Laurence Grigorov - Thailand Travel

1. The 13 best things to do in Thailand
As director of a property development company that specialises in modern, luxury apartments, cluster
units and bespoke homes, Laurence Grigorov has a busy and stressful work schedule. In order to
relax, Laurence Grigorov enjoys traveling in his leisure time and often uses the opportunity to broaden
his scope on international architectural trends and influences.
Southeast Asia’s most popular holiday destination, Thailand continues to dazzle travellers with its
glittering temples, tropical beaches, and mouth-watering food.
Add blockbuster natural scenery, vibrant villages, a cosmopolitan capital and buckets of culture, and
it’s easy to see how the Land of Smiles has turned many a first-timer into a repeat visitor. From the
best island-hopping experiences to having safe and sustainable wildlife encounters, here are the top
things to do in Thailand.
1. Tour the best of Bangkok
Between its golden temples, buzzy markets and famous culinary scene alone, there’s plenty to love
about Bangkok. While you could tailor an entire trip to touring the city’s glitzy rooftop bars, take time to
seek out the fascinating museums, hidden khlong (canals), and underground arts scene. From
thought-provoking street art to the best meal you’ve ever had, there’s a memorable attraction around
every corner in this iconic city.
2. Explore the ruins of ancient cities
An easy day trip from Bangkok, the ruins of Ayuthaya – the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam –
offer a glimpse into its glorious past. Perched atop an extinct volcano in the nation’s central north, the

2. 13th-century ruins of Sukhothai, Thailand’s most impressive and significant Khmer historical site, is
another must-see.
3. Go island-hopping, diving and snorkelling
With more than 1400 Thai islands to choose from, where’s a traveller to begin? Home to the popular
holiday idyls of Ko Lanta and the Phi Phi islands, to more off-the-beaten track tropical escapes such
as the Trang archipelago and the scuba paradise of the Similan Islands, the Andaman coast is a good
place to start.
4. Join the backpacker scene in Pai
In search of Thailand’s ultimate backpacker scene? These days, many travellers will tell you it lies at
the end of an ultra-scenic, winding bus ride from Chiang Mai into the lush mountains of Mae Hong
Son Province. Set in a picturesque valley and surrounded by hot springs and waterfalls, Pai draws
backpackers as much for its nature adventures as for its laid-back vibe, cool cafes, and late-night
parties.
5. Eat out or go to cooking school in Chiang Mai
The cultural capital of the north, Chiang Mai is packed with temples, and enjoys a fantastic dining
scene where you can sample northern Thai specialties like the fragrant curry dish known as kôw soy
(or khao soi), or learn how to make them yourself at local cooking schools.
As well as being a popular hub for digital nomads, Chiang Mai’s scenic countryside is dotted with
traditional handicraft outlets, elephant sanctuaries, jungle hiking opportunities, minority villages, and
more.
6. Visit the ethnically diverse hills of Chiang Rai
Sharing its border with Myanmar to the west and Laos to the east, Chiang Rai is one of Thailand’s
most ethnically diverse provinces. The nation’s northernmost corner is also arguably its most
beautiful. Admire Chiang Rai’s dramatic mountains, seek out its serene temples, visit its hill tribe
villages responsibly, and stay a while in the atmospheric villages, some of which hug the mighty
Mekong River.
7. Hike the trails or chill by the lake in Khao Sok National Park

3. If you only have time to visit one of Thailand’s spectacular national parks, make it Khao Sok. This
ancient rainforest hugging the midsection of southern Thailand is laced with sweaty hiking trails that
reward you with postcard-perfect views of limestone formations fringing the emerald waters of Chiaw
Lan Lake. You can also go tubing, kayaking and rafting, and sleep in a floating hut.
8. Soak up the romance of Railay
Soaring limestone karsts rise up behind sugar-white beaches lapped by turquoise water in Railay,
easily one of Thailand’s most genetically blessed seaside destinations. Come to lounge on beautiful
beaches, explore scenic caves, and test your rock-climbing skills. Home to a number of resorts,
Railay is also a popular romantic escape for couples.
9. Have an authentic homestay experience with a local family
Craving an authentic cultural experience? Offering an opportunity to connect with Thai people on a
deeper and more authentic level than the average village tour, community-based ecotourism (CBET)
is a great place to start.
Hosted across the country, from the mountain towns of Chiang Mai Province to the Muslim fishing
villages of Phang-Nga Province, CBET experiences usually take the form of a homestay combined
with eco-conscious activities ranging from cooking classes to mangrove planting.
10. Choose your own adventure in Kanchanaburi
The provincial capital’s WWII memorials are a mandatory stop before heading deeper into the
spectacular wilderness areas of Kanchanaburi Province, where rivers ooze between jagged limestone
peaks rising out of the verdant jungle. From kayaking to jungle treks, there are plenty of activities to
choose from in this popular adventure centre.

4. 11. Book a traditional Thai massage
Have you even been to Thailand if you haven’t had a traditional Thai massage? Combining
acupressure, Ayurvedic principles and assisted yoga postures, this quintessentially Thai style of
massage has been linked to health benefits ranging from boosting energy to busting stress.
12. Venture beyond the resorts of Phuket
Home to some of Thailand’s best resorts – at every budget – the Andaman holiday haven of Phuket is
also blessed with some of Thailand’s loveliest beaches. But there’s plenty more to discover beyond
your sun lounger.
Less than 30 minutes’ drive west from the hedonistic hub of Patong, Phuket Town’s colourful heritage
buildings house excellent restaurants, boutiques and museums. And in the island’s northeast, you can
visit a wildlife sanctuary working to rehabilitate gibbons rescued from the pet trade, and take a
refreshing dip in a waterfall nearby.
13. Embrace responsible elephant tourism
Asian elephants have played an important role in Thai culture for centuries, and in good news for
Thailand’s elephants, and visitors who come to see them, many of Thailand’s elephant attractions
have acted on global calls to cease offering activities that are harmful for elephants and dangerous for
tourists.
A small but growing number of operators including ChangChill near Chiang Mai and Following Giants
in Ko Lanta have even transitioned to observation-only experiences, where elephants can be admired
doing what they do best: simply being elephants.
Words & images courtesy of www.lonelyplanet.com