Thailand, 12 days: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Krabi

About the destination: Bangkok, a city renowned for its cosmopolitan vibe in Asia, serves as the capital of Thailand. Despite its hot and crowded nature, Bangkok maintains a relative cleanliness and offers a plethora of enjoyable activities. The city boasts excellent shopping opportunities, a rich cultural scene, stunning temples, delectable cuisine, and a respectable art scene. The majority of Bangkok's attractions are located on the island of Rattanakosin, commonly known as the Old City. The Grand Palace is an absolute must-visit location. The Grand Palace complex is also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keow, which is the most revered Buddhist temple. Other notable temples in Bangkok include the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Bangkok is a shopper's paradise, with a multitude of shops, shopping centers, and markets to cater to every desire. The nightlife in Bangkok is as diverse as the city itself, ranging from beer bars and exclusive clubs to night shopping markets, discos, and bohemian parties. Bangkok, a vast, bustling metropolis, manages to maintain a sense of tranquility and elegance amidst the noise and crowds. It is one of the world's premier destinations that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

About the destination: Chiang Mai is the central hub of Northern Thailand and serves as the Capital City of the province bearing the same name. The city is home to over 170,000 residents, making it the fifth-largest city in Thailand. Situated on a plain 316 meters above sea level, Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains and verdant countryside, offering a greener and quieter environment than the capital. The city has a cosmopolitan vibe and a substantial expat community, which have enticed many people from Bangkok to permanently settle in this "Rose of the North". The historical heart of Chiang Mai is the walled city. Portions of the wall still stand at the gates and corners, but only the moat remains of the rest. Within the remaining city walls, there are over 30 temples that date back to the establishment of the principality. These temples exhibit a mix of Burmese, Sri Lankan, and Lanna Thai architectural styles, adorned with exquisite wood carvings, Naga staircases, lion-like and angelic protectors, gilded umbrellas, and pagodas embellished with gold filigree. The most renowned of these is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which offers a panoramic view of the city from a mountainside 13 km away. In recent times, Chiang Mai has grown in all directions, but especially towards the east, in the direction of the Ping River, or Mae Nam Ping. This is where you'll find Chang Klan Rd, the famous Night Bazaar, and the majority of Chiang Mai's hotels and guest houses. Loi Kroh Rd is the epicenter of the city's nightlife.

About the destination: Krabi Province is a favored beach locale in the southern region of Thailand, situated on the Andaman Sea. The province is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and impressive limestone protrusions known as karst formations, which are a significant feature of the area. Krabi boasts numerous stunning beaches that provide truly spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. Over 150 islands are scattered in the waters surrounding Krabi. The province and its neighboring areas and beaches are perfect for relaxation and sightseeing, with their crystal-clear beaches, intriguing coral reefs, caves and waterfalls, as well as countless islands and exquisite temples. There's a plethora of activities to engage in, such as snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, rock climbing, white water rafting, diving, kayaking, and paddle surfing. If time allows, you can also visit the nearby national parks for jungle trekking. Krabi offers awe-inspiring scenery and is considered one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Asia.