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Perhaps no place deserves its moniker more than Thailand.
For most of my family and friends, it will be their first time in Thailand.
Chiang Mai
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Ive been a snowbird in Thailands second city since 2016.
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Unlike bustling Bangkok, Chiang Mai is relaxed.
You dont need a guide or equipment to see this cartoonish natural wonder thats famous because its surprisingly hikable.
Factor in a day or two to explore the citys idyllic countryside, part of Thailands Golden Triangle.
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Because Koh Lanta has such few paved roads, its where I feel most comfortable scootering.
Ive done this twiceseldom stepping foot off propertyand have zero regrets.
But between all of its attractions, it warrants two or three days, at least.
A street in Chiang Mai, Thailand.Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure
No wonder it was the perfect place to film the 2000 thriller, The Beach.
Of the six islands in the archipelago, Phi Phi Don is the only one with hotels.
Krabi
Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Like Phuket, Krabi is serviced by commercial flights.
A white temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand.Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure
It may be easy to reach, but youll quickly find its hard to leave.
Railay Beach, only accessible via a 20-minute boat ride, is the main attraction.
Ive gone caving here, and rock climbing on the limestone cliffs is popular.
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Tindall recommends spending at least one night in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake.
This human-made reservoir with limestone karst formations has no shortage of water-based activities and wildlife-watching opportunities.
If youre lucky, youll see a tiger, clouded leopard, or Malayan sun bear.
Night market in Pai, Thailand.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
When time allows, he visits Sangkhlaburi for a taste of Myanmar in the Mon village.
I spent a weekend there completely immersed in local life, without encountering another foreigner, he says.
Tindall is particularly fond of Rayong Botanical Garden.
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That said, its not as quiet as Koh Lanta.
Khao Lak is truly a gem, says T+L A-list advisorGrant EkelundofInsideAsia Tours.
Pro tip: For the best weather and calm seas, visit between January and April.
Aerial view of a beach in Phuket, Thailand.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
Because its protected, youll need to book a tour to explore this 42-island archipelago.
While you could camp in the national park, I recommend visiting as a day trip from Koh Samui.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui was the Gulf of Thailands worst-kept secret long beforeTheWhite Lotusaired.
Green rolling hills along the Samoeng Loop.Katie Jackson/Travel + Leisure
Travelers have been coming to the island since 1989, when its international airport opened.
no jellyfish or pollutants).
Meanwhile, when it comes to wellness programs,Kamalayais a top choice for its personalized holistic offerings.
View of the bay in Koh Phi Phi.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
Still, the two popular tourist destinations couldnt be more different.
I love Khao Yai because unlike many of Thailands more remote national parks, its accessible by public transportation.
A beach in Krabi, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Limestone mountains in Khao Sok National Park.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Landscape of Kanchanaburi, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Monks at a temple in Uthai Thani.Copyright of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
A white sand beach on Rayong.Copyright of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Temple ruins in Sukhothai, Thailand.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
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A snorkeler in Mu Ko Ang.Katie Jackson/Travel + Leisure
A beach on Koh Samui, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Temple ruins in Ayutthaya, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Khao Yai Naitonal Park in Thailand.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
