Visiting Thailand

 Do you see the hotel? It is there, respecting the landscape, a lesson that Thailand gives us since the first moments, and with only a few exceptions. If there weren’t 16 hours flying there and the same backwards, that should become a regular destination. Everything was appealing, and affordable.

​We made a well planned trip, with the internal connections made by plain first from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (from where we went by land to Chiang Rai and back) and then to Phuket. 

Since we were there, we went a little further to visit Singapore, and that was the only thing that didn’t go as we planned, because we were thinking on a direct flight from Phuket and couldn’t get it. We were obliged to fly north to Bangkok and from there to Singapore, adding extra 2000 kms to the flights. It didn’t reflect on price, only on time, but still gave us time to a brief trip in southern Malaysia (only saw Johor Bahru). Coming back to Thailand is my wife’s dream (and I’m in), but the flights… Maybe one day!

Food

Eat. Everything. Even when cutting the food looks like a crime against arts. But for me, everything tasted good, being light and healthy. I had tried Thai food in a Portuguese restaurant and was somewhat disappointed. In place things were totally different. So… eat. And enjoy.

Language
Thai language is difficult? Yes! But who needs it, in a country that bets in communication? Do you really need a translator?

Islands

In my trip I was impressed by the readings about Phuket, and didn’t care with my agent’s warnings about monsoon. He suggested Ko Samui much safer in that period, but I insisted in Phuket.
I didn’t regret, since it is really interesting, and Phi Phi islands and Patong were perfect to overcome the sea constraints.
In his second visit, Tito visited not only Ko Samui, but a few other islands, all of them with heavenly beaches, being Ko Thao his favorite.
He convinced me, and in the second visit I will reserve several days for the Ko… something!

​Bangkok

Is it possible to visit Thailand without going to Bangkok?

Yes, it is!

But the big city is something that no one should miss. Even after the injustice that kept the Imperial Palace out of the new seven wonders of the world, Bangkok is a place where I would like to come back (and, surprisingly, Fernanda too).

​If it wasn’t so far…

​Phuket

Land of some good beaches, this large island connected to the continent, is plenty of complementary attractions. When we were there it was monsoon time, and some of the beaches were dangerous. A detail to have in mind, since monsoon extends for several months in summer.

​Our agent advised Ko Samui, in the opposite coast, and maybe, that would have been safer, with easy access to the beautiful area of Krabi. But Phuket was great, and the additional precautions needed at the sea didn’t spoil a good week.

​Chiang Mai

A visit to Thailand will not be complete if we don’t add to Bangkok and the inevitable beach, a trip to the north.

Chiang Mai is the capital of the north, and the best located place to travel around.

​It is also, very interesting if you don’t want to go elsewhere in the neighborhoods.

​Chiang Rai

Visiting Thailand, travelling to Chiang Mai opens the doors to visit Chiang Rai, and the so-called Golden Triangle.

It is a crossroads of people with ethnic and political expression, which guarantee a dense and interesting visit.