Hi Alex,
It was great to hear from you! I’m delighted that you’re thinking of visiting Thailand, as I’ve only recently returned from there and had an absolutely unforgettable time.
One of the highlights of my trip was exploring Bangkok. Although the city was incredibly busy, I was fascinated by its magnificent temples, lively street markets and striking contrast between traditional architecture and modern skyscrapers. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Grand Palace and taking a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River. Afterwards, I travelled to Pattaya, where I attended a Thai cooking class and visited a sanctuary that cares for rescued elephants. However, the most breathtaking part of the trip was spending several days on the southern islands, whose crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches looked almost unreal.
Admittedly, the holiday was not entirely trouble-free. The heat and humidity were occasionally overwhelming, especially in Bangkok, and the traffic congestion made even short journeys surprisingly time-consuming. I also suffered from a mild stomach bug after eating at a street-food stall, although fortunately it only lasted a day. Another minor difficulty was negotiating prices with taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, some of whom initially tried to charge far more than the usual fare.
Despite these inconveniences, I would wholeheartedly recommend Thailand. It offers an extraordinary combination of beautiful scenery, fascinating culture, delicious food and warm hospitality. My main advice would be to carry plenty of water, use insect repellent and dress respectfully when visiting temples. It is also worth downloading a reliable transport app and checking that taxis use a meter. Finally, avoid trying to fit too many destinations into one trip, as travelling between them can take longer than expected.
Let me know when you decide to go. I’d be more than happy to recommend some hotels and restaurants!
Best regards,
Sergei