Ah, the beautiful, bustling Kingdom of Thailand. A land of enchanting culture, delicious cuisine, and warm, inviting people. There’s no question about it – a trip to Thailand is an experience that can leave lasting impressions on any traveler’s mind.

We fell in love with Thailand the first time we first visited and ended up staying for five months rather than the single month we had planned. We covered every major area of the country and shipped home two big boxes of souvenirs we picked up during our travels.

From Thai silk pillows to enchanting wood carvings, to an album of beautiful elephant paper and huge painted fans, we still have those same Thai souvenirs scattered throughout our house years later and have zero regrets buying any of them.

For those wanting to take a little piece of this vibrant country home, you’re in luck!

Thailand is a shopping paradise, with an abundance of exquisite souvenirs waiting to be discovered.

Let me guide you through some of the best Thailand souvenirs and Thai keepsakes you can bring back from your own Thai adventure.

1. Thai Silk

First on the list is the famous Thai silk, renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and unique production process.

Jim Thompson, an American architect turned silk merchant, popularized Thai silk during the mid-20th century and lead to it’s worldwide popularity. If you’re in Bangkok, you can visit the Jim Thompson House for a fascinating insight into the silk-making process.

Thai silk is perfect for scarves, clothing, pillowcases, or even wall hangings. It comes in vibrant colors and diverse patterns, making each piece a unique work of art.

2. Celadon Ceramics

A walk into any local market in Thailand and you’ll find a range of beautiful celadon ceramics. Characterized by their lovely jade-green glaze, these handcrafted items have a rich history, dating back to the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai.

You can get Thai celadon ceramics in plates, vases, bowls, and figurines. The choices are nearly endless and due to the process of making them, every piece is guaranteed to be a topic of conversation every time someone sees it.

3. Spa and Wellness Products

Thailand is known for its soothing spa treatments. What better souvenir than the gift of relaxation?

Thai wellness products, including herbal balms, essential oils, massage oils, coconut products and aromatic incense, are made with locally sourced ingredients and are an ideal way to recreate the Thai spa experience at home.

World class beaches are only a couple hours from the bustling streets of Bangkok and make for an easy Thai spa day. If you’re looking to make Thailand a regular getaway, buy villa in Jomtien Beach or check out the lovely spas in the area.

4. Handicrafts

Thailand’s artistry shines through its wide variety of handicrafts. Thai wooden carvings, particularly teak and sandalwood items, are particularly sought after as souvenirs and works of art. Woven items like baskets, mats, and wall hangings from local markets also make wonderful Thai souvenirs.

For something truly unique, look out for products from the ‘One Tambon One Product’ (OTOP) program. This initiative promotes the unique products of each Thai subdistrict or ‘tambon’, ensuring you’ll have a truly unique memento.

5. Thai Snacks

As we always say, there’s no better way to remember a place than through its flavors! Thai snacks like durian chips, coconut candy, and a variety of rice crackers are not to be missed.

Look out for unique treats like Khanom Thai that are traditional Thai sweets made from coconut milk, sugar, and rice flour. Remember to check your country’s regulations on bringing food items back home though as there are some food restrictions as noted at the bottom of this article.

6. Muay Thai Shorts

For those with an interest in martial arts, or those simply seeking a unique keepsake, Muay Thai shorts are a must-have. Available in a rainbow of colors and designs, these shorts not only serve as a functional item for workouts, but also as a fun and sporty memento of your Thai adventure.

Even if you’re not into most combat sports, catching a Muay Thai match, whether in Bangkok or elsewhere in the country is a thrilling thing with a long tradition dating back to before the 16th century. Even if you don’t watch the matches themselves, the crowd behaviour and the spectacle alone are often worth the entry cost.

7. Thai Silver Jewelry

Thailand is known for its exquisite silver jewelry, especially from the northern city of Chiang Mai and the northern regions tribes. Crafted with exceptional skill and precision, the silver pieces often feature intricate designs inspired by nature or Thai mythology.

