Traveling through Thailand was everything I hoped it would be — and more. We packed a lot into our two-week trip, bouncing from the mountains of the North to the islands in the South, and finally wrapping things up in the heart of Bangkok. It was a whirlwind in the best way. The people, the food, the culture, the scenery — it all lived up to the hype I’d heard for years. Every corner offered something beautiful, flavorful, or completely unexpected, and I’m so glad we pushed to see as much as we did.
The North: Chiang Mai & Pai
Chiang Mai:
Old Town Morning Market: After more than 30 hours of travel, over three flights, we finally landed in Chiang Mai just after sunrise. We stayed in Old Town, which is a perfect home base for travelers and backpackers alike — walkable, charming, and full of hidden gems. Just around the corner from our hotel was a bustling morning market, where we grabbed a tiny cup of Thai coffee and wandered through the maze of stalls.
The air smelled of grilled meats, fresh herbs, and whatever was sizzling in nearby pans. Stalls were lined with seafood on ice, colorful produce, and ingredients we didn’t recognize but were curious about. It was our first real taste of Thailand’s market culture — and we were hooked. Chiang Mai had some of the best markets we came across, but truly, street food is a standout across the whole country. We ended up visiting quite a few throughout our trip, and each one had its own vibe.
We kept spotting all different colors of sticky rice — and yes, the colors are natural! The blue comes from butterfly pea flowers, the green from fragrant pandan leaves, and the pink is usually made with roselle or hibiscus flowers. It’s not just for looks either — each one adds a subtle flavor that makes the rice even more fun to eat.
Inner Cafe & Bistro: After the market, we headed out in search of breakfast and landed at Inner Cafe & Bistro. We ordered oat milk lattes and fresh fruit smoothies — much needed after the long travel day. I couldn’t resist one of their famous smoothie bowls (they’re as pretty as they are tasty), and my partner went for the full breakfast plate with eggs, toast, grilled halloumi, sautéed spinach, and tomatoes. It was the perfect way to kick off our time in Chiang Mai.
Smoothie bowl
Full breakfast
Inner Cafe & Bistro on Tripadvisor
Temple
Inside a temple but not the one pictured above.
After exploring Old Town and visiting a temple above (photo is from the inside), we treated ourselves to Thai massages at Chinola Massage. The experience was wonderful — the staff were kind, the massages were amazing, and the price was honestly unbeatable. Afterward, we relaxed with a cup of tea and some little cookies (pictured below), feeling completely blissed out. It was the perfect pause in our day.
Baan Kan Wat: Outside of Old Town we took a tuk tuk to this artist’s market we read about called Baan Kan Wat. It was a really cool place of little shops filled with local artists goods. There was jewelry and pottery shops, clothing and paintings. More elevated good than you find in the local street markets. It was a really hot day so we quickly walked around and stopped for a Thai tea and a quick lunch.
Thai Tea!
Baan Kan Wat on Tripadvisor
Chiang Mai Sunday Night Street Market: Every Sunday night, Chiang Mai turns into one big street market — and it’s such a fun experience. The market stretches on and on, packed with vendors selling everything from the iconic elephant pants to hand-carved wood items, purses, and other souvenirs. And of course, there’s tons of street food. As vegetarians, our options were a little more limited, but still interesting — and it’s worth noting that in Thailand, they’ll put just about anything on a stick. It’s chaotic, colorful, and totally worth weaving through the crowds for a bite and a browse.
Noodle lady.
First noodles of the trip!
Thailand’s famous mango sticky rice!
One of the nice things about traveling through Thailand is that most hotels include breakfast — such a bonus when you’re on the go. At our Chiang Mai hotel, Pak Chiang Mai, we had a simple but tasty breakfast of Thai fried rice, pineapple and a hot cup of (instant) coffee. A cozy little morning routine before setting off to explore.
Pak Chiang Mai on Bookings.com
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary: + Doi Inthanon National Park: Northern Thailand is known for its many elephant sanctuaries, and as big animal lovers, we knew we had to visit one. The most important thing when choosing a sanctuary is to make sure it’s truly ethical — meaning no elephant rides. If a place allows tourists to ride the elephants, it’s a major red flag, even if they call themselves a “sanctuary.”
