Thailand

First time to Thailand, where to go?

My TOP 3 Places to Visit in Thailand for both locals and international tourists are Bangkok (The Capital), Phuket (The largest Island in the Andaman Sea), and Chaing Mai (The Northern Capital).

I can’t tell which one is the best for you, it depends on what you like the most. If you like the city go to the Capital (Bangkok) it’s the most convenient city in Thailand. Bangkok is easy to get around with buses, subways, elevated trains, water taxis, taxicabs, and Tuk -Tuks (for the more adventurous). Some people say, Bangkok is Thailand and Thailand is Bangkok!

If you like beaches and islands, go to the South of Thailand. Phuket is the most popular as seen in many tourist advertising, but the other beaches are really beautiful too. You just need to take a little time to study to pick the best for you. Tim loves beaches and Krabi is one of his favorites, so his vacations were always down to the South and Krabi three times!

If you like the Mountains and cooler weather, go North and try Chiang Mai which is the Northern capital. I love North of Thailand, I love mountains and I love Northern foods, so I liked to convince Tim to go there whenever I can!
Most Thais love the north as it is cooler than the other parts of Thailand.

But if you have more time, you can do them all (at least 2-3 weeks to get the most of those 3 places).

All other cities that I mentioned in the above map, they are quite popular and famous for all tourist as well. You just need to take time and start to travel around Thailand!

FYI: Thailand compares with the USA.

Thailand is not a big country, it’s an average 1 hr flight from the center to North and another 1 hr flight from the Center to the South. So I would say it takes about 2 hrs to fly from the North to the South!

Honestly, our transportation is good in Bangkok and the main cities, it’s a little more of a challenge when you get away from the tourist areas…

See our trip below for references!

Bangkok…

Welcome to the Grand Palace, a REAL Palace!!!พระบรมราชวังและวัดพระแก้วฯ Venice of the East!The Bangkok Canal Tours and Snake Farm
Wat Arun…The Temple of Dawn…Climp up and touch the history. Go Khao San Road by Boat Taxi -The large backpacker street!
Wat Pho, the Reclinning Buddha and home for Thai massage school. JJ Market (the Weekend market), this is a SUPER HUGE market!
Koh Kred, this is an island in Chao Phraya River. Shopping, Sightseeing and fun!

Bangkok at NIGHT

Siam NiramitThe cultural show, this is must see list! Train Market (the NIGHT weekend market), the Vintage flea market!
Asiatique Riverfront Great to hangout and good view by the river…  The Calypso Cabaret at Asiatique Riverfront…Nice ladyboy show!

Nearby Bangkok…

Visit 3 Great Temples but ton of histories in Ayutthaya (1hr away) Wat Muang (1.5 hrs away) the biggest sitting Buddha, walk pass the “Hell Garden”!
Kanchanaburi – The Scene of World War II- visit Cemetery, Death Railway, the Cave! Tiger Temple Let’s feed-pet-play with the tigers.(2.5 hrs away).
Get naughty in the Monkey Town – Lopburi (2.5 hrs away) The World’s Largest Crocodile Farm and Zoo (45mins away)
Pattaya- Cholburi.The closest beach from Bangkok (1 hr away) The Ancient City and the Erawan Museum (45mins away)
Most famous Floating Market “Damnoen Saduak” (Morning – 2hrs away) Lovely Floating Market “Amphawa” (Evening – 1.5hrs away)
Maeklong Railway Market, when it’s really on the lively railway (1.5hrs away)  Only one wish and once a year at Kitchagood Mountain, Chanburi (2 hrs away)

North of Thailand…

ChiangmaiTemplesPhrathat Doi Suthep and The Legend of The Four Buddhas’ Footprints Chiangmai Elephant Camps “Maesa and MaeTeang”
Chiangmai 5 Ideas for Day trip  Chiangmai at Night Khantoke- Night Safari and Sunday Night Market
PaiVisit the beautiful life and the night market. (TH: ปายและถนนคนเดิน) Pai…The most impression of Pai “Tham Lod” the beatiful cave. (TH: มหัศจรรย์ถ้ำลอด ปาย)
Pai…Full day trip in Pai!!! (TH:วันเดียวเที่ยวทั่วปาย)
Mae Hong Sorn, the Shangri-la of Thailand.
Trip from Pai to Mae Hong Sorn 1/2 (TH: แม่ฮ่องสอน1)
Mae Hong Sorn
Trip from Pai to Mae Hong Sorn 2/2 (continued from 1/2) (TH: แม่ฮ่องสอน2)
Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun – The White Temple