Thailand Is Always a Good Idea – A Guide to the Most Beautiful Places

From vibrant Bangkok, through mystical Ayutthaya and ethical elephant sanctuaries, to the paradise islands of Phi Phi, Railay, and Koh Phangan – see why Thailand is one of the most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia.

Thailand – Why Does Everyone Come Back Here?

For lovers of sun, palm trees, coconuts, and warm seas, you can safely say: “Thailand is always a good idea.”
It is the most popular country in Southeast Asia, combining spirituality, nature, and paradise islands with intense urban energy.

Bangkok – Your First Clash with Asia

Bangkok is huge, loud, humid, and crowded. For many people it’s just a stopover on the way further – and that’s completely understandable. It’s worth seeing the temples, night markets, and rooftop bars, but it’s best to plan only a short stay here.

Tips:

Bangkok has two airports – it’s easy to make a mistake when booking.
The city is known for nightlife clubs of a very controversial nature – it’s good to know where you’re going.

Ayutthaya – The Spirit of Ancient Siam

About 80 km north of Bangkok lie the ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, founded in 1350. It’s one of the most magical temple complexes in the country – perfect for a one-day trip.

Kanchanaburi – The Bridge on the River Khwae and Ethical Encounters with Elephants

This region is known for its tragic WWII history and the famous bridge, but today it is increasingly visited because of elephant sanctuaries.

Why You Should NOT Ride Elephants

To make them “obedient,” they are brutally broken psychologically when they are still young.
Carrying wooden seats destroys their spines.
Tricks, painting, and performances are completely unnatural for them.

Support only places where you can feed, wash, and observe elephants without exploiting them.

Phi Phi – Paradise with a Dark Side

Famous from the movie The Beach. The turquoise water and cliffs are stunning, but the amount of trash on the beaches reveals the dark side of mass tourism.

Still, Phi Phi can surprise you – for example with encounters with wild dolphins while kayaking.

Phuket – Comfort and a Great Base

A large island with good infrastructure, luxury hotels, and an excellent base for exploring smaller islands. Less “wild,” more resort-style.

Railay (Krabi) – Accessible Only by Boat

Railay is separated from the mainland by massive cliffs, so it can only be reached by long-tail boat.

What awaits you there:

spectacular limestone cliffs,
viewpoints that require a bit of climbing,
a lagoon hidden in the jungle,
monkeys that are best kept away from hotel balconies,
huge lizards – monitor lizards – growing up to 3 meters long.

Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan – Island Contrasts

Koh Samui – comfortable hotels, restaurants, a good airport.
Koh Tao – a paradise for divers and snorkeling fans.
Koh Phangan – famous for the Full Moon Party, but also for beautiful, quiet beaches and jungle.

Summary

Thailand is a land of contrasts – from the chaos of Bangkok to the silence of Ayutthaya’s temples, from ethical elephant sanctuaries to paradise islands accessible only by boat. Whether you’re looking for spirituality, adventure, relaxation, or luxury – Thailand really is always a good idea.