I’ve Visited Thailand Over 10 Times – This is Why I Keep Going Back

For almost 20 years, Explorer Julia has been travelling to Thailand, and with each visit, peeling back another layer to get to the heart of what makes this country so fascinating.

There are many times I wish I were a cat with nine lives – having the ability to lead several existences, residing in places that have captivated my curiosity, widened my eyes, and satisfied my appetite. I know one of those lives would be spent in Thailand.

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Love at First Smile

I’ve long been fascinated with the ‘Land of Smiles’, since my first visit in 2006 as part of my coming-of-age backpacking adventure touring South East Asia. My time in Thailand (the last destination on my trip) left such a profound impression that I switched my university degree to tourism, changing my life course (true story!).

On my first sojourn, I spent roughly two weeks beach-hopping in the south and trekking jungles in the north. I was charmed by Thailand’s diversity of landscapes, cuisines, historic landmarks, and ways of life. Following that transformative trip, I’ve been back countless times, always trying to do and see something different, but never failing to indulge in the aspects of the country that make it so addictive.

Always something new to see in Thailand

Food That’s to Die For

I can’t deny that what pulls me back to Thailand time and time again is the food, glorious food. Street food, cooking classes, produce markets – if it fills my belly, count me in.

Each time I wander Bangkok’s vendor-line streets, I’m led by the nose, shifting left to right, blissfully inhaling aromatic flavours wafting from clanging woks, bubbling pots, and BBQs ablaze. The city is regarded as one of the best in the world for street food.

Bustling streets full of food

Time-worn food carts appear on streets like clockwork, many bounded by colourful, small, plastic chairs and stools, selling affordable meals. Some appeal to breakfast goers (chicken rice, rice congee) while many roll out kerbside in the early evening, satisfying hunger pains until the wee hours – pad Thai, pork skewers, BBQ seafood – you name it!

My eyes sparkle as I look at what’s cooked and dished up right before. (I still dream of Jok Kitchen’s shrimp wontons!) This is my idea of food heaven.

Eyes sparkling, nose tingling, mouth watering

I’m so obsessed with the flavours and aromas, I eventually decided I needed to learn how to cook them myself. Enter cooking classes.

The northern city of Chiang Mai is dotted with cooking schools, many offering half-day classes to master Thai food for under $50AUD. I’ve taken part in two cooking classes here, which included trips to the local wet market, led by a guide armed with a straw basket to purchase fresh produce, fish, meat, and spices.

Walking through the wet market is my favourite part of the class – experiencing a sensory overload, being introduced to unfamiliar ingredients, and meeting local producers. What a treat!

New Worlds to Discover

Thailand has more shades than a colour wheel, with abundant fragrant dishes, hurried markets, and ancient temples. But this brightness isn’t limited to the land.

Ko Tao will always hold a special place in my heart as it was here that I gained my advanced diving certification, spending two weeks on the island and beneath the surface of its waters, discovering a colourful universe below with Big Blue Diving.

Worth checking it out from above before we head under the surface

The island is renowned as one of the world’s top diving destinations and is flecked with over 85 diving schools, helping make it one of the most affordable places to train for underwater adventures.

Ko Tao’s warm waters, good visibility, and mild currents make for ideal diving conditions year-round. It’s home to thriving coral reefs and abundant marine life, including Hawksbill and Green turtles.

How many colours can you count?

I’ve also found joy in spotting macro-organisms, such as neon-coloured, uniquely patterned nudibranchs, and clicking my fingers over underwater Christmas tree worms to watch their 3cm bodies quickly retract into coral cracks.

A kaleidoscope world I never tire of exploring.

History You Can Ride Through

My time in Thailand has showcased to me just how cycle-friendly many places are, but perhaps the most interesting and serene spot I’ve found to settle into the saddle is Ayutthaya.

Located an hour’s drive north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was the former Siamese capital from the 14th century until it was attacked by the Burmese 400 years later, forcing residents to retreat.

Special scenes in this sacred city

Today, the UNESCO World Heritage city is one of Thailand’s best archaeological sites, filled with beautifully preserved ancient temples, Buddhist monasteries and prangs (reliquary towers). I’ve found that one of the best ways to observe the city’s ruins is by bike, with many tour operators offering half and full-day tours to view the historic city at your own pace.

Cycling around Wat Yai Chaimongkhon (a former monastery) and Wat Lokayasutha’s enormous Reclining Buddha (42m long and 8m high) left me in awe of the city that once was.

These ruins are in good knick

My history lesson on Thailand reached further into the past with a visit to Sukhothai. Before Ayutthaya became the Siamese capital, it was Sukhothai. The former capital was the kingdom’s first administrative centre for 120 years.

Like its successor, the city has many ancient sites. Sukhothai Historical Park is a great place to see Buddhist temples and ruins of royal palaces, city moats, walls, and gates.

The Open Arms of Locals

After exploring the historic city of Sukhothai, I called Ban Na Ton Chan Homestay for the night. Located an hour north of Sukhothai, the small village surrounded by rice fields invites guests to become immersed in community life. It was the perfect chance to interact with locals, learn about their crafts, make local cuisine, and appreciate the simple life in the countryside.

Always Something Quirky and Unusual

I speak from experience when I say, an Aussie visiting Thailand for the first time is in for a staggering cultural treat. Nowhere is this more all-encompassing than at the marketplace – especially the quirky ones.

Mae Klong Railway Market isn’t your ordinary market – eight times a day, a train splits the 100m-long market in two.

The bustling bazaar existed for over a century before the railroad’s construction. So instead of moving elsewhere, sellers incorporated the slow-moving locomotive into their daily grind, quickly rearranging market stalls, taking down parasols, and moving neat mounds of produce off the railroad to make way for oncoming traffic. It’s an enthralling, chaotic watch that I can never pull my eyes away from.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market can be found along Thailand’s longest canal, and is one of the country’s most popular floating markets, where merchants sell wares and food from long-tail boats. Being fed freshly fried spring rolls while floating by a passing vendor is one of the most novel purchases I’ve ever made.

Definitely not your average market!

To Thailand With Love

Thailand has given me an abundance – fresh adventures, new skills, multiple history lessons, a deep appreciation for Thai culture, and more mouthwatering meals than I can count. It’s little wonder why I’d spend one of my cat lives here. So, when can I go back?

Additional images copyright of the Tourism Authority of Thailand