I usually don’t like playing favorites. But whenever I am asked which among our SEA (Southeast Asia) neighbors is my favorite, I have to admit that I really have a soft spot for Thailand.

Having been to the Land of Smile on several occasions, my love for Thailand is now beyond their mango sticky rice and adorable elephants. Here are some memorable and notable places/provinces in Thailand I have experienced.

Bangkok

Bangkok was never a part of my list of “cities I am eager to visit”. I perceive it as a place with cunning similarities with Manila that’s why i am not really excited to see it. BUT, I was wrong. BKK should not be compared to Manila because it is such an insult to Bangkok (fight me). BKK is waaaaaaay more organized and cleaner and cheaper than Manila. And the culture scene is unique and exceptional . The only thing similar that I don’t like is the weather — waaarm! Haha!g

So yes, from among the Asian cities I have been to, BKK is now an added favorite (next to Tel Aviv and Kathmandu).

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a city in Thailand, north of Bangkok. It used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and was then a prosperous international trading port. Today, it houses various ruins and archaeological sites ranging from palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city in the mountainous northern Thailand. Today, it is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand.

Chiang Mai is famous for its historical temples, old town, picturesque mountain views, cool weather and more scenic spots.

Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is regarded as the commercial and political centre of Northeastern Thailane. It is well known for the high-quality silk they produce in the province. Located in the heart of Isan, Thailand’s northeast region, Khon Kaen has been one of the fastest-growing areas in Thailand.

My visit to Khon Kaen was marked by a delicious gastronomic experience. I love everything that I have tasted from their coconut dirty ice cream to the som tum khao pod which is corn salad with salted eggs. And more. 🤤🤤🤤

Nakhon Ratchasima

If there is one thing you will never run out seeing anywhere across Thailand, that is finding incredible temples of various kinds.

I got to visit the beautiful ruins of Prasat Hin Phimai — the largest of all Khmer temples in Thailand which reminds me so much of Indonesia’s Prambanan Temples and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

Pattaya

Once a quiet seaside village, Pattaya is now a bustling city on Thailand’s eastern gulf coast known for its beaches, and nightlife.

Phuket

The first thing that comes to mind by the mention of Phuket, Thailand are its beaches. Most tourists come to this tropical paradise because it is lined with many beautiful beaches to choose from without going on an island-hopping.

True enough, the sandy beaches and clear waters of Phuket offers a refreshing beach experience. But more than these pristine seashores, Phuket also offers other must-see, must-experience places, and activities like temple-hopping, amazing nightlife, and a quaint but lovely old town.

Nakhon Pathom

I was able to visit the world’s tallest stupa — PHRA PATHOM CHEDI. A stupa is a rounded structure that contains sacred relics. Often used as a place of worship and meditation, a stupa’s shape symbolises the Lord Buddha sitting on a throne and meditating. In Thailand, a stupa may also be referred to as a chedi.

The towering Phra Pathom Chedi (which means “The First Holy Stupa” stands at 127 metres (417 feet) tall, making it the tallest stupa in the world!

Additionally, Phra Pathom Chedi is on the site of the oldest stupa / chedi in all of Thailand, believed to date back to around 193 BC.

I have other places in Thailand I wish to see like Chiang Rai. Hopefully, I’d be able to visit the country again in the future.