#I will d!3 on this chopstick hill

[mynameismrsyoonjin]

So work has been stressful, but at least he gave me chopsticks ONCE AGAIN!!!

This is not a coincidence.

#I will d!3 on this chopstick hill #his hands holding chopsticks is my life #love of my life #suga #min yoongi #min suga #min shadow #bts suga #min my husband

[milkytheholy1]

Life is a dream: part 3

Part 1

Part 2

----------------------------------------------------------

"Are they gonna be, like, okay?"

"I think so, I did some scans on them and nothing came up."

"How did this even happen?"

"I don't know, one minute they were fine and then the next they said they had a headache. Not too long after that, they passed out."

Your head felt muddled, your back aching slightly against the cold metal of the medical cot; you groaned, shifting slightly. You felt heavy hands overlap on your arm, a voice clearly talking to you "(Y/N), (Y/N). Can you hear me? Do you know what city you're in? Do you know where you are?"

Your brows furrowed in thought, using your elbows as leverage, you heaved yourself up. "N-New York" you muttered out, your tongue feeling somewhat numb in your mouth. Donnie seemed to relax a bit when you finally responded, your eyes fluttered open and he couldn't help but be at awe by your shimmering (e/c) eyes.

"Do you remember that video where the cat plays chopsticks with the chopsticks?" Mikey asked, pushing aside Donnie and getting closer to your face. You flinched at his close proximity, your mind still trying to adjust to your bright surroundings. "Can we focus here?" Leo argued, pulling Mikey away from you, he securely wrapped his arm around his younger brother in case he felt the need to jump at you again.

Donnie took a timid step closer to the medical cot, "Guys give them some space." You sent him a small smile, thankful that he somehow understood what you needed. Although you doubt it would have been that hard to see how jumpy you were, even Raph would be able to guess you needed a little time to just breath.

After a little discussion from Leo on how you need to be more careful, with a brief interruption from Raph defending you, even though you had done nothing to warrant it. The three brothers had left Donnie's lab, leaving you and the purple terrapin to your own devices. You swung your legs over the edge of the cot, watching as they kicked back and forth "You sure you're alright?" Donnie asked, apprehensively. You simply nodded your head back to him, ensuring him that you felt a lot better than before.

Donatello had turned away from you and went back to his workbench, he pulled at the small device laying lifeless; you assumed that was the thing he was working on before you passed out. His finger flicked the small switch on the radio, the sweet tunes flooding the lab. You continued to stare at your legs, perfectly content with just sitting there and feeling Donnie's presence while listening to some great music.

"Up on Melancholy Hill,

There's a plastic tree,

Are you here with me?

Just looking out on the day,

Of another dream"

Your head snapped up, your eyes widened in fright. You glared at the small portable radio sat there idly near Donnie's arm, maybe it's a popular song? you thought to yourself, although even you knew a song doesn't play multiple times like that in a day, let alone a few hours. Your body broke out into a nervous sweat, your mind remembering the dull ache from before you collapsed. Maybe it was the lab? Maybe you had been cooped up in the lab for too long and this was your body's way of telling you to get out a bit.

Getting up with some resistance from your whole body, you managed to pluck your feet onto the ground with a bit of a sway. Sneaking to the lab door you let out a small squeak when you heard Donnie's voice "And where do you think you're going?" You slowly turned to him, back pushed up against the lab doors "Erm, thought I'd get some fresh air, you know?" He sent you a quizzical look, on the verge of believing you but not entirely "You sure, cause I care about you, like, a lot." he laughed, trying to play the line as platonic. Your cheeks flushed at the implication, you laughed nervously "Yeah, yeah. I promise D, I'm fine." He seemed to buy it albeit with an internal struggle, shrugging his shoulders he went back to tinkering. Huffing a small breath of relief you slid the door open and stepped into the open-plan living room.

The first thing that caught your ears was the sound of plasma guns shooting and Mikey's irritated groans. Creeping up on him, you watched from over his shoulder as he sprinted around the small battle arena, trying his hardest to shoot what appeared to be the boss of that level. Cringing as you witnessed what you guess was another tally to the hero's death count, you decided to help the poor boy out.

"You know," Mikey let out possibly the most girlish scream you had ever heard, cracking a wicked smile you fell to your back. Realising it was only you and not Shredder himself, Mikey resumed his position, his legs crossed over as he sat hunched over on the floor. "Hey sweetcheeks," he started, a new form of confidence fueling him. You sat next to him, copying his relaxed position, "You know," you continued "I'd shoot him just before he turns bright red, then duck when he shoots." Mikey turned to you, his expression unreadable at first but that quickly changed. His eyes shot open and his mouth hung, it had appeared as though you had just blown his mind.

You cheered along with the orange-banded turtle as he delivered the final blow to the boss, watching as his digital organs blew across the screen. You bid Mikey a fair well, claiming that you were gonna see what his other brothers were up to. He bid you goodbye, or more precisely "I bid thee goodbye, for ye were a smokin' hot maiden."

Feeling a slight twitch of pain in your brain, you wandered around the lair for the leader in blue hoping he could help you with his 'mystic healing' mojo. Finding him in the dojo surrounded by candles, you dropped down in front of him waiting until he opened his eyes. Quickly growing impatient, you began to whistle, then whistle a bit louder, then hum a song, maybe do a little singing, even-

"Okay I get it, you're here," he grunted. You smirked up at him, batting your eyelashes trying to play the role of innocence "Can you teach me how to meditate? Pretty please." you begged. Leo stared at you for a moment confused, his mind telling him he had already taught you how to meditate "I've already taught you how to meditate, remember? You said that meditation was for the-"

"The empty-minded, spiritual geeks yeah I know. But I thought I'd give it another go, you know?"

"Oh, so you would like to become an empty-minded, spiritual geek too, huh?" Leo mused, his eyes creasing when he laughed. You sighed but nodded your head nevertheless, instructing you on the right position to be in when meditating, Leo told you to focus on your breathing. Focus on the sound of your breathing, let go of the outside world, allow your mind to open and take over. The fermented smell of the candles helped to take your mind away from the New York sewers, instead, you imagined being back home talking to your friends and family as though you had never left.

"(Y/N)!" your mum cried out, embracing you, sending your chest all warm. She placed her hands on your cheeks, squishing them together as she spoke: "Oh, darling it feels like forever since I've seen you." You reluctantly pushed her away, rubbing the soreness out of your cheeks "Same mum, I've missed you and dad too."

"Oh, you must tell me about up on Melancholy Hill" you frowned back at her, you shook your head lightly "What? No, mum, I went to New York." She waved you off, chucking to herself "That's what I said silly, I said there's a plastic tree, are you here with me?" You pulled away from her, your mind starting to hurt again. "Wh-what are...Why are you saying those lyrics? Mum!"

Your eyes snapped open, Leo was holding onto your shoulders with a tight grip his eyes frantic. "(Y/N), are you okay?" you surveyed the dojo, nothing had changed except for the candles being blown out "Wh-what happened?" you asked, your fingers twisting together as they shook. "You tell me," Leo spoke, his tight grip softening "I opened my eyes to check on how you were doing and you were freaking out." You pushed away from his embrace, steadily standing up. Leo watched you with caution "Should I take you to Donnie?" you shook your head 'no', immediately regretting the action when your head felt like it was pounding against a metal wall.

"No, no I'll be fine. I think I got too into it. Told you meditation was for empty-minded, spiritual dorks like yourself." you tried to laugh, at least fake one but even that was hard. Leo still had a frown etched onto his face "Well If you say so. But I want you to promise me you'll go to Donnie if it happens again, okay?"

"Promise." you nodded, leaving the room with steady steps. You walked past Donnie's lab, on a mission to find the red-brute himself. Eavesdropping just a little, you could hear thuds and small whines coming from inside his lab. A little intrigued you wanted to go see what he was up to but decided against it, just find Raph (Y/N) you can't keep bothering Donnie.

#tmnt donatello #tmnt #tmnt Donnie #tmnt donnie x reader #tmnt donatello x reader #fluff #angst #comfort #this was written before Wandavision #i felt like writing something sad #hurt #series #fanfiction #fandom #fan #fanfic #teenage mutant ninja turtles #not everything is as it seems #tmnt bayverse

[rucbarthatbowtiesarecooldw]

Sunday Morning Session

Elder Garrit W. Gong

- Come believe and belong

- When we covenant all we are we can become all we are.

- By losing our worldly selves in covenant belonging, we find our best selves

- God’s ordinances provide guideposts on the covenant path

- 1 covenant belonging centers in Jesus Christ as mediator in the new covenant

- To belong by covenant is: that i may be comforted by the

- We may lose faith in God, but he never loses faith in us. In other words, His porch light is always on.

- However often we stumble and fall. . . . God will be there for us

- 2 the Book of Mormon is evidence we can hold in our hand

Sister Cristina B Franco

- His work and His glory is to enable each of us to receive all of His blessings.

- As His hands we are important to His plan

- It is very simple: every day before I leave my house I pray to Heavenly Father to lead me to someone who needs the gospel in their life.

- I’m smiling because I’m happy

- “1 we can all pray for the desire to help with the work

- 2 we can keep the commandments ourselves, faithful members will always have the spirit with them

- 3 we can pray for inspiration of what we can do to share the gospel with others”

- “how great shall be your joy” - D&C 18:10,15-18

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

- The journey will be challenging, even dangerous. The possibility that he might not return is great, but the adventure is calling.

- We were also invited to go on an adventure, and would go through many sorrows and trials along the way.

- We accepted the challenge to go on our own great adventure of “there and back again”.

- On this adventure the path holds many hills, and holes, and metaphorically even spiders, trolls and even a dragon or two

- 1 you need to choose to incline your heart to God, strive each day to find Him, learn to love Him. And then let that love inspire you to learn and follow his teachings and keep God’s commandments.

- 2 Discipleship is not about doing things perfectly, it’s about doing things intentionally.

- God loves you no less when you struggle than when you triumph.

- It is your choices that show what you truly are, far more than your abilities - Dumbledore

- Discipleship is like learning to play the piano - at first you can barely even play chopsticks! But as you practice you can get better

- 3 take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, and not being ashamed of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.

- True disciples love God and His children without expectation of anything in return

- When you fill your heart with discipleship you leave no room for anger, judgement, or shaming.

- Come and see, find out for yourself how the path of discipleship will be rewarded. Come and stay.

- God does not need to sell the restored gospel. You merely need to not hide it under a bushel.

- If you and I have felt the stirrings to share the joy of gospel living, today is the day to join the Savior on his path of discipleship.

- It is time to begin.

- Come and see what this marvelous and adventurous journeys all about. Along the way you will find Christ.

- Now is the time to commit fully to seeking God

Elder Walter F Gonzalez

- “Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean” - our Savior always wants to bless us

- Whatever the result, His will will be the best for you.

- As we come unto him, God will come to our rescue, weather to heal us or to help us through hard circumstances

- Jesus Christ is a God of Love, hope, healing. He wants us to be clean.

- In Nazareth, the narrow road, That tires the feet and steals the breath, Passes the place where once abode The Carpenter of Nazareth. And up and down the dusty way The village folk would often wend; And on the bench, beside Him, lay Their broken things for Him to mend. The maiden with the doll she broke, The woman with the broken chair, The man with broken plough, or yoke, Said, “Can you mend it, Carpenter?” And each received the thing he sought, In yoke, or plough, or chair, or doll; The broken thing which each had brought Returned again a perfect whole. So, up the hill the long years through, With heavy step and wistful eye, The burdened souls their way pursue, Uttering each the plaintive cry: “O Carpenter of Nazareth, This heart, that’s broken past repair, This life, that’s shattered nigh to death, Oh, can You mend them, Carpenter?” And by His kind and ready hand, His own sweet life is woven through Our broken lives, until they stand A New Creation—“all things new.” The shattered [substance] of [the] heart, Desire, ambition, hope, and faith, Mould Thou into the perfect part, O, Carpenter of Nazareth!”

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

- kids painted dog

- Confused skunk with kitten lol

- Do we sometimes confuse satan with a black and white cat instead of a skunk?

