Traveling to Thailand For The First Time? Don't Miss These Attractions

With so many affordable flights to Thailand, there’s never been a better reason to visit this Southeast Asian paradise. Famed for its world-class beaches and spectacular islands, this is the perfect destination for a laidback holiday in the sun. For those visiting for the first time, we’ve put together this handy guide on some of the best things to see and do.

The Beach

No trip to Thailand’s southern islands would be complete without visiting Maya Bay, a secluded cove made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio blockbuster, The Beach. Set amongst a lush backdrop of dramatic limestone cliffs, white sands meet turquoise waters for a picture postcard setting. Located on the small island of Phi Phi Ley, many tour operators provide daily excursions visiting the bay that include a stop for snorkeling.

Phuket

Known as the pearl of the Andaman, Phuket has long been regarded as one of Thailand’s major tourist hot spots. Many visitors flock to the sin city of Patong which offers a thumping mix of nightclubs and beachside bars. Partygoers should head to Bangala Road which offers all-night fun, every day of the week. For a more refined experience, visit Phuket’s old town which is home to Buddhist temples alongside art deco inspired shop fronts and quaint cafés. It is best explored in the early morning to beat the crowds and midday heat.

Scuba Diving

With an endless choice of world-class diving spots, Thailand is great for an underwater adventure. Travel to the island of Koh Tao on the east coast and you’ll find plenty of dive schools offering certified tuition and accreditation. Alternatively, the dazzling reefs of Krabi on the west coast offers something for the experienced diver. Here you can explore underwater tunnels, caverns and even shipwrecks.

Full Moon Party

This all night beach party has gained legendary status with thousands travelling to the island of Ko Pha Ngan to rave into the early hours. Bars and clubs line the beach with something to suit all tastes from thumping techno to dance and reggae. There’s also an exciting mix of performers from fire eaters to jugglers which keep the crowds entertained until sunrise. The island also hosts ‘Half Moon’ and ‘Quarter Moon’ events, which means the party never has to end.

Elephant trekking

For a once a lifetime experience, visit one of the many elephant camps which are located throughout Thailand. Always choose a camp which follows international safety standards or those which focus on animal welfare. Local guides can provide information on the animals and you can even help on a range of conservation duties.

Take in some of these sights and attractions on your first holiday to Thailand and you won’t be disappointed.

Images by Thomas Sauzedde - idirectori used under Creative Commons License. 

Part 3: Trip to El Nido, Palawan Day 3 - Island Hopping Tour C (Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island)

Here's what we did on our El Nido island hopping Tour C.

Sunset in Corong Corong

Part 2: Trip to El Nido, Palawan Day 2 - Island Hopping Tour A (Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Papaya Beach)

The next day, we were very much excited with our island hopping trip.  Well, being first timers, we opt to choose the famous and default Tour A and Tour C because we only have limited time that we wouldn't be able to avail all of the island hopping tours in El Nido.

Corong Corong in the morning.

Part 1: Trip to El Nido, Palawan Day 1 - How To Get To El Nido | Telesfora Beach Cottages | Corong Corong | Art Cafe

Batangas: Summer Company Outing at Stilts Resort in Calatagan

Last month, our company went to Stilts Resort in Calatagan, Batangas for a summer outing.  I wasn't able to join for the last two summer outing, but thankfully, I was present this year. :)

Calatagan beach front

Zambales: Crystal Beach Resort & Surf For Life Music Festival

It was December of 2013 when me and my friends attended a surf and music festival in Zambales, an event called Surf For Life, for the benefit of people from Guiuan, Samar.  The event was held in Crystal Beach Resort in San Narciso, Zambales.  I've never been to other resorts in San Narciso, in fact I haven't explore Zambales that much. But, I feel like when you're in Crystal Beach its like hitting two birds in one stone.  You get to experience camping or sleeping on a nipa hut but the resorts facilities are merely available for your convenience.

 

Boracay Activities: Exploring Boracay's Puka Beach and White Beach

The next day, we spent the morning eating breakfast and we also did some photo opportunity in White beach.  As I've said from the previous post, we're done with most of our activites from yesterday.  This day was a more relaxing day for us.

Puka Beach

Boracay Activities: Things To Do In Boracay

A small island in the Philippines located in Aklan Province, is one of the famous beaches in the Philippines called Boracay. The long stretch of powdery white sand, the turquoise water, plus the many activities available, makes it widely known to many tourists.  

