.
But here’s why I still think Thailand has earned its Destination of the Year trophy!
Iconic Beaches
If you’re looking for sun in Thailand this winter, your best bet is to head south.
Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi are Thailand’s top winter destinations.
As an added bonus, these hot spots are also home to some of Thailand’s most iconic beaches.
Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island and boasts beautiful white sand beaches.
Try Freedom Beach which has incredible soft white sand and turquoise waters ideal for swimming or for water sports.
This beach is located in the popular town of Patong but it’s still a great spot: visit early in the day if you’re looking for peace and tranquility away from the crowds.
One of Thailand’s most show stopping beaches is Railay Beach in Krabi.
This stunning white sand beach is only accessible by boat and as well as relaxing on the sand you can also take rainforest hikes, explore lagoons and caves, and even climb the picture-perfect rock formations here.
Thai beaches are amongst the best in the world , and with the clearest waters too. If you’re interested in diving or snorkeling then this is an incredible place to be.
Diving is also incredibly affordable in Thailand.
At Super Dive Thailand in Phuket, for example, you can take a day trip on a diving boat for 3,900 baht ($113) or a half day course to learn how to snorkel starts from only 990 baht ($28.85).
Welcoming Culture And People
Thailand is known as the ‘land of smiles’ thanks to the warm welcome you’ll receive when you visit.
The people here are known for being both friendly and kind, with a gentle demeanour.
Thailand is also particularly known for its rich culture, especially the ornate Buddhist temples that punctuate every city.
In Phuket, the largest and most popular of these temples is Wat Chalong, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century.
You’ll find ornate gold detailing and gold statues here. On the inside the buildings are decorated with beautiful paintings illustrating the life of Buddha. Entry here is free of charge.
In Koh Samui you’ll be in awe by the size of the golden Buddha at the Wat Phra Yai temple. He stands at 12 meters (39 feet) tall and is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand.
Positioned on top of a hill, and overlooking a beach (known as Big Buddha Beach) the clever positioning means that attraction can be seen from miles away.
This is a hugely popular attraction, so arrive early in the morning if you want to experience this temple without the crowds.
Perfect For Party People
Thailand is known for its incredible nightlife scene, and many people (myself included) have attended one of the iconic Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan Island on their bucket list.
As the name suggests, these parties take place every full moon and are decadent and riotous, even with up to 40,000 people attending.
Because of their popularity, accommodation prices in Koh Phangan have increased considerably around the full moon and have also gotten booked up quickly.
If you can’t stay on the island, you could consider staying on Koh Samui instead, which is a short and easily accessible boat ride away.
Phuket also has a reputation for its wild nightlife scene. Head to the Bangla Road for the most vibrant party atmosphere. This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs.
Some of the most well-known and popular of these are Majestic Lounge Phuket and Sugar Club Phuket.
If bustling nightclubs isn’t your idea of a great night out then don’t worry, there’s plenty to appeal to you too.
Thailand is also known for its night markets, where you can shop the night away, rubbing shoulders with locals and eating delicious local delicacies when the sun goes down.
Landmark Night market, which is located on the Noppharat Thara beach is the biggest and best night market in Krabi and a great place to find local street food.
But if you’re looking for something bigger then you’ll need to head to Phuket.
The Phuket Weekend Market is the island’s largest night market and the most popular. Here, you’ll find a myriad of secondhand treasures, traditional tourist souvenirs, and great local food. It’s an incredible experience in its own right and one you shouldn’t miss!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.