Thailand

Overview:

Thailand, the traveler's paradise, is the 8th most traveled destination in the world. In 2019, almost 40 million people traveled to Thailand. The logistics of getting from place to place is incredibly easy, and many people speak English. This makes it a great place to travel for beginner travelers or seasoned ones, especially if they are looking for tasty food, nice people, and great ocean activities like scuba diving for a cheap price.

Things to do:

Thailand seems to have an unlimited amount of things to do. From culture and food in the rolling hills of the north of Thailand to the scuba diving paradise in Koh Tao. There is always an easy way to get there and somewhere in between to admire.

Cost:

Typical Meal: $2 - $4 , Hostel: ~$10 - $15, Beer: $1 - $3

Ease of Travel: You can ask anyone how to get somewhere and they will either book you a ticket or get you to someone who can. Seriously!

Food: Chef's kiss!

Safety: Mopeds are typically the most dangerous thing here.

Cultural Friendliness: Everyone is very willing to help you with anything you need

Things to do: Just about everything...

Where to go

Ordered by my personal overall experiences.

  1. Koh Tao

Koh Tao is the 2nd cheapest place on earth to get your scuba diving license. With a 3.5 day course at around $350, you can get your PADI license to allow you to scuba dive anywhere on earth!

It's a small island and if people aren't scuba diving, they are most likely enjoying the beach or partying. It's not as much of a party island as its neighbor Koh Phanang, but they still know how to throw a good shindig.

Food: "Mama tam (Mama's)" - per google maps. This restaurant is a must-eat! I went there every day to get their pad thai which was the best I had in all of Thailand!

2. Chiang Mai

The food, the people, the price; everything you want in a nomadic lifestyle. This city located in the northwest part of Thailand is home to thousands of nomads who call this city home. The native people here are amazingly friendly and will offer help at a moment's notice. If possible, visit during Songkran. During this holiday, the whole city turns into a water gun fight and no one is safe. It brings out the best in people and you get to see the true culture of the city.

Food: Khao Soi - A food you have to try if you visit Chiang Mai. It's hard to find throughout the world and they do it best in Northern Thailand.

3. Koh Phanang

"The Party Island" - This is where the Full Moon Party started! If you are looking for a party go here. Typically people look to go during the Full Moon Party or the Half Moon Party, but they typically have parties throughout the month. Be careful with the fire jump rope, don't let drunk confidence end your trip early.


4. Khao Sok National Park

One of Thailand's finest national parks. Take a boat ride out and spend a night in the jungle to go caving and trekking in the morning, come back to a freshly caught fish dinner that's to die for.

Things to Bring:

5. Pai

A relaxed Thai experience with incredible views of the Thai Countryside, mountains, and Northern Thai culture. When you get here after you plan your trip, try the khao soi!

6. Koh Phi Phi

Wow, this island is incredibly beautiful. While you're here, you're gonna see some stuff... Drunk tourist boxing, monkeys climbing on people (Don't do this! Unless you want to have to get a rabies shot), fire dance after fire dance. On such a small island it's hard to avoid the amount of entertainment that is provided.

Things to Bring:

7. Krabi

Loveley beaches in a resort town with a lot of mountain climbing!

8. Bangkok

A roaring city! A lot to see and do here. I'd recommend going to a local market and seeing a part of the true Bangkok culture.

9. Koh Lanta

The amount of tourists who get in moped crashes is no joke! Koh Lanta is where I learned to ride a moped, and of course, it's where I learn to crash one too. Long story short, a bug fly into my nose and I couldn't get it out, causing me to crash. Thankfully no serious injuries and we chillin.

There are really nice beaches here, and it's a very relaxed atmosphere tending to an older crowd.

10. Phuket

In my humble opinion this is a tourist trap. Instead of going to a ping pong show go up to Khao Sok and experience a more true Thailand.