- Command the enemy of your soul to go away. “Get thee hence satan”

- You have been blessed with the gift of Heavenly help

- We have prophets

- Scriptures

- Prayer

- Through His servants God speaks to us

- He gives them commandments designed to lead us to Him

- Satan always pretends to be something he is not, tries to pass things off as not evil, disguises consequences of sin as something else. . . Camouflages dark things as something that is fine

- “Wickedness never was happiness”

- Spirit speaketh truth and lieth not

President Russell M. Nelson

- Love God and love your neighbors

- includes those of other faiths or beliefs

- I.E. EVERYONE

- Church is service and helping others

- Go hungry to help others who are hungry

- Give all you have +more

- Service: helping everyone

- Refugees

- Hungry people

- EVERYONE

- Charities

- Charity is the PURE LOVE of CHRIST

- small part of the global humanitarian aid and outreach of the Church of Jesus Christ

- Because of YOUR helping hands

- Latter-Day Saints build strong families and communities, wherever they live

- Our greatest joy comes from helping our brothers and sisters

- Caring for others as much or more than we care for ourselves is our joy.

- Living that second great commandment is the key to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Side note AGAIN.

All of the apostles agree on what is said in conference. Their views do not differ one from the other. They are servants who all speak the word of God in unison. They have different ways of speaking as they are from different walks of life, some more straightforward, others with kinder tones. BUT THEY ALL SPEAK THE TRUTHS OF GOD UNIFIED IN HIS WORK AS HIS SERVANTS.

#generalconference #tumblrstake #ldsconf #gen conf #im sorry if your views differ from theirs #but they are unified #in ALL they say #doesnt matter which of them says it

[jasonp43]

Jondami week 2019 Day 5: Our First Date(?)

Prompt: Young Love

Synopsis: Damian asked Jon out for the nth time, just a friendly hang out of course, but with the way Damian's been acting? Jon's starting to question if its more than just a hang out.

"Mmmn...." Jon hummed, rocking back forth in his seat, patting his red sneakers on the dirt path of the park, waiting impatiently for his best friend. "Where is he?" He said, letting out a sigh, lowering his gaze to look at his watch. "Damian was 2 minutes late. Damian's never late." Jon thought to himself

"Right here, Kent." An all too familiar voice called out, shaking Jon from his thoughts.

"Dami!" Jon called out, rising to his feet and lunging at the boy.

"Wait, Kent don'-" but it was too late, just had already wrapped his older but shorter friend in a warm embrace, almost immediatelt feeling something get squished between them. Jon let go.

"Well." Damian began, letting out an exasperated sigh. "That's 3 hours of work I'll never get back." Damian said, the once confident smirk that graced his face now gone as he stared down at the crushed box.

"Haha.. whoops?" Jon said, rubbing his nape and smiling awkwardly. "What's.. what's in the box?" Jon said with a nervous giggle.

"TT. Well, it was a chocolate cake." Damian said before letting out a sigh.

"Oooh! Cake!" Jon beamed, a wide smile on his lips before he paused.

"Wait, its not my birthday till.." Jon paused and began counting on his fingers, looking up in thought. "6 months!" Jon exclaimed. "What's the occasion?" Jon asked.

Damian simply shrugged, before his eyes rose to meet Jon's. Steely emeralds meeting soothing sapphires. Jon felt the faintest hint of a blush creep onto his face, his breath getting caught in his throat. He couldn't understand why... he and Damian have locked eyes before.. but today.. Damian seemed different. His eyes felt different, not cold nor unfeeling but... softer.. warmer.. more.. endearing.

"No matter," Damian began, what one could only hope was a smile rested on his face, before he turned around. His shoes hitting the grassy soil of the park.

"Wait, dami! Where are you going?" Jon called out, catching up to his best friend.

"Follow, Kent. We're going to eat the cake-" Damian's voice paused before he looked down at the mashed up mess in the box he was carrying "or at least what's left of it."

Damian led Jon to a secluded part of the park, the boys passing through an uphill tree arch which dimmed the sunlight, fire flies flying around them creating an almost breath taking display that Damian may or may not have had to bribe Poison Ivy and Zatanna to create.

Damian paused, to take in the scenery. Content with his handiwork, looking over his shoulder to see what ever impossibly adorable reaction Jon be having.

"Ughh... Damian.. are we almost there? My feet hurt." Jon complained, letting out a groan.

Not exactly the reaction Damian had in mind.. but still cute nonetheless.

"TT. Not much further, hayseed." Damian smirked. "What? You want me to carry you?" Damian said, jokingly.

"As a matter of fact.." Jon's voice trailed off, playing along before he felt his feet being swept up under him.

"Woahhhh!" Jon said, taken by surprise. Damian had lifted him off his feet, one hand under the boy's knees and the other at his torso pulling him in close, miraculously still balancing the cake box.

"D-d-dami..?" Jon asked, his voice shakey. He never expected Damian to actually do it. He looked up at Damian, a questioning look on his face, a tinge of pink on his cheeks.

"What?" Damian asked as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, looking down at the half-kryptonian. Making the boy feel like anything but invulnerable.

Jon opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out as their eyes met once more. He immediately averted his gaze and could swear he felt Damian chuckle.

Jon never thought he'd find himself in such a situation.. being carried in the arms of his best friend, bridal style. It'd be humiliating for anyone else.. but for Jon? Feeling Damian this close.. being held this way..? He felt safe.. he felt at home... he didn't want it to end.

*thud*

"Ouuuchhhh!" Jon complained, as Damian dropped him.

"We're here." Damian said bluntly, bending to one knee and placing the cake down gently.

"Dami..! Why'd you-" Jon said, rising to his feet before seeing what Damian presumably had set up.

The boys were on a hill overlooking the rest of the park, with a single tree near the edge, un-lit lanterns resting from its branches. 3 bowls of still-hot noodles from one of the fancy chinese restaurants, 2 cold grape sodas, and a bowl of cheesy nachos rested on a picnic blanket, the basket at its side all under the shade of the tree.

"Are you going to join me, or are you just going to stand there and gawk?" Damian called out, sitting down, resting his back against the tree, watching as the began to set.

"D-dami what is all this?" Jon asked, walking over to Damian. His red sneakers hitting the grass.

"What? Don't like it?" Damian asked, taking a can of soda, the iconic fizz sound escaping the can as he opened it.

"No.. its not that its just- euah!!" Jon was cut off, by Damian grabbing onto his and and pulling him down so he's resting his head on Damian's lap.

"So just sit down already." Damian said bluntly, not looking down at Jon, just mindlessly sipping the soda.

Jon opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out, he had no idea why Damian was acting so weird today.. but honestly? He didn't want him to stop.

"Like the view?" Damian asked, just as Jon realized he was staring at his face.

"W-what?!" Jon sat up immediately, a his cheeks flushed red.

"TT. The sunset, Kent." Damian said, looking at Jon with a quizzical look.

"Ohhhh.. yeah yeah.. totally." Jon said, a giggle escaping his lips.

Damian smiled "good." He said, patting his lap, inviting Jon to lay back down, when Jon didn't react  Damian rolled his eyes and pulled Jon back down.

Jon tensed up for a moment before relaxing, he felt Damian begin to stroke his hair, running his slim fingers through it. His other arm pulling Jon in close. Jon had no idea what Damian was doing.. but honestly he didn't want him to stop. He didn't think this moment could get any better until his eyes caught a noodle dangling over his face. He was wrong, it could get better.

"Ah?" Damian asked.

"Ah..?" Jon asked back, before damian lowered the noodle into his mouth.

"Ahg- mmmn!" Jon hummed as he chewed the noodle, surprised by how good it was.

"Hehe.. glad you like it" Damian said, watching Jon eat before their eyes met. This time it was Damian's turn to blush.

"What?" Jon asked, raising a brow just as he swallowed.

"TT. Nothing" damian played it off, looking away. Lowering a few more noodles from his chopsticks to Jon's mouth, hoping they'd distract him enough to not notice the painfully obvious blush on his cheeks.

Jon shrugged and kept eating.

"Mmnch Dami?" Jon asked Damian, who was getting some noodles from the second box.

"Yeah?" He asked, not pausing.

"Its getting kinda dark.. should we-" and as if on cue, the lanterns turned on around them.

"Oh, huh?" Jon looked around them, sitting up.

"Full?" Damian asked.

"Mhm" jon replied.

"Alright then." Damian said wrapping an arm around him and bringing him in close so Jon's resting his cheek on Damian's shoulder.

"Dami..?" Jon asked, his blush darkening.

"What?" Damian asked bluntly as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Jon opened his mouth to speak when something caught his eye. "Dami! Look!" Jon said outloud, pointing at the meteor shower that was currently happening.

Damian smirked. "Right on cue." He thought to himself as he tightened his hug on Jon, nuzzling into the boy's messy hair.

The song Just for a moment by gryffin started to play, only playing into the romantic vibe.

"Wow.." Jon looked up in awe. "Its... amazing"

"Yeah.." Damian said, his eyes resting on the boy beside him. Watching as the wind danced between his messy hair, the flicker in his eyes as he watched the meteor shower.  "Breath taking." He blushed.

A few moments of comfortable silence passed when Jon finally decided to ask.

"Hey dami?" He asked, looking up at the boy.

"Was today uhm... a you know..?" Jon's voice trailed off.

"A what?" Damian asked.

"A.. you know a-" Jon's voice was cut off by Damian's lips meeting his own. He was taken a back for a few seconds before he began melting into the kiss, feeling his almost invulnerable body turn to jelly.

Damian pulled back, breaking their kiss. A chuckle escaping his lips. Both boys blushing hard

"Does that answer your question?" Damian asked, a smirk on his lips

"Y-yeah.." Jon blushed, smiling.

A/N: hey guys! I'm super super sorry for being late by like 2 days. I got busy and stuff so yeah, uhm here sorry if its like.. shit -Jason

#jondami week 2019 #damijon #damijon fanfic #jondami fanfic #damian wayne #super sons #superboy #robin #cute #fluff

[clausvonbohlen]

My Zen Rakusu

After three months investigating plant medicines in the Amazon, I flew to Japan with my friend S. My first visit was back in 2009, also with S, who lived there in his teens and speaks fluent Japanese. On that occasion we visited the ancient monastery complex of Koya-san, in the mountains south of Osaka. It was winter, and snowing, and I remember watching a monk sweeping the entrance to one of the monastery buildings. He did it so beautifully, and seemed so at peace with himself and the world, that I resolved that one day I too would visit a monastery in Japan and participate in monastic life. This trip to Japan, which would coincide with sakura – the cherry blossom period – seemed like the right moment, and a good way to consolidate my recent experiences.

  Since returning from that first visit in 2009, I have become increasingly fascinated by Zen. At that time I was living in San Francisco. I read Kerouac’s ‘Dharma Bums’, and I followed in his footsteps by climbing up Matterhorn Peak in the Hoover Wilderness. I read D. T. Suzuki, and I tried to get to grips with haikus and koans. I read John Welwood’s ‘Gradual Awakening’, and I was very struck by his description of a meeting with the Tibetan teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Welwood wrote:

 ‘I remember once walking into a room for an interview with him and being astounded by the vast space that seemed to radiate from him in all directions. It felt as though the roof and walls of the room had been blown out. Never having experienced anything like that before, I found it tremendously magnetic.’

 In addition to Zen, Japan has also provided me with both the most and least romantic experiences of my life. The former happened on that first visit in 2009, on a freezing night in Tokyo, in an all night florist’s. I met a gentle lost American girl, and paid for her flowers, and we walked for a while together and parted company on a windy street corner. We said goodbye with tears in our eyes, maybe because of the wind, but also because of the transience of life, and the other outcomes almost possible but not, and the things unsaid and maybe unsayable.

  The least romantic experience happened on a visit a couple of years ago, also in Tokyo, at the tail end of a long and humid summer. I must have been spiked with Rohypnol, or a similar dissociative ‘predator’ drug, since I have almost no memory of the night, something that has never happened to me before. The same thing happened to the friend I was with, and we later read online warnings from the US embassy about Nigerians in that area of Tokyo who were known for these nefarious activities. The drugs don’t knock you out, but they make you immensely suggestible; the snippets of memory I do have are of walking to numerous cash machines, accompanied by my new Nigerian ‘friends’; exceeding the withdrawal limit on all my bank cards (as I later pieced together from the receipts I found screwed up in my pockets); paying for large quantities of alcohol in a succession of seedy bars; and canoodling with two Columbian girls who, in retrospect, were almost certainly not the sweet, unbiased, and reciprocally enamoured civilians that I assumed at the time.  And then coming home the next day, rather dazed, with a wallet mysteriously empty not just of Yen, but of all the foreign currencies too.

