10 things I’m going to miss about Thailand

Longtail boat

I feel really fortunate to have been able to call Thailand my home for the last three months, but as I approach my last few days in the Land of Smiles I can’t help but think of all the things I’m going to miss.

The food

Cooking chicken with cashew nut in a wok

What can I say?! Thailand truly is a foodie’s heaven.  Whether you fancy a cheap Pad Thai from a street stall or a three course meal on a top of a skyscraper, you’ll find it all here. I’ve never known a country have so much variety in its cuisine. I love eating food from the traditional street stalls but I also love the new independent eateries that are popping up everywhere. When I tire of Thai fare (yes, it does happen occasionally) there are always plenty of other international options for me to choose from such as Japanese, Italian, French and Mexican.

Tropical fruit

It’s so easy to eat healthily in Thailand when the fruit tastes sooo good. Mangoustines, Rambutan, mangoes and pineapple are some of my favourite…and coconut water to quench the thirst.

pineapples
You can’t go to Chiang Rai without bringing home some cute little pineapples – they are the tastiest in Thailand!
The weather

I love sunshine, and Thailand has plenty of it. Being able to socialise outdoors and sit outside in the evenings are things you can soon take for granted in Thailand because it’s just the normal way of life, but I know when I get back home I’m going to really miss these things. It will be a sad day when I have to trade my flip flops in for socks and shoes.

The coffee culture

If Chiang Mai is anything to go by, Thailand certainly seems to be a on a caffeine high at the moment. Every week there seems to be a new coffee shop opening up somewhere and I’ve certainly enjoyed visiting many of them. Not being able to go and grab a Thai ice-coffee when I fancy one is really going to suck!

Cafe latte and chocolate cake
Local Cafe, Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai
massages

Back in England having a massage is a bit of a luxury, but here in Thailand it’s not unusual for me to have one or two a week thanks to how cheap they are. I definitely think massages are essential for your wellness and shouldn’t be seen as a luxury. My favourite place to have a massage is on the beach when the sun is setting – like the one I had after my trip to the Similan Islands.

Massage bed
A higher-end massage at Oasis Spa, Chiang Mai
sunset massage
A cheap beach massage, but look at that view!
Design inspiration

Everywhere I go in Thailand I always find so much inspiration and attention to detail. I have a passion for interiors so I’m always snapping away on my camera, capturing ideas to take home. I admire how creative Thai people are – especially in using natural materials.

Design materials
The Village Eatery and Bakery, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai
Cheap living costs

Like a lot of places in Asia, the cost of most things in Thailand is really cheap for western tourists. I’m really going to begrudge paying UK prices again.

Toothpicks

toothpicks and water

This might seem like a bit of a strange one but sometimes it’s the simple things that matter! There are always toothpicks on the table wherever you go to eat in Thailand. Why oh why do I always have to ask for them in England and how come some restaurants don’t even have them?!

Helping hands at the pump

I’m not sure whether you get this type of service in other countries but we certainly don’t in the UK – someone to fill your car up with gas/petrol for you. No need for you to get out of the car – just tell them how much you want and they’ll do it for you. They’ll even wash your windscreen for free as well. That’s what I call service!

 Amazing scenery

I find it difficult to decide which I like best – the southern beaches or the northern mountains. Both are equally as stunning and within two hours you can get from one to the other by plane.

beach
Khao Lak
Mountain
Doi Mae Salong

Have you been to Thailand? What do you miss about it? Is there anything you don’t miss about it? I’d love to Hear your Thoughts…

4 Comments Add yours

  1. I’m going to Thailand in December, are there any musts in Chiang Mai, Koh Lanta, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, or Bangkok that you recommend? We have approximately 4 days in each. Thanks for the post!

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    1. I bet you can’t wait! I have some suggestions…I will drop you an email. I’ve been to all five places – Koh Tao and Koh Samui not that recently but the others within the last couple of months. Enjoy your trip!

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  2. Vecani Ramirez says:

    Hi! I am making plans to visit Thailand, spend a month and learn how to do tie dye, do you suggest to rent airbnb for a month in Bangkok or divide the time in different places? Thanks

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    1. Hi Vecani, Thailand has so much to offer so don’t just limit yourself to Bangkok! Try to head north to Chiang Mai if you can. There are lots of creative industries there and it may be cheaper too 🙂

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