After some research, we landed on Living Green Sanctuary, and it was such a great choice. We made a full day of it by booking an excursion that included a visit to the sanctuary, a stop at the stunning Twin Pagodas, and a scenic hike through Doi Inthanon National Park. It was one of the most memorable days of our trip.
Pad thai and a beer for lunch.
After feeding the elephants bananas and sugarcane, we walked with them down to the water. Only if they chose to go in did we follow — and when they did, we were able to gently toss water on them. It was such a sweet and playful moment. I got to stand right next to the youngest elephant who plopped down and let me pour water over him — it was truly the best part of the day.
Elephants are such incredible, sensitive creatures. I absolutely LOVED this part!
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary
Within Doi Inthanon National Park, we visited the highest point in all of Thailand — a cool landmark tucked into the forest. From there, we hiked a few miles through the park, stopping at a waterfall and making our way down into the valley. We ended the day with a coffee. It was definitely a long day, but such a rewarding one.
Twin Pagodas
Stunning!
Chada Vegetarian Restaurant: his place is a vegetarian and vegan gem — delicious, affordable, and full of great options. We ordered the Thai green papaya salad, pad Thai, and tofu massaman curry (my absolute favorite). Everything was packed with flavor, but the massaman really stood out — rich, warming, and perfectly spiced. Definitely a must-visit if you’re in Chiang Mai!
Green papaya salad
Pad thai and massaman curry.
Chada Vegetarian Restaurant on Trip Advisor
Thai Akha Cooking Class: This cooking class was such a fun experience — super hands-on and packed with dishes. Honestly, we made eight or nine recipes, which was a lot (like, too much food in the best way). Each of us had our own cooking station, and we were able to choose our preferred protein before getting started.
One of the things I love about Thai food is that so much of it is naturally vegetarian. We made veggie spring rolls, green papaya salad, a curry of choice, and a light, flavorful broth that served as a kind of palate cleanser. My personal favorite? A sweet pumpkin dessert cooked in Thai coconut milk — so simple and so good. We wrapped it all up with mango sticky rice, of course.
Some dishes were made individually, others as a group or demoed by the host, but the whole thing was well-organized and really enjoyable. Go hungry — we left wishing we’d only made half the amount, but it was a great way to dive into the flavors of Northern Thai cooking.
Green papaya salad and veggie spring rolls
Massaman curry, cucumber salad, pumpkin in a coconut broth and a light broth palette cleanser.
Mango sticky rice
Akha Ama Coffe: We were really delightfully surprised how big of a coffee culture Thailand had. Like really big coffee culture. We definitley drank our share of americanos and oat milk lattes. We found this small batch local coffee roasters in Old Town and the coffee was incredible I think we went three different times and we purchased a few bags to take home with us. I Highly recommend this place. Grab a cup and sit by the window and enjoy!
Dash Teak House: We loved this spot — even though we definitely got the worst table in the house. Honestly, it didn’t matter. The place was packed, the energy was great, and we didn’t wait long. But if you can, make a reservation and try to snag a seat outside on their beautiful patio — it’s a whole vibe.
Dash is known for its Khao Soi, a Northern Thai specialty with rich curry broth and crispy noodles on top. A Western local who’s lived in Thailand for 30 years recommended it to us, and he did not steer us wrong — it was absolutely fire. Definitely a Chiang Mai must.
Pineapple smoothie and a local beer
Khao Soi with Tofu and roti
I got the mango cheesecake to end with which was great as well!
Pai:
To get to Pai — tucked up in the mountains — we rented a car and braved the 762 curves it takes to get there. It’s a winding, scenic drive, and along the way, we stopped at a tiny roadside spot that looked super unassuming… but ended up serving the best fried rice of the trip so far. It was simple, flavorful, and came with a side of chili vinegar that I’m definitely going to try recreating at home. A lovely little find and the perfect pit stop on a long, twisty ride.
Absolutely delish! Veggie fried rice with chili garlic soaked vinegar – yum!
