Thailand is a place of smiles! Whatever the scenario, you can always expect a grin from the other side, and people are typically quite pleasant and happy, always making, speaking, and laughing jokes. It is a sturdy, secure destination in a society with different customs and regulations than the Western world, where happiness and people make all the difference.
The nation is also well-known for its massages, which can be found almost anywhere, from beautiful residences with good facilities to a basic straw mat put out on the beach sand. On the hands, feet, and head, with or without oil, for all tastes… and quite inexpensive given the rates we’re used to. You must try them all!
Bangkok
Thailand’s capital, in my view, is one of the most lively cities in the world! For those flying from Europe or the Americas, you will inevitably arrive in Bangkok, so take advantage of this and, if feasible, schedule a few days to see the city. Everything is intriguing, from the great temples and castles to just people watching in transit, going through the street food booths and the notorious nightlife!
There is an excellent public transportation system (metro, skytrain, tuk-tuks, and boats) that makes traveling quite convenient. The movement of the river’s public boats is spectacular, and it’s worth taking a few spins and leaping from pier to pier. Several floating marketplaces and the lovely historic city of Ayutthaya are within a day’s drive.
They believe Patpong Night Market is fantastic for obtaining decent counterfeit wallets and such, but I need to be a big shopper. This is also one of the most well-known nightlife neighborhoods, with the legendary “Go-Go Clubs” exploding with craziness every other day. But I’m not sure about that either
Ayutthaya
For more than four centuries, the historic city of Ayutthaya served as Thailand’s second capital (Kingdom of Siam) and is, in my opinion, a “must” stop on any country tour.
Based on the greatest urban planning principles, the city grew to be one of the largest in the world, with hundreds of temples protected by an intricate system of ditches and canals. Nevertheless, in 1767, the army of Burma (now Myanmar), its main opponent at the time, completely destroyed it.
Currently, UNESCO has designated its historic center as a World Heritage Site, and the Ayutthaya Historical Park consists of a collection of approximately 20 imposing temples and statues that have been meticulously preserved and can be easily visited on a day trip from Bangkok or as a stopover route from Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand, 800 kilometers from Bangkok, with a relaxing atmosphere, hundreds of temples, and stunning scenery. It is the country’s second-biggest city and the cultural hub. Diving into the forest on bamboo rafts, being blessed by monks at the Doi Suthep temple, having massages for the price of rain, or seeing a Muay Thai fight are just a few of the activities available in Chiang Mai. At night, all roads converge to the Night Market, where you may sample the many Thai street food delicacies every day!
The “Art in Paradise” museum, which specializes in “Illusion Art,” is a pleasant and worthwhile alternative to more typical activities. It is feasible to see Chiang Rai’s white temple on a day trip from Chiang Mai.
Pai
The city of Pai has sometimes been termed “Northern Thailand’s hippy sanctuary”. And, to be honest, that was never a major business card for me. Despite this, it is possible to enjoy the city and its artistic and creative side despite the fumes and cacophony of young travelers. Furthermore, Pai is located in the heart of nature, and with a little time and desire to explore, it is reasonably simple to find locations that are very calm and almost devoid of visitors.
A visit to and boat ride through Tham Lod Cave is an unmissable experience, and the famed Pai Canyon, in addition to being an adventure for the brave, is an excellent site to view the sunset.
Krabi
Krabi is on tourist routes more than the city itself since it is the beginning point for a series of islands located on its peninsula, including the Phi Phi islands, which will be, together with Phuket, one of Thailand’s major tourism exponents. But, the city and its surrounds (Ao Nang, Railay, and Phra Nang Bay) are highly interesting and worth a few days’ visit. The fixed Night Market, or the other events that take place during the week, are a nice spot to enjoy some Thai “street food.”
I can recommend the wonderful Chanchalay in the city center (Krabi Town), but there are many superb alternatives to suit all tastes and budgets. There are several beach hotels in the Ao Nang and Railay Beach locations.
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions, and I don’t want to return. The main island, Phi Phi Don, is where all of the hotels and tourism amenities are situated. Phi Phi Leh is the deserted island where the film “The Beach” was shot.
The islands are magnificent and breathtaking scenery, but widespread cheap tourism has managed to drive this to the margins. Apart from the luxurious resorts located in the island’s remote reaches, the island is primarily populated by young people seeking fun, alcohol, and cheap drugs. Cleanliness, in general, isn’t a huge thing either. Because there are so many people on the island who consume, rubbish bags must be placed on the streets to await pickup, which is an inefficient operation. Happy holidays to those who enjoy and can tolerate this sort of setting! Yet, if you truly need to get to know each other, stay two or three nights and… “rope your shoes” since there are greater things to do! But, I recommend looking for and doing a Maya Bay overnight excursion on Phi Phi Leh.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is an island in the Andaman Sea that is part of the group known as the “Krabi islands” since the most popular point of access is through Krabi Town (like Phi Phi). Even with enough tourists, it is still a decent retreat from the crowds of Phuket and Phi Phi, and because it is a larger island, there is space to avoid the busiest crowds.
I suggest hiring a motorcycle and riding along the coast road, pausing at the most picturesque spots, and remembering to cross the island and explore Lanta Old Town. At the conclusion of the day, keep an eye out for mosquitoes and request a helmet with a visor! Kantiang Bay, for example, is a wonderful beach where you can view the sunset and also find nice lodging.
Koh Lanta is a renowned digital nomad location. I spent a month there the last time I was there, working at a fantastic coworking space, and it has quickly become one of my favorite places in Thailand.