Part3: Trip to Siquijor Day 3 - Things To Do in Siquijor | Places To See Part 2

We still have one day to explore the so called Mystical Island of Siquijor.  So far we enjoyed, the spots we already visited.  Now that we still have another day to explore, here's other places we checked out.

Part2: Trip to Siquijor Day 2 - Things to do in Siquijor | Places to See

Siquijor island is an island in the province of central Visayas region.  It is called Isla del Fuego by the Spaniards (aka Island of Fire) because back then, thousands of glowing fireflies would cluster on molave trees at night.  It is also called the Mystic Island because of the famous healing traditions and myths on supernatural and sorcery that makes it mysterious.

lovely sunset in Siquijor <3

Company Outing: Terrazas de Punta Fuego Beach Resort in Nasugbu, Batangas

Few years back, we had our company outing in Punta Fuego in Nasugbo, Batangas.  After a year I realized that I accidentally deleted the photos in my computer, kainis diba? And what's left?  The few photos I uploaded in my personal facebook account.  Maybe it is too late to post but then I think I still want to share the photos left.  If someone might think of going here for a weekend getaway, at least he/she'll have an idea of what to see. :)

Part2: Iloilo - Guimaras Day 2 - Island Hopping in Guimaras and Guisi Lighthouse

Alubihod Beach in the morning

 Good morning Guimaras! It was a pleasant first day and we're excited to explore more. On our 2nd day in Guimaras, we went for some island hopping before going back to Iloilo.   As I've said in the previous part of this trip series, we chose Raymen Beach Resort because we need other travelers to join us in renting the boat to split cost.  Another couple from Cebu join us as well. We're now 6!!

Part1: Iloilo - Guimaras Day 1 - Transportation Guide | Getting to Iloilo and Guimaras

Guimaras' Alubihod Beach

Iloilo and Guimaras are provinces located in the Western Visayas Region. Guimaras is an island located few minutes boat ride away from Iloilo City, that's why most of traveler's route is to visit Guimaras Island as well when they are in Iloilo City. I only have few days to spare, gladly I was able to visit the places I wanted to see.  

Montemar Beach Club: A Summer Outing ( in Bagac, Bataan )

For a typical employee like me, one of the most awaited event every summer is the company outing.  Most employees are looking forward to gather in the beach, have fun and get away from heavy loads of work from the office.

Part 3: Camarines Norte Day 2 - Calaguas Island Aftermath

On our second day in Calaguas, we woke up praying for a much better weather.   At least it's not raining!  It's high time we took pictures around.  We planned on going up the mountain to see the perfect view of Calaguas but unable to do so because of the unhealthy weather we're worried about.

Part 2: Camarines Norte Day 1 - Surviving Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Islands

Part 1: Camarines Norte Day 1 - DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Trip to Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Islands

Located in Camarines Norte in Bicol Region is a beautiful group of islands called Calaguas.  Me and some of my officemates have been wanting to see Mahabang Buhangin and thankfully we were able to manage to be there last year despite busy schedule from work.  I also asked some of my old officemates to join us as well.  There are no accomodations nor electricity in Calaguas so we'll be there to camp.

Baler Beach Resorts | Where to Stay in Baler | List of Baler Accomodations

I made a list of resorts in Baler in case you guys need it.  This is in my draft list when I've been searching for a place to stay in Baler before.  You can check and contact them in case rates are changed.  For the baler resorts owner, please send an email to me or comment here in case you need to change your contact numbers or you wanted to be added in the list.  I always recommend that you give time reading blog reviews / resort reviews in tripadvisor and other travel sites so you know what to expect.  :)

Please take note that for baler resorts, or for any hotel/resorts for that matter, the usual check in time is 2pm and check out time is 12nn the next day, but always verify this.

To resort owners: email me at adventurousfeet@gmail.com and provide fb page as well or website, so travelers can see the rooms. Thanks!

RATES & CONTACT NUMBERS MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. 

2 Days / 1 Night Baler Itinerary and Expenses

Here's our itinerary and expenses on our 2 Days / One Night weekend trip in Baler.  Sharing... :)

Part4: Baler, Aurora Day 2 - Surfing Time in Sabang Beach, Baler

It's our second and last day in Baler! This was our chance to learn how to surf and everyone was so excited about it!  Do not hesitate to try surfing, it's fun!