thailand

There are many amazing destinations in Southeast Asia to explore, but for most travelers Thailand is both a primer and an access point. If you have never visited the region, Thailand is a great first adventure, as you can combine many different experiences in one trip.

Almost every trip to Thailand starts and ends in Bangkok, the vibrant capital city. By day, there are countless temples and architectural sites to visit. By night, Bangkok comes alive with restaurants, bars and night markets. A favorite day trip from Bangkok visits the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya – easy to reach by road, rail or boat.

Nature-lovers tend to frequent Chiang Mai, an hour flight north of Bangkok. Chiang Mai is the largest city in this mountainous region which features forests, tribal villages, and elephant sanctuaries. It also is home to some of the most amazing boutique hotels and spas where journeyers truly feel like they can escape from it all.

Many of our clients like to pair city with nature and beach, and there are two favorite options for those looking for sand and sea. Phuket lies along the Andaman Sea, one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. It is known for its many luxury accommodations and upscale restaurants, and is a tremendous base of operations for island-hopping day trips. For those looking for more low-key relaxation, Koh Samui offers a laid-back destination and is one of Thailand’s most visited spots.

Thailand Tourist Board

More Journey Softly destinations like this: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia

Photos: Andaman coastline, Phuket; Ayutthaya Historic City; Mae Wang River, Chiang Mai