  On that visit two years ago, I also went to Kanazawa, a city on the west coast about halfway between Kyoto and Tokyo. I fell in love with Kanazawa: it is less touristy than other places, boasts the Kenrokuen gardens – the most beautiful Japanese gardens I have ever seen -  as well as the D. T. Suzuki museum, whose two or three exhibits are not nearly as significant as the building’s clean lines, contrasting textures and calming use of space.

                   D.T. Suzuki museum in Kanazawa.

But above all, I fell in love with Kanazawa’s 1950′s American aesthetic, the kind of thing that Kerouac would have seen during his travels back and forth across America. And the light is reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s magnificent, lonely, brave paintings from the same period.

         Kanazawa, oddly reminiscent of Kerouac’s America.

I always wanted to return to Kanazawa, and I was very happy to discover that there is a Zen temple in Kanazawa that hosts visitors. I found an email address for the Guestmaster and wrote to him. My email went unanswered, so I wrote again, and again. I was not dismayed, since I knew of the Zen tradition in which an aspirant for instruction is turned away by the Master the first three times, though he should be accepted on the fourth. This proves that the aspirant is serious. In addition, a Master should always be asked to teach, rather than offer to do so; presumably, this ensures that the teaching is given for the right reasons, and not to inflate the teacher’s ego, or win fame.

  However, the Guestmaster never answered my emails, so I asked S to accompany me to the monastery in order to present my request in person, and in Japanese.  We stopped in Kanazawa on our way from Kyoto to Tokyo.

  Kyoto abounds with Zen temples and gardens, and we had visited a number of them. They are small, beautifully maintained, but also busy, and you have to pay to enter each one. Daijoji Temple in Kanazawa, by contrast, was a much bigger place, surrounded by tombstones on a wooded hill on the outskirts of town, with a view of the distant ocean. Enormous old trees cast dappled shade and created the sense of peace that I remembered from my visit to snowy Koya-san, where I had seen the sweeping monk. The huge and imposing red entrance gate was open, so we entered the temple enclosure and wandered down ancient wooden colonnades and past ornate Buddhist warrior carvings. There was no one around, and it was  unnerving, but also magical, to be able to explore this space all by ourselves.

                      Daijoji Temple, Kanazawa

Eventually we found a monk who was in the middle of performing his chores with a dishcloth tied round his head. S explained my request. The monk looked very surprised. Another, chubbier monk then arrived. He was more senior, and S repeated the request, adding that I had already emailed three times to the Guestmaster. This caused both monks some embarrassment. The chubby one disappeared for a while. On his return he explained that if I were to stay for a week, as I was hoping, then my visit would coincide with ‘seishin’, the intense five day period of meditation that happens once a month. Would that be ok? I tried to appear confident and said that it would. In that case, they said, they would present my request to the abbot, and we should telephone the monastery that evening to hear the result.

  Back in our hotel, I was feeling nervous, so I went to the sauna and watched a sumo match on the tv in there, alongside a lot of elderly Japanese men. On returning to our room, S informed me that my request had been accepted. I was jubilant, though at the time I didn’t fully realize what I had committed to.

  When I returned to the temple a few days later, I was greeted by Godo Roshi, the monk in charge of novices, and the only one who spoke some English. I picked up my futon and followed Godo Roshi down a series of paper-paneled corridors - confusing since the doors and panels look the same  – to my room, a small empty space enclosed by more paper panels. On the way, I had to change from outdoor shoes to sandals to slippers and finally to socks, an action that I would end up repeating countless times every day. On this first occasion, I was paid the only verbal compliment that I was to receive all week: when I placed my slippers on their shelf, Godo Roshi nodded his approval and said, ‘Very elegant.’

  I had been given a timetable as well as a short book on Zen, in English. The timetable came as a bit of a shock. Every moment of the day was accounted for, down to five minute segments. I would have to be up at 4.30am every morning for an hour of seated meditation (zazen) in the the zendo, followed by half an hour of sutra chanting in the main hall, then an hour of floor cleaning, then breakfast at 7am, a brief rest, and 10 more sessions of zazen throughout the rest of the day, alternating with more chores and brief rest or study periods.

  Despite going to bed early (around 10), the mornings were tough. My visit had coincided with a cold snap. The temperature dropped to 3 degrees at night, and it was no warmer inside the monastery than out. By day, when the sun shone, it was in fact colder inside. And I was not allowed to wear either a hat inside, or socks inside in certain parts of the building, so it was often a struggle to keep warm.

  I found mealtimes to be more challenging than the sessions in the zendo. Zen is very highly codified, nowhere more so than during meals. There are precise actions to be repeated every time, and I am sure there were many more of which I was unaware. Meals are the same every day: gruel for breakfast, rice with sides for lunch and for dinner. The bowls have to be placed in the correct formation and chopsticks angled in the right directions to accompany each phase of the meal. Food has to be wolfed down at lightening speed. This is partly because it is rude to finish after the abbot (who, despite being ancient, is a champion speed eater), but the deeper reason is so as to avoid developing an attachment to the pleasure of taste.

  I found it very hard to wolf down rice using chopsticks. I was invariably the last to finish, and although the other monks were never so impolite as to stare at me, it is nevertheless disconcerting to be stuffing your cheeks like a chipmunk while 8 impassive Zen monks sit around you, models of stony-faced silence.

  At the end of the meal, you have to leave two slices of horseradish in the top left hand bowl of the four in front of you. Hot water is poured into that bowl and you use the horseradish slices to mop the inside, pushing them around with your chopsticks and thereby cleaning the bowl. The water and horseradish slices are then poured into the other three bowls, in the right order of course, and finally the resulting liquid is swallowed. It doesn’t taste bad, and obviates the need for all but the most superficial washing up, which is performed in a similarly ritualized way by the novices and junior monks. At the end, you stand in a circle and say, utz gari sama desda, which means, thank you for your work.

  This may all sound fairly torturous, and in many ways, it was. And yet, after a few days, I found myself feeling more relaxed, and happier, than I have for a long time. In part, I am sure this had to do with the digital detox - the blissful escape from constant connectivity. The fact that every moment of the day was accounted for, and there were no choices or decisions to be made, also contributed to an increasingly deep sense of tranquility.

  Zazen itself is very simple, there is only one instruction: just sit. Do not think. Do not worry. Do not plan. Do not feel regrets. Just sit, in the correct posture, and observe. Do not follow thoughts, or try to block them out. Watch them arise, and let go of them. It sounds so easy, but of course, it is not.

  The other forms of meditation I have encountered have focused on an object, such as the breath, or a mantra, or a particular emotion. But zazen, with its emphasis on not doing anything, seemed particularly beneficial for me, given the restlessness of my mind.

  Of course, without any mental discipline at all, a session of zazen is likely to descend into one long reverie. But in Zen, I think that the discipline comes not from the meditation itself, but rather from every other aspect of life. That is why everything is so highly ritualized. You constantly have to focus – on how to change your footwear, how to eat, how to wash up. Mental discipline is learned through the hundred thousand other aspects of daily life, so you are in a much better position to truly ‘just sit’ when it is time to meditate.

  That is one very sensible aspect of Zen. Another is that you always meditate with your eyes open, though unfocussed; it is very hard to fall asleep when your eyes are open. And also, sessions only last 50 minutes, which is about the maximum concentration span for most people. Zazen is followed by kinshin, a few minutes of very slow walking meditation. It is a good way to finish.

  After the first morning session (in the dark), and the sutra chanting (a rather obscure business, and the most highly ritualized of all), my duty was to mop the long corridor, using a wet rag. It was a very simple task, and of course a repetitive one, though doing it well, and elegantly, was actually rewarding. And this is another aspect of Zen: you do things for their own sake, and not as a means to an end. That is what makes them meaningful. And that is also the key to unlocking Japanese culture, which can often appear so obscure. Everything is done to the highest possible level, because that gives it meaning.

  As I mopped the floor in my bare feet, and with my breath condensing in the cold air, I was surprised to be feeling content and at peace with the world. The German words ’Arbeit Macht Frei’  (work makes you free) came to mind. Yes, there was a form of liberation in what I was doing. It was so menial a chore, and yet I was happy. There was nothing to desire, and no choices to be made; where were the causes of suffering? But then, with a jolt, I remembered where those three words had been most famously displayed: above the entrance gate to Auschwitz. How utterly incongruous, a Buddhist truth taken up by a concentration camp. The monastery was nothing like a concentration camp, and it was certainly strange that a truth hidden in those words should crystallize for me here.

                              *

  That first evening a girl called Aida, from Azerbaijan, passed by the monastery to explain a few things to me. Aida spent 6 years in the monastery but is now teaching Japanese culture at Kanazawa university. She is a true polymath. In order to be able to stay in Japan, she had needed a student visa, and so, with no prior knowledge of Japanese, she had done PhD in neuroscience, in Japanese. She was also fluent in Russian, Arabic, Turkish, English and Spanish, as well as Azerbaijani.

  A few days later, with Aida as interpreter, I had my first formal interview with the abbot. He presented me with my own rakusu, the Zen Buddhist bib - sewn together from 16 or more strips of cloth - that is worn around the neck. The rakusu represents lay ordination. On the inside, the bearer’s name and status is painted in elegant calligraphic kanji, using jet black ink on a white silk backing. The abbot turned the bib around, and Aida translated the writing: Claus von Bohlen, London representative of the World Zen Centre based at Daijoji Temple, Kanazawa.

 A Zen monk wearing his rakusu

Aida was laughing a lot. Did it strike her as so ridiculous, or was her bright humour the result of 6 years in a Zen monastery? I never found out. She showed me how to wear the rakusu, and how to fold it and replace it in its silk envelope – predictably complicated. Then she asked me how I felt.

  ‘Elevated,’ I said. Aida translated. The abbot nodded.

  I was to see Aida on two more occasions, and it was a relief to be able to ask her some more detailed questions. My interactions with the other monks were very basic. The monk in charge of my training spoke no English at all. On a number of occasions, he needed to reprimand me (most severely, when I arrived one minute late for my solitary evening meditation session). He relied on the voice activated version of google (mis-)translate, with frequently bizarre results. He said something in Japanese into his phone, and then held it towards my ear: ‘Do not shit on the elephant. Everything is training.’

  The chubby monk whom I had met on my first visit to the monastery was a very kind man. I think he felt sorry for me because I had to request half-portions in order to finish my meals on time.  In the evenings, he occasionally passed by my cell to present me with biscuits or the peculiar chewy rice cakes called mochi.

  When it came to the meditation itself, no instruction was given. The book was a help, as was one comment that the chubby monk made: ‘Do not do zazen. Be zazen.’

  And this, to me, is the endless fascination of Zen. So simple, and yet so very difficult. Just sit. Be zazen. And the truisms: wherever you go, there you are… So obvious, and yet how easy it is to think that one can run away from troubles, when in reality we carry most of our suffering around with us. And then the haikus, so mundane, and yet they imply the whole world by its absence, in the same way that the negative spaces in a drawing create the solid image. So very elliptical, so very Japanese.

  My favourite, I think, is by the 19th century poet Masaoka Shiki:

 Butterfly asleep on a stone

You must surely be dreaming

Of the sad life of me.

 Zen is profoundly artistic: it is about harmony, and beauty, about doing things for their own sake, and also about impermanence and transience and time’s inexorable decay. From the perspective of Zen, everything can be an object of meditation, nature above all, most famously in the form of cherry blossoms and the turning of the leaves in autumn. They all bring home the fundamental truth of impermanence, and so much of human suffering stems from the attempt to escape or repress that truth.

 On one or two occasions during zazen, I experienced moments without thought - the spaces between thoughts. Of course, as soon as I became aware of it, then the unverbalised moment was lost and thought once again entered the picture. But those few moments consisted of pure awareness, pure consciousness without objects or boundaries. They made me realise that all my life I have seen the world from one perspective, or in one dimension; this felt like an entirely different vantage point, a whole new dimension, and one that dwarfs all that I have known up until now. They were just glimpses, but they were sufficient for me to understand why a person might devote their entire life to the practice of Zen.

