Thailand Travelers Recommend

Bangkok’s exciting blend of historical landmarks, notorious entertainment venues and rapid modernization draws eleven million visitors every year, placing it third, worldwide, behind Paris and London. With literally thousands of temples to see, unique floating markets and both Westernized and Eastern shopping centers, it’s no surprise that Bangkok is such a popular destination. Of course, Thailand boasts world-renowned food and Bangkok is a great place to sample some signature dishes. During this tour of the Grand Palace complex you will take in the Grand Palace itself, which is still used for ceremonial occasions now, the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall. The Rose Garden Cultural Centre, which is 20 miles (32 km) out of Bangkok is a great chance to connect with rural Thai culture and craft. Witness silk-weaving, pottery making, umbrella painting, doll making, fruit carving and the crafting of silverware.

As the ancient capital of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is resplendent with temples and historic sites. Spend your first day in Chiang Mai exploring the historic heart of the city. Within the crumbling old city walls are more than 30 Buddhist temples plus parks, museums, and monuments. Visit the gold-encrusted Wat Phra Singh to see the city’s most revered Buddha statue then Wat Chedi Luang to see the ruins of a 15th stupa carved with stone elephants. If you’re curious about the saffron-robed monks you see on the temple grounds drop by the “Monk Chat” at Wat Suan Dok. If you love Thai cuisine, why not enroll in a Thai cooking class? There are more than a dozen cooking schools in Chiang Mai where you can learn to make favorites like phat Thai and green curry plus northern Thai specialties like papaya salad and khao soi (noodles in curry soup). After two days in the city it’s time to explore Chiang Mai’s countryside.

If you take the Ayutthaya Temple tour and boat cruise, then you get to see the old site of a once thriving Siamese kingdom, 53 mi (85 km) out of Bangkok. The Ayutthaya Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its temples, many of which are still intact, including Wat Phra Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Panangcherng and Wat Chai Mongkol, which is known for its large bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha. The tour also includes a trip to the summer palace of King Rama IV, which has been preserved as a museum to take you back in time to Siam. Finally, the tour ends with a boat trip that will enable you to see many other temples along the river. If you have less time to spend looking at the temples, then local tour guides also offer half day tours. Expect to see the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which has a 3 meter (9 feet) tall gold statue of Buddha, weighing five tons. Once again, the tour takes in the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

The northern city of Chiang Rai will appeal to those who like a slower pace of life. Get acquainted with the spirit of Chiang Rai by visiting the ancient temples of Wat Phra Keow and Wat Phra Singh. Next, to see the modern face of Buddhism, visit the bizarrely beautiful White Temple. Also worth a visit is the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. Learn more about the unique cultures of northern Thailand like the Karen, Akha and Hmong by visiting one of the hill tribe villages outside of Chiang Rai. As you’ll need transportation and a translator to get the most out of the experience, considering joining a tour which will take you to multiple villages plus nearby natural attractions like waterfalls and hot springs. Chiang Rai makes an ideal base for day trips deeper into north Thailand. If you're seeking adventure there are plenty of options including treks around Doi Mae Salong mountain, elephant riding in the jungle, and journeys up the Mae Kok River.