Earth Tone: One of our first stops in Pai was Earth Tone, a relaxed little spot with a wellness vibe. Up front, there’s a small shop selling homemade nut butters, date balls, natural soaps, herbs, and other fun finds. If we lived in Pai, I know I’d be here all the time — it had that kind of local, feel-good charm that draws you back in.
Cacao with plant-milk.
The most gorgeous mango sticky rice! This is what I literally ate for lunch 🙂
A variety of raw date ball flavors.
Pai Night Market: This was one of our favorite markets of the entire trip. It starts every evening around 5pm, and as the sun goes down, the street completely transforms — food stalls, handmade clothes, and souvenir stands pop up, and the whole town seems to come alive. We wandered up and down, sampling bites here and there and picking up a few fun finds along the way. The food, the shopping, and the atmosphere was wonderful!
This falafel wrap was insane. She must have packed at least ten falafels into the wrap that was also filled with veggies and sauce.
Beauties!
The Gyoza Queen stand.
Crispy veggie gyoza and that spicy sauce was the perfect touch!
The Islands: Phuket, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta
Phuket:
After our time up north — which I have to say was my favorite part of Thailand — we made our way south to the islands. Our first (and shortest) stop was Phuket. It’s a large island with an airport on the west coast, making it a common starting point for island hopping. Most people use it as a quick stop before catching a ferry or high-speed boat to other islands — and that’s exactly what we did.
We only spent one night in Phuket, but before leaving, I got to check something off my bucket list (more on that below!). But first: coffee and pastries. At our first café stop, I spotted something I couldn’t pass up — matcha almond croissant chips. As a certified croissant-obsessed person, I had to grab them. Worth it.
We stumbled upon a small food market in Phuket that wasn’t crowded at all — a nice change of pace — and the food looked so good. It’s where we had our first Thai omelette, but definitely not our last. It came over rice with Thai chilis, green onions, and a splash of Thai soy sauce — simple but packed with flavor.
We loved it so much we started making our own version at home every week for breakfast. And the key? It’s absolutely the Thai soy sauce. Nothing else hits quite the same.
One of my favorite treats from Phuket — Thai tea ice cream! They blend up the ingredients and pour the mixture onto a super cold stone, then spread it thin and roll it up into little spirals. It’s fun to watch and even better to eat. The creamy Thai tea flavor was so good!
Chillva Market: After the smaller market, we checked out Chillva Market, which runs Monday through Saturday starting at 5pm. It was packed — tons of food, shopping, and people. Honestly, it felt a little overwhelming compared to the more laid-back vibe of the earlier market. Prices were a bit higher too, which makes sense given how popular it is.
That said, we did sit down and share a plate of Thai pineapple fried rice, and I was pleasantly surprised by the addition of currants — something I’d never had in this dish before. It added a little sweetness and chew that really worked. (I’ll definitely be recipe testing this soon!)
Chillva Market on Tripadvisor
Cafe Delight: We grabbed breakfast at Cafe Delight in Old Town Phuket, and while it was tasty, it was definitely on the pricey side — especially by Thailand standards. We were basically paying U.S. prices, which seems to be more common in Phuket these days. The island has become a major tourist hotspot, and while it’s still beautiful, it’s not quite as backpacker-friendly anymore thanks to the rising costs.
This was amazing (and I am recreating this soon) – coconut cream coffee. Simple and it’s made a lasting mark!
Breakfast – yum!!
Soi Dog Foundation: I came across Soi Dog Foundation on Instagram months before our trip and immediately knew I had to visit. The foundation was started by three friends from the UK with a mission to help the stray street dogs of Thailand — soi actually means “street” in Thai. Over the past two decades, they’ve grown their efforts significantly and now operate a large facility in the northern part of Phuket, not far from the airport.
Visitors are welcome to drop in at set times each day for a free tour of the grounds, followed by some time spent with the dogs and cats. The work they’re doing is incredible — not only have they helped reduce the stray dog population, but they’ve also found homes for countless animals. They’re even actively involved in fighting the dog meat trade in Southeast Asia, which is truly horrific. It was inspiring to see the impact they’ve made and how much love and care goes into everything they do.
