Thailand, Chaing Mai, Bangkok and Phuket

Phimai Historical Park

Thailand stole my heart from the moment I arrived. Ok, to be honest it didn't steal my heart until the second day I arrived after resting from the flight ;-) It's one of those places where every corner is a new surprise of Asian culture, art, architecture, food and adventure.

Start in the north, where the ancient temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep rise above jungle-covered hills. Walking through them, you almost feel like you're stepping back in time. If you're used to living in the US you've never seen anything this old where temples date back to the 14th century. I started my trip in Bangkok which is where your international flight will most likely take you. Bangkok's vibrant chaos of street markets, the aroma of sizzling pad thai, and the sheer explosion of flavors in every bite will have you coming back for seconds—and thirds.But what truly stood out to me were the people. Thai folks are some of the friendliest and most polite I’ve met, their endless smiles making you feel completely at home. Tourism in Thailand is alive and well and the people are so grateful for the prosperity tourists can bring. They go out of their way to make your experience as memorable as enjoyable as they possibly can. If you're a beach lover you'll definitely want to head south to Phuket. Crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and islands straight out of a postcard (or a James Bond movie). Thailand is a melting pot of culture, flavors, and natural beauty. Trust me, you’ll want to visit this magical destination more than once.

Here is a brief overview of some of Thailand's highlights:

Chaing Mai: Up north is the city of Chiang Mai, travelers can immerse themselves in cultural experiences by exploring the revered Wat Phra Singh and participating in traditional Thai cooking classes that showcase the region's unique flavors, such as khao soi.

Bangkok: Bangkok is an electric city with a bustling energy of a metropolis that seamlessly blends the old with the new. Here, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun offer glimpses into Thailand’s regal past, while the vibrant street food scene is a foodie paradise with aromatic dishes like pad thai and som tam. Don't miss doing a food tour when in Bangkok.

Phuket: Moving south is the sun-drenched peninsula of Phuket. Phuket can be a peaceful sanctuary, if that’s what you need, or you can join in the vibrant nightlife and party all night long. Either way you’ll want to spend time on the water and on the pristine beaches. Relax on the soft sands of Kata Beach or rent a private boat or hop on the ferry to the nearby Phi Phi Islands. Pictures just don’t do this unique set of islands justice. Beyond its breathtaking beauty, the crystal-clear waters provide an idyllic setting for scuba diving and snorkeling. A visit to the iconic James Bond Island is a must for its dramatic limestone cliffs and cinematic history. 

Adventure in Thailand:
If you’re an avid scuba diver we can arrange for a couple of nights or more aboard a liveaboard to really get the best scuba experience and see Thailand’s vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. We’ve vetted the best scuba diving outfitters so you know you’ll have the best experience. Whether you want to dive for just one day or several, hire a private boat captain or jump on a boat with other divers, we’ve got you covered and will plan every detail. Beyond adventures on the water we can also arrange multi-adventures that are great for the whole family, friend group or solo! Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking and spending quality time enjoying everything at your own pace. Imagine riding past ornate temples, rice fields and scenic countryside. If you only want to bike we can arrange that too. Whether your biking style is easy-going or full attack-mode, our bike adventure outfitters have options to fit every fitness level. They take care of  all the equipment, support and guidance you need, and we do all the planning and booking. You just show up and have the time of your life.