PUBLISHED ON TRAVELPULSE
When you think of Thailand, your mind likely conjures an image of pristine white sand beaches, perfectly turquoise waters, and postcard-perfect palm trees.
While that image certainly isn’t wrong, it represents just a small portion of Thailand. There is far more to this stunning Southeast Asian country than its iconic beaches. From the ancient temples in Chiang Mai to the vast metropolis of Bangkok to the island kayak views, Thailand is paradise in more ways than one.
Here are some highlights to solidify Thailand as a spot on your travel list.
The Temples
Thailand is rich with temples, but some of the most impressive are found up north in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. That’s because Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lan Na kingdom, one of the country’s first big Tai (Siamese) kingdoms.
You don’t have to be Buddhist, religious, or spiritual to enjoy these incredible structures. They are marvels of the mind and construction.
Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple)
At the top of the list is Wat Rong Khun, more commonly called the White Temple. Though an ancient temple once sat here, the White Temple you see today didn’t start construction until 1997. After years of detailed work, the temple you see today is nothing short of a masterpiece. And the artist claims there’s still more work to be done.
The entire temple is white to symbolize purity but to get to the temple’s pure interior; you first have to pass through features that represent overcoming desires, distractions, suffering, and hell.
This temple is far more than meets the eye and is worth a few hours of your time. (Just be warned – the crowds here do get quite large, so show up as early as possible.)
Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple)
This impressive temple’s blue color represents the Dharma and is even more vibrant in real life. It elicits an instant feeling of peace when in its presence, despite the fact that the temple was named after the tigers who used to live in this part of the country.
Inside the temple sits a giant white Buddha statue sitting in the position that represents when enlightenment was achieved. Many visitors to the temple sit on the floor in front of the Buddha to pray, take photos, or even just marvel at the surrounding beauty.
Wat Sri Suphan (The Silver Temple)
Nearly entirely clad in silver, this temple is the only one like it in Thailand. It was built in the 16th century and stands as one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. The traditional Lanna design runs throughout the temple, and though it has been renovated and modernized over the years, it still pays homage to its roots and traditions.
Old Lanna tradition prohibits females from entering the temple due to the fear that a woman’s pure spirit will “deteriorate” the sacred items inside. But women are free to walk around the exterior and take in its beauty.
A highlight of this temple is the monk chat sessions, where visitors can chat with a local monk about Buddhism and any other questions regarding the temple.
Where to Eat – Chiang Mai
It’s nearly impossible to go wrong with any Thai restaurant in this country, but one in Chiang Mai really takes the cake: Barrab Restaurant. Experience healthy, local food rich with flavor and variety here, sans all the sugar. It’s hard to do good Thai without sugar, but this place nails it.
Chiang Mai is home to a hot spot for top-tier Thai food. Called Dash Teak House, this place is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu, and the ambiance makes the food even more enjoyable. If you get lucky, you may even spot the restaurant’s resident cat.
For more healthy eats brimming with great flavor, head to Healthy Junk in Chiang Mai. This place leans more Thai than American in terms of dishes, but its great and reliable when you’re in need of a break from Thai flavors.
For tasty, guilt-free sweets, do not miss Happy Allergy Bakery. They specialize in low-carb and keto desserts so that you can indulge to your heart’s content. Plus, the garden area here makes for a great afternoon tea spot.
Where to Stay – Chiang Mai
For a great central location to all the great things in Chiang Mai, rest your head at Meliá Chiang Mai. (You’re likely to get the best sleep of your life in these comfortable beds.) Here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city while living in elegance and charm.
Be sure to check out the hotel’s signature Mai Restaurant. Serving contemporary Northern Thai dishes with a Mediterranean influence, this boasts some of the best food in the city. Post-dinner, head up to the hotel’s Mai The Sky Bar on the 22nd floor for beautiful views of the city, including the Ping River and the Doi Suthep Temple.
The Metropolis of Bangkok
No trip to Thailand is complete without experiencing the buzz of the capital city, Bangkok. The city is teeming with life everywhere you turn and has everything from bustling markets to rich history to nightlight like you’ve never seen.
This city is a sensory overload in the best of ways. And it has something for every kind of traveler.
*Note: that it takes quite a bit of time to get from one part of the city to the next due to the immense traffic, and things are quite spread out. So, plan for extra time in your transit itinerary while in Bangkok.
Iconsiam Mega Mall
If you love shopping, make your way to the new Iconsiam mega mall. Even if you don’t love shopping, you still want to go here. It’s far more than a mall – it’s an entire entertainment complex in the heart of the riverside district. Iconisiam offers luxury retail, cultural experiences, and top-notch dining.
Shop some of the country’s finest silk garments and unique souvenirs here mixed in with all your favorite international shopping brands. Embark on a culinary adventure through the mall’s indoor floating market. Dine at Michelin-starred establishments. Immerse yourself in cultural shows and exhibits. The options are endless!
Rajadamnern Stadium
Bangkok is the epicenter of Muy Thai, the “Art of Eight Limbs.” Whether you’re a follower of the sport or not, you’ll be highly entertained by experiencing a Muy Thai fight at Rajadamnern Stadium.
Known as one of the sport’s most iconic venues, world-class fighters come to Rajadamnern Stadium to challenge their skills and display their strength. Fights happen every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday allowing you to see for your own eyes not only the fights but also the rituals and ceremonies that are integral to this sport.
Khao San Road
Bangkok is known for its vibrant nightlife, and a hotspot for this action is Khao San Road. Live music, bar after bar, and neon lights bring this road to life when the sun goes down – and until the sun comes up.
