Guest post by cleach07
Map tips: each color represents a different day. Click a marker to learn more about the spot, and click the star in the map header to save the entire map under Your Places in Google Maps.
Day 1: Ayutthaya
- Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Wat Maha That
- Ayothaya Floating Market
This quick day stop in Ayutthaya was an incredible introduction to Thailand. We stopped to see some elephants on the side of the road, visited three different temples, and experienced the incredible Floating Market. Not to mention the street food, which was delicious!
Day 2: Kamphaeng Phet
We actually stayed in Khampaeng Phet for a week, working with the university students to help facilitate mathematics education and teaching. This is a wonderful city, even though it isn’t usually a “hot spot” for tourists.
Day 3: Sukhothai
- Sukhothai Historical Park
- Phra Ruang Hot Springs
Sukhothai’s historical park encompasses gardens, lakes, and ruins. Not too far away are the hot springs, which is a great way to relax after a long day of walking!
Day 4
After visiting two schools in Mae Sot, we stopped by the most incredible restaurant I’ve ever seen: Khaomao-Khaofang. It’s in the jungle, and has beautiful walking paths and outdoor seating. A really amazing way to enjoy a meal.
Day 5: Getting to Chiang Mai
After a long day of travel, our first stop in Chiang Mai was the Huay Thung Tao Lake. We ate dinner in small, open-air bungalows and got massages! As always, the scenery was breathtaking.
Day 6: Chiang Mai
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, and is an all-day activity. It is situated on the peak of a mountain, so does require walking, however if you’re able to make the trip, it’s worth it. This temple was extravagant and reverent and eye-catching everywhere. After the temple, we ate at the cultural center, where we got to experience a taste of old Thailand.
Day 7: Chiang Mai
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- Night Bazaar
Visiting an elephant sanctuary was one of the highlights of this trip. We got to interact with these gentle giants and see the work that goes into keeping them safe. After, we visited the Night Bazaar, which is a shopping market only open at night. It is incredible, and very big, so make sure you get there early to see everything!
Day 8: Pranburi Beach
On our way to Pranburi beach, we stopped to feed some monkeys. If you choose to do this, be careful! They can get a little aggressive when they want food. Also, only feed them food from the vendors that are selling healthy food for them. The beach is beautiful and a great way to wind down after a whirlwind trip!
Day 9: Bangkok
- Wat Saket (Phu Khao Thong)
- The Deck Pratu Nokyung Alley
- Wat Arun
On our last day in Thailand, we visited the Wat Saket temple, which is stunning in its architecture, colors, and guardian statues. We ate at The Deck on the Chao Phraya River, and then walked up Wat Arun. It was a glorious way to not only end the day, but the trip.
December 2013
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