Whether you’re looking for rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, Thai silver jewelry makes for an elegant souvenir. Look for 99% pure silver when possible (more popular in the north) however the ones marked with a 0.925 stamp, which indicates that it’s 92.5 per cent silver, is cheaper on the wallet, found throughout the country and often looks just as nice.

8. Thai Spices

No Thai culinary experience is complete without the punch of aromatic spices. Thailand’s colorful markets offer a wide range of locally-grown spices such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, and various types of chillies.

Since our first visit, the food in Thailand is our high water mark for some of the best food on the planet. The problem is we’re constantly disappointed that the best flavors don’t make it back to our local Thai restaurants. While the majority of the ingredients are the same, it’s the spices that make Thai food renowned.

So, why not pack some and recreate the flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen?

There are even some great Thai cooking classes you can take when you’re in Thailand to make you a guaranteed hit with any friends and relatives back home and with the proper seasonings, it will be like they’ve visited Thailand too.

9. Coconut Oil

Thai coconut oil is widely recognized for its high quality, due to the country’s optimal coconut-growing conditions. It is used for cooking, skin care, or even as a hair treatment. You’ll find bottles of various sizes, in liquid or semi solid state, perfect for your luggage limitations whether you’re traveling with a carry-on or an oversized checked bag.

10. Flower Soap Carvings

Thai flower soap carvings are an exquisite display of Thai craftsmanship. These beautifully carved soaps mimic the shapes and colors of various flowers, from orchids to lotus flowers. Often presented in elegant boxes, they make for fragrant and eye-catching souvenirs.

11. Elephant Paper Products

Elephant paper products, or elephant dung paper, are made from – you guessed it – elephant dung! Don’t worry, it’s thoroughly cleaned and processed into pulp to create eco-friendly, unique, and colorful stationery products. This is not just a fun souvenir, but also a way to support elephant conservation in Thailand.

When we first heard of elephant paper, we had to take a tour to see how it’s processed and it’s quite an interesting endeavor. Thankfully the paper doesn’t smell but it does make for some gorgeous, unique paper that would make any scrapbooking friend a fan of it for life.

12. Thai Harem Pants/Thai Fisherman Pants

If comfort and style are what you seek, look no further than Thai Harem Pants.

Known as “fisherman pants”, these are a common sight in Thailand’s streets and markets and if worn anywhere else in the world, a classic sign that someone has recently visited Thailand.

With their loose fit and lightweight fabric, they’re ideal for the tropical weather and are often the preferred choice for those attending yoga classes or simply exploring the city. Harem pants come in a variety of colors and patterns, from traditional Thai designs to elephant prints and tie-dye.

Often made of cotton or rayon, what makes these pants an excellent souvenir is their comfort. They can be worn as casual loungewear, beachwear, nightwear or just hanging on the couch on a chill day. Plus, they’re unisex and one-size-fits-all, making them a fantastic gift for friends and family back home.

13. Edible Insects

For the daring foodies, why not bring back some edible insects? A common snack in Thailand, fried insects like crickets, silkworms, and even scorpions are seasoned and packaged for you to share this unique experience with your friends back home.

I can clearly remember trying my first fried cricket in Thailand and would have loved if these packaged treats were a thing back then as every friend asked me about the experience (tastier than I expected for the record). Remember though, to check the import rules of your country before packing these crunchy treats, as some countries don’t allow certain foods in.

14. Thai Liquor

Thai liquor, such as the ever popular SangSom and Mekhong, is a must-try for those interested in local spirits. SangSom, a popular rum, and Mekhong, often referred to as Thai whisky, are widely consumed by locals and visitors alike and taste great with a Coke or Pepsi.

In addition to these, there’s also Lao Khao or white spirit, traditionally enjoyed in rural areas. These spirits often pack a punch and make for interesting gifts for the liquor enthusiasts back home. Just remember to pack these carefully and adhere to the liquid and alcohol restrictions on your flight home.

