My Thai
SEEKING THE PERFECT MIX OF ADVENTURE AND UNWINDING? THAILAND DELIVERS PLENTY OF BOTH.
ENJOY STUNNING VIEWS AT KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK
Thailand is no longer the far-flung place of mystery that it once was. The original starting point for those looking to explore South-East Asia, the past few decades have seen the country embrace tourism with a wide, welcoming smile. From the deluxe offerings of five-star resorts in celebrity hotspot Phuket, to those after a more grounded experience trekking through the northern territories around Chang Mai, more than any other country in the region Thailand truly has something for everyone.
But despite broadening its tourist appeal, still one of the best ways to engage with the country’s spirit is to throw your essentials in a rucksack and get wandering. There’s so much to explore and spending two weeks in the same location is a sin. To pack in as much as possible, the boyfriend and I joined TruTravels’ 13-day Full Moon Experience.
We flew into Bangkok and dipped our toes into the boisterous backpacker central that is Khao San Road. Enjoy a massage for £5 to shake off the long flight, but don’t get too comfortable. There’s a whole country to explore. Our journey takes us south by overnight train, which is a good opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers. Be warned though, the toilets are basic — so make sure you do the ‘tricky’ business before you travel.