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Thailand<\/a> is one of my favorite countries in the world. Going to Thailand is like going home. That sense of energy, of adventure, of hectic cities<\/a>. I love it. I love the sense of wonder. The knowing that anything can happen.<\/p>\n I’ve been visiting for almost two decades and I’m always amazed by it. Every visit reminds me how much I love it, as I learn more about the culture and discover new and exciting things to do. The country is so big that it would take a lifetime to really see it in depth. <\/p>\n I want to share with you what makes Thailand so special to me and give you a little overview of the best things to do and see there \u2014 no matter how long your visit is! <\/p>\n Bangkok is like an onion. There are lots of layers, and the best are far from the tourist haunts. They are the little places you only find if you live there (or read this blog!). In Bangkok, there is always some event being held; the food is incredible whether it’s from a street stall, floating market, or high-end restaurant; the parties…well, one night in Bangkok is like nothing else; the locals are very friendly; and, because of all the travelers and expats living here, it’s a very international city. You’ll never be bored here.<\/p>\n RELATED ARTICLES<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are islands for all needs: party islands, resort islands, dive islands, chill islands, empty islands filled with a few huts and not much else, islands with resorts, yoga retreats<\/a>, or waterfalls, and some that mix a little bit of everything! <\/p>\n With more than a thousand islands to choose from, you are going to find something that suits your needs.<\/p>\n My favorite islands in Thailand are Ko Lipe<\/a>, Ko Lanta, Ko Samet, Ko Phangan<\/a> (where you’ll find the famous Full Moon Party<\/a>), Ko Jam, and Ko Maak.<\/p>\n RELATED ARTICLES<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some of the best trekking can be found up north near Chiang Rai in Khao Yai Park<\/a> (where you can see wild elephants), and in Khao Sok<\/a>, which is famous for its caves and limestone.<\/p>\n RELATED ARTICLES<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elephants have been used for tourism and work for centuries in Thailand, with many elephants suffering in the process. Elephant riding has led to a lot of abuse and exploitation. Fortunately, there are a number of animal-friendly sanctuaries where you can see the elephants up close, feed them, and take care of them in a manner that’s a win for everyone involved. There is a conservation park near Chiang Mai<\/a> where you can help these wonderful creatures during a single-day or multi-day volunteer experience.<\/p>\n But whatever you do, never ride an elephant!<\/p>\n RELATED ARTICLES<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thailand without the food would be like France<\/a> without the wine or Italy<\/a> without pasta. I highly recommend trying some pork noodle soup. It’s one of the few Thai dishes you won’t find elsewhere in the world (though I did find it at Berlin’s Thaipark market<\/a>, which has the best Thai food outside of Thailand). <\/p>\n Other awesome dishes to try: khao soi, pad kra pao, som tam, laab, and endless amounts of mango sticky rice. In short, you can’t really go wrong with the street food here. It’s tasty and it’s cheap!<\/p>\n RELATED ARTICLES<\/strong><\/p>\n Get all my best travel tips along with these free guides:<\/p>\r\n Enter your info below to get your FREE<\/strong> guides sent to you today!<\/p>\r\n
\n <\/p>\n1. Bangkok’s Chaotic Nature<\/h3>\n
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\nThe capital of Thailand, Bangkok<\/a>, is a crazy city that moves at a lightning-fast pace. I didn’t like it when I first visited: the noise, crowds, heat, pollution, and seemingly endless number of people \u2014 it was all too much. But after living there, I saw how wonderful the city really is. <\/p>\n\n
2. Amazing Beaches<\/h3>\n
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\nThailand\u2019s beaches and islands are some of the best, most photographed, and most beautiful in the world. A picture\u2019s worth a thousand words, and this photo proves why you should visit Thailand better than any words I could say. <\/p>\n\n
3. Epic Tropical Jungles<\/h3>\n
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\nThailand<\/a> is awash with tropical jungles filled with wildlife, great views, and incredible landscapes. These jungles make for great day trips or multi-day trekking excursions that can give you a sense of the country’s rich biodiversity. There’s nothing like trekking through a tropical jungle to nurture your inner explorer! <\/p>\n\n
4. Volunteering with Elephants<\/h3>\n
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\nMost people visit Thailand to go diving and see the brightly colored fish and gorgeous underwater sights, but there are plenty of amazing creatures to see on land \u2014 including elephants!<\/p>\n\n
5. Delicious Thai Food<\/h3>\n
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\nThai food is known around the world to be delicious, and you can bet it’s even better in Thailand. The best food comes from the street vendors, who serve up the tastiest, spiciest food in the country. Just find the stalls where the locals are crowding around to get the best of the best. <\/p>\n\n
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