15. Flavored Fruit Drinks and Malt Teas

Thailand’s tropical climate makes it a haven for a diverse range of fruits.

Local markets often offer a plethora of flavored fruit drinks, from classics like coconut and mango to exotic choices like dragon fruit and rambutan. Bringing home packaged versions of these beverages can be a refreshing way to remember the tropical vibe of Thailand.

In addition, Thailand’s malt teas, both hot and iced, are also immensely popular. These include drinks like Cha Yen (Thai iced tea), a unique blend of strong brewed tea, sugar, and condensed milk, and O-liang, a strong black iced coffee usually served sweet. Look out for take-home mixes of these popular beverages as a way to savor the taste of Thailand once you’re back home.

The best Thailand souvenirs are the memories you made

Shopping in Thailand can be an adventure in itself, as thrilling as exploring an ancient temple or tasting a new street food delight. The Thai bahts you spend won’t just buy you beautiful keepsakes, they also support local artisans and their families, helping preserve traditional Thai crafts for future generations.

If you’re looking to make Thailand your base, there are plenty of great areas to call home. Thailand real estate is cheaper than most western countries and Bangkok is one of the most popular airport hubs in the world with flights from nearly every nation.

Whether you decide to pick up a place there or just decide to visit, as you navigate the bustling markets, remember to bargain politely – it’s part of the shopping culture in Thailand. And most importantly, remember that the best souvenir you can bring back is the experience, the stories, and the joy of your journey.

Happy shopping, travelers!

A note on restricted Items for Export from Thailand

As with any country, Thailand has specific restrictions on what can be taken out of the country. Some of the most significant ones include:

1. Buddha Images and Buddhist Artifacts: Exporting images of Buddha, Buddhist artifacts, and antiques is restricted and often requires special permission. It’s illegal to take out of the country any Buddha image larger than 12 inches without a license from the Department of Fine Arts.
2. Antiques and Artifacts: Just like Buddhist artifacts, any item that could be considered a national treasure, including antiques and historical artifacts, is subject to strict export regulations. If you’re unsure about an item, it’s best to check before purchasing.
3. Animal Products: Products made from certain types of wildlife are illegal to export under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This includes items made from ivory, certain types of wood, and products derived from protected animal species.
4. Drugs and Certain Medicines: As in all countries, exporting illegal drugs is a severe offense. Additionally, certain types of medication, particularly those containing narcotic substances, may be illegal to export without proper documentation.

When shopping in Thailand, if you have any doubts about whether an item can be legally exported, it’s always a good idea to ask the seller or check with the local customs authority. By adhering to these regulations, you’ll ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Happy travels!

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Thailand is a country of natural landscapes perfectly combined with extraordinary architectural masterpieces and religious temples. The temples are a beautiful testimony of the perfect meeting place between the ancient Taoist religious roots and the subsequent Buddhist tradition.

These 8 temples are definitely places you have to see while in Thailand:

Wat Phrakaew – Emerald Buddha Temple

Wat Phra Kaew is considered the main temple of the Buddhist tradition. It’s located in the center of Bangkok (Phra Nakhon) and was built between 1782 and 1784. Inside the main temple you will find the sacred Emerald Buddha statue which has an accompanying traditional rite. Three times a year, the dress of the deity is changed to match the seasons of the Thai calendar.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Located 15 kilometres from the city of Chiang Mai is the temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep located on top of Doi Suthep mountain. This temple provides stunning views over Chiang Mai and has a plenty of noteworthy elements: 200 stairs to the top, the statue of the White Elephant and the temple bells that are considered good luck to ring.

Wondering how to get there? Here’s how to book the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai!

Wat Si Chum – The Temple of the Bodhi Tree

The Wat Si Chum temple was built in the 13^th century and is situated about a kilometre and a half north of Wat Mahathat in the Sukhothai Province. This temple is famous for its huge and realistic statue of Buddha that is made of stucco and is over 11 metres wide. There is a passageway next to the statue that leads to the roof. It has a symbolic value, it is believed that the ritual of climbing the stairs was a symbolic ascent to Buddhist enlightenment.

