Located just a few hours east of Bangkok, Ko Samet is one of the easiest getaways from the Thai capital. There, visitors can stretch out on powdery white sand, and enjoy the sun and the waves. For visitors too chilled out to make their way to the nearest beachfront restaurant, there is an alternative: roving vendors stroll up and down the beaches, carrying baskets of food over their shoulders. They mainly sell Thai dishes, like papaya salad, grilled lemongrass chicken, and spicy cold noodles. But for visitors with a more Western appetite, they come prepared: with a range of jelly-filled donuts and sugary pastries.

At this ‘gas station’ in rural Thailand, gasoline is stored in old soda bottles, then poured into the motorbike through a funnel. It’s probably one of the only places in the world where the gas station is as portable as the vehicles it services.

There are only a few rules when visiting Thailand’s sacred ruins of Ayutthaya: don’t climb the monuments, dress modestly, and please, please, please don’t pose as the head of the Buddha.

Many smaller Thai towns try to set themselves apart. Some promote delicious regional dishes, some advertise local sights of interest and beauty. Others, however, opt for elaborately decorated street signs. The town of Thong Pha Phum, for example, has tiny carved crabs sitting above every street name. Some of the best street signs are in the town of Sangkhlaburi, which displays its addresses on the sides of smiling golden fish.

On the topic of paint jobs… These beautifully airbrushed vehicles in Ayutthaya are designed to serve two purposes. They transport tourists among the many ancient ruins scattered throughout the city, while also showing potential customers what can be seen on their tours.