Bangkok

Welcome to the booming metropolis and capital city of Thailand: Bangkok.  Bangkok is a delight for travelers from all backgrounds.  Full of ancient temples and palaces, Bangkok is the perfect place for a history buff.  If you’re looking for good shopping and souvenirs, look no further than Bangkok’s bustling marketplaces, street stalls, and shopping centers.  Bangkok is a dream come true for foodies, whether you are looking for delicious street food or high-end Thai cuisine.  And if you are a backpacker looking to meet fellow travelers and share a few cocktails, Khao San Road is the place for you.  With an area of over 1500 square kilometers and a population of over 8 million, there is plenty to explore in Bangkok and travelers will never be bored.

Grand Palace

Bangkok’s Grand Palace is the most popular landmark in the city.  It’s stunning architecture and elaborate design make it a must-see for all tourists visiting the city.  Built in 1782 as home to the Thai King, the Royal court, and the administrative seat of government, vast amounts of Bangkok’s political and governmental history lie in the walls of the Grand Palace.  Most impressively, within the complex, lies the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaeo Morakot — home to Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture.

Floating Markets

There are five floating markets in the areas surrounding Bangkok.  The most popular one is Damnoen Floating Market.  The best way to visit the floating markets is to book a guided tour.  You will wake up very early in the morning and ride out of Bangkok in an air-conditioned minibus for about an hour before arriving at the floating markets.  When you have arrived, guests will climb in a long tail boat and take a 20 minute boat ride before they reach the market and begin drifting through the many stalls.  Enjoy bartering with the many vendors and just enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds all around.  Although the floating markets have become more of a tourist attraction than a local market, it is still an amazing experience and a nice morning away from hectic Bangkok.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is an ancient Thai city just outside of Bangkok.  Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of Thailand (then referred to as Siam), the first being Sukhothai.  In its heyday, due to its prime, central location between the surrounding countries, Ayutthaya was arguably the trade capital of the world.  Merchants travelled far and wide to reach this haven.  Then, in 1767, the burmese invaded the amazing city and burned it to the ground leaving behind only a few ruins to give travelers an idea of what the monumentally impressive city must have once looked like.  Recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, Ayutthaya is easily visited on a day tour from Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is another easy day trip from Bangkok.  Located in the west of Thailand, approx. 123 km from Bangkok, this city has great historical significance.  Take a day or two to travel to Kanchanaburi and visit famous sites like the Bridge over the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass, and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.  All three attractions give travelers deep insight into the environment and experiences gone through by allied prisoners of war in Kanchanaburi during the Second World War.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is considered to be the northern capital of Thailand and is an escape from the frenetic and hectic Bangkok.  The city was the original seat of the Lanna Kingdom and tends to be a very calm and laid-back place, popular with travelers and sightseers.  Famous for its incredible markets, delectable food and lush, mountainous landscape, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas.  Even just walking through the streets, visitors will realize that the city is a much more authentically Thai experience than its counterpart, Bangkok.

Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park is a popular place for locals and visitors alike.  Most well-known for its famous seven-tiered waterfall, the park gets its name from the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology.  Look out for playful and sneaky monkey-thieves as you trek up the many tiers, swimming in the clear blue pools at each level.  The park also hosts Tham Phra That, a cave with a variety of beautiful limestone formations and many different species of plantlife and wildlife including tigers, elephants, red giant flying squirrels, and king cobras.

Phuket

Although Phuket has become another of the many tourist-havens in Thailand, the island was originally sought after by money-hungry merchants from all over the world.  These influences from the outside are noticeably today as you walk through the streets.  From Sino-Portuguese architecture to Chinese Taoist shrines, the province has fused influences from far and wide to create a unique little paradise in the Andaman Sea.  No trip to Phuket is complete without visiting the beautiful white sand beaches and snorkeling through the famed Phang Nga Bay.

Railay Beach

Railay is a small peninsula between Krabi and Ao Nang. In order to reach Railay, one must take a boat due to the towering limestone cliffs that cut off access to the mainland.  Famous for rock-climbing, the area is also known for its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere.  It is easy to find affordable accommodation (not always true on Thailand’s coastlines).  Ton Sai is popular with climbers and backpackers while the more glamorous side of the peninsula is found in West Railay.  Many of the shops and restaurants are located on the East Railay boardwalk.

 Koh Pangan & Koh Samui

No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting these world-famous islands located in the Gulf of Thailand.  Many people struggle deciding between the two islands, but the truth is that both are a tropical paradise and host a wide variety of different experiences for travelers with different tastes.  Koh Samui is much bigger and closer to the shore, hosting an airport and three hospitals.  Koh Pangan is the smaller and more remote of the two islands, only reachable by ferry.  Both islands play host to beautiful white sand beaches with crystal-blue waters as well as gorgeous hikes and incredible views.