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Wedding photo with my parents, aunts and uncle.

I spent my childhood traveling back and forth between Thailand and the U.S. I’m half Thai, and though I was born here in Maryland, my parents and I spent each summer (from the time I was 15-months old) visiting my Dad’s side of the family in Rayong, a town about two hours south of Bangkok.

When I was eight, we moved to Thailand, and I spent grades 4-9 at a British international school. There, I was one of the few Americans in a community of people from all over the world – Scotland, Botswana, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Korea, and more. It was truly a unique experience, and those six years were pretty golden for me and my family. We moved back to the U.S. in 2002, but continued to spend our summers over there. Reed and I still make the trip every other year.

Because I’ve spent so much time in Thailand, and have hosted numerous groups of friends and family, I often get asked about what to do (and not do) around the country.

Above: Holding a Burmese python with friends and family in Chiang Mai, summer 2008. (The poor snake. Do not do this.); kayaking with friends in Kanchanaburi, 2006; cycling around the Dhara Dhevi luxury hotel in Chiang Mai, 2010.

In response, I’ve written this series of blog posts to help you plan your ideal travel itinerary for two weeks in Thailand. There are three parts:

Part One

Day 1-3: The Beach

Everyone seems to be going to Phuket these days, but I say skip it. This post will explore my favorite alternatives for your inner beach bunny.

Sunset on Ao Prao, Koh Samet this past summer.

Part Two

Day 4-6: The Modern History

Day 7-8: The Ruins

Day 9-11: The Mountains

Looking for a dose of nature, history, and culture? Then you’ll want to read up on these not-to-be-missed destinations.

At the ruins of Sukhothai in 2015.

Part Three

Day 12-14: The City

Love it or hate it, Bangkok is a bustling international metropolis. Here’s where to go to survive the madness – and enjoy yourself – in Thailand’s capital.

Part of the Bangkok skyline at sunset, 2012.

Stay tuned as I publish each part of the series over the next couple weeks, and hopefully my thoughts will help you plan your own trip. No matter what itinerary you create for your unique interests, you’ll have an amazing time. And if you have questions about traveling in Thailand, DM me on Instagram!