How to Travel Around Thailand

From Beach Bliss to Bangkok Buzz: Two Weeks in Thailand

Thailand is a country of contrasts, from bustling cities to ancient ruins and beachside relaxation. Are you wondering if you can travel around Thailand?

Our journey began with two weeks of exploring the southern and central parts of Thailand, soaking in the vibrant energy of Pattaya, the cultural wonders of Bangkok, and the historic ruins of Ayutthaya. Keep reading for more tips on how to travel around Thailand.

Pattaya: Ocean Views, Thai Massages & A Magical Anniversary

After months of fast-paced travel across Europe and the Mediterranean, our Thailand adventure started with five days of pure relaxation in Pattaya—a much-needed slow start before diving into the energy of Bangkok. We checked into the Marriott Renaissance Resort, which quickly became one of our favorite luxury beachside stays.

Every day started with Thai foot massages, followed by seafood feasts featuring scallops, sea bream, and freshly caught tuna. We weren’t in a hurry to do much—just soaking in the ocean breeze, wandering through markets, and admiring the orchids and flowers everywhere.

The highlight? New Year’s Eve on the patio, with champagne in hand and a stunning fireworks show over the water. Even more special—it was our anniversary! A truly unforgettable night.

One must-visit spot in Pattaya is The Sanctuary of Truth—a massive wooden temple built in the traditional Thai carpentry style, without a single nail. The intricate carvings inside tell the story of life and spirituality, making it as thought-provoking as it is beautiful.

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Bangkok: Street Food, Palaces & Unexpected Encounters

After the calm of Pattaya, Bangkok hit us with full force—the energy, the people, the endless things to see and do.

We started with Lumpini Park, expecting a peaceful walk, and instead found ourselves face-to-face with massive monitor lizards casually roaming the paths! A surprise, but definitely a memorable moment for Steve – who loves to check out all the critters.

Of course, no trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to The Grand Palace. This stunning complex, once home to Thailand’s royal family, is ornate, golden, and unbelievably detailed. The craftsmanship here is on another level.

And then there was the food—oh, the food! Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary for a reason. From sizzling skewers to Chinatown dumplings, we could have eaten our way through the entire city. A sunset boat ride along the Chao Phraya River gave us a perfect view of the skyline, a peaceful end to a busy day.

Ayutthaya: Temples, History & A Unique Stay on the River

Getting out of Bangkok and traveling around Thailand – A quick train ride from Bangkok brought us to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital. This city, once the heart of the kingdom, is now an awe-inspiring mix of ruins and active temples.

Our guesthouse on the river was charming, with one quirky downside—the beds were as hard as a table. After testing all three in our room (Goldilocks style), I had to admit that comfort was not its strong suit. But at $20 a night, it was a steal!

Temple highlights included:

• Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – A peaceful spot with rows of Buddha statues draped in saffron robes.
• Wat Phanan Choeng – Home to a massive 57-foot golden Buddha that left us speechless.
• Wat Mahathat – The famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots, one of Thailand’s most photographed sights. Visitors must kneel to take a photo—standing taller than Buddha is considered disrespectful.
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram – Where you can rent traditional Thai clothing for photos. (Steve politely declined, but I considered it!)

Even everyday sights in Ayutthaya were fascinating. Near the river, we saw giant bags of what looked like colored Cheetos—only to learn they were actually puffed fish food! Watching locals feed the massive river fish was unexpectedly entertaining.

Our first two weeks of slow immersion in Thailand it was time for more exotic adventures in Northern Thailand! Up next: a 9-hour train from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai—complete with questionable train food and an unexpected adventure filming scenery out of the bathroom window.