Thailand

Thailand is the gateway drug to Southeast Asia for good reason. It’s cheap, easy, beautiful, and you can find whatever vibe you’re after. Party islands, jungle treks, Buddhist temples, street food that costs nothing. Just avoid doing the same route as everyone else.

Bangkok is intense but give it three days. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are touristy but amazing. Khao San Road is backpacker chaos if that’s your thing. But the real move is eating your way through Chinatown and taking the river boats around. Street food here is some of the best in the world. Pad thai from a cart beats any restaurant.

Up north, Chiang Mai is the chill mountain city everyone loves. Temples everywhere, great cafes, night markets with actual local stuff not just tourist junk. Pai is a few hours away and it’s hippie central with waterfalls and motorbike loops. The hills around there are beautiful if you can handle the windy roads.

The islands are hit or miss now. Phuket is overdeveloped but Kata Beach is still nice. Phi Phi is a party mess. Koh Lanta is quieter and better for families. Koh Tao for diving. Koh Phangan for full moon parties if you’re into that. The east coast islands like Koh Chang see fewer tourists.

Getting around is easy and cheap. Buses go everywhere but overnight trains are more fun. Flights between cities cost almost nothing if you book ahead. In cities use Grab or Bolt, not random taxis.

Money goes crazy far. Street meals are two dollars. Nice dinners are ten. ATMs everywhere but watch the fees. Bring a card with no foreign transaction charges.

Best time is November to February. Hot season March to May is brutal. Rainy season isn’t terrible but ferries get sketchy.