Thailand: A Different Perspective on Paradise

Hidden under a thick blanket of sultry, summer air engulfing everything are some of the most incredible sights and experiences in Asia. A tourist hotspot for Americans, Australians, and Europeans alike, Thailand offers an exotic and Western-friendly vibe welcoming those new to international travel and experienced adventurers. The transition from conservative, misty mountain tops sprinkled with Buddhist temples and monks to the progressive, scantily clad beaches of Phuket leaves visitors with a feeling of exploration and wanderlust as they meander throughout the country.

Nightlife

Bangkok Nightlife. Infamous for ping pong shows, lawless streets filled with crazy taxi drivers, and some of the most incredible street food in the Northern hemisphere. The genuine smiles of the locals show why Thailand consistently moves up the list of happiest places in the world to live. The vibe is a collaboration of the grit and grime of New York on a busy weekday and the laid-back, lackadaisical island mentality of Maui. 

The complexity of the smells of grilled pork intestine kebabs infused with the scent of eucalyptus being pumped into the massage parlors helps to mask that classic, big-city "alley smell." After a long day of traipsing throughout the maze of a city, treat yourself to a $10, 90-minute foot massage to help ease sore legs. Grab a bite to eat at Sala Rim Nam at the Mandarin Oriental to get a taste of authentic Thai cuisine that boasts an unrivaled sense of elegance of sunsets over the Chao Phraya River.

Chiang Mai

A one-hour jaunt north by plane brings travelers to the city of Chiang Mai. This picturesque city, tucked away in the mountains and jungle, gives tourists a look into Thailand in the traditional sense. Temples filled with statues of Buddha made of gold and jade perched atop endless stairways overlooking the street markets below. The air feels a little thicker, despite the higher altitude, due to the two-stroke motor emissions that dominate the sky, yet the calm demeanor of the locals makes travelers feel at home.

Things To Do

Island hopping is a popular activity amongst tourists as they simultaneously explore different parts of the kingdom. The only way to visit the island is by ferry, so make sure you choose the right one. Choose this ferry to Koh Phi Phi island from Phuket so you can reach your destination easily. 

Take a $20 cab ride to the outskirts of the city, where you’ll find Northern Thailand’s man-made rendition of the Grand Canyon. Complete with rope swings, inner tubes, and three swimming areas, the chilly water offers a great way to escape the triple-digit heat––all for a whopping $1 entry fee. After working up an appetite swimming and jumping off man-made cliffs, the Grand Canyon Hang Dong features a restaurant serving exquisite pad thai dishes.

Venturing down south, there is Phuket, arguably one of the most well-known beach destinations in Southeast Asia. The views of the longtail boats gently bobbing on the softly crashing waves are enough to treat even the most severe cases of anxiety. For those looking to explore the island a little bit more, activities like bungee jumping, ziplining, and ATV racing is available every day of the week. Ziplining offers the most spectacular views of the island as adventurers navigate through banana trees filled with wild monkeys. Companies like Zipline Max offer the best packages. For $90 explorers will find themselves soaring over the jungle with the most experienced tour guides and stunning views, finishing with a banquet of fresh fruit and snacks to help recharge.

As a huge tourist hub for travelers from around the world, Thailand is an excellent opportunity for adventure and relaxation in a Western-friendly setting. 

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