Wat Traimit

The Wat Traimit temple is located in the Samphanthawong District in Bangkok and is famous for its large statue of Buddha. At 3 metres tall and composed entirely of gold, the Golden Buddha is the world’s largest solid gold statue. The statues origins remain uncertain however it was constructed over 700 years ago and was encased in plaster and forgotten for nearly 200 years before an accident in 1955 revealed it’s gold origin. There is a nice view from the top but it may not be the best place to go if you’re looking for a peaceful experience.

Wat Rong Khun – The White Temple

This is a Hindu-Buddhist temple located in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Khun is a recent structure, with construction beginning in 1997 and remaining unfinished. It’s a slightly unconventional style of temple however it’s designed to reflect the modernity of the country. The white colour also represents the purity of Buddha.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Sing is located in the west of the ancient city of Chiang Rai, in the Mueang District. This temple was built in 1345 by Pra Chao Maha Proma and has an interesting and diverse collection of statues. Images of Pra Singh have been collected there made in ebony and gold, purple jade, as well as gold Buddha images collected from the bodhi tree.

Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn

Located in the Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, the temple was built during the reign of Ayutthaya. Wat Arun is called the temple of Dawn because its name comes from the Hindu god Aruna who is typically represented by the rising sun. There is a main temple and the Ordinance Hall – supposedly designed by King Rama II in the nineteenth century – that is still used for rituals. Plenty of beautiful frescoes line the walls, inspired by the life of Buddha.

Santa Cruz Church

This isn’t the typical temple that you would expect to see in Thailand, but this church was built in the 1700s by the Portuguese. The land was gifted to them by King Tksin after the fall of Ayutthaya as a show of appreciation for their aid – they had been supplying the country with arms since 1516. The Portuguese built this Catholic Church originally with wood, but it has been rebuilt twice. With sculptures depicting Jesus’ life and stained glass windows, the Santa Cruz Church has elements of Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

Thailand is a very trendy destination, not just for gap year students and backpackers, but for anyone looking to experience a different way of life.

Getting to Thailand is easy – plenty of airlines fly to Bangkok and you can easily book ground and sea transportation tickets online.

Alyssa James is an outgoing introvert from Toronto who has read The Alchemist a few too many times. After graduating university, she taught English on a Caribbean island where she realized her passion for writing. Since then, her work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Travel + Escape, Matador Network and local newspapers. Her latest musings on expat life in London can be read on her blog, Alyssa Writes.

Thailand: Ao Nang, Krabi to Ko Samui

After a great few months hopping around southern Thailand, monsoon season was quickly approaching. Micki and I decided that it was time to leave the Andaman Sea and check out the warm and sunny eastern islands in Thailand. The three major islands on the east are the touristy Ko Samui, full moon rave party Ko Pha Ngan and the divers mecca of Ko Tao.

We decided to forego the early bus and a quick ferry and opted to try a night ferry to the island of Ko Samui instead. On the whole, the night ferry was going to take longer, but since we would be traveling at night we thought we’d get an extra day and a free night’s accommodation out of the deal. Well, we definitely got both of those and a few other surprises as well. Hint: one of those surprises involves a goat.

Travel tip! Here’s how to Book van+ferry from Krabi to Koh Samui on Bookaway.

From what we read, the night ferry went a little slower than the other so that’s where we thought all our time would be wasted. As you can probably guess, I could probably fill a few pages talking about how that journey went but for the sake of brevity, I’ll just give you some of the highlights.

It all started the moment we left our hostel…

As was the norm, our journey in South-East Asia started with us getting picked up at our hostel and brought to the bus station. Luckily, we were leaving from Ao Nang, saving us some time as compared to the bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Usually, there is a short wait at the station before taking off. We knew the moment that we reached that first station that this was going to be a memorable trip. After our ten minute ride to the local bus station they announced that we were over an hour and a half early and needed to wait. Next came a very dusty, hot and decrepit three hour bus ride followed by, you guessed it, an hour and a half of more waiting.

