The Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide
- Admin
- Oct 16, 2019
- 3 min read
Written in partnership with ASEAN Tourism
10 days, 10 flights. I have never spent so much time LIVING in airports as I had on this amazing journey. Everything about this trip was unconventional and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Southeast Asia healed a part of me that I did not know needed healing.
We started the trip in the best way possible in an elephant sanctuary, getting to know the majestic creatures first hand! Many people think about visiting elephants when they’re in Thailand but often forget to do so in an ethical and responsible way. In efforts to capitalize on the tourist market, elephants are forced to give rides and perform unnatural tricks. It is far more enriching to visit a sanctuary, respect the lifestyle and freedom of these beautiful creatures and watch as they tower over us as they munch on bananas.
The elephant is the official national animals of Thailand so it only makes sense they are considered royalty. In fact, in Thai culture, the white elephant is called “chang sam khan”, which means “auspicious elephant” and is a symbol of royal power which only the King can have. For centuries, elephants have been a crucial part of Thai culture, they were used in war and in the logging business. When logging became illegal, elephants were then used for entertainment as tourist attractions. Elephant sanctuaries are the only way to experience these majestic animals in the most ethical way possible
After an amazing day at the sanctuary, we headed to a hot spring spa in the mountains of Krabi. Therapeutic and soothing, the Krabi Hot Springs are ‘hot tubs’ crafted into smooth rock channeling water from deep-rooted thermal springs located in volcanic chambers. The waters average 35-40 degrees Celsius and are brimming with natural mineral salts which are claimed to cure all manner of health complaints including rheumatism and sciatica. The sensation is utterly relaxing and the environment is certainly unique, imagine sitting in a bathtub hollowed out from nature’s stone and surrounded by rain forest.
For our first night, we had dinner in a hut in the middle of the jungle. It was so magical! The open-air restaurant had some of the most delicious Thai food I HAVE EVER TRIED! Thai food in NYC simply cannot compare. The papaya salad was definitely one of my favorite dishes along with the Tom Kha soup (which is a spicy soup with a coconut milk base)
We ventured on our third day to James Bond Island made famous by the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. Before arriving at the James Bond island we stopped off at the Monkey temple and went canoeing through the lush mangrove forests.
The awe-inspiring golden reclining Buddha at the Monkey Cave temple is definitely a must-see if you’re heading to James Bond island. The temple itself is built into the limestone mountains with different caves that one can explore. Outside the temple, there are hundreds of monkeys playing around waiting for the visitors to feed them. But don't be fooled, they are clever little creatures that will jump all over you and try to take your belongings if you're not watchful.
After the temple, we made our way to the dock where we took a boat out to the middle of the sea for some canoeing. The scene is something out of a movie, imagine sheer limestone rising vertically from Phang Nga Bay all around you. There are even big boats where you can canoe over for a coconut. The guide took us on a special tour through the mangrove forest that completely left me in awe of the amazing trees.
A couple of months ago I was at a gala for @WeAreProjectZero in New York City in their efforts to Save The Mangroves and at the time I really did not understand the nee5d for such a cause until now. This trip has made me realize just how crucial the mangrove forests are to Southeast Asia. Mangroves protect shorelines from damaging storms and hurricane winds, waves, and floods. Without the mangroves, the devastating effects of a tropical storm are far worse by unimaginable amounts. Yet, despite their incredible capacities to protect the people and preserve our coastlines, the mangrove population is diminishing. But together, we can protect them. Donate today and spread the word!
Overall, I cannot think of a better country to start off my Southeast Asia tour with! Stay tuned Part 2 of this series where I take you to Ipoh, Malaysia!
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