Home is Where Your Passport Is: Thailand – The Land of The Smiles

Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime. As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next? ___________________________________________ Thailand, the land of the smiles attracts thousands of visitors every year, not just for its famous full moon parties, but also for its depth of culture, welcoming people, stunning beaches, and beautiful landscapes. Thailand captures your heart, its people delight your soul and once you leave, you will be planning your next trip back. Here's just some of the must-see stops on a whirlwind tour of the country. Bangkok Capital city Bangkok may get a bad reputation from some tourists, but if you stay some time in Thailand it will become a favourite spot for you. Take the typical tourist trail down Khao San road, grab a tuk tuk and visit the surrounding temples. Handy hint: Stay at the Dee and Dee Inn on Khao San Road to be in the heart of all of the action and make a trip out to the floating markets. You can also get some beautiful dresses or suits tailor made in the capital - perfect if you have friends' weddings coming up. Chiang Mai Take a trip to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Take a trek in the jungle with elephants, go bamboo rafting, explore the fantastic night time markets and sample the local cuisine. Handy hint: A one-night trek (unless you are a big lover of trekking) is definitely enough during the hot, humid weather. Get the overnight train from Bangkok to save money on accommodation. Visit the Kayan tribe in northern Thailand.  Chiang Rai Further north from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is the base for well-known tourist spots such as the Golden Triangle and the White Temple. Handy hint: The White Temple is worth the visit, but the extra distance to the Golden Triangle will only be worth it on a clear day where you can really see the three countries meeting. You can also make your way to Laos from this part of the country. Ayuthaya Ayuthaya is well worth a stop on a tour of Thailand. With stunning temples scattered throughout, many of the town’s buildings and palaces are being restored. Handy hint: It's definitely a good spot for pictures! Ao Nang Ao Nang is a handy spot to stay in as you make your way through Thailand. With friendly people and busy nightlife, there’s always something happening. Handy hint: Take an overnight trip to Railay Beach. A-mazing. Koh Phangan Home to the famous full moon parties, Koh Phangan is where it is happening during this famous party time. The cheapest way to make your way down there is by hopping on a train from Bangkok to Surrantani and then onto a bus followed by a boat. Completely worth it. Handy hint: Book your accommodation well in advance, and make sure to arrive there at least a day or two beforehand. Give yourself maximum two days after the party to recover because after the party ends, there's not much else going on. Patong or Pattaya? If you are stopping further along the route, and need to pick between Patong or Pattaya pick the former. There's good nightlife, friendly and welcoming locals and lots of different shows to go to if you so wish. Handy hint: For light-hearted fun and a good social scene, Patong is the way to go. Ko Tao With beautiful beaches and stunning blue water, Ko Tao is the place to be for anyone who wants to dive, scuba dive or simply relax. Handy hint: You can get PADI certified here in beautiful surroundings. Koh Phi Phi Divided into two islands, Koh Phi Phi is a must-stop for any tourist. A charming island full of quirky shops and gorgeous smoothies (random, but true!), you will want to stay here forever. Handy hint: Take an overnight trip to Maya Bay where the iconic movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. Insider tips: There are a number of other islands you can visit in Thailand if you have the time, all with stunning beaches and a chilled out attitude. Remember, high tourist season in Thailand is November through to February so if you are planning your trip then, prepare for prices to have gone up. Elsewhere in the year, bear in mind that Thailand has monsoon season.