Thailand is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s not just the scenery or the temples or the islands - though those are undeniably spectacular. It’s the mix of chaos and calm, the way comfort and adventure sit side by side, and the feeling that no matter your travel style or budget, the country always has something memorable waiting for you.
And trust me, I’ve tried Thailand in every possible way. I’ve stayed in buzzing hostels where the whole dorm became instant friends, slept in the back of a car at a quiet monastery in the middle of nowhere because there was no hotel around, and checked into a beautiful beachfront resort that redefined luxury for me. And somehow, every version of Thailand has been incredible.
The Food
The food alone is enough reason to visit - for me at least. Street food stalls, home style restaurants in the countryside, late-night markets, and Michelin recommendations - it’s incredible at every level of the spectrum.
As a vegetarian, it can get tricky sometimes but over the years I've come to find some true gems that can accomodate my tofu-loving tastes. Some of my favorite Thai dishes are Khao Soi (from Chiang Mai), pad see ew and tom kha - and yet somehow, in the middle of all this comfort food, I still found myself eating a fried scorpion off a street cart one night, just because Thailand has that effect on you. And in case you were wondering, it wasn't all that bad.
The Experiences
One of the best parts of traveling through Thailand is how layered every day can feel. You can start your morning wandering through a temple courtyard where hanging Thai Lanna flags create a magical scene, then find yourself cruising through old canals with wooden houses on stilts that feel frozen in time. By night, you’re in the middle of a neon-lit market where the smell of charcoal grills drifts through winding alleys.
And then there’s the shopping - somewhat predictably, my favorite part. Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must. It’s overwhelming in the best way, with thousands of stalls offering everything from antiques to houseplants to street fashion. Some of my best vintage finds came from tiny shops tucked between racks of pre-loved denim and graphic tees. Chatuchak isn’t just shopping; it’s treasure hunting.
Thailand’s textiles and handicrafts are another world entirely. Even if Thai silk isn’t in everyone’s budget (it certainly wasn’t in mine), the artistry is mesmerizing. What I fell in love with most were the indigo-dyed fabrics - the traditional Mo Hom textiles from Phrae Province in northern Thailand. The deep blues, the subtle inconsistencies from hand-dyeing, the softness of the cotton - every piece feels special.
The Islands & Beaches
Beaches are arguably what Thailand is best known for. As a certified "travel expert" I should probably tell you they're overrated but to be honest, they're just as beautiful as everyone says they are. But there's nuances to it, of course. Phuket, for example, is so often reduced to its gritty party reputation, but there are layers beneath the neon that most visitors never see. Phuket Old Town is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in the country, with pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses, indie cafés, restored mansions, and weekend walking streets.
But my most memorable “beach” experience wasn’t on a beach at all - it was sea kayaking in Phang Nga Bay. Drifting into a limestone caves at sunset, paddling through tunnels that open into hidden lagoons - it feels otherworldly. And when darkness settles, everything becomes magic. Our guide helped us float handmade offerings into the water, and as they drifted away, the sea lit up with bioluminescence. Tiny blue sparks shimmered with every movement of the paddle. It's something I couldn't capture on film, and will stay with me forever.
Then there’s Koh Lanta - one of my favorite islands in the country. It’s quiet without being sleepy, lively without being chaotic. Long beaches, soft sunsets, small family-run restaurants, and a pace of life that feels like a deep breath.
So, what next?
After all my trips - the hostels, the temples, the impulsive scorpion tasting, piles of 100 baht dresses stuffed into my suitcase - Thailand still feels endlessly new to me. It’s a place that has space for every version of who you are as a traveler. And somehow, every time you leave, you’re already planning the next time you’ll return. Koh Tao for summer of 2026 anyone?
