Thailand

What do you think of when you hear of Thailand? Probably the blue ocean, the white sand and a never-ending party life with streets bustling with food. But Thailand is so much more than that. There is a side to it that people do not talk about, and that is northern Thailand.   I was captivated by the sheer culture, history, the serene landscapes, the greenery, and the peace was North Thailand. I was travelling through Northern Thailand for four days and I loved every second of it.  Whether you choose a Thailand tour package or travel to northern Thailand solo, these are my suggestions that you can follow or refer to have the best time.  The best time to visit Northern Thailand would be during the dry season from October to February. During November, the lantern festival is held in Thailand, which is very much worth seeing.  The skies are clear and blue during these months, and the weather is the most comfortable. During the months of summer and the rainy season, it would be quite uncomfortable for you to roam around.  Thailand is a country with a lot of places to visit. If you are planning your trip, I would suggest not just island hopping and visiting crowded places. Go beyond the known, learn about the culture and venture into Thailand beyond just the beaches. The hustle of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, will hit you the moment you land.  Check in to your hotel and go explore the bustling streets of Thailand. Bangkok has a number of things to do. You can start with street food exploration, and there is nothing better to begin this with than Pad Thai.  If you are in Thailand, the best thing you can do for yourself is get a Thai massage. Later, visit the nearby shrines. All of these can be covered on foot. Your first can be more about relaxing and adjusting to the new environment.  You may also visit the Grand Palace, which was built in 1782 and for 150 years, served as the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government. This place gets quite crowded, being one of the most famous tourist spots.  Do not forget to explore the Chatuchak market in Bangkok. Go for some local food tasting and shopping. Want to explore South Thailand as well? Check out our Guide on Patong, Phi Phi and Krabi If you have a flair for art, history and culture, I recommend that you do not miss out on Kanchanaburi. This is the city where you can breathe in the fresh air after escaping from the hustle of Bangkok. There are many things to do here. I am listing down a few of my favourites: Walk Over the Bridge on the River Kwai This is one of the most touristy (and crowded) spots of this region, having been popularised by the movie, The Bridge on the River Kwai. The iron bridge spans the Mae Klong River, which was later renamed as the Khwae Yai (or River Kwai) to align with the movie’s fame and to cater to tourists. The bridge is part of the historic Death Railway, a section of the Thailand-Burma Railway built by the Japanese during World War II using forced labour, including Allied prisoners of war and Asian civilians. Over 100,000 lives were lost during its construction due to harsh conditions, malnutrition, and abuse, hence the grim nickname. Enjoy the River Kwai We visited a stretch of the river lined with floating guesthouses, houseboats, and floating river rafts along the River Kwai. You can take a dip in the river, swim or relax your muscles. It is a perfect place to be and enjoy nature. Swim at the Erawan Falls The Erawan Falls in the Erawan National Park are breathtaking. There are seven tiers of waterfalls over here to explore, with turquoise blue pools and natural limestone steps. I had a chance to explore just the third one due to my tight schedule. Swimming in the multi-levelled pools of the Erawan Falls is a spectacular feeling.  You will find fish nibbling your skin here. So, be ready for a free foot massage. Cost: Entrance to the park is 300 baht (around $10). Planning to go to Phuket as well? Read – Things To Do in Phuket, Thailand Next, make your way to Ayutthaya, once the magnificent capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya flourished as a global trading hub and was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world at its peak. Unfortunately, it was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767, leaving behind hauntingly beautiful ruins that still echo its former glory. The best way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site is by bicycle which allows you to slowly take in the landscape as you ride past ancient temples, towering prangs, crumbling monasteries, and charming villages. The city is relatively flat and bike-friendly, with most of the ruins located close together on an island surrounded by rivers. If cycling feels too ambitious in the heat, you can opt for a tuk-tuk tour, which is equally fun and gives you the chance to relax while still covering the key historical landmarks. The places you must not miss are: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre. Chiang Mai is serene, green, and absolutely beautiful, and if you’re arriving by train, the scenic ride itself sets the tone for what’s to come. Start your day early with a visit to the renowned Elephant Nature Park, one of the most ethical and respected elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. This rescue and rehabilitation centre provides a safe haven for elephants rescued from logging, tourism, and abuse. Here, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with these gentle giants in a respectful, non-exploitative way.  Note: Avoid camps that offer elephant rides or performances. Elephant Nature Park promotes responsible tourism and animal welfare. In the evening, take a stroll

