Sawadee to Thailand!
Why we love Thailand? It’s the gentleness of daily life that ensures everybody finds their own path to explore, it’s the “sanuk” way of life, meaning that having fun is important in any life situation. Maybe the fascination with local aesthetics, the eternal love of Thais to ensure things look pretty and the food is full of flavours. Thai people have a variety of ethnical backgrounds, traditions and cultures.
The country offers some of the world’s best beaches and has plenty of well managed national parks. A long farmer’s influence results in green paddy fields and many other colourful crops, while the mountainous areas ensure stunning vistas. The capital city is such a diverse metropolis, intriguing and constantly reinventing itself. We invite you to look beyond the usual tourist sights to experience the uniqueness of Thailand and feel how there is always a search for common ground to ensure everybody feels appreciated and respected.
Let us take you on a trip through a Thailand you haven’t experienced before.
Thailand stretches out over 2000 km (or 28 hours by car!) from the northern mountains to the southern beaches, edged between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The kingdom is bordering with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia the south and is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonised.
The tropical climate makes the country very suitable to travel the whole year round – it never gets too cold! From March till June is the summer season and brings a lot of sunshine, with average temperatures between 25 – 35 degrees. The rainy season, also called the green season, is a favoured season as the entire country shines in a fresh, green color, with fewer tourists and often impressive clouds. It usually only rains 1 or 2 hours, often towards the end of the day, and runs from July till October. If you are in the need of some downtime at the beach, it’s generally best to choose Ko Chang or the Andaman Sea from October to May and the Koh Samui archipelago from April till September. From November till February is the winter season, but fear not; with an average of 20 to 30 degrees an excellent time to travel in the kingdom.
PEOPLE
It’s the people that make a country, and meeting people is what makes travelling interesting and fun. Thai people can initially be a bit reserved, yet this very quickly changes to a warm smile, an invitation to share some food or a joke and a genuine effort to make you feel comfortable and welcome. It’s very safe to travel around, whether in the big cities, small countryside villages or during late night strolls.
In the north of the country, you will meet the descendants of the Lanna Kingdom that once stretched over large parts of an area that is nowadays part of Myanmar, China and Laos. The pace of life is a bit slower in the north, people take more time to share their stories, listen to your questions or enjoy an afternoon nap. Different ethnic minority groups are home in the mountainous regions in the north, with their distinguished believes and traditions that can still be observed today.
The central and the north-eastern parts of the country are the most populous areas and possibly also areas where people have to work hardest to make a living. It’s a fascinating part of the country that goes back many centuries, once the Sukhothai and the Khmer kingdoms were flourishing.
The Southern part of Thailand connects closely to the sea and was known to be welcoming to seafarers from Portugal and many other trading nations. Many of the pristine beaches are home in the south, while the country side became popular for the farming of rubber, coconuts or palm sugar.
FUN FACTS
- Locals love to keep it cool and easy. There is even a commonly used phrase for “never mind” – “Mai pen rai.” You’ll hear it used often!
- Sato, the local alcohol, is made from starchy rice and is sipped with a straw
- Thailand respects the third gender well, and has public bathrooms for transgender males, along with conventional male and female.
- Buddhism remains the principal religion of the Siamese people, practiced by around 95% of the population, but the state is secular. It is one of the world’s most religiously tolerant countries.
- Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of orchids
- Thailand has more than 40,000 temples. Don’t worry; you don’t have to visit all of them.
- Don’t give marigold flower to women, they might be offended as these flowers are usually offered to spirits.
- There is a fun law in Thailand, making it technically illegal to not wear underwear.
- Thailand is home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark.
- There is a salad made with ant eggs, and if it is the right season, you can try some during your trip!
- Bangkok is the worlds most visited city; we think for a reason!
Thailand destinations
Thailand Destinations
Traditionally tourism is cantered around destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, with stunning hotels, convenience stores and attractions. These tourism hotspots attract millions of visitors yearly and are the most known destinations in Thailand.
As we believe in a more genuine style of travel, we want to encourage you to skip these main destinations and venture out to places that transmit a more authentic face of Thailand. Have you ever heard about Lampang or Nan? An excellent alternative to experience the Lanna lifestyle that Chiang Mai often claims for itself. Also consider some lesser known destinations in the mountains, like Mae Hong Son, or a sleepy but very cute town along the Mekong River, Chiang Khan. Top off your trip exploring national parks and pristine beaches in the south of Thailand or visit the beautiful islands in Trat near the Cambodian border.
