Thailand

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From north to south you will find tropical forests, Buddhist temples, secular historic parks, a splendid cuisine, beaches with crystal blue water and chaotic cities without much architectural interest …

The downside is that the country is very touristy and is not so easy to find the real Thai, kind and friendly, like a few years ago. Surely the Thais are the most westernized people of Southeast Asia. They are modern and fashionable, super party people, religious and love go out to eat and travel. It is one of the few countries around here where we do tourism with locals. And for those who know a real Thai, you hear … They are super cool! 95% of the country is Buddhist and king is extremely worshiped. Not even dare to say bad things about him here!

What was worth it: relax in the cool vibe of Pai, the beautiful ruins of Sukhothai, the beaches of Koh Phangan and the refuge of Tonsai beach, Krabi.
What was not so paid off: Chiang Rai (only the White Temple is interesting but it doesn’t worth the travel there).
What we wanted to do but we didn’t: a few days relaxing in the nature of Sangkhlaburi, further explore the southern beaches as Koh Tao, Similan Islands, Koh Chang, Trang Islands …

A few tips:

• TRANSPORTATION: Public transportation is well developed, not expensive and takes you to easily everywhere. Generally there is no need to scroll through agencies. To go around in big cities the taximeter is the best option, because the tuk-tuks always charge more. Close to sights you can see also the taxi drivers asking for fixed price, but don’t accept. Walk one block out of the tourist area and you’ll easily find a meter.
• SCAMS: Unfortunately the accelerated tourism hasn’t done very well for the Thai people. The locals dealing with tourists are becoming more bitter, rude and just looking at your pocket. They invent all sorts of lies to sell you something and take an advantage. So do not listen to tuk-tuk drivers, disreputable tour operators and strangers willing to help you with tips on the street. For sure this creates an uncomfortable feeling during your trip because you stop believing everybody. Carry a good guide book, ask for tips to other travellers and everything will be all right.
• VISA: Pay attention with your visa. For many nationalities the 30 days visa is granted only if you enter the country through the airport, if you enter by land is granted only 15 days.
• AYUTTHAYA AND SUKHOTHAI: If you want to visit the historic parks of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, a day to visit the parks cycling is enough and it is a very nice ride. If you do not have time to see both I would prioritize Sukhothai. It is more beautiful, more isolated and the bike ride is much more relaxing. But remember to stay in Old Sukhothai, in New Sukhothai there is nothing interesting.
• NIGHT FERRY TO THE ISLANDS: If you are going to the islands of the Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao), it is worth to take the night ferry. You can sleep on comfortable mattresses, the journey is quiet and you arrive at the island just in time for sunrise and before all other tourists to look at your on pace for a very nice place to stay.
• KOH PHANGAN: The island has a contradictory reputation, because it was famous for its Full Moon Party. But don’t judge for that, the island is not just partying and celebration. If you’re in the northern beaches you can relax in crystal blue waters and not even feel like there is super party going on in the south. Our recommendation: stay at Haad Mae Haad. Tranquil beach, blue water, excellent for snorkeling, with very good cost-benefit accommodations and where the food is cheaper.
• KOH PHI PHI: Go to Koh Phi Phi or not? Well, during our trip most people we met said it wasn’t worth it. But we wanted to see with our own eyes. We conclude the same thing. It doesn’t worth it. Okay, the water is very beautiful, but the island is very expensive, utterly transformed by tourism, with 1 million people and boats going around and making so much noise that it makes impossible to relax. If your curiosity is only known Maya Bay, from the movie “The Beach”, you do not need to stay in Phi Phi Don. Almost all of the Andaman Coast beaches offer one day tour to Phi Phi Leh. But even in Maya Bay be prepared for the big mess.

Our itinerary (38 days)

We arrived at the airport of Bangkok, from Bali, but due to the late flooding we decided to change our itinerary and we went to Cambodia. After visiting Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, we returned to Thailand from the north, arriving at the border of Chiang Khong and went directly to Chiang Rai for two days. From there we left by bus and made 762 turns to get to the Pai where we relaxed for 4 days and visited Mae Hong Son. Then we went to Chiang Mai for six days, where we spent Christmas, and went down toward Bangkok, stopping at the historical parks of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. In Bangkok we stayed six days to spend New Year and to visit Ratchaburi and the Tiger Temple. Then we had to leave Thailand because of the visa, to Singapore and Malaysia, returning to Thailand again in the southern border, in Satun. From there we set off to the island of Koh Phangan, in the Gulf Coast, for 4 days and on the way back to the west coast we stopped at Khao Sok National Park and the bay of Phang-nga, to after visit the island of Koh Phi Phi and finishing our itinerary in Tonsai beach in Krabi, where we relax for 4 days before departing for Sri Lanka.

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