Discovering Thailand – A Journey of Culture, Nature, and Incredible Experiences
One Word to Describe Thailand: Unforgettable.
Thailand is one of those countries that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. We’ve had the privilege of exploring this beautiful country multiple times, and it’s safe to say that it remains one of our favorite travel destinations. The more we travel the world, the more we meet others who share our love for Thailand. The people are incredibly friendly, the cuisine is delicious, the nature is breathtaking, and the country is not only easy to navigate but also extremely affordable.
As a major hub in Southeast Asia, Thailand is our top recommendation for anyone new to this part of the world. Most of the country is set up for tourism, making it accessible for both first-time and experienced travelers. But remember, you’re still in a different country, with its own unique culture and language. So embrace the differences and enjoy the experiences it has to offer.
Here’s a brief overview of our experiences in Thailand, and stay tuned for more in-depth posts on this amazing country!
Places We’ve Visited In Thailand
Bangkok: The capital, where ancient temples meet modern skyscrapers. Don’t miss the temples, food, and the vibrant street markets.
Chiang Mai: Nestled in the mountains, Chiang Mai offers a mix of ancient temples, night bazaars, spiritual gatherings, and a gateway to adventure activities.
Phuket: Thailand’s largest island, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water activities.
Phi Phi Islands: Famous for their turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, these islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Krabi: A province with beautiful limestone cliffs and serene beaches, ideal for island hopping.
Ko Lanta: A more laid-back island with long stretches of quiet beaches, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Koh Lipe: Known as the “Maldives of Thailand,” this small island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
Koh Muk: Home to the stunning Emerald Cave, this island is a hidden gem with serene beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Koh Phangan: Famous for its Full Moon Party, but also offers tranquil beaches and lush jungles for those seeking peace.
Koh Samui: A well-developed island with luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and a lively atmosphere.
Things To Do In Thailand
- Visit Temples: Explore the spiritual side of Thailand with visits to its many stunning temples, each unique and breathtaking. Some of the most popular are located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai.
- Thai massage: Thailand is famous for its traditional Thai massages, which combine acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious spa experience or a simple massage on the beach, this is a must try when visiting the country.
- Floating Markets: Experience the vibrant culture of Bangkok by visiting its famous floating markets and trying delicious food along the way.
- Weekend Markets: Shop for unique souvenirs, clothing, and delicious street food. You will find markets all over the country, our favorite to shop was Chatuchak in Bangkok.
- Island Hopping: Discover the beauty of Thailand’s many islands, each offering its own unique charm. So many beautiful places to see, be prepared to be blown away!
- Fire Show on the Beach: Enjoy a mesmerizing fire show on the beach during a night out.
- Elephant Sanctuary: If you plan to visit an elephant sanctuary, please research to ensure it is ethical. Avoid places where elephants are chained, made to do tricks, or available for rides.
- Yoga: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, you will find plenty of options to deepen your practice and even become certified. Most popular places include: Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui.
- Monk Chat meditations: Spend the day learning about buddhist culture and practices from a monk in a monastery. We loved our experience in Chiang Mai and learned so much about the Buddhist practices.
- Vipassana: An intensive, silent retreat that usually lasts for 10 days and offers a chance to practice mindfulness and self-reflection in a supportive environment. This can be found worldwide, but is also commonly seen in Thailand. – Still high on our to do list!
- Cooking Class: Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes – we have eaten our way Through Thailand but still need to learn how to prepare the dishes – so keeping this on our list to try next time!
- Muay Thai Fight: Experience the excitement of a live Muay Thai fight – a must-see for those who enjoy the sport and still on Kelvyn’s must see list.
- Negotiate: Never practiced your negotiation skills? Thailand is a great place to start. Most things are priced higher, so don’t be afraid to ask for something for less than its sticker price!
Places We Still Want To Visit
Thailand has over 1,400 islands, making it nearly impossible to see them all. However, a few remain high on our list:
- Similan Islands: A group of stunning islands known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. A bit further to get to, but looks worth the hassle!
- Ko Kood: A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path island with pristine beaches, waterfalls, and a relaxed vibe.
- Ko Chang: Thailand’s third-largest island, offering a mix of beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant nightlife.
Other Parts of the Country:
- Chiang Rai: Famous for the White Temple and its tranquil atmosphere.
- Pai: A small town in the mountains known for its laid-back, hippie-like vibe and scenic beauty.
- Khao Sok National Park: A breathtaking national park with rainforests, limestone cliffs, and serene lakes. On the list of all of our backpacking friends.
Favorite Thai Food
- Pad Thai: Yummm. Were you even in Thailand if you didn’t try Pad Thai?
- Fried Rice: Kelvyn’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Khao Soi: A delicious northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup, Thais’ favorite!
- Curry: So many to choose from, but Massaman is our favorite and a MUST! Panang curry is also delicious – specially if you love spicy food.
