Destinations

Have you ever wanted to paint with elephants, explore temples, tear around in a tuk tuk, and relax on a beautiful beach–all in one vacation? If so, you should definitely consider Thailand for your next getaway.

My journey began in Bangkok, the bustling city famed for its congested chaos. Staying here can either be an exhausting or invigorating experience, depending on your frame of mind. I’d highly suggest staying in a hotel on the Chao Phraya River–the water provides a welcome respite from the crowded streets, and many of the hotels have excellent views.

Be sure to see the Royal Palace while in the city, and take a long-tail boat ride through the rural klongs (canals) to see how the locals live. Bangkok has an efficient Skyrail system that is very simple to use, and a newly completed, air-conditioned subway that is easy to navigate. If you choose to explore the city via tuk tuk, be sure to agree on a price with your driver before you climb into the vehicle! Take a day to travel out to the famous floating market (it’s about 45 minutes outside of the city)–this is best seen with a private guide, who can then take you on a cycling tour through the gorgeous surrounding countryside. The roads are nearly vacant, and your ride will take you through aloe and coconut plantations.

The northern part of the country is not to be missed. Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai have remained relatively untouched by the hordes of tourists. There is a phenomenal hotel in Chiang Rai that is a destination unto itself, so be sure to stay at the Anantara Resort and Spa if you travel to the area. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed (with deep soaking tubs), and most of them boast views of the resort’s gorgeous infinity-edge pool and the Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar intersect). Across the street from the hotel is the Hall of Opium, and admission is free for hotel guests. The museum takes you on a journey through the history of opium and its devastating effects on Southeast Asia.

In Chiang Mai, be sure to spend one day with the elephants. The Mae Sa Elephant Camp offers an incredible one-day training program that teaches you how to be an elephant trainer (mahout)! You will receive your own official uniform, learn how to get on and off the elephant (without a ladder!), bathe the animal, take a ride through the jungle, and learn basic commands. The best part of the day is painting with the elephant–the animal actually holds the brush in its trunk and you tell it what to paint!

Finally, hit up the beach! Koh Samui is a picturesque tropical island (only a 1 hour flight away from Bangkok) that offers a variety of activities and accommodations. Take a full-day excursion out to Ang Thong National Marine Park for kayaking, snorkeling, and trekking. Visit Chaweng Beach for nightlife (if you’re of the younger generation), and Bophut Beach if you’d like to have dinner in a nice beach-side restaurant. The best thing to do in Koh Samui is relax! Many of the hotels are beach-side and have great pools.

The best time of year to visit is between November and February–this is when temperatures will be at their lowest (meaning still in the 80s with reasonably high humidity in Bangkok and Samui. The north is much cooler). Mid-April is Songkran (the Thai New Year), which is an event not to be missed. Children and adults alike line the roadsides with buckets of water and running hoses, dousing locals and strangers as they pass. April is the hottest month of the year, so the cold water is welcomed by most; it is a time of joy and celebration in the country as everyone welcomes the wet season that lies ahead.

One Response to “Vacation in Thailand”

1. Genevieve80 Says:
   July 23rd, 2008 at 8:14 pm

   Interesting because while searching the net I found your blog about Destinations » Blog Archive » Vacation in Thailand of course i dont agree with everything but you have good points. thx for the info!

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