The beauty of travel is that a group of people could all go to the same place, yet all have totally different experiences. Whether you plan to soak up the authentic Thai culture exploring temples or try to find it somewhere at the bottom of a bucket of alcohol, there's a spot in Thailand to suit everyone's taste. Below I'm going to give a general overview on places to suit all needs, touching on the most popular tourist routes and some of my personal favourites..
The Party Animal:
For those who enjoy the crazier side of life. You're in luck, Thailand is famed for its wild nights and very relaxed take on health and safety. Thousands of people flock to experience the infamous full moon parties every month, covered in neon paint and dressed like their parents did in the 70's. The nightlife is crazy but undeniably fun, definitely an experience you have to do once.
Bangkok (Khao San road): You're first stop on the crazy train. Buckets, questionable bars, ping pong shows and deep fried scorpions. (like eating bitter pistachio shells) It'll feel like everyone and everything is going a million miles an hour... and that's because they are. So just let loose and enjoy the madness....
Koh Phangan: Full moon parties, jungle parties, whatever you want parties... The mecca of wild nights. It's anything goes and you'll be sure to bump into every other backpacker you've met along the way, despite there being thousands of people there! A once in a life time experience (not three, like I did.. starts to get a bit pathetic)
Koh Phi Phi: Koh Phangan's little sister. It has nightly beach parties, the popular roof top, "banana bar" and of course, "The Reggae Bar" made famous by its Muay Thai fighting ring in the middle of the bar, where trained fighters and obliterated backpackers try to win over, the equally as drunk crowd . Drinking out of a bucket while watching sweaty people fight in a ring? Culturally enlightening.
Patong (Phuket): A similar version to Khao San road, except less back packer and more... grim? Seems to attract an older, MUCH older crowd looking for a good time... If you catch my drift. Still fun, but as I said, bit seedy.
The Beach Bum:
For those who believe the perfect beach and the perfect tan takes top priority, you'll be happy to know you can't go anywhere in Thailand without falling onto a white sandy beach. With so many spots to choose from, I'm going to narrow it down to my top five:
Koh Tao: Although I find the main beach "Sairee beach" to be somewhat underwhelming the surrounding bays and hidden beaches are some of my absolute favourite. Try Ao Leuk, Freedom beach, Ko Nang Yuan or Shark Bay, for picture perfect shore lines and unreal snorkeling spots.
Koh Samui: Home to the popular beach of "Chewang". Despite its popularity, its not hard to find a quiet spot to yourself. I've never been disappointed by a day spent topping up my tan here.
Koh Lipe: One word. Heaven. A small island enclosed by a halo of white sand. The water is a pale turquoise and you can't even see the mainland on the horizon. Bliss.
Koh Lanta: Considered by most as a welcome break from the usual tourist oriented islands, its a step towards more authentic local life. It also boasts some of the most beautiful and sometimes, empty beaches. Plenty of ideal spots to lay your towel down for the day.
Krabi: A place reminiscent of the movie "Avatar", the popular "Railay Beach" is set in amongst massive limestone rocks and sea stacks. It has a slightly different vibe to the islands and for that alone its worth a visit. An added personal tip, if you want to find somewhere even more secluded try getting to the next beach along called "Ton Sai" popular with rock climbers and spaced out hippies. It's like being cut off from the world, be warned you have to get there through a short steep track through the jungle that's only accessible when the tide is low.
The Honeymooners: For newly weds, looking for top end luxury resorts set on stunning beaches, You're in luck. Thailand has some of the best five star resorts in the world, typically with a lower price tag! Winner, winner, phad thai dinner.
Koh Samui: Here you have loads of incredible resorts to choose from, one of the nicest white sand beaches I've seen and plenty of amazing shops, restaurants and bars for when you decide to venture out of the resort.
Koh Kood (Koh Kut): This is for the couples, looking to really detach from people and enjoy endless days at the beach. Koh Kood is a secret gem that's still enjoying its exclusivity from being off the main tourist trail. Think of all the usual draws of a Thai paradise island but without the crowds... isolated bliss but don't expect to find many shops, bars or restaurants outside of the resorts. Close to another incredible island Koh Mak and only about 5 hours from Bangkok.