If you’re heading to Phuket, make time to check them out — I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you stop by for a tour or volunteer for a few days, it’s such a meaningful experience and a chance to support an organization doing incredible work.
Statue of one of the founders who passed away. She had a pretty incredible story!
Koh Phi Phi:
After Phuket, we hopped on a speedboat to Phi Phi Island. To be honest, we probably would’ve skipped it — it’s super popular and we weren’t really looking to be in the thick of tourist crowds. But… when in Thailand, right? We couldn’t resist the pull of Maya Bay, the iconic beach from The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio, so we decided to go for it.
In the end, I’m glad we did. We avoided the busy center of town and stayed on Long Beach, which was much calmer and more our vibe. The only real downside is that Long Beach is only accessible by longtail boat — and those rides add up fast. They’ll charge whatever they want, and we ended up paying around $6–8 USD per person, per ride, a few times a day, which felt steep for Thailand.
That said, the peace and quiet were worth it. Our hotel sat at the top of a hill (hello, 70+ stairs), but the view was amazing and made for the perfect little escape from the chaos below.
View right after arriving and walking in from the dock.
Basil Bistro: I loved this spot. The town center can be a bit hectic with so many restaurants to choose from, but Basil’s Bistro stood out. It’s a small place — maybe 10 tables total — with great reviews that definitely lived up to the hype.
We ordered roti, tofu massaman curry, and fried rice, and everything was delicious. We even made sure to save some leftovers to bring with us on our boat tour to Maya Bay and the nearby islands the next day. Simple, flavorful, and exactly what we were craving.
Tofu massaman curry, veggie fried rice and roti (chef’s kiss)!
Basil Bistro on Trip Advisor
The infamous Maya Bay: We made it to Maya Bay — one of the most iconic spots in Thailand. We started our boat tour later in the day, which meant we arrived right in the middle of peak visiting hours. Definitely busy, but still worth it.
To break it down: Koh Phi Phi consists of two main islands — Phi Phi Don, the larger island where we stayed, and Phi Phi Leh, the smaller, uninhabited island where Maya Bay is located. Phi Phi Leh is more protected and natural, and while they used to allow hiking and overnight camping, those activities have since been shut down to preserve the ecosystem.
In the past, boats were allowed to pull directly into the bay so tourists could jump in and swim. That’s no longer the case. Now, boats drop you off on the opposite side of the island, where they’ve built a walkway that leads to the beach. There are small snack bars and rest areas along the way, but the main attraction is the view itself.
You can hang out on the sand and take it all in, but swimming is no longer allowed. The area is under environmental restoration to help bring back the health of the bay — both the water and the surrounding flora and fauna. Even with the crowds and restrictions, standing there and seeing it in person was still one of those “wow” moments.
Pineapple slices on our longtail boat tour — served on a very no-frills setup, complete with a rusted ladder and not much else. If I did it again, I’d probably splurge a little for a nicer boat with cushions and a cleaner feel… but it was still great!
The Mango Garden: All I can say is: go here! It’s the perfect spot for breakfast, smoothie bowls, mango sticky rice, and great coffee. We loved it so much we went back three times. It’s small, cute, and absolutely worth the stop.
Mango sticky rice with black forbidden rice – Y.U.M!!
Dragon fruit smoothie bowl!
Food Stalls: On Phi Phi, in Tonsai Village, just walk around and explore. There is a small market in town that opens up, maybe in the afternoon with a ton of little stalls that have just a few small tables. Go try one of them and you’ll get some really good food. On our last day there, we stopped by and got some veggie glass noodles – pad woon sen!
Koh Lanta:
Welcome to Koh Lanta!
This was hands-down our favorite island of the trip. We had such a lovely time here (minus the hotel — but we won’t get into that). Koh Lanta has a super relaxed vibe, great restaurants, and just an overall energy that makes you want to stay longer.
The thing to do here is rent a motorbike — and we jumped on that right away. It’s the easiest and cheapest way to get around, and honestly, it made exploring the island so much fun. We stayed in the southern part on the west side, which ended up being a great choice.
Koh Lanta is really easy to navigate — there’s basically one main road that heads south and eventually ends at a national park, where you can hike through the jungle and pop out onto a stunning beach. Or you can cut across the island to Old Town, which was full of charm and absolutely worth a visit (we liked it so much, we went twice!).