bangkok
Get to know the traditional and the modern Bangkok, away from the tourist crowds and the usual tourist spots. Discover the real Bangkok in all its ways; quiet and traditional with a focus on harmony or modernity, raw and fast to impress. Bangkok’s old town impresses with a very different, almost provincial, more characteristic vibe, compared to the modern areas and business districts dotted with fancy shopping malls and high- rises. Some of the oldest Bangkok neighbourhoods have been occupied since the early days by entrepreneurial Chinese migrants that typically build shophouses; with the family living upstairs, while the shop downstairs was meant to do trading and make money. Exploring the old orchards, ways of life and food in the network of canals passing through the old Bangkok. Discover the blue print of the famous reclining Buddha and find out where some of the palace architectures found their inspiration. In the evening your guide takes you for a night out discovering the legacy of Bangkok’s image of Sin City and look behind the facades of sex, drugs and Rock n Roll. Discover the modern skyscrapers with unreal views over its 12 million inhabitants and sip on a cocktail while watching the sunset from one of the fashionable rooftop bars. Enjoy vibrant street art, take a ride on the modern public transport or an e-powered tuk-tuk and stuff your face with the world’s best street food.
Central Thailand – Sukhothailay
The centre of Thailand is a fertile area and known for the excellent farming techniques, good food and considered the cradle of the country. In this area, 2 kings from different empires decided in the 13th century to unite and create a new kingdom, present day Thailand. Sukhothai was the first capital city of Siam, and is a remarkable UNESCO Heritage site, comparable to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Bagan in Myanmar. A visit to this central part of Thailand is essential to understand the essence of Thai culture – and the foundation of the old Siam.
The region invites for foodie excursions, sampling some home cooked food, leisurely bicycle rides through the villages and the historical park in Sukhothai, or the less visited sister city Sri Satchanalai. As agriculture is very important in this part of the country, it’s an excellent opportunity to test your farming skills and help out a local farmer for a few hours. From Central Thailand you easily connect to Mae Sot and the jungle route to Mae Hong Son, or to experience the Lanna culture in Lampang and Nan, further east to Chiang Kham or head southeast towards Koh Chang.
burma borderlands – mae sot to mae hong son
Thailand has always been in close relation with its neighbouring countries, and a taste of Myanmar can be found in the western provinces of Tak and Mae Hong Son through food, architecture and ethnic groups, customs and traditional attire. During this spectacular road trip you encounter Thai, Karen, Shan, Hmong and other tribe people and travel through some of the most beautiful forested areas of the country. Get ready for a road adventure.
During a trip along the Burmese borderlands, we take you through beautiful nature, learn more about the domestic flora and fauna in the area and introduce you to the people who live in close harmony with their environment. Get an insight on local plants and how they are used for cooking or traditional medicines. Hop on a boat for a trip on the river and stay in an idyllic country side village that has set-up an excellent community-based home-stay program. The majority of the villagers are of Shan ethnicity and live from agricultural produce like rice, soybeans and tobacco. Your guide will help in the communication with your host family. Participate in preparing food, basket weaving or other household tasks that you might know from home, but are done quite differently here. From Mae Hong Son you can fly to Bangkok, continue for multiple day trekking in the area, continue for a scenic drive to Chiang Mai or continue to Lampang and Nan.
Lanna – Lampang and Nan
Welcome to the Kingdom of Lanna, Lampang, a town that was supposedly founded by a Mon queen, and a region that is still dreamy with a rather turbulent history. Discover traces of diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage aspects, that include British, Burmese, Siamese and other influences while soaking in the beauty of nature, small villages and friendly locals. Learn how sick elephants are taken care for in the world’s first elephant hospital, enjoy sports and spectacular traditional martial arts, dress in traditional indigo clothes and taste a bowl of the famous Khao Soi noodles.
The mountainous area is home to a number of national parks that truly are hidden gems compared to the more known parks. Join one of the rangers for a short patrol around and learn about the preservation of flora and fauna and about their work in the park and have lunch together at the park outpost. Onwards we can’t conceal a local spirit factory, for some good local “sato” tasting (the traditional rice wine) with the inevitable drinking snack. The ancient kingdom of Nan, for a long time an independent and rebellious mountain kingdom, will welcome you with its charming atmosphere. Nan has a former palace of one of the last kings, and you might even go for lunch with one of the descendants, and visit the astonishing temple of the whisperer, with a very heart-warming story to tell. Take the opportunity to be introduced to the tradition of monk offerings, wander around the charming town with its trendy coffee shops, serving local coffee, and go for a rural excursion in the countryside, including a picnic lunch in the fields.
From Nan you easily fly to Bangkok or drive onwards to Chiang Khan on the Mekong River.
The Mekong River and Khmer temples – Chiang Khan, Nong Khai / Khon Kaen and Phimai
The Mekong River is one of the most important rivers in Southeast Asia and a lifeline for millions of people. Chiang Khan is a very charming riverside town full of traditional timber shophouses and has become a trendy destination for Thais with a lively evening market. The photogenic views of the river and the Lao mountains beyond are best to enjoy during a boat trip on the Mekong.