As it pushed closer to midnight, we realized we were the only people left at the station.

Everyone else from our group was on their way north to Bangkok or south down to Malaysia. Since it was so late and there was just the two of us, they didn’t even bother starting up a bus.

It turns out we were driven the last leg of the trip in the box of a beat up old truck with a bunch of plastic chairs that they felt needed to be dropped off first. This was all explained to us with wild gestures and lots of nodding since we had no idea what the driver was saying and he obviously didn’t speak a word of English.

I will say that blindly driving down the back streets of a dark, small town close to midnight in a foreign country and pulling into an even darker yard wasn’t exactly the best feeling in the world.

Once we realized they only wanted to drop off the chairs, the truck pulled out and we finally arrived at the ferry. As was our luck that day, we discovered that we had to wait another few hours yet again before the ferry left from Suratthani for the island of Ko Samui.

As bad as all that waiting was, it paled in comparison to realizing that the two goats that were tied to the boat were waiting their turn to board.

Yes, it was definitely a memorable journey. Anyway, after seeing the cargo that was being loaded, we were thrilled when we realized that everyone on board had a 2×6 foot-sleeping mat and an old pillow to call their own. As sad as that sounds, you can probably imagine our discontent when, after playing cards for over two hours, we realized that we hadn’t even left the shore yet.

I would like to end the story on that note but since I tend to always share the more positive and unusual aspects of our trip today I feel the need to describe the less pleasant and more mundane side as well. With that in mind, I could tell you all about the long night aboard suffocating on diesel fuel fumes or maybe the big cockroaches and wacked out moths that lunged at us continuously.

Of course, I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t also mention our backpacker neighbors who looked as grubby as they smelled and who continually invaded our 2×6 space. On the whole, interesting wouldn’t even begin to describe it but, as I always say, any story worth mentioning is an adventure worth living.

Looking back now, the funniest part of the whole incident is that we actually arrived in Ko Samui earlier than we had anticipated. Though that may sound great, in retrospect, unexpectedly arriving in a small foreign town at 5:00 in the morning and trying to find transportation is not a big bonus.

So, was Ko Samui worth all the hassle? In a word, no but it did have a few things going for it but that’s another post entirely…

Years after Alex Garland’s best-selling novel, The Beach, first hit bookstores, I went in search of the ultimate backpacker’s paradise.

Like many desk-bound Canadians, I had always fantasized about finding the perfect tropical beach. A beach with the whitest sand, the clearest water, and most importantly, the fewest tourists. I had left a promising career on hold to explore Thailand in search of Garland’s perfect beach with Charles, who was then my boyfriend of just over a year.

Garland’s best-selling novel tells the story of twenty-something Richard, who sets out in search of the perfect backpacker’s beach paradise. Ultimately, he finds his paradise on an isolated island commune in the sea near the Thai island of Ko Samui.

In his book, Garland notes that the formerly isolated backpacker’s paradise of Ko Samui itself has become an ugly, over crowded tourist trap. In 2003, seven years after he wrote those words, I visited Ko Samui to see for myself.

Garland was right. The busy beaches on Ko Samui were crowded with hairy tourists, who looked like they’d been poured into their far too tight Speedos. The towns were even worse: loud strips of highway jammed with brightly-lit tour agencies, Internet cafes and a seeming endless stream of tawdry bars with tired-looking bar girls. Hopping on a moped to tour the island, we found some lovely beaches and quiet corners away from the main beaches, but the noise was only a short drive away.

Ko Samui was clearly off my list, so I decided to see if the nearby island of Ko Tao was any closer to Garland’s paradise. Almost completely deserted when Garland wrote The Beach, Ko Tao is now billed as one of Thailand’s best scuba-diving sites. The tiny island lacks the crass consumerism of Ko Samui, but today Ko Tao is packed to the gills with dive operators offering introductory scuba lessons. Close, but no enchilada.

