The place where the sun always shines, the people are always smiling,  wearing makeup almost feels taboo, and sandy toes, salty hair and a semi-soaked bathing suit are a permanent part of your wardrobe.

You’ve heard of it. You’ve seen pictures, you’ve watched movies, but I promise, NOTHING compares to experiencing all the amazing things that make up this incredible country.

Some people will disagree with me. They’ll say it’s overrated, and now overrun with tourists, but it’s the one place I went on my trip that I find myself missing the most.

Unlike Greece, I can’t pinpoint a specific event or moment when Thailand ended up on my bucket list. It’s just always been there. Maybe it was my cousin’s crazy stories of partying all night on the beach, or hearing about the incredible food (if you know me, you know Thai food is my all time favorite), or the photos that look so beautiful you’re convinced they’re photoshopped. Who knows, but Thailand truly is incredible and I’m here to tell you why. Here’s to hoping that Thailand ends up on your bucket list after reading this post.

Bangkok

The capital city and LOADED with people. If you think traffic is bad in Edmonton or Vancouver during rush hour, you’ve obviously never weaved the streets on the back of a Tuk Tuk at anytime of the day in Bangkok. It’s the true definition of a sensory overload. You experience smells you didn’t know existed. Car horns honk almost constantly, and the skyline is a sight in itself with temples popping up wherever you look. On our first day, we loved it. We loved everything about it. I was in awe of the kindness of the people, and the amazing temples we visited. Upon returning to Bangkok for a second and third time after being in Koh Phi Phi and Chiang Mai, Bangkok very quickly fell to the bottom on my favorite Thai city list, and you will soon discover why.

Koh Phi Phi (pronounced Ko Pee Pee)

It took quite some time and a lot of research to decide what island we would visit while in Thailand. I honestly can’t even tell you what the deciding factor was, but I can tell you, it was postcard gorgeous! Aside from a bed bug incident (let’s be honest, this is more than likely going to happen to you when traveling Thailand, it’s almost inevitable), Koh Phi Phi was everything you would hope for in a Thai Island.

I still remember being in awe of the landscape. Stunning blue water, beautiful white sand beach, giant cliffs covered in jungle with the brightest green. It seemed like a dream, and it was all right there in front of me.

We decided to do a long boat tour while staying on Koh Phi Phi, and it was by far, the most incredible day. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I am a research fiend and there were so many positive reviews for Mr. Chet’s Long Boat Tour, we couldn’t resist. It was everything we’d hoped for, and more!

Let me paint a picture for you. You’re in a secluded lagoon. Just you, your travel partner, your tour guide, and the driver of your longboat. The water is crystal clear. Meaning, you can literally see to the bottom of the lagoon. You’re surrounded by giant cliffs covered in greenery. And your floating. Literally and figuratively. This picture is a reality in Koh Phi Phi, and you have to experience it.

Phuket (pronounced Poo-ket)

Even though our time in Phuket was very short (2 days) it was still memorable. This likely has to do with our night at Patong Beach, but still, if you have a chance to visit Phuket, you won’t be disappointed.

One of the most popular attractions in Phuket (aside from Patong Beach), is the Big Buddha. It was amazing. And most definitely a must if you find yourself in passing through this Thai city.

Chiang Mai (pronounced Chang My)

This was probably my favorite Thai city . It’s the second largest by population, but didn’t feel nearly as busy as Bangkok did. And that’s the appeal. There are also TONS of things to do while in Chiang Mai.

This is where we spent our day with the elephants, an ABSOLUTE MUST if you’re in Chiang Mai. I seriously, SERIOUSLY can’t rave enough about how utterly incredible our day with these gentle giants was. But please, do your research and DO NOT ride the elephants.

Chiang Mai is also where we attending a full day cooking class, climbed UP the Buatong (Sticky) Waterfalls, ATVed through the jungle, white water rafted down the river, and walked the endless streets of the Sunday Market. I fell in love with Chiang Mai and was so sad to leave.

Koh Tao (pronounced Ko Tow)

Koh Tao, the diving island. Every corner you turn on this island seems to be occupied by some kind of dive shop. Some of the best diving in the world happens here and I knew this was the place I would get my certification.

My girlfriend Shay told me about her night dive off the coast of Koh Tao, and it sounded like something out of a movie. Swimming in the dark, nothing but your torch showing you the way and then watching as the phytoplankton light up at the end of your fins. It sounded incredible, and I needed to experience it. Diving was the sole reason I went to Koh Tao, and it was the perfect way to spend the last week and a half of my trip.

It took me a long time, and a lot of research to figure out which dive school I wanted to go with. I knew I wanted to be a part of a smaller class size, simply because I didn’t know how I would react underwater, and I ended up going with Crystal Dive School. It was amazing. I met some incredible people and had some of the best instructors.

My Top Tips for Thailand

1. Don’t bother doing your hair, or wearing make-up. Seriously, it’s pointless. It’s so hot and humid year round that make-up melts off your face, and you hair is permanently frizzy. Plus side, everyone is in the same boat, so no one cares.
2. Barter for everything. And I mean EVERYTHING.
3. Eat all the Thai food. It’s worth it.
4. Get all the massages. Thai massages are something else, and you can’t go to Thailand and not get one.
5. The Thai people love their royalty. I was on Koh Tao when their King passed away, and people were devastated. So DO NOT speak ill of the Thai Royal Family.

Thailand really is a place everyone needs to experience. I would go back in a heartbeat. Get lost in Thailand. It’s worth every second.

Till later…

-A ❤