Why we love it: Thailand

Up next in our Why We Love It series is exotic, charming, laidback Thailand. Each week we get a different Peregrine staff member to talk about their favourite destination, inspiring you to get out there and explore the world!

Thailand is a long-standing favourite for many travellers because it’s a country that offers so much: great food, warm people and amazing sites. Thailand has something for everyone, whether it’s relaxed beaches, ethnic hill tribe culture or fascinating history.

But it’s the Thais themselves that keeps me going back. They are some of the friendliest people I’ve met in twelve years travelling. They are hugely proud of their country and culture and love the opportunity to chat with people and show off the best of Thailand.

And you can’t go wrong with Thai food. A visit to the food markets in any town provides a wide array of sumptuous dishes, from noodle soups and curries to fragrant dishes of meat and vegies; all accented with fresh spices like coriander, lemongrass, and, of course, chilli.

My favourites are som tam - green papaya salad with BBQ chicken and sticky rice. I love the chicken fried up with chilli and basil, too, and there is no better place for amazing seafood.

In the country’s north, you can’t help but enjoy the incredible hill tribe region which is awash with distinct and colourful ethnic groups who have made Thailand their home. The gate to the hill tribe region is Chiang Mai – another city with fabulous markets. Further north still is Chiang Rai, where you can visit Doi Tung Summer Palace and the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Gardens. The gardens were developed as a part of the Doi Tung Project, which aims to overcome the areas social problems and organise a sustainable alternative development. 

Bangkok is a hive of activity, with attractions, markets and people galore. It is definitely worth taking a few days to explore all that Bangkok has to offer, such as the Grand Palace and the temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pra Keow, and the weekend markets, Jatujak, which are incredible. Even if you’re not a shopper. 

For some WWII history, head out to Kanchanaburi and the Burmese Railway, built by Asian and Allied POWs. The scenery is beautiful, yet sobering, especially when you visit the Death Railway Museum and the POW cemetery.

Southern Thailand has some amazing beaches and beautiful islands to explore, many of them accessible from Thailand’s largest island, Phuket. Crystal clear waters and beautiful marine life make a stay in the south a great way to round off any trip.

What do you love most about Thailand? Tell us in the comments section below. Or head to twitter and Facebook to share your stories and images with other Peregrine travellers. You can also email your pictures to facebook@peregrineadventures.com.

If you'd like to go, or simply return to discover more, take a look through all our trips to Thailand. Order a free brochure then sign up for our monthly eNews for trip updates, competitions and more.

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