Thailand, the first country I visited as a solo backpacker, has been constantly popping in my head lately. It’s been almost three years since I went there, so by now, I’m craving to go there as much as I did when I went there for the first time.
While planning my way to Southeast Asia during my RTW, I’ve been looking every now and then for flights to Bangkok, keeping an eye on a flight that will make me take the plunge again to re-experience the Thai things I’ve been missing, like:
1. The street cart Pad Thai, Roti, and other foods…
I had never tasted Pad Thai before trying it from a street cart in Khao San Road. That dirty, little, greasy cart served the best Pad Thai I’ve ever tasted! Not even fancy-restaurant-Pad-Thai tastes as good as the ones from the street carts in Thailand.
Then, there is the Roti, a type of pancake-like dessert fried in a dish like pan, which is deliciously addictive! I liked mine with sugar and condensed milk. Yumm!
I have to admit that every now and then I missed my western-like food, especially Italian food. In my opinion, the best Italian food was at Scoozi Restaurant. Great taste and affordable.
Chiang Mai was also another surprising city to eat well. And even better, it was cheaper than Bangkok too.
My favorite local restaurant there is Huen Muan Jai, with its delicious Khao Soi. You must try it! I loved walking the Sunday Market to buy some of their best local food and even went often to the Maya Mall where they had a strictly local food court.
There I had some of the best teriyaki chicken ever! And, it’s worth mentioning also, that while I’m not vegan, being a vegan in Chiang Mai is a delight. There are so many options and so many good dishes that you won’t have a problem eating there.
Cheapest Meal: A Pad Thai and a Roti for 40 bahts. That’s roughly $1.30.
2. The crazy cool people in Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a crazy backpacker party scene. Even though I knew that before going there for the first time, I was shocked when I was welcomed with open arms by complete strangers the moment I walked into the street.
Everyone from expats, backpackers, lady-boys, ex-monks, and everyone in between were there seated on the sidewalk and inviting me and my friends to join them for drinks and a good time.
As you walk the street, you’ll see countless bars, tattoo parlors, clubs, and dozens of shops with souvenirs, clothes, and anything else you can imagine.
If you’re looking for some interesting souvenirs in Thailand (from permanently inked on your skin to the typical ones), Khao San Road will surely have some.
Needless to say, that first night in Thailand was restless as I stayed all night long hanging with relative strangers who treated me like a long time friend.
Favorite experience: Spending my first night in Bangkok hanging with strangers until daylight, when we had the chance to see the monks coming out of the monasteries.
3. The ancient wats and temples
Thailand has wats (temples) all around the country, but one of the best places to see the ancient wats and palaces is the city of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.
Today, only a few remains give a glimpse of the impressive city this place once was. Its remains are characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and big monasteries. Ayutthaya is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site given the great cultural value of its ruins.
Its proximity to Bangkok makes Ayutthaya a popular day-trip destination for travelers from Bangkok or travelers going on their way to Chiang Mai.
And, just a bit north, is the popular Lopburi Monkey Temple, where you can see hundreds of monkeys roaming around the temple.
Favorite Wat: Wat Chai Watthanaram. Considered one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries. It was built in 1630 A.D.
4. The beaches and islands
If you’ve seen the movie The Beach, you know what I’m talking about. Islands like Phi Phi, Koh Rok, Koh Muk, and many others live up to the hype they are well known for. Pristine beaches, white sands, turquoise waters, beachside camping, tropical weather, monkeys… what else is needed to make a perfect beach scene?
And have you seen Koh Nang Yuan? That island is a tiny paradise!
Favorite beach experience: Feeding peanuts to a monkey in Monkey beach.
5. The tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis
While I was badly scammed with the “tuk-tuk scam”, I find tuk-tuks to be a charming part of the Thai culture. They have different looks depending on which part of Thailand you’re at, but they’re all interesting to look at and many of them lure you to sit in them and go for a ride. Pimped tuk-tuks? Sure, in all sizes, colors, and shapes!
Favorite ride: It was actually in a motorcycle taxi. I was carrying two full backpacks and the driver was speeding between traffic. A pretty scary balancing act, if you ask me!
Have you been to Thailand? What would you like to re-experience?
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