Amazing Thailand in 17 days

Arriving in Bangkok

My first adventure in Asia was Thailand. I embarked on this adventure with a giant enthusiasm that soon began to subside with a canceled flight. When you travel there are always some setbacks, but we just have to face these situations with positive thinking. I remember arriving in Bangkok and feeling a mixture of emotions. A capital completely different from the European reality, with lots of traffic, confusion, and an unmistakable mix of smells. I explored the city by tuk-tuk and visited the most important monuments, such as Wat Arun and Wat Pho, which I strongly recommend.  I also visited the ancient capital Ayutthaya, where you can see the famous Buddha’s head, by train and it was quite an interesting adventure.

Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

After 3 days in the capital, I went to the north of the country, Chiang Mai. In the second big city of Thailand, you can visit the beautiful Doi Suthep on top of a mountain and hundreds of great monuments around the city. I was lucky enough to catch the best festival in all  Asia, Yi peng lantern Festival. This festival is celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month every year. Thousands of brightly lit lanterns rising into the night sky over Chiang Mai was an iconic moment in my life. Being part of this festival is something indescribable. It was in this city that I had the opportunity to visit Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand where you can volunteer and visit to help. To escape the city and discover more rural parts of northern Thailand I did a tour to Chiang Rai. Unlike some tours that only cover the temples of Chiang Rai, this experience includes a visit to the famous Long Neck Tribal Village, where you’ll have the chance to pose for photographs with members of the tribe. Plus, you’ll visit the iconic White Temple and stop at the Golden Triangle, the place where the borders of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand intersect.

Railay Beach

After visiting the two major cities of Thailand, I flighted to the paradisiacal beaches of Thailand. Railay Beach was the first stop. Railay is located on a peninsula between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang Beach. Due to the geology of the area, the only way to get there is by boat. The calm and clear waters make this one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. Railay Beach is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a well-deserved holiday.

Koh Phi Phi Island

The last stop was the famous Koh Phi Phi island. Fun, beach parties with fire shows, and paradisiacal beaches are what best describes this overly touristy island. I did a longtail boat trip to Phi Phi Leh that includes a stop at the beautiful Maya Bay, snorkeling in the magical blue lagoon, Monkey Beach ( keep distance from the wild monkeys), sunset, and night swimming with glowing plankton.

After 17 days of travel, I felt I would return to the country of smiles, with so much to discover. A different culture that captivates and an incredible country to explore. I already know a few countries on the Asian continent and I still think Thailand is one of the most complete. Breathtaking beaches, magnificent moments, an incredible history and always much to discover.