Cheap direct flights from Vienna to Southeast Asia or the Maldives and back to Frankfurt or Munich are available from €250 with Saudia Airlines.
Thailand is famous for its pristine beaches and tropical islands, the subject of countless films and holiday dreams. Patong Beach is an alluring and favored destination for visitors. Thailand’s secret to success: unique locations, affordable prices, and a hospitable population!
Nature reserves
If you would like to experience Thailand without a visit to the beach, visit one of the national parks in the interior. There you have the opportunity to admire the unique natural beauty. The Erawan National Park gives you the chance to get to know the untouched wilderness. Climb the Erawan Falls, explore the caves, and refresh yourself in the natural pools. In Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park you will find limestone hills, 300 species of birds, and Phaya Nakhon Cave, which houses a Buddhist temple.
Located near the Burmese border, you can visit Kaeng Krachan National Park and Kui Buri National Park. They have recognized destinations for wildlife watching. Khao Yai National Park in the Sankamphaeng mountain range (central Thailand) is an attractive destination for hikers, mountaineers, and wildlife lovers. You can find grasslands, tropical forests, and waterfalls, of which Haew Narok is the most important.
Among the animals, you can see elephants, gibbons, monkeys, and even leopards.
Historical parks
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city of Sukhothai is also worth a visit. It was the capital of the first kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. There are numerous buildings to admire. Similarly, check out the beautiful monuments that illustrate the beginnings of Thai architecture.
You can also explore Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai, founded around 1350. By 1700 it was the world’s largest city with a population of 1 million. Unfortunately, the Burmese destroyed it in the 18th century. The remains and the mighty monasteries give an impression of the former splendor. Additionally, the ruins of the historic city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During one of the many celebrations in Ayutthaya, it is a great pleasure to visit the city, and it is very close to Bangkok.
The River Kwai
Kanchanaburi province on the border with Myanmar is home to the famous River Kwai. Stay in a chalet on the banks of the river and marvel at the famous bridge.
During World War II, Japan built the meter-gauge railway line from Thailand to Burma (Myanmar), now known as the Death Railway. The Bridge on the River Kwai, made famous in the novel and film adaptation, was not the iron bridge of the Burma Railway. About 100 meters upstream from the current bridge, there is a wooden one.
In 1945, the Allies bombed the current bridge. It has been restored in two parts, with the original parts now on display in the War Museum.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai village is notorious for its many temples and complexes. You can view the remains of ancient walls or climb over 300 steps to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, an ornate Buddhist temple in the hills. Explore the now famous night bazaar, get an introduction to the local culture at the National Museum and sniff the scent of Thai orchids at the Botanical Gardens.
An ideal starting point for small day trips to the surrounding villages and towns is also Chiang Rai. You can take the bus to Chiang Rai, Pai, Lampang, or Mae Hong Son, which are also worth a visit.
Festivals
Throughout the year, Thailand celebrates many special events. Chiang Mai is an ideal place to admire the famous Loy Krathong, one of the most impressive and spectacular festivals. It takes place on the evening of the 12th month of the full moon in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The exact date changes every year.
Making lotus-shaped rafts, launched on rivers and lakes, is the task at this folk festival. In northern Thailand, Loi Krathong coincides with Yee Peng – a festival of lights. On the night of the full moon, thousands of brightly lit paper lanterns rise into the sky. The Thai New Year is Songkran. On this holiday, major roads in Thailand’s cities are closed to traffic and used as arenas for water fights. In April, the hottest month of the year, young and old revelers participate in this tradition by splashing each other with water.
The second day of the Songkran Water Festival is officially National Family Day.
Travel dates:
Close to daily from October 2022 to June 2023
Route:
Vienna – Bangkok – Frankfurt
Vienna – Bangkok – Munich
Vienna – Kuala Lumpur – Frankfurt
Vienna – Kuala Lumpur – Munich
Vienna – Jakarta – Frankfurt
Vienna – Jakarta – Munich
Vienna – Male – Munich
Vienna – Manila– Frankfurt
Vienna – Manila – Munich
Airline:
Saudia Airlines
Baggage allowance:
One cabin bag and one checked bag per passenger
