Bangkok had been synonymous with shopping, food tripping, temples, and wild night parties—especially at the infamous Khao San Road. More often than not, parents would leave their kids at home when visiting Bangkok because of the fear they would get bored, as opposed to traveling to Hong Kong and Tokyo, where the worlds of Disneyland abounded.

Most travelers saw Thailand as a nation teeming with culture and historical relics that extended to its numerous ancient cities—where iconic temples and reclining Buddha statues abounded. To some, it was a shopping haven; to the younger generation, it was a multitude of islands ripe for an abundance of revelry—especially come full moon nights and during the renowned cultural festivals of Songkran and Loy Krathong.