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Explore
Bangkok
Bangkok’s food scene is world-renowned - you’ll find amazing food everywhere from street stalls, inside shopping malls, to refined restaurants. The city offers a huge variety of both local and international cusines from all over the world. Some more fancier restaurants will require reservations in advance, but many places you can just walk-in or call closer to the date.
Mountains in Northern Thailand
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its ancient temples, green landscapes, and vibrant night markets. It offers a beautiful balance of culture, nature, and modern charm. The coffee culture in Chaing Mai is great, and you have to try Khao Soi while you’re there.
Some must visit places just outside of Chiang Mai we recommend is Araksa Tea Garden and Elephant Nature Park. You can do a day trip where you visit both places.
Chiang Rai
A quieter, more soulful neighbor to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is home to striking temples like the White Temple and serene countryside scenery. It’s a haven for art, spirituality, and slow-paced exploration. It’s less developed but if you’re looking for an off the beaten path trip, it’s a gret town to explore!
Pai
A small mountain town surrounded by rice fields and waterfalls, Pai is beloved for its laid-back vibe and bohemian spirit. It’s not easy to get to (you have to fly to Chiang Mai, and then it’s a 3 hour car ride), so it should only be an option for those who are in Thailand for a decent amount of time.
Sites
Temples:
Wat Pho, Grand Palace (Wat Prakaew), Wat Arun, Wat Traimit
*Please note that when you visit temples, please dress modestly (shoulders should be covered, and wear long pants/skirts). As Thailand in in the mourning period for Queen Sirikit, when visiting temples, we would recommend you dress in more subdued colors to show respect.
Museums:
National Museum, Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, Jim Thompson House, MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Markets:
Chatuchak (Weekend market), Jodd Fairs Night Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (1 hour drive outside of city), Sook Siam (indoor market in ICONSIAM)
Getting Aroud Bangkok
BTS (Sky Train): Most convenient way to get around central Bangkok. Unless you’re going to a shopping mall, you’ll likely need to use another mode of transport to get to your final destination.
MRT (Underground): Depending on where in the city you need to get to, MRT could be useful.
Taxis/Grab App: Please download the Grab App prior to your trip to Bangkok (equivalent to Uber & Lyft). Not only can you order your taxis through here, you can also order food delivery.
Tuktuks: You can hail these on the street. Be sure to negotiate your price before you get on so you don’t get ripped off.
Motorcycles: A more dangerous option, but a fast option for short distances and if you’re stuck in traffic. They mostly take cash only.
**Worst Traffic Times (Weekday): 8-10am, 12-1pm, 4-8pm - so if you plan on taking a taxi, factor in extra time for traffic because Google Maps is not always accurate.
We recommend you travel with some cash (Thai Baht) as cards are accepted in malls and store, but not at more local market stalls.
Many of you have asked about where to shop in Bangkok. There are plenty of Shopping Malls and Department Stores (Emporium, EmQuartier, EmSphere, Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM, etc) where you can find high-end international brands, but also local Thai Designers as well. Thai malls also have an insane amount of restaurants and food stalls, so you can explore everything in one place.
For a more local items, you can find that at Chatuchak market.
Beaches in Southern Thailand
Phuket
Thailand most famous island! Phuket is known for it’s nightlife, a lot beautiful resorts, and is more of a hub to go to other islands. There is an Old Town area where you can explore as well, but we would recommend renting or staying at a nice place and relaxing there. Also, we highly recommend you take a 1 day boat trip out to the islands to explore.
**Please note that Phuket island is really big so it takes a long time to travel to different locations.
Koh Samui
Located in the Gulf of Thailand (east), Samui is smaller than Phuket and will feel more like an island. There are plenty of beautiful hotels here and the beaches are more serene and peaceful compared to Phuket.
Krabi
Defined by its dramatic limestone cliffs and emerald waters, Krabi is one of Thailand’s most picturesque coastal destinations. It’s ideal for island-hopping (much closer than Phuket to the islands!), rock climbing, or just relaxing by the beach.