Have you been to Thailand yet? Thailand is a country with so much to see that travelling for a few days would not be enough to satisfy your wanderlust. This is why I recommend dividing and conquering. Hold on, not conquering in the real sense, of course. I recommend that you visit Thailand in parts and with some time on your hands.  In this blog, I will take you through my journey in South Thailand, where I visited Phuket, Phi Phi Islands and Krabi in an itinerary of three nights and four days.  How to Reach Patong? To reach Patong, you would have to take a flight to Phuket.  Phuket International Airport to Patong – The distance between Phuket International Airport and Patong is 34 kms. You can either take a taxi or a cab, or a bus. There are Airport Smart buses and shuttle buses that take you to Patong Town. To book a cab, you may use the Grab app.  Things To Do in Patong Bangla Road Nightlife – This area is an absolute party zone. The place is filled with music, entertainment spots, and lively bars. Just strolling through the street is an entertainment in itself. In fact, you can walk to the end of the street to relax on the beach. Cabaret Show – If you haven’t watched a Cabaret show in Thailand, it is as good as not visiting Thailand at all. This is a must-do activity while in Thailand. A cabaret show is a theatrical performance with extravagant costumes and dazzling choreography, often performed by Thailand’s transgender community and drag performers, known as ladyboys. Simon Cabaret is regarded as one of the best, as well as a family-friendly cabaret show. Massages and Spas – A Thai spa is, of course, a must-try when you are in Thailand. As soon as you reach Patong, you will find yourself amidst tons of choices available for a massage. It is up to you and your budget on what you would like to choose – low-cost local joints or a five-star spa. Coconut Ice cream – This is one of those things that tops my list of things to do in Patong. The fruit market, which is 10 minutes away from Bangla Road, has a coconut ice cream stall that serves the best coconut ice cream. In all honesty, the taste felt like bliss. Where to Stay in Patong? I would highly recommend that you stay somewhere near Bangla Street. It will give you access to the best nightlife and you can easily crash after a night of partying. You can easily book accommodation through any of the regular websites such as Booking.com, Airbnb, etc. If you are travelling on a budget, staying in a hostel is the way to go.  How to Reach Krabi? Minivan or a Bus: Take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to Phuket Bus Terminal, from where you can board a bus to Krabi. The journey usually takes 3 to 4 hours. You may book the ticket right at the station or online.  Taxi: For a more comfortable and quicker transfer, you may book a private taxi. Contact your hotel desk or check out the Grab app for the same.  Ferry: You can reach Ao Nang Beach of Krabi by taking a ferry from Rassada Pier, which is towards the south of Phuket. Most of the ferry companies offer a pickup service from your hotel. You can easily book this service at your hotel or through an online portal after a quick search. Things To Do in Krabi Ao Nang Street – Spend a night exploring Ao Nang Street, where the nightlife vibes are to be cherished. You can go for street shopping, enjoy a long-tail boat ride or gorge on great street food. Further, you can enjoy massages, good food and music at local bars. Ao Nang Beach – I loved the Ao Nang beach, mostly because of the two swings over here. The white sand and the beautiful surroundings over there will take your breath away. It is right next to Krabi Town, which lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.  Railay Beach – Railay Beach tops the list. Railay Beach is considered the most attractive beach in Thailand. However, this beach is accessible only via boat. If you want to spend a slow day, watching the sunset and doing nothing, I would highly recommend this beach.  Wat Tham Sua – Wat Tham Sua is where you can get a 360-degree view of the Andaman Sea as well as the island. A short climb of 1,237 steps leads you to the viewpoint. But this is just not it, you can also witness the caves here where monks reside. Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint – The viewpoint is 30 km away from Krabi town and is 565 meters above sea level. This place is famous for its hike, which offers breathtaking views after 2.5 hours of climbing. Klong Thom Hot Springs – If you want to relax your muscles, this might be the best option for you. The hot springs lie right in the middle of the rainforest. The temperature can go up to 40 degrees Celsius, and it contains natural mineral salts that have many healing properties. You can also visit the Emerald Pool nearby. Where to Stay in Krabi? It is better to stay close to Ao Nang beach as you will have access to both the beach and Krabi town. You can easily reserve a hotel on booking.com according to your budget and comfort. Again, staying in a hostel, if you are on a budget, will help you meet a lot of people from all over the world and won’t be too heavy on your pocket either. However, if you would prefer to stay in a hotel, you can easily find something on one of the online portals.  Want to explore North Thailand as well? Check out our North Thailand Guide How to Reach Phi Phi Island? Take a

Phuket, one of the most popular islands in the Andaman Sea, boasts of glorious beaches, clear azure waters, and forested mountains. It is the largest island in Thailand that is home to high-end resorts, many nightclubs, and seaside restaurants. A lot of travelers on their backpacking trip to Thailand often include this place in the itinerary to explore the historic old town of the island and enjoy must-see attractions. It is very easy to reach Phuket, and one of the most popular routes is Bangkok to Phuket and flying is the best way to travel. However, if traveling by train or bus, make sure that you get your booking done via a reputed booking platform as the journey can be lengthy. Once you reach the beautiful island, you will find a vast array of cultural attractions and some really interesting things to do in Phuket. Here is how to have some fun time in Phuket –  Visit Phi Phi Island Phi Phi Island is one of the most important landmarks in Thailand and one of the major reasons why tourists come here. Its beauty and allure will keep you magnetized, and you are sure to fall in love with the island, those sheer cliffs overhead, the beach-fronted jungles and vast expanses of beaches. If you love water sports and activities, then you shoul definitely try scuba diving in Phi Phi islands as well. It is home to countless beautiful dive sites and is a great place to take scuba diving courses as well. Planning to explore Ao Nang? Check out 6 Things to Do in Ao Nang Resort Town A Trip to Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Chalong Bay Rum Distillery makes delicious white rum which is already getting noted around the world. Take a tour of the distillery and learn how white rum is produced. You get to see how various cocktails are made at cocktail workshop and bar. The Nightlife of Phuket The island boasts of a vast collection of nightclubs and bars, and this is simply great news for all the nightlife lovers. Get ready for an after-dark stroll on the Bangla Road and a night full of fun ahead. Go Island-Hopping As the seas around Phuket are dotted with some absolutely stunning islands, it is a must to take a tour of them and cover a maximum of those islands. The best way to do this is via an island-hopping tour and enjoy real-life island escapes. You can swim, snorkel, explore, or simply sunbathe on the islands. Go See the Huge White Buddha The colossal white statue of Buddha perched at the top of the Nakkerd Hills is a famous landmark in Phuket. Almost every tourist goes to the Nakkerd Hills to see the Buddha statue and enjoy some panoramic views of the island. The Buddha sparkles in white and is made of sparkles. Relax on the Beaches Another great activity is to enjoy the stunning beaches of the island. There are dozens of beaches here, and each of them boasts of highlights like lively shores, secluded coves, and soft white sands. You can relax on those soft sands or swim in the clean blue seas. Most of the beaches still maintain a lot of its originality as they are still relatively untouched. Explore the Night Markets Phuket sure has its share of those famous night markets, and there are plenty to pick from. Each of those markets carries a unique charm and are an excellent place to enjoy and see the local culture. You can shop for local novelty items and interesting souvenirs as well as enjoy local street food and snacks. There is plenty of buzz here with all that food, music, and street performances. A Trip to Wat Chalong Another popular activity in Phuket is a trip to Wat Chalong as there is a lot to do and see here. The highlight of the trip includes Poh Jao Wat with the two statues of elderly men, the Grand Pagoda that contains a small bone splinter of Lord Buddha. The decorated pagoda depicts the life story of Buddha with images and pictures. Enjoy the Phuket FantaSea Show Done in a Las Vegas-style, the Phuket FantaSea Show is colorful, extravagant and professionally done. You sure have seen nothing like that on the planet. The extravaganza is highly entertaining, and there are elephants on stage, Trapeze artists and pyrotechnics that are based on a loose and amusing plotline. Well, while the above-listed suggestions are just a few of the things you could explore and enjoy in Phuket. When on the island, do not miss the sunrise and sunset views over the ocean.