Where Else Garden: This was the first place we stopped after arriving. For some reason, it was totally empty, even though the restaurant right next door (which had a similar vibe) was busy. The reviews were great, so we didn’t really get it… but we weren’t complaining.
It ended up being a great little spot to relax and enjoy a quiet lunch. Super cute setting, good food, and the kind of place you’d expect to be busier. Sometimes you just get lucky.
Pineapple smoothie.
Glass noodles with veggies and tofu.
Avocado toast.
Where Else Garden & Eatery on TripAdvisor
Full-Fill Cafe Vegetarian: This café was such a great little find. It’s tucked along a small strip near the coast — we passed it while riding our motorbike and noticed a bunch of people sitting outside, drinking coffee and eating, so we decided to stop. I really love the coffee culture in Thailand, and this place totally captured that vibe.
While we were hanging out, I spotted a vegan no-bake brownie in the fridge and had to try it. It was so good — even my partner (who’s not usually into desserts) said it was one of the best things he’d ever had. I was obsessed. In fact, I loved it so much that I tried recreating it when we got home. Check it out! (My Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Brownie).
Full-Fill Cafe on Happy Cow (or check them out of Instagram or Facebook)
Lanta Old Town: Definitely go check it out! Great shops and restaurants and kitties!
So sweet!
Drunken Sailor: We stopped here for lunch one afternoon, and it was such a cute spot. All of the seating is outdoors, and we grabbed a cozy floor spot out front with cushions. The best part – a sweet little cat curled up next to us while we ate — totally content to hang out the whole time. Good food, chill atmosphere, and bonus feline company.e.
Iced lavender oat milk latte.
Korean Fried Tofu.
Cacao and peanut butter smoothie bowl.
Drunken Sailor on Trip Advisor
Siam Home: Oh my word — this place was such a gem. Incredible in the sense of how simple the location was, but just how lovely the experience felt. Siam Home is down a dirt road at someone’s actual house, with maybe four or five small tables and folding-style camping chairs.
As soon as we sat down, we were invited inside to check out the desserts they had made and stocked in the fridge. It seemed like a couple running it — he handled the coffee and tea, and she did the baking (or so we gathered). There were 8 to 10 different desserts, and it was honestly amazing. We chose the lemon bars and some coffee, and halfway through, he came by with a complimentary pot of tea!
We had planned to go back the next day, but our bike broke down too far away… and that’s a whole story in itself.
Lemon bar and an oat milk latte <3 <3 <3
K.Himalaya Indian Restaurant: First off — the Indian food we had in Thailand was the best I’ve ever had. It makes sense, given how close Thailand is to India, but still, I was blown away. We stopped at K.Himalaya for dinner one night in Koh Lanta, and it was so good… even though I was unfortunately really sick at the time and couldn’t fully enjoy it. I missed quite a few meals during our stay here because I wasn’t feeling well, which was such a bummer.
Still, we were craving something different from Thai food that night, and since we both love Indian cuisine, this spot was a must-try. We didn’t order the naan, but the owner was making it fresh over a hot oven right up front — it looked absolutely incredible. Next time, I’d go back just for that.
Paneer Tikka and Masala Papada.
Mu Koh Lanta National Park: Definitely go here if you’re visiting Koh Lanta! We rode our motorbike into the park and parked at the entrance. From there, you can take a short hike — maybe two miles — that winds up and then down into the beach. I wasn’t quite prepared for how steep and uneven parts of it were (especially in flip-flops), but it was worth it. The views were beautiful, and the beach at the end was lovely and scenic.
Little tip: if you’re not in the mood to hike, you can actually go right at the entrance and walk straight onto the beach — it’s all a loop! We only figured that out at the end, but honestly, we were still glad we did the full hike.
Tuesday Morning: We stopped at Tuesday Morning on the way back from the park and lucked out with the perfect seat — one of the little front decks where you sit on the ground on pillows. It was such a peaceful spot. I had started feeling pretty sick by then, so I just ordered a green juice (pictured below), but it was still a lovely place to relax for a bit.