 These were my thoughts as I left the monastery. The cold snap had passed, the breeze was a caress, and the cherry blossoms were just on the point of exploding like pink powder puffs in the Kenrokuen gardens. And I was homeward bound.

                                  *

 Back in the UK, I stuffed all my clothes into the washing machine. As Jack Kornfeld said, ‘After the ecstasy, the laundry.’ But in doing so, I overlooked the black silk envelope that contained my Zen rakusu, and it also went into the machine.

  When I subsequently took the rakusu out of the washing machine, I saw to my horror that the beautiful calligraphy bearing my name had almost been washed out of the white silk lining. My heart sunk. I had worn the rakusu for one of the most challenging weeks of my life. I was proud to have got through it, and proud of my official status as representative of the World Zen Centre. I cursed my stupidity, but the irritation sat like a stone in my chest.

 And then I realised how long the road is. This was suffering: my attachment to an object, to the status it conferred, and to an idea of myself. This was pride, and vanity, and desire, and all those emotions that cause suffering again and again. Sometimes desire can be satisfied, or pride validated, but the relief is only temporary, and the cessation of pain should not be confused with happiness.

 But is it so simple? Does attachment always cause suffering? And isn’t  suffering a part of what it means to be human, and to lead a full human life? Should we really aim not to feel attachment to our families and loved ones? These are difficult questions and I do not have the answers. I suspect that there is a middle way, a balance somewhere: it must be possible to love without clinging, to give without needing anything in return. But it is very hard. And like so much in this field, the balance is a delicate two-step, an oblique sideways glance: we find happiness when we cease to chase it; we alight upon one-pointed concentration when we stop trying to force it; and love is purest when it is based on surfeit and not on lack.

  That is what the laundry taught me.

[charllieeldridge]

Top 41 Places To Visit in Thailand in 2020

Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for many years and although things have changed since the hippie days and $1 beach huts, Thailand still has lots to offer every type of traveller. There are endless places to visit in Thailand, from islands and beaches to cities and villages, this is a country you could return to again and again.

In this post, I’m going to list the top places to visit in Thailand this year. Read on and start planning your trip to the Land of Smiles!

1. Bangkok (The City of Angels)

The capital city of Thailand is a must-see for sure. If you’re arriving by air, chances are you’ll be landing in Bangkok, but if you come to Thailand by boat, train or bus from a neighbouring country, make sure you make your way to the big city.

Bangkok is unlike any place I’ve ever been to — it’s a city that never sleeps. The streets are bustling with people going to work, vendors selling their goods, and motorbikes zipping by. The street food in Bangkok is the best in the country, the parties and nightlife are amazing and there’s a unique blend of modern commercialism and historic sites.

Not only is the vibe incredible and the food fantastic, but there are endless things to do in Bangkok. Don’t miss the Chatuchak weekend market, the Royal Palace and the parks (Lumphini is great). Also, make sure to have a drink at Moon Bar, cruise the Chao Phraya River, shop at the electronic mall…and so much more. Bangkok is definitely one of the top places to visit in Thailand.

The sunset views from Vertigo Moon Bar are amazing – don’t miss it!

Read more about Bangkok on GoatsOnTheRoad:

Our Week in Bangkok – a Haven For Digital Nomads

A Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Bangkok

Silom Road Bangkok – Everything You Need to Know

Things to Do in Bangkok – 13 Things You Can’t Miss!

In Bangkok, we stayed at and recommend D Varee Xpress and Siri Sathorn Executive Residence. Both of these accommodations are in Silom, a neighbourhood we’ve chosen to stay in during our past visits to the city. For all accommodation options in Bangkok, click here to see reviews and check prices on Booking.com.

Click here to see the available tours with Get Your Guide. Or, click on the images below for more details:

Book Overland Transport From Bangkok

Bangkok To Chiang Mai

Bangkok To Pattaya

Bangkok To Koh Samui

Bangkok To Hua Hin

2. Hua Hin

Want to travel and vacation like the locals do? Hua Hin is one of the places to visit in Thailand to do just that! This is a popular weekend destination for Thais and expats, and if you’re looking for the best beach on the mainland, this is where you’ll find it. Hua Hin’s sandy stretch is 8 kilometers long, and if you arrive during the week, you’ll basically have the place to yourself.

Don’t miss Chopstick Hill and the Wat on top, the night market, the floating market, the historic train station, the nearby Rajabhakti Park and the popular Cha-Am resort area (which is around 20 kilometers north).

☞ Click here to see reviews and compare prices on accommodation in Hua Hin on Booking.com

3. Khao Yai National Park

Thailand is filled with natural treasures just waiting to be explored. If you’re interested in seeing Asian Elephants, gibbons, macaques, pythons, bears and more, then definitely check out Khao Yai National Park. This protected area spans 6,155 square kilometers (2,376 square miles) and was the first national park in Thailand. Today there are 127 parks in the country for you to explore.

You can camp with your own tent, rent a tent in the park, or stay in a cabin. If you prefer to stay outside of the park and visit during the day, there are many accommodation options along Thanarat Road, which runs from Pak Chong down to Mu Si and the Khao Yai gates.

Khao Yai National Park is a hiker’s paradise! There are numerous trails you can take via foot or bicycle, and lots of waterfalls to visit. A ranger is recommended for hiking. For our guide to the park, click here. Visiting this National Park is one of the best things to do in Thailand.

Enjoy the nature of Khao Yai National Park

4. Koh Chang

This has to be one of the best islands and one of the top places to visit in Thailand. When planning an island-hopping getaway, most travellers think to head south to the Andaman Islands or the southern Gulf trio (Samui, Phangan & Tao)…but, there are some great places in the northern Gulf of Thailand! Koh Chang (Elephant Island) is one such destination.

Despite becoming more popular over the years, this mountainous island still retains its off-track vibe, depending on where on the island you visit. White Sands Beach has an amazing stretch of sand and while this is the busiest beach on the island, with the most resorts, there is still a backpacker scene at the far north end with huts available for rent.

If you’re looking for the party scene, then you’ll want to head to Lonely Beach. If you’re after a chilled out, low key place, then check out Bang Bao Beach and the southeastern villages.

White Sands beach on Koh Chang is a beauty!

As with many islands in Thailand, the best way to get around and explore Koh Chang is by motorbike. There are more than 5 waterfalls on Koh Chang with many of them on the east coast, which can all be explored by bike. Other days can be spent snorkelling, fishing, diving, sailing, joining a cooking class or just relaxing in a hammock on the beach.

Bonus Tip: If you’re going to Cambodia, this island is on the way and makes for a great stopover

☞ Click here to compare prices on accommodation and see reviews on Booking.com.

Book Overland Transport From Koh Chang

Koh Chang To Koh Phangan

Koh Chang To Koh Tao

Koh Chang To Bangkok

5. Khao Lak

Located in the gorgeous Andaman Sea, Khao Lak offers travellers a diverse holiday. Whether you want to chill out on the beach, chase waterfalls, or do some awesome day trips to offshore islands, you’ll find it on Khao Lak.

Sadly, this island was hit hard during the 2004 tsunami with around 4,000 fatalities. These days, there is a proper tsunami warning system in place, and escape routes as well. Because of this tragedy, there’s actually a museum set up for visitors to better understand what happened back in 2004.

Khao Lak has some stunning beaches to offer

But, it’s not all doom and gloom here! The beaches of Khao Lak are stunning, the National Parks are a great spot for hiking and wildlife spotting, and the numerous waterfalls are a great place to relax and cool off.

You can also join a liveaboard boat and do some epic scuba diving around the Similan and Surin Islands! For eating, you’ll find an excellent night market and fantastic seafood restaurants. Regardless of the past natural disaster, this is still one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday.

See Also: The Essential Traveller’s Guide to Khao Lak

☞ Click here to see reviews and compare prices on accommodation in Khao Lak on Booking.com

Book Transport From Khao Lak

Khao Lak to Koh Lanta

Khao Lak to Koh Tao

Khao Lak to Bangkok

6. Koh Muk (Koh Mook)

If you’re looking for a less developed, beautiful island, then definitely check out Koh Muk! Located south of Koh Lanta in the Andaman Sea, you’ll find this small, idyllic island.

The jumping-off point for Koh Muk is the city of Trang, with a boat to the island taking only around 30 minutes. Once you arrive on Koh Muk, get ready for some serious relaxation. This is one of the most chilled-out places to visit in Thailand.

This is an island that moves at a slow pace. You’ll find small villages, empty beaches, and friendly locals. Koh Muk offers numerous types of accommodation from simple huts and bungalows to air-conditioned resorts (just a couple). This is definitely the place to get a hut on the beach and simply enjoy the view. If you’re feeling a bit more active, consider doing a snorkelling day trip, or visiting Emerald Cave.

☞ Click here to see reviews and compare prices on accommodation on Koh Muk with Booking.com

7. Pai

This funky hippie village in Northern Thailand is a place you won’t want to miss. Sure, it’s become more popular over the years, but it’s still a great place to chill out in a cheap hut alongside the river. Pai is surrounded by rice paddies, jungle, and waterfalls, making this a great place to get away from it all.

Don’t miss Pai’s nighttime walking street and market, Pombok and Mo Paeng Waterfalls, hot springs, the canyon, and of course, hanging out at one of the many cafes and bars. For such a small town, there are numerous things to do in Pai to keep you busy. This is one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you’re looking to chill out away from the beaches.

☞ Click here to see reviews and compare prices on accommodation in Pai on Booking.com

8. Chiang Mai

Another popular place to see in the north of Thailand is Chiang Mai. This destination has recently become a hotspot for digital nomads due to its solid internet, excellent amenities, affordable accommodation, and entrepreneurial scene.

However, it’s still an awesome place for travellers to visit! Chiang Mai is a walled city offering many things to do within the city itself, plus some great day trips.

If you’re a foodie, you won’t be disappointed in Chiang Mai, which offers cuisines from all around the world, plus some incredible Thai food as well. If you’re curious how the tasty Thai meals are prepared, join a cooking class and learn how to make Pad Thai, spring rolls, curry and more.

Also, make sure you don’t miss the night market, Wat Chedi Luang, Muay Thai boxing and getting a Thai massage. Yep, there are loads of cool things to do in Chiang Mai!

Bathe elephants at the rehabilitation centre

For day trips outside of Chiang Mai, I recommend visiting the Bo Sang Handicraft Centre which makes beautiful umbrellas from scratch, and the Elephant Nature Park which is a rehabilitation center for abused and mistreated elephants.

As an awesome 4 day trip, you can rent a motorbike and ride the Mae Hong Son Loop from Chiang Mai, which takes in Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and Pai.

See Also:

A Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Chiang Mai

Things To Do in Chiang Mai – 17 Things You Can’t Miss!

☞ Click here to see reviews & compare prices on accommodation in Chiang Mai on Booking.com

9. Railay (One of Our Favourite Places to Visit in Thailand!)

Technically Railay isn’t an island, but since you can only access it by boat, it feels like one. This awesome destination is located in the Krabi area of Thailand and is a must-see for rock climbers, backpackers, and holidaymakers.

Limestone karsts jut out of the sea providing an incredible scene as you arrive by boat. The beaches here are beautiful and the lush, mountainous backdrop is pretty spectacular.

There are 4 beaches to visit on Railay, and all of them are easy to reach. West Railay is the main beach that you’ll arrive at and offers the most restaurants and accommodations. East Railay is where many of the backpacker accommodations are, but the beach there isn’t great for swimming.

Tonsai is the backpacker and rock climbing hub, and to get here you need to do a jungle hike, walk around at low tide, or take a boat. And finally, Phrah Nang beach is a stunning place that offers cave swimming…and a cave with wooden penis statues.

Hiking to Tonsai Beach is a must!

Beyond the beaches, don’t miss hiking to the Railay viewpoint (which is a difficult climb, but worth it) and if you’re up for it, check out the lagoon while you’re up there. You should also check out Diamond Cave (stalagmites and stalactites) and Princess Cave (penis statues).

Finally, if you’re feeling active, you can go kayaking for the afternoon, followed up with a beautiful sunset. Don’t miss Railay, it’s definitely one of our favourite places to visit in Thailand. Learn more about planning a trip to Krabi here.

