Thailand is one of those countries where you can spend the morning exploring centuries-old temples, the afternoon eating something you can't quite identify, and the evening enjoying a fabulous dinner at a beautiful resort. It's a wonderful combination of culture, history, adventure, delicious food, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. And if you know me, you know that's exactly my kind of trip!

We've visited Thailand twice, exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok and the tropical island of Koh Samui. These two destinations couldn't be more different. Bangkok is busy, colorful, and fascinating, while Koh Samui offers beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and the freedom to explore on two wheels. We loved both enough to return years later, this time with family and friends.

Bangkok: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and a Little Culture Shock

Our first visit to Bangkok was in 2017, during an unusual time in Thailand's history. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had ruled for 70 years, had died the previous October, and the country was observing a yearlong period of mourning. Black clothing was everywhere, portraits of the late king appeared throughout the city, and our guide, Mr. Phanom, was dressed entirely in black. It was a fascinating introduction to a country where the monarchy, Buddhism, and centuries-old traditions remain deeply woven into everyday life.

We stayed along the Chao Phraya River, which turned out to be a wonderful location for exploring the city. Bangkok's temples were every bit as elaborate as I'd imagined. The Grand Palace was a dazzling collection of golden stupas, intricate decorations, and magnificent buildings, while Wat Arun, across the river, was covered in delicate porcelain ornamentation.

But some of my favorite memories came from exploring beyond the famous landmarks.

We took a long-tail boat through Bangkok's canals, passing houses perched along the water, children swimming and fishing, floating shops, and enormous monitor lizards. It was fascinating to see a quieter, more residential side of the city, where daily life continued much as it had for generations.

And then there was the food!

We rode a wonderfully over-the-top tuk-tuk into Chinatown, wandered through lively markets, and sampled local specialties. We also discovered Khao San Road, where backpackers, food stalls, bars, and live music created a festive atmosphere. Bangkok is a city where you can eat extraordinarily well without spending much money, and we certainly did our part.

Koh Samui: A Little Luxury and a Lot of Adventure

After the excitement of Bangkok, we flew to Koh Samui for five days of island life. We'd upgraded our accommodations at Chura Samui and ended up in a gorgeous oceanfront villa with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a beautiful outdoor bathing area, and frangipani blossoms scattered around the room.

One afternoon, we sat inside with the doors open, watching a tropical downpour and enjoying the sounds and smells of the rain. It was absolutely glorious.

Of course, we're not particularly good at sitting still for five days.

We rented a scooter from a German woman near our resort for the equivalent of about five dollars a day. Vuong drove, I rode on the back, and off we went. I love exploring this way when the roads aren't too intimidating. You can stop whenever something looks interesting, wander into little towns, and discover places you'd probably never see on an organized tour.

We found Fisherman's Village in Bophut, where we enjoyed fresh seafood and lunch by the beach. We shopped, indulged in inexpensive Thai massages, explored Chaweng's nightlife, and ate some truly wonderful curries.

And then there was the crocodile farm.

I'm not sure what possessed us to visit, but we ended up watching men perform with crocodiles and venomous snakes. One snake charmer brought out an enormous king cobra, and apparently his previous encounters with cobras had cost him several fingers. Watching someone deliberately antagonize an eleven-foot venomous snake is certainly memorable, although I can't say it's an experience I'd recommend repeating!

That's one of the things I love about travel. Sometimes the most unforgettable moments aren't necessarily the ones you'd put on an itinerary.

Back to Thailand: Familiar Favorites and Questionable Snacks

We loved Thailand enough to return in 2025, this time on a cruise with family and our friend Sara. Our itinerary brought us back to both Bangkok and Koh Samui, giving us a chance to revisit some favorite places and share the experiences we'd enjoyed years earlier.

There's something special about returning to a place you love with people who are experiencing it for the first time. We repeated many of our favorite activities, but seeing familiar places through someone else's eyes made them feel new again.

One particularly memorable evening involved wandering through a bustling Bangkok night market with family, sampling street food and getting a little adventurous with the local snacks.

Yes, we ate bugs. And scorpions.

I've eaten my share of unusual things while traveling, and I'm generally willing to try just about anything once. But those scorpions? Bitter, crunchy in all the wrong ways, and downright nasty! I'm glad we tried them, but once was definitely enough.

It's the sort of experience that makes for a great travel story, even if it wasn't exactly a culinary triumph.

Why Thailand Is Worth Exploring

Thailand offers an appealing balance of adventure and comfort. You can immerse yourself in history and culture, explore local neighborhoods, sample incredible food, and then retreat to a beautiful beach resort without spending a fortune.

Even after two visits, I feel like we've barely scratched the surface of Thailand. I'm especially eager to explore the north, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, with their beautiful temples, mountain scenery, traditional villages, and distinctive northern Thai cuisine. I'd love to spend time exploring the countryside, visiting local markets, and discovering a completely different side of the country.

And then there are the islands! Koh Samui was wonderful, but I'd love to experience the dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Krabi, explore the beaches and surrounding islands of Phuket, and perhaps venture to Koh Tao for some scuba diving. The ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and the waterfalls and jungles of Khao Sok National Park are also calling my name.

That's part of what makes Thailand so appealing to me. There's an extraordinary variety of experiences packed into one country, from bustling cities and ancient temples to lush mountains, tropical islands, and some of the best food in the world. We've already made wonderful memories here, but I have a feeling Thailand has plenty more adventures waiting for us. And hopefully, none of them involve eating another scorpion!

Below, you'll find stories and photographs from our travels in Thailand, including the places we visited, the food we ate, the accommodations we enjoyed, and a few adventures that didn't go quite as expected.

Come explore Thailand with us!