Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you should definitely visit them if you have time to explore this wonderful country. If you’re planning your trip or already know where to go, here are 5 of the top beaches in Thailand that you simply can’t miss! 1) Koh Tao With its gentle waves and sandy shores, Koh Tao is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The island is also home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. On the other hand, if you're looking for nightlife there are plenty of bars around town. If you want an island with an active nightlife scene that won't break the bank, then this is your place. Koh Tao has the right balance for those seeking both.  2) Koh Samui Koh Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From the white sand beaches of Chaweng and Lamai to the secluded bays of Bophut and Maenam, there is a beach for everyone on Koh Samui.  If you're looking for a little more adventure while you're exploring this gem of an island, check out the James Bond Island Tour where you can see where 007 was filmed or go on a guided tour through Taling Ngam National Park with its lush rainforest and mountain views. 3) Pattaya Situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is renowned for its beaches, which are some of the best in Thailand. With crystal clear water and soft white sand, Pattaya is a paradise for beach lovers. Most visitors head to Pattaya's Jomtien Beach where they can enjoy an evening drink at any of the numerous seaside bars and restaurants that line the shoreline.  After dark, tourists can catch a glimpse of the famous nightlife scene or continue to enjoy the evening meals and drinks at the nearby bars. 4) Phuket Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The island is home to many beautiful beaches, including Patong, Karon, and Kata. If you’re looking for a place to relax and capture amazing beach photos, Phuket is the perfect spot.  There are great hotels with beautiful pools and spas if you want to stay on the island for your entire vacation. The best time to visit Phuket is during their rainy season from May-October as this provides more comfortable temperatures than their hot season from November-April. 5) Krabi Krabi is a province on the west coast of southern Thailand. It's known for its dramatic landscape, with towering limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests and more than 150 offshore islands. Some of the most popular beaches in Krabi are Railay Beach, Ao Nang Beach and Tubkaak Beach.  These beaches offer some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Southeast Asia. The water here is crystal clear, making it one of the best places to go swimming or scuba diving. Whatever way you enjoy spending a day at the beach, you can do that in Thailand. Don’t forget your sunscreen and towels!

It’s bound to happen, in the midst of all the traveling, adventure, and good times you’ll find yourself in possession of the most wondrous of things – free time.   “What is the point of traveling if you don’t fill every second?” some naysayers would ask, and they do have a point. After all, your goal is to experience newness all around you! Without scheduling every moment you may feel anxious that you will miss out on something. You will find this is simply not true. As time and travel wears on you will find yourself longing for those moments in between excitement to recover, reflect, and perhaps even wander a bit. Recovery and Reset There are several problems with trying to “do it all” on a trip, but first and foremost is the lack of recovery time. During any journey undoubtedly something will not go perfectly as planned. In these situations even minor things can quickly feel stressful or overwhelming if you do not allow yourself a moment here and there to find your own personal level.   By building this extra free time into your schedule you will be able to absorb issues that may push you off balance that might otherwise not bother you. A good example would be supplies. If you find yourself running out of essentials, this extra time will allow you a quick visit to the store to make your purchase instead of trying to “tough it out” rather than face the prospect of slowing down your travel companions.   Another common use of your recovery time is to simply reflect on the events. Keeping a travel journal is a good way to accomplish this goal, but don’t feel limited by this suggestion. Reviewing photos, organizing your travel gear, and even taking a refreshing nap are all ways that will raise your explorer spirits! As you travel you might discover aches and pains arising and those golden opportunities to relax are the perfect time to let your body, mind, and soul come together and heal will refresh and rejuvenate you for the remainder of your journey.   Taking time for recovery and relaxation each day allows you to better enjoy the entire trip because your mind, body, and soul will be ready to fully take in all the new sights and sounds throughout the rest of your journey. Off the beaten path Every journey you take will constantly be beset by the same thought, “What is around the next corner?” and free moments in your day’s plans will allow you to do just that  – find out exactly what is around the next bend. While it is wise to keep in communication with your guide during your travels, you will have opportunities to enrich your travels by following your own trail.   Those side treks are often where we make the most memories, the heady feeling of forging your way ensures that your brain records every moment in high definition, each decision reflected upon, and each discovery lovingly stored away for later reminiscing.   Now, before you seek out your fortunes on the side paths there are some basic guidelines that should always be followed:   Communicate with your guide and travel companions on your intended direction of travel! If something were to happen, plans were to change, or you accidentally miss a deadline it’s important that they would first know where to look. Your guide will also be able to advise you on what locations would best align with your interests.   Take a map. In this age of technology we often shirk analog methods of augmenting our abilities, but the tried and true method of wayfinding using a map is hard to beat. An experienced traveler knows that there is a big difference between being off the beaten path, and being actually lost. Our goal here is to wander, not generate a panic.   Set a time for your return. It is easy to get caught up in the adrenaline rush of self-dependence and lose track of time. By making a decision as to when your return shall take place and adhering to it you decrease the risk of getting lost in an unfamiliar place, freeing you up to enjoy this new experience!   Ultimately your free time will do nothing but add to your overall experience. Whether you choose to take a relaxing nap, enjoy a cup of afternoon tea with your new travel friends, or wander around your new location, a free moment well enjoyed in travel is never wasted at all!

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is definitely one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Bali and has become part of what most people think of when they think of visiting Bali, Indonesia. However, many people are surprised to find out that there are many different ways to visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace and that there are many different factors you should take into consideration when deciding how you should visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace to get the most out of your experience. Before we get into the other tips, here's an important one: stay on the main path. The main path winds through miles of rice terraces that date back hundreds of years and is lined with traditional Indonesian homes. You’ll have a much better view when sticking close to this route than if you wander off into one of the side trails. Here are five ways to visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace to get the most out of your trip. 1) Go Early In The Morning One way to get the most out of your trip is to go early in the morning. The air will be cool, there won't be too many tourists, and you'll still have enough time before lunch. Bring a hat, water, snacks and your camera!  You can also rent an umbrella at the entrance for 20,000 IDR (less than $2) or bring your own.    2) Avoid Weekends And Holidays Tegalalang is a popular tourist destination, but it can be quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, try visiting during weekdays or early mornings. And if you really want to avoid crowds altogether, stay away from holidays as well!   3) Bring cash No ATMs are available, so you’ll need cash in your wallet for any purchases you may need to make. Don’t forget some small bills if you want a snack or a drink from one of the vendor stalls! There are also plenty of vendors selling souvenirs.  If you have time, it might be fun to pick up something with which to remember this experience.     4) Dress Comfortably It is a long journey up to Tegalalang, so dress comfortably. You will be walking on uneven ground and you may end up sitting down for a while. Wear shoes that are easy to walk in and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Bring sunscreen because there is little shade along the way, and always stay hydrated by bringing water or coconut juice with you.   5) Hire A Guide If you want to get the most out of your visit, hire a guide. Hiring a guide can help you learn about rice terraces and Balinese culture in an informative way. They will also be able to answer any questions that you might have about the area.  When choosing a guide, make sure they are qualified by asking for their license or certification. You can find qualified guides at local travel agencies or through word of mouth. We are proud to have experienced guides to take our travelers on a tour of Tegalalang. Call us at 1-888-345-7480 to book your trip to Bali and tell us that you'd like to add on the optional tour of Tegalalang!