☞ Click here to see reviews and compare prices on accommodation in Railay on Booking.com 

10. Koh Samui

If you’re looking for a more upscale holiday with a pristine beach, then Koh Samui is the island you’re after. We spent 1.5 months living here as Digital Nomads and enjoyed our luxury villa in the jungle, our motorbike rides to the beach, the night markets and of course, the lovely Thai people.

We stayed in the Lamai area, which we found to have a good mix between having enough to see and do, but not being overcrowded.

On Koh Samui, you’ll want to check out the night markets which are in different towns: Bophut (Fridays), Mae Nam (Thursdays), Lamai (Sundays), Chaweng (food court daily, shopping stalls closed Fridays and Sundays).

Having a motorbike is the best way to explore Koh Samui

For beaches, Lamai beach is beautiful with the center to southern end being the best places for swimming. Chaweng beach has incredibly powdery white sand backed by hotels and palm trees. Lipa Noi is a pristine spot on the west coast with just a couple of accommodation options, I highly recommend checking out that beach for a peaceful afternoon. Mae Nam is another great area with a pretty 7-kilometer beach, numerous restaurants, and funky beach bars.

Make sure you rent a motorbike during your stay and drive the shortcut to Mae Nam from Lamai. This ride is absolutely stunning and virtually vehicle free! Finally, don’t miss the Namuang Waterfalls 1 & 2 (18m and 80m respectively), and Hin Lad Waterfall (a secluded spot). There are lots of fun things to do in Koh Samui to keep you busy.

*Bonus, there are numerous things to do in Koh Phangan, which is the neighbouring island with Koh Samui. Hop on a 30-minute boat ride and check out Koh Phangan for the day.

See Also: A Digital Nomad Guide to Living on Koh Samui

☞ Click here to see reviews & compare prices on accommodation on Koh Samui on Booking.com

11. Koh Lanta

The more popular neighbouring hotspots of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi tend to make it onto most traveller’s itineraries, but less developed Koh Lanta is still worthy of a visit. The west coast of the island is dotted with beautiful beaches, many of which are practically empty. Don’t miss Kawkwang, Khlong Dao, Long Beach, Bamboo Beach and especially, Mu Koh Lanta National Park.

Once you have your fill of beach time, head to the old town for a stroll, join a cooking class, do some yoga, explore the markets, and of course, make sure to watch sunset from one of the many funky beach bars. There are lots of things to do in Koh Lanta, click here to learn more.

☞ Click here to see reviews & compare prices on accommodation on Koh Lanta on Booking.com

12. Koh Kood (Koh Kut)

We travelled to Koh Kood during our very first year-long trip in 2008. Although things have definitely changed on the island since that time, it’s still a relatively off-track destination with hardly any development compared to other islands in Thailand.

Koh Kood is one of the places to visit in Thailand if you’re interested in relaxed evenings, lazy beach days and enjoying the peace and quiet. It’s not a place for partying, shopping or nightlife.

The west and south coasts of the island are where you’ll find the accommodation and the best beaches. There aren’t any beaches on the east coast, while the center of the island is pretty much filled with an impenetrable amount of rubber plantations and dense jungle. Klong Chao waterfall is located on the west coast of the island, in the center, and is the most popular waterfall on Koh Kood.

☞ Click here to see reviews & compare prices on accommodation on Koh Kood on Booking.com

13. Koh Lipe

Little Koh Lipe sits in the southern Andaman Sea, actually quite close to Langkawi Island in Malaysia. This 2 kilometer by 1 kilometer island may be small in size, but surprisingly there are quite a few things to do in Koh Lipe.

Apart from spending hours on end soaking up the sun on some of Koh Lipe’s incredible beaches, you’ll also find lots of activities on offer here. For starters, you can rent a kayak and explore the nearby islands, which are just a quick 10 minute or so paddle away. The water around Koh Lipe is calm, making kayaking a breeze.

Koh Lipe may be small, but it has a lot to offer travellers

Another option is to hike to the Koh Lipe viewpoint for excellent views over nearby Koh Adang. The sunset is good from here as well, but be prepared to hike back in the dark. If you’d like to visit Koh Adang, hire a boatman from the pier for 100 baht per person.

Once on the island, there are 3 viewpoints you can hike up to, with the third one taking around an hour to reach. As with any tropical hike, make sure you have a sufficient amount of water, a hat, bug spray, and sunscreen.

See Also: Fun Things To Do in Koh Lipe: A Guide For Travellers

☞ Click here to see reviews & compare prices on accommodation on Koh Lipe on Booking.com

14. Chiang Rai

If you’re visiting the north of Thailand (and you should), then you can’t miss Chiang Rai. This small city is about a 3-hour bus ride from Chiang Mai and is worth the 185 baht. Chiang Rai is most famous for its aptly named White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), which is blindingly white!

Even if you think you’ve seen way too many Wats and you’re “templed out”, don’t miss this unique site. The carvings here are ornate and detailed, and although photography isn’t allowed inside, you’ll get more than enough incredible photos of the outside.

There are numerous other things to do in Chiang Rai including the clock tower, Baan Dam Museum, the bustling night market and Khun Korn Waterfall. Chiang Rai is also known for its lychees and pineapples, so make sure to visit one of the many farms and villages surrounding the city.

☞ Click here to see reviews & compare prices on accommodation in Chiang Rai on Booking.com

15. Historic City of Ayutthaya

If you’re interested in history, culture, and ruins, this is a site you won’t want to miss during your travels in Thailand. Ayutthaya was founded in c. 1350 and was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. What you see today are the remains, which have been restored and are protected by UNESCO.

At the Ayutthaya Historical Park you’ll find statues of reclining Buddhas, seated Buddhas, headless Buddhas, a Buddha face that has been absorbed by tree roots, numerous stupas and much more. The ruins here are incredible and can be visited on a day trip from Bangkok.

The journey to Ayutthaya takes about an hour by minivan, which can be taken from Mo Chit bus station. Once you reach the site, you’ll probably want to hire a tuk-tuk, or a bicycle to explore the ruins. Alternatively, there are fully guided tours that you can easily organize from a tour agent in Bangkok (be sure to check ratings & recommendations before booking)

While you can walk to some of the areas, Ayutthaya is quite spread out so hiring transport is a wise choice for those hot days.

See Also: Ayutthaya Historical Park: A Guide For Travellers

☞ Click here to see reviews & compare prices on accommodation in Bangkok on Booking.com

The ancient city of Ayutthaya is an incredible site

16. Koh Tao

“Turtle Island” is definitely one of the best places to visit in Thailand. It’s also one of the best places in the world to get scuba certified. There are numerous dive shops that offer open-water courses at very reasonable prices. Plus, it’s possible to actually learn in the sea instead of in a pool. That definitely gives you a heads up once you’re actually ready to dive.

Not interested in diving? No worries! Plenty of visitors to Koh Tao skip out on the scuba diving. There are many more things to do in Koh Tao including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and even playing mini-golf.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation, you can find that here as well. Koh Tao has some great beaches to chill out on, or you could just hang by the pool all day sipping tropical drinks.

As an island that’s very much on the “Banana Pancake Trail”, Koh Tao also has quite the party scene. The Koh Tao pub crawl is recommended if you’re looking for a wild night out. Buckets of booze, ladyboy cabaret shows, and fire twirlers. It’s sure to be a crazy night.

See Also: 21 Things To Do in Koh Tao You Don’t Want To Miss

17. Korat

This city is actually called Nakhon Ratchasim, but it’s more commonly referred to simply as Korat. Thanks to its accessibility to Bangkok, it’s the perfect place to begin a trip in the Isaan (Northeast) region of Thailand.

Isaan is one of the places to visit in Thailand if you’re looking to escape the hordes of bucket-drinking backpackers and selfie-snapping tour groups. You won’t find many banana pancakes here, but you will find some of the best food in Thailand. Load up on some Pad krapao moo (spicy minced pork cooked with basil), which will only cost you about a dollar here.

The most visited attraction is a statue of Thao Suranaree, a local heroine who helped defeat an attack from intruding Laotian forces in 1826. You’ll see locals kneel before the statue making offerings of flowers and incense. There’s even a small museum here that details her famous victory.

As with other Thai cities, you’ll also find plenty of temples, markets, and parks to explore in Korat. If you want to see what life is like in Thailand without mass tourism, this is a great place to visit. From here you’ll also have easy access to places like Khao Yai National Park and Phimai Historical Park.

18. Mae Hong Son

One of the best adventures you can take in Thailand is riding the 1,864 curves of the Mae Hong Son Loop. Rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai, pick up a map, and hit the road on this epic loop around Northern Thailand.

This motorbike journey is named after the province that you spend much of the trip riding through. The capital city goes by the same name, and you’ll definitely end up spending at least a night here if you do the loop.

While you’re in this small Thai city in the mountains, be sure to check out the picturesque pond and the temple. It’s illuminated at night and is a beautiful sight. There’s also a small night market here where you can score some tasty and cheap Thai street food.

With a couple of days here, there’s plenty more to see and do. You can ride up to a hilltop temple for some incredible views, see a cave full of fish, or relax at a mud spa.

Many backpackers also use Mae Hong Son as a jump-off point for treks in the surrounding area. Every tourism office in this small town can help arrange trekking trips, so get out there and see some of the countryside – one of the best places to visit in Thailand for sure!

See Also: A Guide To Travelling the Mae Hong Son Loop

19. Lopburi

Lopburi is one of the oldest cities in all of Thailand and is a former capital. While it has a long history, these days it’s known for the large population of crab-eating macaques that call the city home. The monkeys are everywhere you look in the Old Town. They’re naughty monkeys, too, so keep an eye on your bag and hold on to your hat/sunglasses.

It’s not all monkey business in Lopburi, though. There are several historical sights worth visiting here, including King Narai’s Palace and the Phra Kan Shrine. There’s also good hiking and rock climbing just outside of the city if you’re looking for some more excitement.

If you’re interested in visiting Lopburi, a good idea is to combine a stop here with a trip to the ruins in Ayutthaya. Both are connected to Bangkok by train and you can hit them both in just a few days before heading back to the capital.

20. Khao Sok National Park

Many travellers to Thailand like to spend some time on both coasts and do a bit of island hopping. Why not take a break between all that beach bumming and do some hiking in a national park? Khao Sok is very easy to visit for a few days when travelling between the coasts.

This park is home to Thailand’s largest virgin forests, plenty of waterfalls, and a few caves. There’s also a beautiful lake with floating guesthouses. This is one of the best natural places to visit in Thailand.

There are plenty of hiking trails in Khao Sok that you can follow on your own. If you’d like to learn more about the environment and the wildlife here, you can easily hire a guide to take you through the park. Don’t skip out on this natural wonder on your way from island to island. 

See Also: Cost Of Living in Thailand – A Guide for Expats & Digital Nomads

21. Phuket

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand, and may just be the king of Thai islands. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is probably the most popular among travellers. Home to world-class beaches, a wide variety of activities, and some incredible choices for accommodation, dining, and nightlife, it’s no wonder so many people flock to Phuket.

The western part of the island is the most developed for tourism. Here you’ll find the town of Patong, which is known as one of the party capitals of Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a good time, you’ll most certainly find it here.

Despite a large number of tourists, not all of Phuket is filled with knick-knack shops and go-go bars. Once you head into the interior of the island, you’ll find mangrove forests, fishing villages, and even a national park. It’s very easy to escape the crowds if you’re looking for more peace and quiet on your trip.

While the island itself is great, a major highlight of visiting Phuket is getting out in the water. You name it and they got it here – diving, snorkeling, yachting, parasailing, fishing – you can do it all in Phuket. There are also several smaller islands nearby that you can visit on a day trip. With so much to see and do, you could easily spend a week or more.

☞ SEE ALSO: 9 Reasons To Fall in Love With Phuket A Mini Guide to Phuket and A Mini Guide to Phuket

22. The Ancient City of Sukhothai

Before Ayutthaya, there was Sukhothai. Established in the 13th century, this was the first capital of Siam. Its name means “Dawn of Happiness,” and it’s said to represent a golden age in Thai civilization.

During the Sukhothai kingdom, the Thai alphabet and Theravada Buddhism were introduced. Art and architecture also flourished, as did trade. After two centuries of rule, this great empire eventually declined and became part of Ayutthaya.