Mr. Pad Thai: Mr. Pad Thai is a simple outdoor cart that’s known for having the best pad Thai in town — and it did not disappoint. We went for dinner and found a handful of tables set up just behind the cart, where live music was playing. The vibe was casual and fun, and the food was delicious. It ended up being our favorite pad Thai of the whole trip!
Mr. Pad Thai on Trip Advisor
Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market: This market is huge, part indoors part outdoors. I guess we did not take many photos but there are numerous food stalls to grab a smoothie, Thai omelette, noodles, sweets etc. Plus there is a plethora of stalls to do shopping in if you are not already shopped out. In the time we werew in Thailand we hit so many markets that by the end of the trip I was exhausted. If you are in Bangkok over the weekend, you should get a Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) or take the train and come check it out!This market is massive — part indoor, part outdoor — and packed with everything you can imagine. We didn’t take many photos here, but there are tons of food stalls where you can grab a smoothie, Thai omelette, noodles, sweets, and more. And if you’re still up for shopping, there’s no shortage of stalls selling clothes, gifts, and souvenirs.
By the time we got to Bangkok, we’d been to so many markets that I was starting to feel a little burned out — but if you’re in the city over the weekend, it’s definitely worth checking out. Grab a Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) or hop on the train and go explore!
Nighttime Food Market in China Town
Indian Street Food: We stumbled on this spot right after leaving the infamous Khao San Road — which, to be honest, I’d skip. It’s definitely not what it used to be… just a bunch of loud music coming from mostly empty bars and rows of massage chairs. Still, we had to take a peek.
As we turned the corner to leave, we found a small side street lined with a few food vendors — and one was serving Indian food. We sat down and really had a great meal! The flavors were amazing, especially the lentil soup particularly stood out. So comforting and full of depth — one of the best bites we had in Bangkok.
High Tea at The Ritz-Carlton: On our last day in Thailand — with a late-night flight ahead — we treated ourselves to high tea at The Ritz Carlton (my request, of course!). It was such a lovely way to wind down the trip. We were seated on velvet cushions in a cozy corner by the window and took our time enjoying the whole experience.
The service was exceptional, and the vegetarian tea set was beautifully done. I’ve done high tea in a few different places, and I always love trying it wherever we go. This one felt extra special. I ordered the butterfly pea flower tea — the signature blue tea you’ll spot all over Thailand — and it was delicious. A fun and unexpected twist on the traditional tea experience, and the perfect note to end on.
This trip was incredible, and I can wholeheartedly say that I loved Thailand. The people, the culture — it’s unmatched. The kindness we experienced everywhere we went was truly something special. From the mountains of the North to the islands in the South, the country is stunning in every way.
And of course, you can’t talk about Thailand without talking about the food — absolutely incredible. I’ve never seen a country that does markets quite like this. As a bonus, Thai cuisine is very vegetarian and vegan friendly, which was appreciated!
We’ll definitely be back — and I’m already looking forward to it.
Sa-wat-dee ka!
This has to be the most informative and thorough blog post about Thailand on all of the internet. Thailand was never even on my radar. Like, not once did I think, “Oh yes, a 30 hour flight to Thailand please!” Then I read this absolutely captivating post and now I’m over here googling flights and daydreaming about this incredible place.
Meghan’s writing is just beautiful. She makes you feel like you’re walking the streets with her, smelling the food, pouring water on baby elephants (😏 yes please), hopping from beach to café to market. The way she shares all the incredible places they ate and explored. I am completely hooked, this is positively going on my bucket list of places to go in my lifetime.
She completely brought this country to life in the most compelling way and through stunningly gorgeous photos that make you feel like you’re right there in the heart of it all. I appreciated this article so much, thank you Meghan! And how wonderful that you have this (photo journal) to look back on your travels someday! Thoroughly enjoyed this read from start to finish.
Thank you Rhonda! I really appreciate the feedback. Thailand was amazing. It is such a beautiful country on every level, I loved to hear that you were able to feel that from this article and that it even gave you some inspiration for a future travel 🙂
I love this blog. I feel like I just had a little trip to Thailand. Now I really want to go. love the pics!