Places I Should Have Been

It’s revealing looking back at my 2012 Thailand Wish List and realising I only made it to one of these destinations during the year - Koh Phangan. But at least my one Thailand trip was everything and more I had hoped - I had possibly my best holiday yet with my daughter, relaxing on the beach and even indulging in the controversial Full Moon Party.

Rather than go over old ground, this year’s Wish List is more about places in Thailand I haven’t been, but should have. As a regular visitor, many people expect I have been everywhere in Thailand, but the truth is, there are some extremely popular destinations that I’ve never stepped foot in, and probably should!

Here are just a few:

Pattaya: I’ve always avoided this beachside mecca, placing it into the ‘too crowded’ or ‘too sleazy’ category. But like Las Vegas, some places are meant to be taken - and enjoyed - at face value. I’ve finally decided “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” and actually can’t wait till I get there now!

Koh Samet: The closest holiday island to Bangkok, Koh Samet is a popular weekend destination for city folk. Someone it has managed to skip my radar, despite the fact that it ticks all my holiday destination boxes: pure white sand, rustic accommodation, a relaxed lifestyle and warm, clear water.

Beautiful Koh Samet

Koh Phi Phi: Considering I’ve been to Phuket numerous times and Krabi also, it’s odd that I’ve never made it to the infamous ‘The Beach’ island in the Andaman Sea. I guess I’ve always assumed it would be too crowded, loved to death; but it’s one of best friend’s favourite islands, particularly after the daytrippers have left and you have the idyllic beaches practically to yourself.

Still the most stunning scenery imaginable - Koh Phi Phi

Sukhothai: Although I have been to Ayutthaya and the northern Lanna Kingdoms, I’ve never visited the ancient city of Sukothai, the first capital of Siam. I feel it’s important to make a pilgrimage here and learn more about Thai history.

River Kwai: One of my friends has named the River Kwai Jungle Rafts as her ‘happy place’, and I’m desperate to get there myself to see what she’s raving about! This hotel bobs on the famous river, where elephants bathe and the sounds of the jungle greet you each morning. Total relaxation, and just 2.5 hours from Bangkok.

River Kwai tranquility