These days, Sukhothai is a historical park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s much smaller than other famous ruins in the region such as Angkor Wat and Bagan, so you can easily explore in just a day.

The best way to see Sukhothai is on two wheels. Rent a bicycle and head out early in the morning to beat the heat and the tour buses. You might even have some of the temples all to yourself!

To get to Sukhothai, you can take a train from Bangkok or Chiang Mai to the nearby town of Phitsanalouk and then switch to a bus for another hour. Alternatively, you can just get a bus to the town. It’s best to go ahead and stay a night, as there are plenty of guesthouses and restaurants near the ruins.

23. Khon Kaen

If you’re planning on exploring the Isaan region of Thailand, you’ll probably end up in the city of Khon Kaen. While many people simply view this city as a place to catch a bus, there’s enough to do here to warrant sticking around for a day or two.

Those who plan on travelling overland through Laos or Vietnam may find Khon Kaen to be a useful and necessary stop. There are both Laotian and Vietnamese consulates in town where you can apply for a visa. Thankfully, there’s also plenty to do while you wait a few days for that shiny new visa.

Be sure to check out Wat Nong Waeng, which is home to a beautiful 9-story stupa. It’s full of important Buddhist sculptures and murals that detail the town’s history. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the town. Speaking of the lake, it’s a very pleasant place for a stroll once you’re finished at the temple.

Perhaps the best part about visiting Khon Kaen is that it’s very much off the beaten path. Those looking for more authentic places to visit in Thailand will enjoy a visit here. Look up the tour operator Isaan Explorer if you’re interested in exploring more of the area, as they run some great trips.

24. Koh Tarutao

Would you believe me if I told you it’s possible to have a beach all to yourself on a Thai island? That’s just one of the many reasons Koh Tarutao is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. This former prison-turned national park in the far south of the country is a fascinating place to visit.

Once upon a time, this remote island was a prison and was home to several thousand inmates. They were deterred from plotting an escape thanks to the shark and crocodile-infested waters. When supplies ran out during World War II, inmates and guards alike either perished or turned to piracy. You can explore the former prison grounds, which look like a great place to shoot a horror movie.

Other activities on offer here include taking a boat cruise through the mangroves and into a cave or hiking up to the viewpoint. You’re sure to see a lot of wildlife during your stay as well – macaques, lemurs, hornbills, wild hogs, lizards, and more.

Unlike other Thai islands that are full of hotels, shops, and bars, life is simple here on Tarutao. Your only option for accommodation is camping on the beach or staying in rustic cabins that only get power a few hours a day. There’s one restaurant here, so you’ll need to be sure you don’t miss mealtimes.

If you’re looking for that Robinson Crusoe-esque trip, be sure to put Koh Tarutao at the top of your list of places to visit in Thailand.

25. Chumphon

Planning on visiting the islands off the Gulf Coast in Thailand? Well then you’ll already be passing through the city of Chumphon. Instead of quickly connecting to your ferry to Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, though, you may want to consider sticking around for a couple of days.

The area to the north of Chumphon is known as the Royal Gold Coast thanks to its abundance of unspoiled beaches. If you’re one of those people who would prefer a long walk on the beach to a wild party scene, you might just want to stick around here and skip the islands entirely. With snorkeling, canoeing, paragliding, cave exploring, and more, why would you want to leave?

Heading south, you can find the scenic Khao Phang Forest Park and Mo Ku Chumphon National Park. Both are excellent choices for enjoying some time out in nature. You can even camp out at the national park if you want to really get away from it all.

There are many ways to get in and out of Chumphon. Most travellers arrive via the overnight train from Bangkok. Once you’re here, you can easily hop a ferry over to the Gulf Coast islands or switch to a bus if you’re headed to the Andaman Coast. Whatever you do, be sure to give at least a night or two to Chumphon before moving on.

26. Koh Samet

If you’re looking for a quick island getaway from Bangkok, then Koh Samet just may be the Thai island for you. It’s about a 3-hour ride from the capital to Ban Phe, where you can catch a ferry to the island in just 20 minutes.

Famed for its silky white sand beaches and stunning coral reefs, Koh Samet deserves a spot on the list of the best places to visit in Thailand. It’s also far less developed than other islands, which makes for a far more laid back vibe.

Most of Koh Samet is actually classified as a national park, so you’ll need to pay an entry fee to visit the island. It’s well worth it to spend a few days relaxing on the pristine beaches, enjoying water sports, and sampling the island’s culinary and nightlife scenes.

27. Mae Sariang

Mae Sariang is a peaceful town in the mountains of northern Thailand. Those looking to escape the crowds and chaos of Chiang Mai will love taking a few days to explore the town and its beautiful surroundings. With plenty of waterfalls, rice paddy fields, caves, and a scenic lake, there are postcard-worthy images around every corner here.

One of the most popular activities in Mae Sariang is trekking to hill tribe villages. Unlike the “human zoos” that you’ll find in other parts of Thailand, these are authentic villages where tours are focused on cultural immersion and understanding.

If you visit Mae Sariang on the weekend, you can also experience the traditional markets. These are the best places to sample local food and purchase handicrafts directly from the villagers who travel to the market to sell their goods.

Mae Sariang is best visited as a stop on the Mae Hong Son motorbike loop. If you’re not up for riding the winding mountain roads, it’s also possible to get here by bus from either Chiang Mai or the city of Mae Hong Son.

28. Phimai Historical Park

Most travellers in Southeast Asia hope to visit the incredible temples of Angkor Wat. If you’re headed there from Thailand, you might as well warm up by seeing Phimai Historical Park. The Khmer temples here are some of the best-preserved in Thailand and are well worth a visit. One thing’s for sure – you’ll find way smaller crowds here than you will at Angkor Wat!

While you’re here, you can also check out the largest banyan tree in all of Thailand. There’s also a small museum, giving you plenty to do for a quick overnight stay. Be sure to check out the night market for some cheap and delicious Thai food. There are also a few bars here where you can catch some live music and have a drink with locals.

The best way to visit Phimai is on a longer trip through the Isaan region. It’s a great stop in between the bigger cities of Korat and Khon Kaen, as it’s only a few hours by bus or motorbike from each of them.

29. Similan Islands

This national park in southern Thailand is an archipelago of eleven islands. It started out as nine, which is where the name comes from – Sembilan means “nine” in Malay – but two smaller, remote islands were eventually added.

The Similan Islands are considered to be the best place to go scuba diving in all of Thailand. Most people visit the islands as part of a liveaboard diving trip from Phuket or Khao Lak. Note that you’ll also have to pay a national park fee and a daily usage fee, meaning this is definitely one of those trips you have to splurge on.

If you want to actually stay on the islands, your options are limited. The only two islands you can set foot on are Koh Miang (#4) and Koh Similan (#8). You can camp on either island and there are a few rustic bungalows for rent on #4. Staying a night or two means you can enjoy the islands in peace once the hordes of day-trippers leave.

In addition to the fantastic diving and all the marine life, you can also spot rare birds such as the endangered Nicobar pigeon. Both islands also have walking trails that lead to gorgeous beaches and a few viewpoints where you can enjoy the sunset. For scuba divers, this is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Thailand.

30. Loei

Believe it or not, there’s actually a place in Thailand where the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius. That’s exactly what happens up in the mountainous province of Loei along the border with Laos. While most people look for places to visit in Thailand that are filled with sun and sand, Loei is a great choice for nature lovers looking to experience a different side of the country.

The town of Loei is where you’ll likely base yourself for adventures in the area. There isn’t a whole lot to do in town, but there are plenty of options for accommodation as well as travel agents arranging hiking trips to the mountains. You can even camp at the top of one nearby mountain called Phu Kradung.

About 80 km west of Loei is the town of Dan Sai, which is famous for its Phitakon Festival. Also known as the Ghost Festival, it’s highlighted by processions where people wear freaky masks and bells to chase away evil spirits. It then becomes a fertility festival, where people wave around comically large wooden phalluses. This is definitely one of the most unique festivals, and places to visit in Thailand.

Perhaps one of the coolest things about visiting Loei is that this small city in the mountains of northeast Thailand is home to an excellent craft brewery. Be sure drop by Outlaw Brewing to sample their delicious beers. After drinking Chang for a while, a sip of their IPA is nothing short of glorious.

31. Ao Nang

If you end up flying into Krabi and need a place to crash for a night or two before island hopping, Ao Nang is a great choice. This chilled-out beach town has plenty of places to stay, shop, eat, and party. It’s also a good base for further exploration of Krabi province and all that it has to offer.

While the beaches in Ao Nang aren’t amazing, the main draw here is the easy access to nearby islands and dive sites. Tour operators are a dime a dozen in this popular beach town, so it’s not hard to sign up for a day trip. You can even do cavern diving or take a marine safari to spot whale sharks and manta rays.

Ao Nang is the perfect place to stay before heading to the more scenic Railay/Tonsai area, as it’s just a 10-15 minute boat ride to get over there. You could also just visit Railay on a day trip if you prefer, as there are more tourist amenities and choices for accommodation/restaurants in Ao Nang.

Although not love at first sight, after a few days of roughing it in a shack without power in Ton Sai, you’ll probably be happy to return there for some much-needed A/C and WiFi.

Click here to see available tours in and around Ao Nang with Get Your Guide. Or, click the image below:

See Also: 21 Things To Do in Krabi – Thailand’s Most Picturesque Place

32. The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle refers to the point where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. A day trip here is actually one of the most popular things to do in Chiang Rai.

Not too long ago, this corner of Southeast Asia was known for its cultivation and illicit trade of opium. You can learn all about the history at the Hall of Opium, an excellent and very informative museum.

There’s also a beautiful Buddhist temple set on a colorful ship along the river and plenty of other random attractions. To be fair, the whole area is somewhat of a tourist trap, but it’s worth visiting if you have a day to spare in the area.

33. Kaeng Krachan National Park

Located on the border with Myanmar, Kaeng Krachan is the largest national park in the country and one of the most natural places to visit in Thailand. It covers an area of 2,914 square kilometers spread across the provinces of Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Kaeng Krachan is an excellent place to spot wildlife or do some bird watching. There are 57 species of mammals and more than 400 types of birds that have been spotted in the park. Wild elephants, clouded leopards, barking deer, and the white-fronted scops owl can all be spotted here.

The park’s headquarters and the visitor centre are located near the town of Baan Kaeng Krachan. There’s a campground here, and you can also arrange trips to the other parts of the massive park. Once you get deep in the forest, you’ll need a ranger or a guide to go on the trails. They can easily be hired once you’re in the park.

If you’re really looking to get out in nature and enjoy the great outdoors, Kaeng Krachan is easily one of the best places to visit in Thailand.

34. Koh Phangan (one of the best places to visit in Thailand for a party!)

The island of Koh Phangan is famous for its monthly lunar bash. The Full Moon Party is a rite of passage for backpackers making their way across the Banana Pancake Trail, and it’s an absolutely wild time. What started out as a few travellers with guitars around a campfire has morphed into a massive party with 30,000-something revelers descending upon Haad Rin Beach.

While it is tons of fun, you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re prepared for the madness. Check out this guide to the Full Moon Party to get some tips on how to make the most of the experience.

One mistake that a lot of travellers make is simply breezing through Koh Phangan to hit the party and then head to another island. There are so many things to do in Koh Phangan to warrant sticking around for at least a few days, though. Don’t miss the world-class diving, excellent hiking opportunities, secluded beaches, rushing waterfalls, and so much more.

These days, Koh Phangan also attracts tons of digital nomads and yogis. There are several yoga studios located on the island and retreats go on year-round. It’s possible to find high-speed internet here now, and there are quite a few co-working spaces and cafes where you’ll find nomads working away.

35. Kanchanaburi

Ask Thais where the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand are, and many will respond with the province of Kanchanaburi. The city of the same name is the capital, and it’s a great place to base yourself for some adventures to the surrounding national parks and waterfalls.

Those interested in WWII history will find Kanchanaburi a fascinating place to visit in Thailand. The bridge over the Kwai River was part of the infamous Death Railway. Japan had the railway built by hundreds of thousands of civilian laborers and POWs. It’s estimated that over 100,000 of them died as a result of the horrific conditions.

To learn more about what happened during the war in the area, you can visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the World War II Museum and Art Gallery. There are also two war cemeteries where thousands of POWs were laid to rest. For history buffs, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Thailand.

