Thailand is the most incredible country I’ve ever explored—diverse in every way, from its people and culture to its food and landscapes. Here you can find some of the best Thai street food right next to world-class Italian, Japanese, and Indian restaurants. With cultural roots tied to China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar, Thailand truly feels like a melting pot.
Each city has its own unique vibe. Bangkok, the most visited city in the world, is buzzing with energy. Chiang Mai is a peaceful metropolis, rich in culture and history, and with some of the best local food in the country. Phuket is all about beaches, nightlife, and martial arts training. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s a city here that will feel like home.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a charm that’s hard to put into words. The old city, with its cobblestone streets and ancient temples, feels like stepping back in time—yet it still has the energy of a big city. It’s peaceful but never boring, and unlike the more tourist-heavy south, it still feels authentic. The food here is some of the best in Thailand, everything is literally farm to table as most of Thailand’s food is grown in the north.
Thailand is also one of the most affordable places to live, making it a dream spot for digital nomads and young travelers who are backpacking on a budget. With cheap flights from Bangkok and an airport just 15 minutes from the city center, it’s easy to travel to. But once you settle in, you may not want to leave. Chiang Mai is the perfect base for exploring northern Thailand, with nearby towns like Pai, Mae Kampong, Ban Rak Thai, and Mae Hong Son offering even more adventure. Whether you’re visiting butterfly parks, visiting the sticky waterfalls, learning to cook Thai food, there’s always something to do.
Bangkok
Bangkok never sleeps. The city is alive 24/7, always buzzing with energy, food, and new people to meet. No matter what time it is, there’s always something to do—whether it’s grabbing a late-night street food snack, wandering through hidden alleyways, or finding a rooftop bar with a killer view.
For backpackers, Khao San Road is the go-to spot, packed with bars, clubs, and budget-friendly hostels. But there’s so much more to explore. Chinatown is a chaotic, culturally rich district full of incredible street food, traditional tea shops, and tucked-away alleyways waiting to be discovered. Sukhumvit, on the other hand, has a more upscale vibe, home to high-end restaurants, rooftop bars, and a large expat and digital nomad crowd.
Food is everything in Bangkok—you can find Michelin-starred restaurants right next to legendary street food stalls serving dishes just as good (if not better). The city is also full of unique cafes, hidden speakeasies, and even weed shops if that’s your thing. And of course, no visit is complete without seeing its breathtaking temples—Wat Arun is a must.
Phuket
Phuket is the kind of place that has a little bit of everything. It’s a lively, beachy city with a huge expat and backpacker scene, making it easy to meet people from all over the world. The food is incredible, especially the seafood—being right on the coast means you’re getting it as fresh as it gets. There are also plenty of high-end restaurants if you’re in the mood to splurge.
The nightlife here is next level. Bangla Road is absolute chaos in the best way possible—think Khao San Road, but bigger, louder, and wilder. But Phuket isn’t just a party spot. It’s massive, with a ton of different areas to explore, whether you’re looking for quiet beaches, local markets, or adventure. It’s also one of the best places in the world to train Muay Thai, with fighters coming from all over to train at top-tier gyms.
Phuket is a great base for island hopping, with easy trips to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Ao Nang, and Railay. The airport isn’t as close to the main city as in Chiang Mai, but flights are cheap and frequent. And if you’re looking for a bit of luxury, Phuket has some of the best (and most affordable) resorts in Thailand.
Thailand really is a one of a kind destination. I can, and will, spend the rest of my life coming back here. Not only have I made friends for life, but if learned to love another culture more than I love my own. I have a lot of respect for this country, its people, and their way of being. If your planning your next trip to Thailand and would like travel advice feel free to reach out in the comments!