- Chicken Cashew Nut: Chicken, rice, veggies, crispy cashews, with a special sauce. Delicious, crunchy, and worth a try!
- Papaya Salad: Thailand’s traditional salad, made from unripe papaya, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and sometimes shrimp! A must-try – but make sure to ask for ‘not spicy’ if you’re sensitive to spicy foods and ‘no shrimp’ if you’re allergic!
- Mango Sticky Rice: Delicious dessert or snack made from mango, rice, and coconut milk that you can find anywhere in the country!
- Coconut Donut (Koh Lipe) – One of our favorite desserts on the island of Koh Lipe!
- Coconut Ice Cream: Coconut anything = great!
- Bamboo Rice Stick (Khao Lam): A sweet sticky rice cooked in bamboo. Sooo tasty!
- Street Food: If you have the stomach for it, dive into the local street food scene. Be cautious with food that looks like it has been sitting out for too long, as it may cause stomach issues.
- Thai Iced coffee: If you need a pick me up and have got a sweet tooth, this will do the trick!
- Fruit Juices/smoothies: Simply delicious, made with fresh local fruits when in season! Our favorites are mango, passionfruit, and watermelon!
- Fresh Coconuts: The rule is one coconut a day keeps the doctor away!
Best Way to Travel Around The Country
- Not on a Budget: Fly between major destinations and use Grab, Gojek, taxi, or van transport for local travel. If you’re in a group, transfer services might be the best option.
- On a Budget: If you’re in the surrounding countries, consider taking overnight trains and buses to enter the country instead of flying—unless your ticket is booked in advance. Within the country, local buses, van transports, and ferries between islands are the most affordable ways to get around. Don’t forget to enjoy the tuk-tuk rides – and always negotiate the price!
Our Favorite Way to Travel Around the Islands: Rent a scooter and explore at your own pace.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Thailand
Thailand’s dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit. We traveled between December and February, and the weather was perfect for island hopping, with very little rain (though it can still be quite hot). Be aware of the burning season in the north, typically from February to April, which can drastically affect air quality. While these months are recommended, other times of the year can still be enjoyable depending on the region, but be prepared for the rainy season, especially from May to October, with September and October generally being the wettest months to avoid. Plan around it if possible, or simply be prepared for what to expect.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- Monkeys: You will see many! Though they are very cute, beware as they are also very sneaky and can also be aggressive. Keep your distance and your belongings with you closely as they love to take things when you are least expecting.
- Food: Specify if you do not want something to be spicy, but expect it to still be a little spicy anyway. If you are allergic to shellfish or peanuts, make sure you communicate that – as many dishes in Thailand often contain one or the other.
- Island Hopping: Ferry and speedboat rides between islands can be bumpy. Be prepared for the ride, it is usually worth it! You can buy ferry tickets at ticket stands, your hotel, or online ahead of time.
- Currency Exchange: If you’re exchanging physical cash, Thai banks can be extremely picky about the condition of your bills. Crisp, new $100 USD bills will usually give you the best exchange rates.
- Cash: A lot of places only accept cash, make sure to always have a bit with you, especially in the markets.
- Mosquitos: If mosquitos love you, be prepared with mosquito repellent and/or wear long pants as they tend to make an appearance, especially in the islands.
- Temples: You are required to cover up, make sure to carry a scarf or wear pants if you know you will be visiting these locations. Sometimes these items are provided at the entrance for your convenience.
- Travel Adapter: Thailand uses types A, B, and C plugs, and the voltage is 220V. Make sure to bring an appropriate travel adapter to keep your devices charged.
- Laundry: You can find laundry services either at your hotel or at laundromats located close to most major areas.
Apps to Download
- 12GoAsia: A transportation booking app that helps travelers find and book trains, buses, ferries, and flights across Asia, making it easy to plan multi-leg journeys.
- Grab & GoJek: A popular ride-sharing and delivery app in Southeast Asia, providing convenient options for getting around cities, ordering food, and even booking services like groceries or package delivery.
- Airalo: A mobile app that provides travelers with eSIM cards for affordable, instant access to local data plans, ensuring they stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards. We use this option when we decide to opt out of physical SIM cards.
- WhatsApp: There are many Thailand travel groups you can find using WhatsApp. These groups are often filled with travelers who can answer many of your questions while you are on the go.
Thailand: A Destination for Every Traveler
Whether you’re planning a two-week vacation or a backpacking adventure, Thailand is a country where you can do it all. It’s a place that effortlessly combines luxury and affordability, catering to every type of traveler. From five-star resorts to budget hostels, and from gourmet dining to delicious street food, Thailand offers something for everyone.
This is also a country where paths cross; you’ll find travelers from all over the world exploring its wonders. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a pristine beach, trekking through lush jungles, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and religion, Thailand is a place that brings people together. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience a country that truly has it all. Chances are you might just see us there too!
