Thailand’s gorgeous beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, and diving. It’s got amazing temples and stunning palaces. The local cuisine is outstanding, with fantastic curry and noodle dishes.
With a population of over 68 million, Thailand is the world’s 21st most populous country. It’s a great country for a tropical vacation; its dazzling beaches are perfect for relaxing or swimming, and there’s excellent diving in the warm, clear water. The history and culture and fascinating as well, and there are beautiful Buddhist temples everywhere you look. The northern region’s mountains and jungles also host world famous wildlife sanctuaries.
For critical information, see our Thailand at a Glance.
Itineraries
Eat & Drink
Arun Residence
A hotel overlooking the Chao Phraya River, the Arun Residence is almost directly across from Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). The Arun Residence has a rooftop deck that’s a great spot to have a drink and take in the views of the river. The roof deck isn’t open for lunch, but the main restaurant downstairs also has a deck right on the river.
See
Grand Palace Bangkok
Bangkok’s most popular site houses several temples and religious buildings as well as the palace and a few government buildings. Every structure on the palace grounds is ornately decorated and stunningly beautiful. The religious buildings on the raised terrace to your left as you enter were particularly beautiful.
Wat Arun
Much smaller than either Wat Pho or the Grand Palace, Wat Arun is nonetheless one of Bangkok’s most iconic sights. It’s the only wat in Bangkok that tourists are allowed to climb.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The largest market in Thailand, the Chatuchak market is a seemingly endless maze of temporary stalls and more permanent shops that sell almost anything you could possibly imagine. There are all the typical Thailand souvenirs you’ll see throughout the country, but there are also flowers, dishes, clothes, books, watches, luggage, and even exotic animals.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Who knew you didn’t have to go to Chiang Mai to see elephants in Thailand? There are actually two of these: the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Treetops Elephant Reserve. They are both ethical areas for aged and injured elephants. Both aim to educate visitors on the lives of elephants and cruel practice of riding them. […]
Wat Pho
Wat Pho is a large temple complex with numerous religious buildings, hundreds of Buddhas, and a massage school. Be sure to see the reclining Buddha and to get a reasonably priced massage.
Jim Thompson House
This is actually the home of the American Jim Thompson who was extraordinarily wealthy from the Thai silk he sold during the mid-20th century. The house is now a museum of antiques and artwork. Part of the property is made up of traditional teak houses from Ayutthaya (formal capital of Thailand) and the surrounding garden is beautiful.
More
Bang Kachao
Considered the greenest part of Bangkok and literally dubbed Bangkok’s “green lung”, this is a man-made island just outside the city. It has a huge park, temples, spirit houses, and a floating market. You can wander the nicely paved trails or rent a bike. It’s easiest to get to via long boats from Wat Klongtoey […]
Lumphini Park (สวนลุมพินี)
Bangkok’s Central Park, Lumphini Park is quite beautiful, full of green space with a lazy stream flowing through it and the occasional monitor lizard crossing the road that runs in a broad, sweeping loop around the park.
centralwOrld
A gigantic shopping mall. The mall lives up to its reputation for enormity; it’s a maze of stores on several floors that would take days to explore fully. It’s also hugely expensive; prices were about what we’d expect to pay in major cities in the United States.
Do
SCUBA Diving Phuket
If you’re not a certified diver, this the perfect opportunity to try SCUBA diving in Phuket. The water is beautiful, the boat is nice, and the lunch is good. More importantly, you get to visit incredible dive sites, and our instructor was off-the-charts great.
Phang Nga Tour
A great way to see Phang Nga Bay and some of the islands off of Phuket. Most of the stops are absolutely worthwhile. The caves, James Bond Island, and the boat ride itself are beautiful.
Chao Phraya River Cruise
Bangkok is also known as the Venice of the East because of its many canals. What better way to explore than by boat along the Chao Phraya River? Along the way you’ll see towering hotels, historic temples, and local lodgings. Many people in Thailand live along the river and the river supplies their livelihood. Our […]
Stay
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
The JW Phuket is an all-inclusive resort set on the beautiful Mai Khao beach on the northwestern edge of Phuket Island. Mai Khao beach is in a national park, and the JW is the only resort allowed to build on the beach.
Courtyard Bangkok
A great value for a stay in Bangkok. Nice location near Lumphini Park (สวนลุมพินี), centralwOrld, and the SkyTrain (though it’s a fairly long ride to the river where the temples and primary tourist attractions are). The hotel doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s very nice and comfortable on the inside.