Koh Lipe: Tiny slice of heaven hidden way down south. One of the most beautiful islands I've been too (possibly my favourite Thai island) incredibly chilled yet still, with a bit of life to keep you entertained.
Koh Phi Phi: Despite its reputation for partying (see above) it's also proudly home to some amazing resorts, hidden off the path of loud music and even louder backpackers, it boasts a relaxed romantic atmosphere for its guests. It also has some incredible day trips where you can snorkel, sunbath, visit monkey beach (don't try touch the monkeys!!!)or even visit Maya bay, which was made famous by the movie 'The Beach'. As of last summer, certain restrictions were put in place to stop visitors from entering the bay in an effort to reverse the huge negative effects caused by mass tourism, however tours still allow you to enter the bay but only from the sea entrance and at a safe distance from the shoreline.
The Animal lovers
If you are a lover of all things animals both on land and in the sea, Thailand is bursting with wildlife experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world. From the largest mammal on earth, to the teeny tiniest monkey's, I highly recommend devoting time to going to see what diverse wildlife Thailand has to offer.
rruIf you are a lover of all things animals both on land and in the sea, Thailand is bursting with wildlife experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world. From the largest mammal on earth, to the teeny tiniest monkey's, I highly recommend devoting time to going to see what diverse wildlife Thailand has to offer.uIf you are a lover of all things animals both on land and in the sea, Thailand is bursting with wildlife experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world. From the largest mammal on earth, to the teeny tiniest monkey's, I highly recommend devoting time to going to see what diverse wildlife Thailand has to offer.
Chiang Mai: Home to the complex and beautiful Asian elephant. Set in the dense jungle you'll find ethical sanctuaries to get up close and personal to these gentle creatures. I highly recommend Elephant Nature Park (ENP) for a truly unforgettable experience. Volunteer for a week, visit for a day or stay over night and see what its like to live along side these animals.
*You'll also find a dog and cat sanctuary on the grounds and a random array of rescue animals, all in need of volunteers love and attention*
Koh Tao: For those who prefer life under the sea, You'll find everything you need in Koh Tao. Along with being one of the cheapest places in the world to get your PADI dive certificate it has an impressive array of sea life to keep you coming back for more. Time it right and you might be in season to see whale sharks! (Most sightings are in April, but they can also be found during February or March)
Khao Sok national park (in Surat Thani): Here you'll find enchanting rain-forests and clear lakes set against impressive Jurassic park like back drops. you'll find a mix of animals hiding amongst the trees. If you're lucky (or unlucky) you might bump into an Asian Black bear or even a Sun Bear.
The Adrenaline Junkie For the people who find the idea of spending a day napping in a hammock, as absolute torture there are loads of activities dotted around Thailand to get your heart racing. Just as long as you don’t mind some bumps, bruises and questionable safety..
Slip'n'Fly Party (Koh Phangan): Exactly what it says on the tin. Drink and socialise in a splash pool until you pluck up the nerve to face the monster water slide, that at the end will launch you into the air like a human frisbee. Guaranteed to knock, the full moon hangover out of you and possibly your teeth.
White water rafting (Chiang Mai): Chiang Mai tends to experience a more tropical, wet climate in comparison to the south, with fast flowing rivers and rapids. Which makes it the ideal spot to try white-water rafting. Definitely not for the faint hearted or poor swimmers, so relax with the Go-Pro selfies and hold onto the damn boat.
Kite surfing (Hua Hin): Whether you’re an experienced kiter or just eager to try a new extreme sport. Hua Hin district is known for having plentiful kite surfing schools and impressive wind. Hua Hin is also a really cool traditional Thai seaside town, which is worth exploring after a day on the water.
The Human Slingshot (Pattaya): Now if you’re looking for an adrenaline filled, slightly bizarre activity, then look no further than the human sling shot. Get strapped in, stretched back about 40 meters and released at the same speed of a formula 1 car. Unique experience? Yes. Strange? Absolutely. Welcome to Asia.
ความคิดเห็น