In addition to all the historical sites, Kanchanaburi is located near several national parks. At Erawan National Park, you can see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Thailand. While it’s possible to visit on a day trip, you may want to consider staying a night to experience the park minus the crowds.

36. Soppong

One of the best places to stop along the Mae Hong Son Loop is the village of Soppong. The population here is comprised mostly of hill tribes and Burmese Shan and is only about 20% Thai. Unlike nearby Pai – which is now full of tourists – Soppong remains very much off the beaten path.

With a few days here, you can explore the many caves in the area and do a bit of trekking. The highlight is Tham Lod, which is also known as the Coffin Cave for its large collection of ancient coffins. If you come here around sunset, you’ll see the amazing sight of thousands of swifts returning to the cave as thousands of bats make their way out.

From Soppong, you can head out on single or multi-day trekking trips to hill tribe villages. Along the way, you’ll pass through some incredibly beautiful scenery. You’ll stay in remote mountain villages where your guide will teach you all about the unique local culture. When you’re ready to move on, you’ll be just a few hours away from Pai.

Whether you book a room there or not, be sure to stop by the Cave Lodge. They cook up some delicious Shan food, and the owner has some fantastic stories about his decades of living in the area and discovering several of the caves.

37. Nong Khai

Those looking to travel overland between Thailand and Laos might find themselves in the city of Nong Khai. It’s located along the banks of the Mekong River, just a quick ride from the Laotian capital of Vientiane.

One of the most interesting things about this city is its nickname – Naga City – which refers to the serpent guardians that are said to inhabit the river. You’ll see the giant serpents all over the city, as there are several statues of them.

The main attraction here is Sala Keoku, a park full of giant Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Some of them tower as high as 25 meters. This and a similar park over on the Laos side of the border were built by Bunleua Sulilat, a mystic/spiritual leader whose mummified body is actually located here.

38. Ang Thong National Marine Park

One of the most stunning places to visit in Thailand. Just northwest of Koh Samui, you’ll find an archipelago of 42 islands that are collectively known as the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Of all the islands, only two are actually inhabited.

A boat trip around the islands is one of the most popular day trips from the nearby islands. Most trips include a visit to Koh Mae Ko (Mother Island), where a short hike brings you to a stunning emerald saltwater lake. It’s surrounded by some epic karst mountains and is definitely a postcard-worthy image.

After that hike, you’ll get to relax on the beach or do a bit of snorkeling. Whether on land or in the sea, you’ll spot a lot of wildlife here. Blacktip reef sharks and angelfish may swim by as you snorkel, and you’ll see dusky langurs and crab-eating macaques running by on the beach.

While most visitors simply come for the day, it’s possible to stay overnight. The park headquarters are located on the island of Koh Wua Talap, where you’ll find some rustic bungalows and a campsite. A few nights out here is a great escape from the crowds on nearby Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.

39. Phanom Rung Historical Park

Phanom Rung (Big Mountain Temple) is probably the most impressive Khmer temple in all of Thailand. This Hindu shrine is dedicated to Shiva and symbolizes his heavenly dwelling at Mount Kailash. It’s located on top of an extinct volcano and surrounded by rice paddies, which makes for incredibly beautiful scenery.

The best place to stay near the park is the town of Nang Rong. It’s not much of a tourist destination in and of itself, but it’s a nice place to crash for a night or two to experience a real Thai town minus all the bells and whistles that accompany mass tourism.

A quick stay in Nang Rong plus a visit to the historical park is a great addition to any itinerary through the Isaan region. It’s also a good warm-up for those headed to Cambodia to see the more famous temples at Angkor Wat.

40. Doi Inthanon National Park

Also known as the “Roof of Thailand,” Doi Inthanon National Park is home to the tallest mountain in the country. It’s located in Chiang Mai province and is a popular day trip from the city. You can also stop here as you ride the many curves of the Mae Hong Son Loop.

In this huge park, you’ll find several waterfalls, viewpoints, and hiking trails. There are also two pagodas that were built to honor the 60th birthdays of the late King Bhumibol and his wife, Queen Sirikit. There’s a lovely garden surrounding the pagodas and small shrines inside.

A major highlight of the park is the Giew Mae Pan Nature Trail. You’ll need to hire a guide to walk the trail, but it’s well worth it. The amazing views of the mountains along the trail alone make it worth the effort to get here. When considering places to visit in Thailand that are filled with natural beauty, Doi Inthanon National Park should be high on your list.

While it’s possible to reach the park via public transportation, your best bet is to hire a driver from Chiang Mai or rent a scooter to get yourself there.

41. Koh Si Chang

Not to be confused with the more famous Koh Chang, this small island is much closer to Bangkok and is also far less visited. If you only have a few days to spare from the city, Koh Si Chang makes a great choice for a quick island getaway.

There’s only one beach on the whole island and there aren’t any bars, so you don’t come here just to sunbathe and party. Days on Koh Si Chang are spent exploring the island’s many interesting attractions. There’s a colorful Chinese temple complex with several caves, Buddha images, and amazing views.

You can also check out the former summer palace of King Rama V. Take a few hours to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the stunning gardens, fountains, and ponds.

To get here, take a bus from Bangkok to the town of Sri Racha, catch a tuk-tuk to the pier, and then hop on a ferry. If you’re looking to experience a Thai island minus the buckets and go-go bars, look no further than the hidden gem of Koh Si Chang.

Things NOT to Do in Thailand

Thailand isn’t perfect, but nowhere is.

Unfortunately, Thailand is home to many animal shows and activities aimed at tourists, which involve monkeys, tigers, snakes, and elephants. Consider where you want to spend your tourism dollars when you’re backpacking Thailand, and hopefully, it’s not on activities that promote cruelty and captivity of animals.

When deciding on the places to visit in Thailand, please don’t go to zoos or aquariums, don’t pet tigers or ride elephants. Finally, avoid partaking in any sort of sex tourism in the country. 

By avoiding these places and being aware of where your tourism dollars are being spent, you’ll deplete the market for these activities and help put a stop to them once and for all. Let’s all be responsible travellers this year.

Ready for Thailand?!

We’ve travelled to Thailand over 7 different times for a total of around 6 months. Even though we’ve spent so much time here, there are still many different places that we need to see — it’s a place we could return to again and again.

Thailand is a country filled with natural wonders, welcoming people, world-class cuisine and epic adventures. Hopefully, you’ll add Thailand to your travel list this year… and include some of our recommended places to visit

What did we miss? What are your favourite places to visit in Thailand? Share with us in the comments below.

Note: Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.

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Healthy Food That Taste Good ‘Good taste, healthy nutrition and conscientious consumption’: How algal-fed salmon can deliver healthier fish, food and oceans – norwegian salmon farmer lingalaks has kicked-off the commercial production of salmon fed on omega-3 marine algal oil. FoodNav… How to make healthy foods taste great | Discover Good … – Jun 08, 2015  · Healthy foods shouldn’t be bland and boring. Try these tips to make healthy foods taste great! When someone complains to me that healthy foods don’t taste good, it’s often because they simply don’t know how to prepare them. New Healthy Saskatoon’s new mental health ER unit closing this year – Saskatoon’s new mental health assessment unit at Royal University Hospital (RUH) will close later this year. The Saskatchewan … The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill The Green New Deal is all the rage in Congress … NH Healthy Families Sponsors New Initiative for Youth in Foster Care Transition New Ambetter Opioid Prescribing Limits NH Healthy Families and NH Fisher Cats Team Up with Base Hits for Kids, Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of NH New Payment and Clinical Policies Effective October 15, 2018 healthy chicken lunch Ideas For Work Here are over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas. The start of a new year is a great time for changing up our routines. Where better to start than with lunch? Here are over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas … Click link or image for lunch details and or recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad. … Easy and Healthy Work Lunch Ideas || keeley mcguire. 15 Delicious & Healthy Packable Lunches That Will Fill You Up! – When you go to work … lunch altogether. One easy way to keep to a healthy lifestyle is to pack a lunch. By doing so, you can skip the temptation and satisfy your hunger with a healthy meal! I put to… Heatlhy Recipes Recipe For Food Most Tastiest Food Oh Yummy Oh boy, Octoboy means yummy, modern japanese dining! – CYBER PROUST By Jojo G. Silvestre | Updated March 3, 2011 – 12:00am I never use chopsticks because I feel stupid grappling with these wooden implements. For sure, I find them beautiful, exquisite and … The lady is known for her killer looks and hot and hell fashion sense. The yummy-mummy of B-Town never fails to amaze us with her charm and can put any other actress to shame with her toned hot body. … The way this makes my heart feel, that parents can go to a Walmart freezer and pick up Yummy Spoonfuls, oh their joy, the swe… Oh the things we could buy with the cash she dropped on designer … The Sensitive Susans will be out in force, as will anyon… marshes and slow-moving streams across Ohio starting in the latter part of April and continuing on through late summer. As ma… Flavorful Asian Fusion Comfort Food delivered to you on a Food Truck Ms. Fu’s Yummy Food Truck opened in October, 2014

If Ina Garten’s romantic advice has taught us anything (like how to keep a 50-year marriage feeling like a first date), it’s …

Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions | Homemade & Yummy – Best Cucumber Salad with Pickled Onions is light, refreshing and a great change of pace from potato or pasta salads. Quick to make, economical and the added benefits of eating healthy cucumbers. Perfect for hot weather meals like backyard BBQ’s and picnics.

Preserve Food Stocks And Eat Mouldy Jam Like Me, Theresa May Tells Conserve-atives – Keen jam-maker Jeremy Corbyn probably thought he had carved himself a pretty unique political niche when it came to his fruit …

This recipe for The Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie pot pies, so you can do one meat and one veggie, or you can make one and freeze the other for later. Then you get the best of both worlds – a homemade pie that needs no work except heating up.

Feed Your Best Friend Better is the most complete, accessible everyday nutrition guide for your dog, including information on foods you can feed your dog straight from the cutting board, as well as 85 recipes for meals, treats, snacks, and supplements that you can prep in …

I have made this soup more than once and it’s always good you can cook noodles and add at each meal i make big batches and freeze it and just take it out when i get to wanting some good homemade chicken soup and it is just as good when i first cooked it and my wife is impressed and she didn’t have to cook thank you Corey for the easy make soup and it is the best

Homemade Sriracha Sauce Be sure to use hot peppers that are red; if you use hot green peppers your sauce will be brown instead of bright red. Use this sauce to garnish soups, stir-frys, scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, cooked beans….and the list goes on!

