What you must see in Thailand!

I’ve been fortunate to visit the beautiful country of Thailand twice now, once with a group and once with a friend. Below I have the highlights that you must see and do across Bangkok and the Islands. Both extremely different experiences, I could go back to Thailand every year for the rest of my life and still not see it all!

Bangkok 2-3 Days

• Floating Market-Cruise around in a boat and pick up some local goods and foods

• Wat Phra Kaw-Another beautiful gold temple.

• Wat Arun-Take a river boat over to Wat Arun to enjoy Thai architecture.

• Wat Pho- A Massive Gold Reclining Buddha, a must see when visiting Bangkok!

• Chatuchak Weekend Market-Walk around this incredible market filled with trinkets and souvenirs, pick up some elephant pants as a cheap, fun and easy present to take home to your friends. After hours of roaming through the market you will certainly be hungry. Things to be eaten (besides literally everything) include: Garlic bread on a stick, Mango Ice Cream and Vietnamese noodles with pork. 

• Cooking Class-Learn to make Pad Thai, and other Thai dishes

• Check out the roof top bar at Lebua for a night cap and then head out on the town.

• Hop on a motor bike and visit someone Bangkok’s MASSIVE malls! Trust me, they have the most amazing food courts as well!

Next take an overnight train to Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park 1 Day/1 Night

You won’t want to miss the pristine lakes and limestone mountains, that make for the perfect IG photo. Spending the day tubing, kayaking and just hangin’ out. Khao Sok National Park has a wide variety of accommodations for any budget.  From the most basic (think beds in a room.) To more luxurious like a honey money sweet with more modern amenities. The idea of unplugging may sound scary to some but with plenty to do any look at you’ll forget that there’s only electricity from 6pm-11pm 

Koh Phangan-2-3 days

-Soak up the best of island life. Swim and snorkel around Koh Phangan on an island boat trip, learn the art of Muay Thai Boxing or relax with a private Yoga class. Then work on your tan with a cocktail by the pool before partying the night away on the beach!

Phuket-2-3 Days

Take a quick and painless flight from Bangkok to Phuket. There’s plenty to do in Phuket and you will definitely enjoy a change of pace and scenery

• Bangla Road-Very touristy but fun nonetheless (Think lady boys and strippers) 

• Go Beach Hopping-Check out beaches such as Banana Beach, Kata Not, Nad Then and Surin and the more touristy beach of Karon for a beautiful sunset.

• Visit the Big Buddha

• Swim with Elephants on the beach (http://www.triptophuket.com/tour_detail.php?id=63) 

• Wat Chalong Temple-The most important of the 29 buddhist temples of Phuket

Phi Phi Islands-1 day

Catch a ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi Island where you will witness some of the most amazing views you will ever see. If you’ve ever googled Thailand this is most likely what pops up. For around 1500 Thai Baht ($30 USD) you can rent a long boat with a driver who will take you to all of the local spots. Most boat tours will take you to the most popular spots and also some less touristy beaches and locations where you can cool down and snorkel with tropical fish. 

Bangkok (cont.) 2 days

• Hello Kitty Cafe-A place to fill up on delicious and equally cute desserts and drinks!

• Cabbage and Condoms Restaurant-A restaurant that prides itself on raising both awareness and money for an important causes.

• Jim Thompson House-The Jim Thompson House is a museum in central Bangkok, Thailand, housing the art collection of American businessman and architect Jim Thompson, the museum designer and former owner

• MASSAGES-Don’t forget to get as many massages as possible. You can find them on every street corner and of course in your hotel.

• Khao-San Road- *More Touristy fun*, Get a custom tailored suit, a fake driver’s license and a bucket of alcohol all in one place! Drink Responsibly.

That concludes my highlights for Thailand. Have more time? Head up to Chiang Mai for a completely different environment.

Ever been to Thailand? What tips would you give a first timer?