If partying isn’t your thing, it’s still worth a walk down this road at night to just get a taste of what it’s like. You may find yourself staying out longer than planned.
Where to Eat – Khao San Road
Street food is an absolute must in Bangkok, and there’s no better place to try it than Khao San Road. Known as a backpacker haven, you’ll find street food here that will satiate all of your Thai cuisine dreams, including some of the spiciest Pad Thai in the country. You can even try out some friend insects or the country’s famous mango sticky rice for dessert.
If you’re up for spicy food (Thai spicy, not American spicy), try out Soei. This local favorite has “dangerously spicy” foods full of flavors that are sure to make your mouth go wild. Just make sure you can handle the heat before you dive in. Unassuming, this place will give you a true Thai dining experience.
Where to Stay – Khao San Road
For some peace from the hustle and bustle of the city, make your way to INNSiDE Bangkok Sukhumvit. This modern lifestyle hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. It has everything you could want in your Bangkok hotel: epic city views, a central location, spacious rooms, homage to local culture, and modernity. There’s even a dreamy co-working space to make those work tasks feel more enjoyable.
Don’t miss the hotel’s rooftop Spanish tapas bar, LUZ Bangkok. Chef Laia Ferrer infuses her Barcelona roots with lively Thai flavors to bring dishes you won’t find elsewhere in the city. Plus, the views here really seal the deal. With a sweeping, 360-degree look at the city and an infinity pool, LUZ offers a great way to enjoy Bangkok.
The Islands of Paradise
It’s no surprise that the islands of Thailand receive a lot of attention. They are truly magical, and each one has a unique feel, ensuring different experiences.
Ko Phi Phi
The archipelago of Ko Phi Phi serves as the ideal home base for island hopping around this stunning part of the country.
Ko Phi Phi itself is a bustling island that focuses on partying, but if that’s not your cup of tea, don’t worry. It is easy to escape the parties here and soak up the island’s other half: peace and serenity.
Explore the vibrant coral reefs via snorkeling and scuba diving. You may even spot some sharks (not the dangerous kind). Soak up the dreamy sunset views from inside in a kayak as you make your way around the island.
Don’t skip on a private boat tour to Maya Beach, the iconic beach made famous by the 1999 movie “The Beach.” Leave early (no later than 6:30 a.m.), and be ready to be on the beach with a swarm of tourists. But it’s worth it to soak up the beauty of this unforgettable bay.
Also, journey to neighboring islets like Bamboo Island and Phi Phi Leh to see Viking Cave, monkeys, and more off-the-beaten-path snorkeling.
The limestone cliffs, turquoise coves, and pure island energy of this island make this place one you’ll never forget.
Where to Eat – Ko Phi Phi
The high-priced restaurants here don’t feel worth the money, so stick to the local eateries.
Thankfully, they’re easy to find throughout the island and easy to get to by foot. Most of them serve similar food, so try your hand at a few to see which ones cook up your favorite Thai dishes the best.
Where to Stay – Ko Phi Phi
If you’re looking for luxury and quiet, you’ll love Zeavola Resort & Spa. Nestled in the lush jungle of the island, this resort features rustic teakwood villas that blend right in with nature. A truly immersive experience, Zeavola is only reachable by boat.
Ko Phangan
Known primarily for its Full Moon Party, this island offers much more than that. In fact, the Full Moon Part may be the least interesting thing about this place. Boasting hidden waterfalls, secret beaches, lush jungles, and a zen atmosphere, Ko Phangan is sure to be a favorite.
If you’re a yoga guru or an aspiring one, Ko Phangan is your heaven. In the northwest area of the island sits an area called Sri Thanu, which is home to an abundance of yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and wellness retreats. Here, you’ll find travelers from all across the globe fully immersed in the yogi lifestyle—an enviable one at that.
The beaches on this part of the island are a great place to catch sunset, enjoy drum circles, and maybe even a little fire dancing, too!
A stark contrast to the wellness vibes of this side of the island is the party-centric Haad Rin. Here you’ll find a party for every day of the week, and they aren’t just for tourists. Locals enjoy hanging in these parts, too. Hop in the back of one of the island’s famous truck taxis to be taken to the nearest party, and there, you’ll find a plethora of fun.
Where to Eat – Ko Phangan
Though far from fancy, Ko Phangan has some of the best food in Thailand. For classic Thai food at a great price, Mama Kop is the place. It’s a no-frills joint, but it doesn’t disappoint—especially the papaya salad.
If you’re looking for a break from Thai food and want something healthy, Health Bowl Salad is a favorite. You can build your own salad here, topped with tons of delicious, organic meats and vegetables with house-made dressings.
Even if you don’t imagine yourself to be a big Tahini fan, prepare to be converted by visiting the island’s Tahini House. The woman who owns this shop makes her own tahini in-house and makes delectable tahini bites that make for the perfect sweet treat. Dare you to eat just tone.
Kia Ora Cafe is the perfect cozy and cool place to grab a cup of coffee in the morning. Their no-laptop rule helps you really soak up the moment and enjoy being present with your mornings. You’re in paradise!
Where to Stay – Ko Phangan
Live in luxury at the all-inclusive Santhiya Resort. Dubbed an “eco-chic” resort, this property is spread across 18 acres of the dreamiest tropical scenery complete with lush jungle, a clear bay, and a private beach. And the teakwood rooms perched atop a cliff are a dream, too.
Though not a complete coverage of all the incredible places and experiences Thailand has to offer, these are some highlights that will hopefully spark a desire in you to explore this part of the world that is vastly different from the norm. So get out there, explore, and see what you can find!