I was beginning to lose hope that I would ever find Garland’s paradise. Did it still exist, somewhere off Thailand’s rugged coastline?

The numbers themselves argued against being able to find paradise. Close to ten million tourists visit Thailand each year, with a good proportion of them hitting the touristy mainland beaches of Pattaya, and almost as many visiting the island of Phuket.

Obviously, I had to go far, far afield to find Garland’s perfect beach. My next tactic was to leave the busy islands behind, and see if Thailand’s mainland beaches harbored my secret paradise. I decided to next check out the beaches near the town of Krabi, rumored to be much less touristy than those of the popular islands like Ko Samui.

I never found my isolated beach paradise in Krabi. Instead, I found myself ocean kayaking underneath stunning limestone cliffs with only the sound of my paddle to disturb the peace. I maneuvered the kayak into narrow passages between rocks jutting up from the ocean, pushed and pulled by the gentle tides. Limestone cliffs jutted overhead, and long stalactites hung precariously. Caves carved into the cliffs dozens of feet above my head cried out to be explored. The ocean was a clear, deep turquoise, and schools of little silver fish darted, iridescent and shimmering just under the surface.

Despite the beautiful distractions of Krabi’s coastline, I continued my search for the perfect beach. This time, I focused on Thailand’s more isolated southern Andaman Sea.

My first stop was Maya Bay, on Ko Phi Phi Leh island: the setting for The Beach’s film version, starring Leonardo DeCaprio. About 550 km southwest of Bangkok, the filmmakers’ decision to use the once isolated Maya Beach for filming was fraught with controversy. Environmentalists blasted filmmakers for damaging the fragile beach. Later, the movie’s success ensured that the film’s location would become a stop on any tour of Thailand’s beaches, creating further damage to the pristine natural environment of the island. I didn’t really expect to find Garland’s perfect beach at Maya Bay, but I wanted to take a look anyway.

On the day I visited in 2003, Maya Bay’s once-pristine water was coated with a light sheen of spilled diesel fuel, and tourists like me swarmed the white sand. My heart sunk to see what tourism had made of this idyllic place. Today, 10 years after my trip, tourists still report polluted water and unchecked tourism on Maya Bay.

The island of Ko Lanta was my next stop. Ko Lanta’s sand wasn’t the whitest, and the beaches were dotted with tourists, but the laid-back feel of the island seduced me to stay well over three weeks. Each night, Charles and I ate at one of the many open-air restaurants, and each day we swam in the clear, shallow waters.

Eventually, I decided to continue my search for Garland’s perfect beach on the isolated, and largely unknown, island of Ko Mook. The longtail boat swept me past towering limestone cliffs and lush greens of little islands that dot the Andaman coast.

My first glimpse of Ko Mook (also spelled Koh Muk) was the less than one kilometer long stretch of perfect white sand on Farang (the Thai word for foreigner) Beach. Carrying my backpack precariously, I waded toward the little bamboo bungalows that dotted the length of the beach.

Boasting only a few resorts, Ko Mook was decidedly more serene than any of the other islands I’d visited on my quest. The only sign of nightlife on the island was a small beachfront bar, with six tables on the sand, serving ice-cold beer and cocktails. The only television in sight was in the restaurant at Charlies’ Resort. For meals, there was a choice of the four restaurants at the local resorts (Sawatdee’s, Charlie’s, Hat Farang, and the newest resort, Rubbertree). All the restaurants served excellent Thai food, Western breakfasts, and standard Western fare like sandwiches and spaghetti. Typically, a main course cost between 50 and 100 baht (about $1.50 – $3.50 USD).

Every evening, everyone on the island made his or her way down to the beach to watch the sun set. I spent most afternoons running from the beach’s perfect, wide strip of powdery white sand into the warm, emerald green water. The only complaint was the water fleas, which would sometimes bite mercilessly, feeling like stinging little mosquito bites under water. They never left a mark, and only stung for a few seconds, but the bites were still a little bit disconcerting!

