One of the best ways to spread joy and happiness is with a smile on your face, and there’s no better time to smile than on National Smile Day! For this special occasion, we are celebrating with Thailand photography that our wonderful followers shared on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
It’s no wonder why Thailand is known as ‘the Land of Smiles,’ with these vistas from Pai Canyon in Northern Thailand to the heart-shaped mangroves of Trang, that bring us pure joy, we now want to share that joy with you! Browse through the gallery of photos below and find inspiration for your next trip to Thailand!
For the month of May, Thailand Insider held a photo contest asking followers to share a photo of Thailand that made them smile using the hashtag #ThailandInsiderSmiles. Many of the contestants above shared gorgeous pictures with nostalgic captions about what made them smile during their vacation to Thailand. Below are the top three favorites!
Trang Province
“I 💚 Trang
The heart-shaped island in the mangroves”
– @Luke.Outside
On the Andaman coast, the city of Trang offers panoramic views of lush mangrove forests and marvelous cliff landscapes. The mangrove forests are home to flora, which serve as prime nesting sites for migratory birds and homes to monkeys, sea turtles, monitor lizards, and mudskippers.
Trang’s healthy coastal ecosystem supports the fisheries and protects the coastlines from erosion, tropical storms, and tidal waves. Plantlife is vibrant amid the mangroves offering food for the animals that inhabit there. A herd of dugongs, a type of marine animal, was recently sited in Trang province feeding on seagrass. If you’re lucky, you may get the chance to witness this rare species yourself!
Ko Lipe
“The trip to Lipe island in the southern part of Thailand 🇹🇭 is one of a most memorable trips I have in years! Besides traveling with friends, I usually travel with my family 🙂.
Lipe island offers many activities to enjoy e.g. snorkel excursion, sup board, kayaking 🚣♂️. But above all, we enjoy chilling on this sand bank watching beautiful sunset and sky bursting into colours every evening! 🌅😁”
– @akara_srt
Pristine, crystal clear waters make snorkeling and scuba diving extraordinary. Coral reefs and marine life below the sea are seen through the impeccable waters, making it a memorable experience. Ko Lipe is made up of three beaches, all with white sand beaches and opportunities for relaxation.
Pai
“Flashback 📸 This was a few years ago when we got motorbikes in Pai, Thailand. We spent the whole day exploring freely, stopping off for iced coffees, heading down old dirt tracks in search of adventure. We found hidden waterfalls, panoramic views and eventually made it to Pai Canyon. 🏜
What a sight. You can walk along the winding path (with a drop either side into the canyon – eek) and the views are unreal. It’s best to try get to this place outside of the busy times (I recommend earlier in the morning) but standing and looking out into the distance was epic. 👌🏽“
– @wildeversince
A natural attraction in Pai, Mae Hong Son, Pai Canyon is paradise for the adventure seeker and mountain lover. Narrow trails make up the hiking path with outstanding views all around you. The best time to visit is in the mornings before 10 a.m., with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Smile in Thailand!
We hope these photos brought you joy and inspired you to start planning your next vacation to Thailand! Whether you’re seeking relaxation, culture, or cuisine, there are endless activities and hidden gems for you to explore that are sure to put a smile on your face. To stay updated on travel in Thailand, click here!
