From Bangkok to Chiang Mai: A Quick Guide to Thailand

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This is a guest post by Chris Rowlands-Barber, a travel writer based in the UK

From Bangkok to Chiang Mai: A Quick Guide to Thailand

It’s easy to fall in love with Thailand; a country packed with culture, history, exotic scenery and white sandy beaches, the list is endless. Whether you’re just looking for somewhere to spend your annual vacation, or are planning to go backpacking, the country has something to offer every appetite and budget.

The best time to visit the county is during the “cool season” between November and February when humidity levels are lower and temperatures range from the late 20′s to the early 30′s (you can imagine how hot and humid the rest of the year is if this is the cool season).

Beware; this is also the peak tourist season so major attractions such as Bangkok and the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan will be very busy.

Thailand is the ideal destination if you’re on a shoestring budget, it might cost a little more to get there due to the distances involved, but the cost of living is very low so you’ll find food and accommodation very affordable (you might even find you can extend your stay).

Why should you visit Thailand?

For starters, the country’s capital Bangkok. No trip to the country is complete without experiencing this bustling city with its amazing mix of modern metropolis, ancient temples and western influence.

With its world famous floating markets, a large China Town (giving you the opportunity to experience the infamous Bird’s Nest) and the excellent traditional Thai cuisine served at the many street stalls, you’ll be instantly hooked.

Bangkok is definitely a city of contrasts. You’ll be able to step seamlessly from the chic 5 star hotels and fancy eateries of the modern world into the traditional core with its ancient architecture, sense of spirituality and vibrant and busy markets (just be careful not to let this happen to you!).

Once you’ve had your fill of all that this amazing city has to offer, why not travel to Thailand’s more bohemian city, Chiang Mai. This is another must see if you intend to travel to Thailand. Around 700km northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai has an abundance of temples (over 300 within and around the city and 121 within its centre) and still has examples of the original moat and walls that once surrounded the old city.

Don’t be fooled by its history though, as with Bangkok, beneath the skin of this ancient beast there beats the heart of a thoroughly modern city. If you want to purchase the latest fashion, stay in a boutique hotel or sip coffee with friends, you’ll find all of this too.

If you fancy a change of scenery and want to experience the beautiful white sandy beaches I promised at the beginning of the article, then head over to Ko Samui, Thailand’s 3^rd largest island.

If you want tourist focused beaches with a variety of facilities (we all need a Starbucks from time to time) then you’ll find these on Ko Samui. You’ll also find the quieter more secluded beaches if you want to escape from the other tourists. The island has its own micro-climate so the best time to stay is between February and June when it’s hot and dry.

If all you really want to do is party the night away, you’ll need to head to the island of Ko Pha-Ngan; home of the original full moon party and still the place to be if you want to party into the early hours of the morning.

Hopefully I’ve inspired you to add Thailand to your itinerary if you haven’t already considered it. One thing’s for sure, once you’ve had a taste of what the country has to offer, you won’t want to leave…

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Author Bio: Chris Rowlands-Barber is a travel writer working at the price comparison website moneysupermarket.com based in the UK

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