Overall, the beach was almost deserted, apart from a half dozen tourists, and occasionally some local young men and women. The local people of Ko Mook are Muslim, and they often swam in full clothing, including long skirts or trousers, and full head coverings. Their modestly contrasted sharply with us Western tourists, who mostly wore tiny Speedos or string bikinis, and sometimes even went topless.

Was Ko Mook my equivalent of Garland’s perfect beach? Definitely not. Garland’s paradise would never have resorts; it would be perfectly isolated and unspoiled.

Did I ever find Garland’s perfect beach?

No. Though I did find the beauty I was looking for in the emerald green waters of Krabi, and relaxation in the laid back beach life of Ko Mook and Ko Lanta.

Garland’s perfect beach may still exist… somewhere.

But every year, as tourists just like me travel to even more distant coastlines in search of paradise, the perfect beach becomes more lost. Eventually, I can’t help but wonder if it will exist at all.

Did you like this article? You can read more of our Flashback articles, where we explore driving through Australia’s isolated Outback, watch jumping crocodiles and visit the wild and beautiful Fraser Island.

Chiang Mai’s Buddhist temples are some of the oldest in Thailand. Open to the public, they’re great examples of Thai architecture, and a wonderful way to see true Thai culture and history.

Doi Suthep can be seen from almost anywhere in Chiang Mai, clinging to the mountainside close to the summit of Doi Suthep hill. Doi Suthep temple was built under King Geu Na in the late 14th century.

It’s believed that striking the bells will bring good luck.

Legend holds that the temple’s site was chosen by a sacred white elephant charging through the forest. King Geu Na ordered the temple built where the elephant trumpeted its last breath, and fell to the ground near the summit of Doi Suthep hill.

The walk to the top of the temple is about 306 steps up a steep serpent (Naga) staircase, or by cable car for about $1. The outside plaza holds several buildings and a great lookout point over Chiang Mai. The temple is a 15 km drive from Chiang Mai.

Thai Temple Etiquette: While not required at most Thai temples, it’s considered respectful to cover your arms and legs. Pointing is considered rude, and it’s polite to remove your shoes and hat. Sit with your feet underneath your body, facing the door, don’t point them to the front of the temple. Remember, you’re in a place that Thais consider sacred and holy, so be respectful.

Travel Tip: To get to Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, take the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. We took a private sleeper car for about $20/person, with a private toilet. Just don’t drop anything down the loo by accident. Ours had no bottom, and opened directly onto the tracks rushing below.

Koh Mook, a small island paradise in the South West of Thailand in the Andaman Sea is a place of quiet tranquility. Due to it’s small size and lack of almost anything, this is the perfect place to get away from it all. There are a few small resorts on the island however the place remains fairly low key even in the high season.

Besides for spending your days lounging in the 28°C ocean and stretching out on the glistening white sand, you’ll probably find yourself enjoying a beer or two as your days slowly blend into each other. The biggest excitement of the day is watching the few longtail boats drop off and escort away the guests of the island since that’s the only way to get there. Occasionally you’ll see a sailboat tied up off the tip of the bay and the occasional diving boat might drive by in the distance.

In the morning there are usually a few longtails taking visitors out to the beautiful Emerald Caves and providing both snorkelling and fishing opportunities. There are actually a few good snorkelling spots right off Farang Beach in the bay.

Here’s a travel tip: If you’re planning on heading down here, then Trang is the place to leave from. Make sure you stock up on a few extra goodies while you’re in the province capital. There isn’t a real grocery store on the island and you’ll end up paying inflated island prices for all your snacks. If you’re planning on taking a tour out to Emerald Cave or one of the other local sights as we did, then see if you can share a longtail ride with someone. The captains generally charge by the boat rather than by the person so make sure you get a sizeable group together first.