The vast area south of Chiang Khan is called Isaan and is famous for the local farming lifestyle and the excellent food (some might say the best of Thailand, but certainly the spiciest). Some areas used to be part of the Khmer empire over 1000 years ago and many monuments of this period are still standing as impressive as in the hay days. The main temple at Phimai historical park has a lot in common with the famous Angkor Wat, yet is far less crowded and absolutely worth visiting. A road trip or train / bus trip is part of the Isaan experience with unexpected encounters and prepare to experience the wild and unknown part of the country.
Distances in Isaan are vast, yet the transportation network is excellent, and you will get to most places within half a day. Chiang Khan can be reached from Nan (7 hrs) or from Sukhothai (4.5 hrs). After visiting Phimai you can continue to Bangkok (5 hours) or to the islands in Trat province (7 hours).
Wild Encounters – National Parks just southwest of Bangkok
Heading south from Bangkok, a few hours drive brings us quickly to some of the most surprising natural wonders. With some kayaking through mangrove forest in the Gulf of Thailand, home to dolphins and whales, who are showing off with their presence during their occasional visits. Fantastic trekking trails into one of the largest national parks of the kingdom, making a home for many different mammals, reptiles and birds, while waterfalls and caves make great resting spots during your trek.
Further south is Kui Buri National Park, the best wild elephant watching spot in Thailand. Hop on a truck with a local ranger with a ranger to guide you through the park with a 99% chance to see some of these majestic giants. The area is excellent to combine with Sam Roi Yot Marine National park and the beach of Pranburi.
From Bangkok it’s about 4.5 hours to Kui Buri and it’s easy to continue to Khanom in the south by train or return to Bangkok by train or by car.
Southern Thailand – from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand
The south of Thailand is famous for the picture-perfect beaches and while you’re there… get to know the people, the tropical forest and coastal life. Our approach to Southern Thailand is a perfect blend of less known beaches, tropical forests, coastal life and soft adventure. We consciously avoid the busiest beaches and focus on destinations with local charm and cultural significance – and yes, the beaches are truly amazing!
The little known Koh Phra Thong is the perfect ending or starting point for people who want to combine beautiful, sandy and quiet beaches with some active kayaking or yoga. The island feels an eternity away from the touristy island like Phuket or Samui. After a few days beach we suggest to venture out for a historic walk through an old miners and traders town which still reminds of its rather wealthy past of this community that was once a bustling town with traders from China, India and Arabia. A few nights in one of the most impressive national parks of Thailand: Khao Sok will invite for a hike to discover more of the flora and fauna in this park, enjoy a picnic at a scenic spot and cross the Cheow Lan Lake with its blue waters and stunning rock formations.
The discovery of Southern Thailand can end with a few rewarding days at the almost private beach in Khanom, a sleepy town overlooked by most travellers, making it a perfect little hideaway for a few days of pure relaxing.
From Khanom you can easily fly back to Bangkok (Surat Thani Airport), take a overnight train to Bangkok or continue by ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. From Koh Phra Thong you can fly back to Bangkok (Ranong airport).
East Thailand – Khmer temples, tropical forest and the islands
A region with a lot of variety of sights yet easily overlooked by tourists. From Bangkok you head east and visit the impressive Khmer ruins of Phanom Rung built on the rim of an extinct volcano. Take enough time to wander around this historical park as it’s impressive. The area is also home to several national parks that are worth visiting for an easy trek.
Continue to Trat province with some of the prettiest tropical islands to end your holiday. Koh Chang is the biggest island (and the second largest island in Thailand) with a wide variety of accommodation as well as some nightlife. Koh Maak is the smallest island among the archipelago and offers simply stunning beaches and quietness, as there is no car ferry to the island. Instead of beer bars and shopping malls there are simple restaurants and some excellent diving spots.
Koh Kood is described by travellers as the perfect Thai island as the super soft sand feels like talcum powder; the water lapping the bays is clear; and there are more coconut palms than people.
From the island you go by ferry to the mainland and drive in about 5 hours to Bangkok or fly from Trat airport to Bangkok.
Whether it’s your first time to Thailand or you are a serial visitor, the kingdom has a lot of different faces and is certainly a country that knows how to fascinate repeatedly. We would love to create a very special time for you while travelling in the country. Are you ready for some real exploration and a adventure that will make sure you feel at ease at any given moment, have memorable encounters with locals and learn a bit more than the average tourist to Thailand. We invite you to take a different perspective and experience our home how little people know it!
Exploration Travel Thailand
159/19 Soi Ramkhamhaeng, Ramkhamhaeng Road
Sapansung, Bangkok 10240, Thailand