Thailand
Phi Phi Island
Thailand
Thailand, a Southeast Asian country, is famous for its tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate temples adorned with Buddha figures. In the capital, Bangkok, ultramodern skyscrapers rise alongside quiet canalside communities and iconic temples like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Popular nearby beach resorts include Pattaya and Hua Hin, while offshore islands such as Ko Samui and Phuket offer palm-fringed beaches and scuba diving, and Ko Pha Ngan is known for its raucous full-moon parties. The Phang Nga Bay boasts dramatic limestone karsts, and in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai features a historic Old Town and hill-tribe handicrafts. Archaeological sites at Ayutthaya and Sukhothai preserve ancient temple and palace ruins, while national parks like Khao Yai and Khao Sok provide rainforest trekking and wildlife experiences. Regional cuisines are aromatic and complex, often featuring fiery spices.
Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is known for its ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The Chao Phraya River, filled with boats, weaves through canals and past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby, Wat Pho houses a giant reclining Buddha, and across the river, Wat Arun rises with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire. Traditional teak structures like Vimanmek Palace and the Jim Thompson House contrast with the city’s modern skyline. Shopping ranges from upscale mega-malls in Ratchaprasong to thousands of tiny stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok’s renowned food scene spans spicy street snacks to fine dining, while nightlife options vary from swanky rooftop lounges to basic backpacker bars and the infamous Patpong district.
Mango and Sticky Rice
Mango and sticky rice is a delicious flavor combination that’s hard to resist in Bangkok, whether as a mid-afternoon snack or dessert after dinner. During mango season (April to May), street vendors make it widely available, but outside that period, it can be harder to find. Luckily, many permanent mango dessert shops exist in Bangkok’s mega malls, with Yenly Yours being a favorite, conveniently located in MBK Center, CentralWorld, and Siam Center, offering a cool retreat from Thailand’s heat.
Aaron
When in Bangkok, one must try morning glory, a dish made from water spinach that’s ubiquitous across Thailand and a true example of Thai cuisine at its finest—salty, spicy, and slightly tangy. For an extra treat, pair it with crispy pork neck, plentiful in Bangkok, and enjoy it with the signature spicy Thai sauce. The combination of morning glory, crispy pork neck, and fiery sauce creates an intoxicating flavor experience that’s hard to forget.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular stir-fried rice noodle dish that, despite its Chinese origins, has become a beloved culinary icon for tourists in Thailand. It’s made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic or shallots, red chili, and palm sugar, typically served with lime wedges and crushed peanuts. Often, it’s accompanied by bean sprouts, garlic chives, and sometimes banana leaves, creating a flavorful and aromatic experience.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace in the heart of Bangkok is a sprawling complex that has served as the official residence of Thailand’s kings since 1782. While modern kings now live in other royal residences, the Grand Palace remains the site for official ceremonies and state functions. Its stunning architecture, historical significance, and cultural importance make it one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions.
Patong Beach
Patong is a beach resort town on Phuket Island’s west coast, along the Andaman Sea. Its crescent-shaped sandy beach is lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, while the lively nightlife spills onto Bangla Road and the Patong OTOP Shopping Paradise, featuring beer bars, go-go bars, nightclubs, massage parlors, and cabarets.
Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is a modern Buddhist temple on Koh Samui, Thailand. Its centerpiece is a Chinese-style Guanyin statue with 18 arms, representing compassion and mercy, situated on a platform pavilion in the temple lake. The temple blends Chinese and Thai design elements, created in part by Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming, and also features a white Budai statue and smaller shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva, and Sakka, making it a vibrant spiritual and cultural site.