An Unforgettable Journey Through Thailand: Temples, Street Food, and Mango Sticky Rice

Morgan A.
May 5
4 min read

Thailand—a land of vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich traditions—has long been a dream destination for travelers around the globe. Recently, I embarked on a journey through some of its most iconic locations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Krabi. Along the way, I discovered breathtaking temples, indulged in incredible street food, and enjoyed an enchanting sunset cruise. Each experience added depth to my travel adventure, making it truly unforgettable.

But first, a moment for mango sticky rice. I feel like in every country we visit I find a new food I become obsessed with...and this might have been my strongest obsession yet. I tried to recreate it once we got back home but of course it just wasn't the same.

The Allure of Bangkok

Our adventure began in the bustling capital city of Bangkok. This city is a unique blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional temples, where you can witness old and new living harmoniously. I keep saying I'm not a city person but honestly, the last four cities we've been to I've actually fallen in love with. Something about the public transportation, history, and order of it all is just very appealing.

Upon arriving in Bangkok (after a very long journey) we immediately started on a guided tour of the old town, Rattanakosin. One of our first stops was the Grand Palace, a magnificent complex that served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam for over 150 years. The intricate architecture and beautiful gardens left me in awe.

Next, we made my way to Wat Pho, home to the impressive Reclining Buddha. This stunning temple complex is not only an architectural wonder but also a peaceful place for reflection. The golden Buddha statue is 46 meters long and is adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay on the feet that portray the 108 characteristics of the Buddha.

My favorite temple of the day, and one that can't be missed, was Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. It features a soaring 70-meter-high spire decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. There is a reason it is the most photographed temple in Bangkok.

While in Bangkok, we couldn’t miss the lively street food scene. Dinner that night, as suggested by our tour guide, was a Michelin-recommended dish from Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai - fried rice noodles with a runny egg. This was my favorite meal we had the entire trip and I still dream about it. We wandered through the bustling markets of Chinatown, where we tried sausage, pork satay, and the ever-popular mango sticky rice. Did you know that over 80% of local meals come from street vendors? It’s the best way to experience authentic Thai flavors.

Discovering the Charm of Chiang Mai

After soaking in the vibrant energy of Bangkok, we hopped on a quick flight to Chiang Mai, a city renowned for its charming old-town atmosphere and mountainous backdrop.

Chiang Mai is famous for its many temples. We again took a tour of the temples in and around Chiang Mai, starting with Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Perched on a mountain, this sacred site requires a bit of a hike, but the panoramic views of the city from the top are absolutely worth it. We also stopped at two other temples that day, including Wat Chedi Luang in the hear of the Old City and Wat Pha Lat. Wat Pha Lat was a unique temple that is secluded in the jungle and offers space for reflection.

In the evenings, the Old City came alive with the sounds of markets and performances. We ate dinner pretty much every night at the various night markets, sampling local dishes like khao soi, a creamy coconut noodle soup that quickly became one of my favorites.

Unearthing History in Chiang Rai

On on our days in Chiang Mai, we made our way to Chiang Rai, a city often overlooked yet filled with unique architectural gems. The most famous of these is the White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun. This contemporary masterpiece, designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, stands out with its all-white exterior symbolizing the purity of the Buddha. The intricate details and stunning reflections make it a truly magical experience.

In addition to the White Temple, we visited the Rainbow Temple, the Blue Temple, and The Community Temple. Each offered a unique twist on the traditional temple. These temples were designed to invoke thought in modern times.

Chiang Rai is undoubtedly a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.

Walking Amongst the Elephants

On our last day in Chiang Mai, we visited an elephant sanctuary, Elephant Nature Park. This sanctuary allows the elephants to roam and invites tourists in to observe up close. They are a no-touch, no-bathe organization that allows the elephants to live as naturally as possible. Most of the elephants here were rescued from elephant riding, circus shows, or street begging, where they sustained both physical and psychological injuries.

It was a remarkable experience getting to see them interact with one another, play in the water, and look out for their herd.

Relaxation and Adventure in Krabi

From the temples of the north, we flew south to Krabi, celebrated for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe. Our days in Krabi were filled with sun, sea, and adventure.

One of my favorite experiences was taking a sunset cruise to the nearby islands. We snorkled, paddled, and enjoyed dinner on a "pirate ship" as the sun set. At the end of the night, we snorkeled among the bioluminescent plankton.

We also spent a day at Railay Beach kayaking among the rocks and enjoying fresh smoothies. And of course we hit up the night market almost daily...

Reflecting on a Transformative Experience

Our journey through Thailand, exploring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Krabi, was truly transformative. The temples we visited filled me with awe and respect for the culture and traditions that shape this beautiful country.

The street food reignited my passion for diverse flavors, revealing the complexity of Thai cuisine and honestly made all other food taste bland after that. Each city offered its own unique charm and experiences that deepened my appreciation for Thailand's rich heritage.

As I reflect on this unforgettable adventure, I encourage fellow travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture, savor the delicious food, and explore the stunning landscapes. Engaging with the heart of Thailand will lead to a journey you won’t soon forget!