Top Delicious Foods See more All-time top 20 recipes. Related guides. Your Christmas time plan. Plan ahead using our failsafe recipes and enjoy more of Christmas! Your Christmas time plan. … Give the gift of a delicious day out at a BBC Good Food Show. More on this offer. Skills & … Healthy Food That Taste Good ‘Good taste, healthy nutrition and conscientious consumption’: How algal-fed salmon can deliver healthier fish, food and oceans – Norwegian salmon farmer Lingalaks has kicked-off the commercial production of salmon fed on omega-3 marine algal oil. FoodNav… How to make healthy foods taste great | Discover Good … – Jun 08, 2015  · Healthy foods shouldn’t be bland and boring. Try these tips to make healthy foods taste great! When someone complains to me that healthy foods don’t taste good, it’s often because they simply don’t know how to prepare them. New Healthy Saskatoon’s new mental health ER unit closing this year – Saskatoon’s new mental health assessment unit at Royal University Hospital (RUH) will close later this year. The Saskatchewan … The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill The Green New Deal is all the rage in Congress … NH Healthy Families Sponsors New Initiative for Youth in foster care transition New Ambetter Opioid Prescribing Limits NH Healthy Families and NH Fisher Cats Team Up with Base Hits for Kids, Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of NH New Payment and Clinical Policies Effective October 15, 2018 Healthy Chicken Lunch Ideas For Work Here are over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas. The start of a new year is a great time for changing up our routines. Where better to start than with lunch? Here are over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas … Click link or image for lunch details and or recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad. … Easy and Healthy Work Lunch Ideas || keeley mcguire. 15 Delicious & Healthy Packable Lunches That Will Fill You Up! – When you go to work … lunch altogether. One easy way to keep to a healthy lifestyle is to pack a lunch. By doing so, you can skip the temptation and satisfy your hunger with a healthy meal! I put to… Heatlhy Recipes Recipe For Food Most Tastiest Food Oh Yummy Oh boy, Octoboy means yummy, modern japanese dining! – CYBER PROUST By Jojo G. Silvestre | Updated March 3, 2011 – 12:00am I never use chopsticks because I feel stupid grappling with these wooden implements. For sure, I find them beautiful, exquisite and … The lady is known for her killer looks and hot and hell fashion sense. The yummy-mummy of B-Town never fails to amaze us with her charm and can put any other actress to shame with her toned hot body. … The way this makes my heart feel, that parents can go to a Walmart freezer and pick up Yummy Spoonfuls, oh their joy, the swe… Oh the things we could buy with the cash she dropped on designer

In the Eggs Benedict Casserole recipe, there is a pound of it — plus … That pretty much sums up mine, too, which is why I d…

Colonel Sanders’ original recipe of 11 herbs and … if not necessarily great food. Kentucky Fried Chicken is the only chain …

Breakfast: Homemade biscuits, jam and butter – Homemade jam is far brighter and fresher than jam from a store … This week, for breakfast — the best meal of the day — I ma…

New Healthy Saskatoon’s new mental health ER unit closing this year – Saskatoon’s new mental health assessment unit at Royal University Hospital (RUH) will close later this year. The Saskatchewan … The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill The Green New Deal is all the rage in Congress … NH Healthy Families Sponsors New Initiative for Youth in Foster Care Transition New Ambetter Opioid Prescribing Limits NH Healthy Families and NH Fisher Cats Team Up with Base Hits for Kids, Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of NH New Payment and Clinical Policies Effective October 15, 2018 Healthy Chicken Lunch Ideas For Work Here are over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas. The start of a new year is a great time for changing up our routines. Where better to start than with lunch? Here are over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas … Click link or image for lunch details and or recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad. … Easy and Healthy Work Lunch Ideas || keeley mcguire. 15 Delicious & Healthy Packable Lunches That Will Fill You Up! – When you go to work … lunch altogether. One easy way to keep to a healthy lifestyle is to pack a lunch. By doing so, you can skip the temptation and satisfy your hunger with a healthy meal! I put to… Heatlhy Recipes Recipe For Food Most Tastiest Food Oh Yummy Oh boy, Octoboy means yummy, modern japanese dining! – CYBER PROUST By Jojo G. Silvestre | Updated March 3, 2011 – 12:00am I never use chopsticks because I feel stupid grappling with these wooden implements. For sure, I find them beautiful, exquisite and … The lady is known for her killer looks and hot and hell fashion sense. The yummy-mummy of B-Town never fails to amaze us with her charm and can put any other actress to shame with her toned hot body. … The way this makes my heart feel, that parents can go to a Walmart freezer and pick up Yummy Spoonfuls, oh their joy, the swe… Oh the things we could buy with the cash she dropped on designer … The Sensitive Susans will be out in force, as will anyon… marshes and slow-moving streams across Ohio starting in the latter part of April and continuing on through late summer. As ma… Flavorful Asian Fusion Comfort Food delivered to you on a Food Truck Ms. Fu’s Yummy Food Truck opened in October, 2014 founded by Fumiji Aoki. Healthy Meals That taste good foodnetworkrecipes Google has expanded the mobile search results carousel to not just include news publisher content but now also include content from Pinterest, Vine, Houzz and The Food Network. Google announced this o… Healthy And fit recipes hungry? Search here for simple healthy weeknight dinners, easy and delicious seasonal side dish recipes, salads and everything in between.Filter recipes based on gluten-free, paleo, kid-friendly or by ingredient and find the perfect fit. Or head over to the recipe index and explore all 600+ Healthy Cooking Magazine And while this stereotype might ring true, who cares! Healthy snacking is something to be proud of. It is no surprise that so… Healthy Chicken Lunch Ideas For Work Here are over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas. The start of a new year is a great time for changing up our routines. Where better to start than with lunch? Here are over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas … Click link or image for lunch details and or recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad. … Easy and Healthy Work Lunch Ideas || Keeley McGuire. 15 Delicious & Healthy Packable Lunches That Will Fill You Up! – When you go to work … lunch altogether. One easy way to keep to a healthy lifestyle is to pack a lunch. By doing so, you can skip the temptation and satisfy your hunger with a healthy meal! I put to… Heatlhy Recipes Recipe For Food Most Tastiest Food Oh Yummy Oh boy, Octoboy means yummy, modern japanese dining! – CYBER PROUST By Jojo G. Silvestre | Updated March 3, 2011 – 12:00am I never use chopsticks because I feel stupid grappling with these wooden implements. For sure, I find them beautiful, exquisite and … The lady is known for her killer looks and hot and hell fashion sense. The yummy-mummy of B-Town never fails to amaze us with her charm and can put any other actress to shame with her toned hot body. … The way this makes my heart feel, that parents can go to a Walmart freezer and pick up Yummy Spoonfuls, oh their joy, the swe… Oh the things we could buy with the cash she dropped on designer … The Sensitive Susans will be out in force, as will anyon… marshes and slow-moving streams across Ohio starting in the latter part of April and continuing on through late summer. As ma… Flavorful Asian Fusion Comfort Food delivered to you on a Food Truck Ms. Fu’s Yummy Food Truck opened in October, 2014 founded by Fumiji Aoki. Healthy Meals That taste good foodnetworkrecipes Google has expanded the mobile search results carousel to not just include news publisher content but now also include content from Pinterest, Vine, Houzz and The Food Network. Google announced this o… Healthy And fit recipes hungry? Search here for simple healthy weeknight dinners, easy and delicious seasonal side dish recipes, salads and everything in between.Filter recipes based on gluten-free, paleo, kid-friendly or by ingredient and find the perfect fit. Or head over to the recipe index and explore all 600+ healthy recipes. 16 whole30 breakfast recipes That Are Easy to Make—and super delicious – This recipe by Food Faith Fitness contains fiber and fat to hit the spot … Isadora Baum Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, … List Of delicious foods sofina foods Inc.: 1-855-sofina1 (1-855-763-4621) list of recalls of frozen raw breaded chicken products due to Salmonella: from July 2017 to present CFIA: www.inspection.gc.ca/contactus SOURCE … Good Tasty Meals along with good carbohydrates (complex carbs). There are

[swapnagangadharan]

This came out of the blue didn’t it?

Well after Rupin pass and it’s many adventures I had to mull about this, whether I should write about this or not. Finally I succumbed to sharing this blog with you. But wait, I make an exception here!

So instead of a series of blogs I give you the only one with loads of pics!

A pending official meeting  lead me and my partner Srini heading to Bangalore. It was only one meeting but an important one that would lead to sealing the deal. That deal would also mean us finally exiting out of our dream called Truffles. And it would be  a tough arduous task of getting away from it, more mentally and emotionally than anything else.

Why do I call this a One Stop Guide to everything nice? Because that’s what Bangalore is to me since my childhood. I have seen it being a calm serene city full of greenery and lush parks in my childhood to living there briefly when the IT boom had just started to going back again and again to a fast paced one and making friends for life.

So whether you are a Banglorean or an out of towner like me, you are bound to fall in love with it and if you grumble about the bad traffic here, can you blame it?? With more and more people migrating to this awesome city from all over the country, what can one do?

And if you are like me, a visitor, trust me, take an auto, metro or even an A/C bus and enjoy the journey, then traffic won’t matter anymore. You will have a smile, a grin because you know you don’t have to rush anywhere, you are here to enjoy and how!

Yummy breakfasts like Sagu Masala Dosa, Kesari bath, Single Idli and Vada along with strong Filter Coffee at Vidyarthi Bhavan at Basavanagudi and Masala Dosa heaped with ghee and chutney at the Original Mavalli Tiffin room(MTR) near Lalbagh is a must try. It’s not just the food but if you want to revisit an old Bangalore culture, these are the ones. I remember walking along the flower market after breakfast at Vidyarthi Bhavan enjoying the sights and smells.

If you want to relish Manglorean food then it’s SEA ROCK at Sivananda Circle, near Race Course road. I remember my partner Srini driving like a mad man to reach there by 3 pm and us running to the place as it closes by 3.30 pm. Two hungry souls driving all the way from Hyderabad and the first thing was LUNCH here at any cost! Seer fish Tawa fry and Manglorean Prawns ghee roast with Ghee rice washed down with Beer 🙂

Hanging out with friends and loved ones is always special isn’t it? So Antara, Bhim and Kamakshi it was. From waiting at TOIT for an hour and told we had to wait for another hour, my fellow Gemini Antara took us to this place Hangover which played good old Rock Music that made me wonder why doesn’t Hyderabad play this anymore and why the shitty Trance EDM whatnot crappy ones ?? Yeah right, the only place that played these numbers was Truffles!

Chugging beers to everything junk food with a sober Bhim and his fresh lime sodas, we rattled on and laughed out loud as Srini tried to demonstrate his chopsticks skills and trying to pick up a lighter with it 🙂

Bhim being the gentleman he is insisted on dropping Antara to her place and from there we went to our hotel room where we laughed out loud at Srini’s one man comedy show. Well Bhim and I got high and naturally we rolled on the floor as Srini went about  his comic series part I, II, III from his family to his friends to Truffles and all the ‘chooths’ (sorry can’t translate this 🙂 he knows!

The next day was beers at Brewmeister followed by lunch at Meghana foods, Jayanagar. I give full credit to my friend Bharat who took me there 3 years ago and we had an Andhra Chicken Biryani- boneless with Double masala ( he emphasized and I follow this religiously). It was love at first sight with this delicious melting in the mouth biryani, the kind you know will be a permanent love affair!

To be frank we had enough of breweries and all it’s hoopla for nothing. Big crowds, all that noise and the need to be there because it was the ‘in’ thing. Bangalore crowd has one of the best crowds in the country and yet we knew we were missing something good. The good ole watering holes of Bangalore, the ole ones where you had none of the fancy cocktails but you knew where to go for a nice sit down with your favourite drinks and great snacks.

After buying books at Blossoms(where else?) we headed to Guzzler’s inn Pub and the moment we stepped in, we felt we were home. Nothing like a good pub with booths, drinks and great music. Sipping my mojito to Srini having his whiskey, we chatted minus the din that’s usually heard in breweries and we realized this is where we are gonna hang out from next time. The people around us were Bangloreans, the regulars after work who just wanted to wind down here.

The next day early morning , I set out on my own to Lalbagh gardens. It was 8 years ago that my dear friend Dinesh showed me the African Baobab tree, considered the mother tree and worshipped by the Africans.

I haven’t been there since my mum passed away in 2012. I clearly remember April 2012 just a month after she passed away and D as I call him and I went there and I sat there and cried hugging her, he was there with me quietly giving me strength.

It’s strange how the mind remembers everything. I thought after 6 years I would forget the location and yet I could see myself just following the path.. My heart was filled with joy seeing her finally. She was the same as ever. I could sit in her lap(yes right in the tree!) and it was like time stood still. Lalbagh is something else, you can find your peace, silence and yet enjoy people watching.

Later that day, the meeting was at Hebbal, out of the city and as Srini went off for that, I hung out in The Druid Garden, Sahakara Nagar. I was astonished to see a fab place like this one, out of the city limits!

For Christ’s sake, even the posh Jubilee Hills places couldn’t hold a candle to this one! Hyderabadis cared about brands, cars, real estate and to be seen and see others and yup most of the pubs/clubs catered to only this crowd in my home city.

A late meeting meant we couldn’t risk a drive back to Hyderabad at that time so instead we went to a retreat a couple of hours outside Bangalore. Away from the noise, the people, we came to a complete calm and peace as I met my dear friend Vaneeta and Suresh.

We hung out that evening at the portico of her beautiful house playing with the dogs and chilling to the quietness of the place. It was completely quiet as we turned in for the night, what a beautiful contrast it was.

We had to make an early start to the morning as we had a long drive back to Hyderabad.

I still can’t believe we packed in so much in so little time! Eating good food to meeting good people of which I have in abundance in Bangalore to meeting a dear old friend after a long time.

Sometimes awesome things happen in two days, ain’t it? 🙂

    A one stop Guide to Everything Nice! This came out of the blue didn't it? Well after Rupin pass and it's many adventures I had to mull about this, whether I should write about this or not.