I'm Obsessed with Thailand

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Advisor - Cali Eustis
Curated By

Cali Eustis

  • Adventure Travel

  • Beaches

  • Digital Nomad Travel

  • Solo Travel

  • Wellness Travel

  • Thailand

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

A serene seaside deck offers a relaxing spot with bean bag chairs and a view of boats under a cloudy sky.
Curator’s statement

While I was working in Montana at Glacier National Park, we had J1's working with us. I am passionate about sharing unique travel experiences that immerse you in local cultures. My journey through Thailand, inspired by my J1 friends, showcases the true essence of cultural exploration and adventure. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Koh Tao and Ko Samui, I embraced the unknown, indulged in the local cuisine and created unforgettable memories.

The Fora Difference

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Thailand

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Things to do in Thailand

An above shot of a street-side food stall, with a master chef, grilling several different kinds of fish and seafood.
  • This may seem silly, but you have to go to 7/11... yes, the gas station. You will be greeted with chip flavors you have never seen before, to-go sushi sandwiches and the best, freshest fruit.

  • Check out a Thai Spa - Stay open minded, "for the perfect balance of body and soul" PS: yes, it is fully nude.

  • Check out the local "farmers markets" - More so street parties in Thailand! They have food stations, clothes for sale, nail salons and live music, all right in front of you. If you have ever wanted to eat an insect, or take a squid shot - this is the place to do it.

  • Head to the Central Embassy Shopping Mall - Go all the way downstairs and you will enter an amazing food center. This food hall / grocery store really surprised me. But be careful with spice, even when it says light spice it is normally A LOT. I recommend asking for plain version of your meal choice, you can always add spice to your dish - or get crazy and go for it (;

  • Khao San Road - A street lined with bars, clubs and restaurants. Also located near Khao San Market - a great spot for tasting local delights during the daylight hours. At night, you can do anything and everything here. You definitely won't have a boring night!

  • Elephant Nature Park, Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai: Of course, everyone wants to see elephants when they visit Thailand. Unfortunately, there are a lot of unethical elephant parks out there. This is the only one I could find that represented ethical care and love for the sweet giants! Their mission is "Our hope is to lead by example and contribute to a positive change in the perception of elephants, to witness a future where elephants are not poached, ridden, overworked, abused and are instead treated with care, love and respect as all living things should be!"

  • Cooking with Joy in Koh Tao: This is a small group reservation to learn how to cook Thai food. We made egg rolls, curry and pad Thai!

Day Trips:

  • Aow Luek Beach - this is my little secret, not a lot of tourists know about this beach. Take your snorkeling gear with you!

Places to eat & drink in Thailand

A dining table is set against a scenic backdrop of the sea, under an open-air pavilion with a tranquil atmosphere.

Drinks:

  • Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar in the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit: Take the elevator all the way up, then take the stairs to Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar. This is a beautiful, rooftop bar.

  • Tichuca Rooftop in Bangkok: The dynamic of the restaurant made me feel like I was envisioning the Tree of Souls, from the movie Avatar.

Coffee:

  • If you're looking for something a little quieter, beautiful and peaceful I recommend checking out Pulse. It is a perfect spot to work remotely!

Drinks, Food & a View:

  • Coco Tam's: This is a beachfront restaurant. They offer beach seating, restaurant dining and rooftop service. They have live performances most nights, so definitely look into this restaurant to see what activity they are showcasing in advance! (this is a beautiful place to watch the sunset).

Advisor - Cali Eustis

Travel Advisor

Cali Eustis

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Thailand. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Pam Khemnark's guide, Make a Splash in Thailand: A Complete Guide to Celebrating Songkran Festival.