When I decided to follow my heart and make one of the biggest decisions of my life by leaving a job I loved, friends and family who had helped me through the craziest time in my life and luxuries such as my own (albeit prone to crashing) little car and fine collection of shoes and makeup, this decision to cut loose and travel alone was made easier by focusing my mind on the things I would be seeing, doing and experiencing rather than focusing on the things I would be leaving behind.
Surrounded by piles of travel brochures I would daydream over glossy pictures of pure white shores, ridiculously pretty bright flowers, mouth-watering exotic food and smiling local faces. I knew Thailand was on top of my list of places to go. Ok so I guess it is kinda cliché that you don a backpack and find your feet in Bangkok before going island hopping and raving at beach parties but even if it is a well-worn travellers route that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth adding your footsteps to it. For a first time traveller I took courage in the fact so many before me, in a similar confused state of mind, had paved the way and I am sure for many years to come others will follow.
So if you are in search of jaw dropping temples, doing a Leo hunting for a paradise beach or wanting to get lost in the debauchery of Bangkok then here is a list of things you shouldn’t miss during your first time in this wonderful country:
Bridge on the River Kwai – Kanchanaburi – Also known as ‘Death Railway’ for the thousands of prisoners of war who lost their lives building the tracks in the Second World War, a section of the railway still stands crossing the River Kwai and has become something of a tourist hotspot. You can take a daytrip from Bangkok to visit the site, wander round the nearby museum and experience the rugged terrain surrounding the River Kwai.
Full Moon Party - Ko Phangan – A must for any party animal to spend your night under the bright spell of the moon dancing on a packed beach with strangers from across the whole world, truly an experience you won’t forget any time soon.
Thai Massage - Chiang Mai – Ah the spine stretching vigorous rub of a Thai massage. Why not experience this at the hands of a con? In Chiang Mai the local women prisoners have opened a massage parlour as part of a job-training rehabilitation service. As well as getting pampered you can also pick up handmade gifts and munch on freshly baked treats in the cafe.
Street food – Bangkok – Don’t be put off by the people who tell you that street food equals instant sickness. If you chose the stall that has the largest queue of locals then you know the food is fresh, authentic and most of all extremely cheap. Get challenging those taste buds I promise you it will be worth it!
Fire Show - Koh Toa - Sat on comfy cushions in the sand with a cold Tiger beer in your hand admiring the athleticism of Thai men swirling sticks of fire, in a combination of acrobatic and dancing skill, is a great way to spend an evening. Then with your new found dutch courage (thanks to the buckets of cheap spirits) have a go limboing under a flaming rope - just make sure to get down low and tie your hair back as the smell of burning flesh or cindered locks is a real party atmosphere mood killer.
Night Market - Chiang Mai - The Sunday evening market is chocka block full of locals spread out over the floor nabbing any free space to lay down rugs displaying their handicrafts. Go early to avoid the crowds, soak up the atmosphere and practice your bartering skills for some beautiful handcrafted wares at this lively bazaar.
Chilled Bliss - Koh Lanta – Leo may have found paradise beach set on Koh Phi Phi but that is now a tourist hotspot so for a real feeling ‘of you’ time head to Koh Lanta where they are the masters of chillaxing. Embrace your inner sloth where your biggest decisions will be when you next stuff your face, take a dip in the clear warm waters or find a spot on the practically deserted beaches. Tough choices.
The Beach -Koh Phi Phi – Maya Beach was thrust into the limelight after the 2000 hit film ‘The Beach’ was shot here. 14 years later and thousands of tourists still flock en masse to see the azure warm waters, limestone cliffs and multi-coloured long boats gently bobbing on the surf, unfortunately hunky Leo isn’t included in the trip.
Jungle Trek - Chiang Mai – Spend the night deep in the lush green jungle with the darkest night sky you have ever seen and the call of tropical birds and bright sunlight to wake you. There are various trekking companies that cater for every level of fitness that also allow you to cool off in natural inviting waterfalls, get up close to elephants in a locally run sanctuary or sample the hill tribe villagers way of life during your trip.
Khao San Road – Bangkok – The street where anything goes. Want to drink snake blood, eat a fried cockroach, see a woman shoot objects out of her private parts, drunk travellers murder an Oasis song on Karaoke or just be dazzled by the neon lights and noise of this world famous street? You can have it all and more down on this must see strip.
Have you visited Thailand before? What have I missed out of this list that you would urge other backpackers to see/do/experience? I would love to hear from you!
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