I have travelled to Thailand numerous times. As Asia-raised youngsters, this was our retreat! From the first time I saw it at age 4 until the last time I saw it at age 24, it changed drastically!
A friend and I travelled to Thailand for two weeks in 2014 with many destinations in mind.
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, there are a few items and locations you should investigate before you arrive. From must-try foods to the local currency, here is everything you need to get started.
Bangkok
Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market
The only Thai floating market without the touristy push is Bang Khu Wiang. Monks arrive by boat in the early morning on their daily ‘tak baat’ (alms round), and a variety of farm-fresh produce is offered.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
A Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of the Grand Palace.
The Grand Palace
The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, court, and royal government were based on the palace’s grounds until 1925.
Soi Rambuttri
Rambuttri gives you a taste of how Bangkok used to look before all the skyscrapers arrived.
Chao Phraya River
A major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain, forms the country’s centre. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand
Train night market
The Train Night Market Ratchada, also known as Talad Nud Rod Fai, is a new offering from the people behind the venerable Train Night Market in Srinakarin, but the new branch is only a two-minute walk from the MRT.
MBK Center (Ma Boon Khrong Center) is A pretty great supermarket, mall, and market in ONE!
Wat Mahathat
The headquarters of Thailand’s most significant monastic order and Vipassana Meditation centre, Wat Mahathat, is an important centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation.
Jim Thompson House, The Jim Thompson House, is the home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur who was the founder of the world-renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk company.
Klongs
A canal on the central plain of Thailand. These canals are spawned by the Chao Phraya, the Tha Chin, the Mae Klong Rivers, and their tributaries.
The Thai word Khlong is not limited to artificial canals. Many smaller rivers are referred to as “Khlong”, followed by the name of the stream.
Khaosan Road Khao San Road – The popular book ‘The Beach’ famously described Khao San Road as “the centre of the backpacking universe”.
Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy was named after the cowboy hat-wearing African-American who opened the first bar in the early 1970s.
This red-light district has a more laid-back, carnival-like feel than Patpong or Nana Plaza. Vertigo and Moon Bar – Banyan Tree Hotel Sathorn – 61st Floor.
Reaching for the clouds at Vertigo and Moon Bar on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel is one of the best ways to end a long day in Bangkok.
Krabi – (Ao Nang)
Phra Nang Beach
Phra Nang Beach Guide. Phra Nang Beach (Phra Nang Peninsula) Phra Nang beach is part of a small peninsula located between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang beach.
Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)Sa Morakot (Emerald Pool), is located in the “Khao Pra-Bang Kram Wildlife Sanctuary” in Klong Thom District, Krabi.
The hot spring originated from a warm stream in the lowland forest of Khao Nor Chuchi.
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
Boat Tours
Take a boat trip to paradise, Snorkel, swim and just soak up the sun and the unbeatable beauty.
Thai Cooking Class
Krabi Thai Cookery School offers one-day cooking courses introducing the ingredients & preparation of classical Thai cuisine dishes.
Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village)
Thailand is notable for being built on stilts by Indonesian fishermen. The population comprises 360 families or 1,685 people descended from 2 seafaring Muslim families from Java.
Huai To Waterfall
Huai Yai waterfall is a small waterfall with remarkable scenery. To visit the destination, take highway No. 304 for 6 kilometres to the market, and you will reach the entrance, which is a 20-meter sloped walkway.
Koh Phi Phi
At Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
At Phi Phi ViewPoint you will find a tropical hideaway with white sands and crystal clear waters. Ko Phi Phi LeIt is an island in the Phi Phi archipelago in the Andaman Sea. It is part of the Krabi Province of Thailand.
Bamboo Island
Here, no high rocky peak. Just a small beach of white sand that emerges from the turquoise waters.
Maya Bay
Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay that’s sheltered by 100-metre-high cliffs on three sides. Inside the bay there are several beaches, most are small and some only exist at low tide.
The main one is approximately 200 meters long, with silky soft white sand, colorful underwater coral, and exotic fish in clear water; the entire bay is one large reef. Also famously known for Leonardo DiCaprio’s film (The Beach).
Mosquito Island
Relaxed and no tourists, you need to book a private visit by boat to get here. Fantastic for snorkelling and taking in the scenery.
Monkey Beach
Northwest of Loh Dalam Bay, the hidden cove of Ao Ling (Monkey Bay) is home to a colony of monkeys, not shy at all, who do not hesitate to climb onto the legs of their visitors in search of a banana.
Ao Ton Sai
Ton Sai is a beach near Krabi in Thailand, offering a combination of inexpensive accommodation and great rock climbing routes that make it popular with both backpackers and climbers alike.
Viking Cave
There are two main islands that makeup Ko Phi Phi; Phi Phi Ley and Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Ley can be reached by a short boat ride but overnight stays are not permitted. Phi Phi Don is where the natives and tourists stay but there are regular boat tours to Phi Phi Ley to see attractions such as this.
FOOD
People know Thailand for its FOOD! The taste, amount of food, and service! It’s not like that. The best street stops are on every corner, have menus with pictures, and sell Pad Thai, spring rolls, omelettes, smoothies, mango, and rice for no more than £3. BARGAIN! Here are some things you MUST do when you come!
MONEY
The exchange rate between the Thai baht and most European and North American currencies is fair. This is one of the reasons why so many people visit Thailand every year.
Remember that exchange rates can change at any time, even every day. There are about 55 Thai baht per pound right now, but keep in mind that this can change every day.
