Three years, eight destinations, one country – that has been the quantitative story of my journey through Thailand for me till now. If I were to pen down each of the different kinds of experiences I have had in this country, it would be no less than a 500 page book of roller-coaster like proportions. From snakebites, accidents, being chased by wild boars out of a jungle, getting my debit card cloned, eating some amazing food, camping on idyllic islands and beautiful beaches, I have seen a lot in and probably the best of Thailand. Today, what remains with me of this wonderful country are four good reasons why I will go back there again.
Food
Even before I had set foot in Thailand, I was already a big fan of Thai Food. From the legendary Tom Yum to the irresistible Phad Thai or the pleasantly spicy Som Tum, I can go on and on about Thai food. There is not a thing I don’t love about Thai cuisine partially because I have a decent tolerance level for spiciness as Thai food can be very spicy but more so because of the depth of all the unique flavors that emancipate from the food. Whether it is the floating and food markets in Bangkok or the night food bazaar in Chiang Mai, the food in Thailand will never cease to satisfy your taste-buds.
People
Thailand is called the Land of Smiles for a reason – the people of Thailand. Everybody who has been to Thailand or has Thai friends elsewhere, will agree with me that Thai people are a cheerful bunch. Whether you are in the big bustling Bangkok or the calm quiet Pai, the local people are always seen with a smile on their faces. Even though the people of Thailand (like most of South-East Asian countries) are struggling with their own problems and lesser privileges as compared to the other developed countries in the region (Singapore, Japan etc), they do not let that factor become a burden or a source of constant unhappiness. Majority of us travelers will swear by the Thai hospitality towards visitors.
Landscape
Stunning white-sand beaches, lush green forests, hilly terrains, rocky roads, meandering rivers – name it and you’ll find it here. Well, except for snow-capped mountains!! Although mostly popular for the beautiful beaches and islands, there is a lot more to Thailand than sea, sun and sand. The greenery around the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand such as Pai and Chiang Mai are a pleasant contrast to the vibrant city life of Bangkok. And for the beach lovers, Thailand is home to some of the most stunning islands in the world with each island dotted off the coastal regions have their own charm. Take off on a boat and jump off into the sea to explore the colourful underwater life as you snorkel and dive around the reefs. Nature does put on some of its beautiful shows in Thailand.
Chaos
Yes, this might be a surprising one. For me this turned out to be the most attractive aspect of Thailand. I have lived in some places which range from comfortable to perfect (Milan, Singapore). That is why I crave for a little bit of chaos where I won’t get annoyed for not getting a taxi or missing the 9 AM bus. This need not always been a bad thing as I experienced in Thailand. It was pleasantly chaotic and not annoyingly chaotic. I didn’t mind the honking of vehicles or not being able to walk at a brisk pace along the streets of Patong, nor did I mind the occasional traffic jams. I realized I did not want to walk briskly past anyone, I did not want to rush to catch any bus or train, instead I just went with the casual and relaxed flow of this beautiful country.
Everyone has a go-to song, book, movie. Thailand was my go-to place at a time when I was going through some tough times in my personal life. As I was sailing away on a boat in the Andaman Sea on a fine day, I actually beginning to realize the true meaning of Freedom. My friends and family keep saying that there is no need to go back to that country after some unfortunate incidents that happened in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. But would I stop crossing the road for the fear of getting hit by a speeding car?? You know the answer.
Seriously, even we love Thailand. We have been there many times but still, it is always on our list for Vacation. The food, Beer, beaches, landscapes everything is perfect and Chaos too fits perfectly.
We love Thailand too! The food is simply so delicious! Chaos, we aren’t too fond of. We still have so much more of Thailand that we are yet to explore. The landscape is truly stunning. We could spend an endless time gazing.
Totally agree with all the points. Been there in Feb and had a great time.
