We often dream about retiring in Thailand one day and the Trat Islands are always the first place that comes to mind. This archipelago in the eastern Gulf of Thailand is home to around 50 islands with the “Big Three” being Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak. Collectively, they form a tropical, laidback and quirky set of destinations that are absolutely worth visiting.

Paradise is a word that gets thrown around way too casually these days but it’s absolutely fitting for Donald Duck Bay in the Similan Islands. This was the most amazing boat tour we’ve taken in Thailand and that’s saying something considering the sheer number we’ve been on. Unsurprisingly, we’re not the only ones singing its praises: Donald Duck Bay was recently ranked 10th on the World’s 50 Best Beaches guide.

Northern Thailand feels like a world away from the bright lights of Bangkok and the tropical beaches of the south, and that’s a good thing if you’re an intrepid traveler. Historically known as the Lanna Kingdom, this region is defined by culture in every sense - from its bold and sometimes bizarre cuisine, to its golden temples lurking around every mountain range.

After spending the day beach hopping around Koh Kood, we thought we’d seen the best of the island. Then we received a message from some new friends we had just made, a lovely French couple who invited us for sunset drinks at Bang Bao Beach. So we headed there on our scooters for the final act of the day. We were supposed to take the turn-off down to Siam Beach Resort but ended up getting lost somehow.

Wat Ton Kwen, otherwise known as Wat Intharawat, is one of the best alternative temples you can visit in Chiang Mai. It became an overnight sensation after featuring in the hit drama series Klin Kasalong, and has been a popular photoshoot destination with Thais ever since. The reasons for this are obvious when you see it yourself: beautifully preserved wooden details and carvings, and Lanna lanterns hanging from the roofs.

The hardest part about planning a 2 week Thailand itinerary is deciding what to skip and what to save for next time. While some recommend getting a taste of each region, we think this is the wrong approach. The clichéd route of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket might tick a few boxes on paper but it doesn’t create a coherent journey. Rather, it’s a mishmash of places that feel disconnected culturally and geographically.

Khlong Chao Waterfall is a hit with travelers due to its raw beauty and easy access. The jungle trail is short and sweet. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll be standing in front of a beautiful cascade and natural pool. Some would argue it’s a better swimming spot than the beaches of Koh Kood and they might be right. You won’t get sand everywhere and the freshwater is lovely.

On a month-long trip, it probably makes sense to visit just one of Thailand’s famous historical parks such as Ayutthaya or Sukhothai. While both are UNESCO sites, they offer distinct experiences: one is a bustling day trip from Bangkok and the other is an adventure up north to quieter pastures. To help you make the right choice, we’ve created a comparison guide covering the effort, cost, and temples of each destination.

We stopped by Mallika City on our way back from Erawan Falls, after seeing it advertised in a travel brochure. We didn’t even know this heritage village existed before our Kanchanaburi trip, yet we enjoyed it from the second we walked through those gigantic red gates. Our experience was strange in that we had the entire place to ourselves - we weren’t sure if it was abandoned, disliked or too far off the tourist trail.

If you only have 7 days up your sleeve for a Thailand holiday, you might be wondering whether it’s worth the effort. We normally spend at least 30 days here because a) the main destinations are spread out and b) we’re coming all the way from NZ after all. That being said, we still think Thailand is suitable for a short trip. Perhaps you’re looking to escape the European or American winter, or visit on a wider backpacking trip across Asia.

Spend some time traveling through Asia and you’ll come to realize that the two best destinations are Thailand and Japan. No other countries on the continent can compete with the beaches of Thailand on the one hand and the seasonal charms of Japan on the other. You’ve also got two of the world’s most high-energy cities to choose from in Bangkok and Osaka - where neon lights, rooftop bars and exceptional cuisine await.

There’s no denying the fact that the beaches of Koh Phi Phi are stunning. The limestone cliffs and longtail boats make for a truly iconic Thailand setting. However, the crowding of the island’s two main beaches - Tonsai and Loh Dalum - can leave you feeling slightly underwhelmed. That’s why we recommend visiting the quiet and relatively untouched Nui Beach, tucked away on the northwest coast of Phi Phi Don.

If you’ve ever taken a close look at the 5 THB coin, you might’ve noticed Wat Benchamabophit stamped on the back. Its nickname, of course, is the Marble Temple - famous for the Italian Carrara marble used on its pillars, facades and stairways. These European elements blend beautifully with the Thai red and gold details, and provide a stunning contrast with the orange roofs.

The new visa rules for Thailand - starting from September 15, 2026 - mean that visa-free stays are being reduced down from 60 days to the standard 30 days. As a New Zealander, Cam is one of the 60 nationalities and territories affected by these changes. We were sad to hear this news but after doing some research, we’re now confident that it won’t hamper our plans for longer trips.

Planning your first trip to Thailand can be overwhelming. There are so many incredible places to see, how do you choose? Plus there’s the challenge (and excitement) of traveling to a foreign country where you have to embrace a new language, culture and way of life. We know what it’s like to be a first time visitor - Cam first arrived in Thailand a decade ago and it’s safe to say he was unprepared for what was in store.

Excitement levels were high the first time we arrived in Bali. We flew in from Japan, the next phase of our six-month adventure around Asia, and made a beeline to Ubud. We spent the next few weeks chasing waterfalls, getting lost in rice terraces and temples, and gorging on the incredible food this part of Bali has to offer. Apart from the monkeys (more on that later), it was a magical experience and made us fall in love with the island.

Getting around Bangkok is a daunting task. The Thai capital has a massive population and sprawls for miles, across 50 different districts. We used to rely on taxis and tuk-tuks to get from A to B, but over the years we’ve matured a bit and realized that the public transport system is a godsend. Whether you prefer the BTS or the river boats, our guide equips you with the best ways to beat Bangkok’s notoriously bad traffic.

The first holiday we took together as a couple was to Vietnam in 2017. We were living in Australia at the time and stumbled upon some cheap flights, so we jumped at the opportunity. It was a short trip but we managed to squeeze in a handful of destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Cat Ba Island. This trip really cemented our relationship, and for this reason Vietnam will always have a special place in our hearts.

You can find a Chinatown in every major city in the world, but there’s something special about the one in Bangkok. Over the years, Chinese and Thai culture has blended together to create a full-on fusion of food, architecture and atmosphere. As you start from the Odeon Circle, you stroll down Yaowarat Road and get hit with a sensory overload: neon lights, sizzling hot woks and incense drifting out of shrines.

Bangkok is a complex city. It’s got modern skyscrapers, a gritty underbelly and pockets of the divine that remind you Thailand is still over 90% Buddhist. The temples here all impress for different reasons: some are just dazzling pieces of architecture putting on a show for tourists while others are deeply spiritual local sites. It doesn’t matter which neighborhood you find yourself in, there’ll be a beautiful “Wat” hidden somewhere.