Thailand offers so much in terms of culture, food and flavour, although I find the food a tad bit spicy at times. Every Thai city has something unique associated with it, be it Bangkok, Hat Yai, Krabi or the likes. I love the chaos surrounding the bigger cities, and like you mentioned, scenic landscapes and beaches remain unmatched.
Wow. You just made me fall in love with Thailand! I definitely have to make it come up on my bucket list! 😀
Yeah, it’s the chaos. It’s fairly controlled chaos, but it’s there, an undercurrent, and that’s one reason I love it too. Thailand to me has a very comfortable sitting right between a developed and developing country, certainly not third-world anymore but not quite first. That means you can go high or low, comfortable or challanged, within a minute.
This is a what I’d love to experience, especially the chaos surprisingly ! But it’s true I’ve already tried food and I love it, I really like spicy food.
I am glad that Thailand helped you when you were going through a rough time. It is a beautiful country and I love your picture of Rawai Hill in Phuket looks amazing I would like to visit here.
These are pretty 4 reasons to visit any country and generally the ones that take me to travel to a new place. Thank you for sharing!
Food, people and landscape are fabulous reasons. I don’t mind some chaos but I would usually like a way to retreat back to my sanctuary of solitude. Love the bright paintings…those are very pretty!
I agree that Thai people often have big smiles for everyone they meet. And of course the food is pretty incredible too. Not a fan of the chaos, but we can’t have everything.
I have to admit that I have not been to Thailand and I would love to visit soon. And I hear you about the little dose of chaos. I used to live in China and I miss the adventure of living in such a different culture. It never got boring 😉
Sound good, never been to Thailand. Are there any mountains there?
Thailand sounds like an amazing place to travel to, I hope to make it there someday!
Thailand is every Digital Nomads paradise, I’m sure you’re having a blast in there! Safe travels 🙂
Yep, I agree with ALL of these! Especially the chaos — there really is something nice about having pure mayhem in a place and Thailand def nails it. And now I’m craving some Thai food!
Thailand is one such South East Asian country on my bucket list which I would definitely visit in my life. I am fascinated by its surreal Thai islands, beaches and magnificent world-class resorts and hotels!
I loved Thailand when I was there. I only got to the South and explored Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Bangkok, but your piece got me reminiscing on my trip as your reasons to love the nation compare to mine.
I envy you for having seen Thailand! I’ve been dreaming to go there for so long! Luckily, I had a chance to taste the cuisine. The first time was about 8 years ago in Toronto 😀 It was love at first taste.
The Food and Landscape are reasons enough for making me live in Thailand. At least visit it once if not get a chance to stay for a long term.
Chaos I think is a general thing I would always like about Asia. The authenticity of how everything still works somehow well even though not looking very organized!
Chaos was a surprise addition to that list. But it’s funny that you mention that because in the past I’ve described Thailand as the Wild Wild West of Asia, so chaos is a fitting term.
Thailand has long been on radar for those amazing landscapes and definitely the food. Great to know that the locals are a happy-go-lucky people which does matter a lot to the tourists interested to explore a destination like locals.
My stay there too was good. People are so friendly and I remember couple of them saying Thais and Indians are cousins. 🙂 And I too love the chaos there.
Authentic Thai food was the best and I was pleasantly surprised by he friendly locals! Wish I would’ve ventured more outside of Phuket though.
I have not been to Thailand yet but will soon especially as South Africans do not need visas to visit. The food looks amazing as well as the colourful street art.
I too found after a break up Travel on my own was a good remedy for the soul
I’m all about food and landscapes! I love thai food and would love to eat my way through Thailand!
Glad that you love the life in Thailand. Means you will survive in any places you go. I still cant get over the part that you were chased by a wild boar!
I have to agree with everything you said about Thailand and for me the most important ate the people there. We spend a few months each year in Chiang Mai and regroup usually during the winter. We have made many friends with both expats and local business owners there and we always get a warm welcome even if we have been gone they still know who we are instantly.
Those paintings are so cute!!
Oh I love those paintings too. They are to be found all over Phuket 🙂