Tales from Thailand

I fell in love with this country. I was lucky enough to see everything Thailand had to offer, which is everything a traveler could want; delicious food, a unique culture, and natural beauty. 

Day 1-2: Bangkok 

Day 1: Arrive in the capital of Thailand and street food heaven! I spent my first day here wandering the streets, eating at local markets, and riding around in a few tuk tuks! And no visit to Bangkok is complete without Khao San Road… 

Day 2: Take a boat ride to The Grand Palace. It’s name does not disappoint.  #allgoldeverything 

 After cooling off with a Thai tea and some mango sticky rice, stop by the Reclining Buddha if your jaw didn’t drop already. For dinner, grab the original Pad Thai at Thipsamai in the old city. Tonight, experience the Bangkok nightlife with a drink at Sky Bar and a view of the city lights. 

Day 3-4: Ayutthaya 

Day 3: The ancient capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of history. Spend today learning about the story behind these ruins. 

 I was lucky enough to be in Ayutthaya during the World Heritage Festival in December. This was such a unique experience walking through an open market trying different treats, teas, and dishes. Hardly anyone spoke English and payment was taken in the form of stones. There were light shows and dance and music performances!  #authentic 

Day 4: Get ready to bargain all your baht! Check out the Ayutthaya Floating Market. It’s much better (and cheaper) than the one in Bangkok. Take a boat ride, go shopping for unique souvenirs, and eat even more awesome food! 

Food to try:

• Coconut Milk Soup
• Tom Yum soup
• Grilled pork satay
• Pad Pak Bung Fai Daeng
• Pad See Ew
• White snapper fish

 After getting a Thai massage, Take the overnight train from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai. Don’t forget to stack up on snacks from 7/11 (aka dumplings) for the ride. 

Day 5-6: Chiang Mai 

Day 5: Outdoor enthusiasts, rejoice; you have arrived in beautiful Northern Thailand. A city filled with temples and surrounded by mountains where there is SO much to do! 

 Temples: 

•  Wat Phra That Doi Suthep 
•  Wat Chedi Luang 
•  Wat Phra Singh 

 There are plenty of monks around, spend a few minutes talking to them about their lifestyle! 

Spend the afternoon strolling through the markets picking up fresh fruits and spices. Tonight, attend a Muay Thai boxing match at Chiangmai Boxing Stadium and bet on your favorite fighter! 

Day 6: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary – my favorite day of the trip! Take a ride through an open air taxi through the jungle. Be prepared, you will get wet and muddy! Spend the day up close and personal feeding and bathing a group of gentle elephants. I recommend this sanctuary because the elephants are treated well and are in their natural habitat – the Doi Inthanon National Park. They will become your new friends as long as you’re holding a banana! 

Walk through the jungle to see beautiful waterfalls and some interesting wildlife! Take a dip..

 Experience the Chiang Mai nightlife and swing by Zoe Yellow to grab a Chang and meet travelers from around the world! 

Day 7-8: Pai 

Day 7: If you thought Chiang Mai was beautiful, get excited for Pai. This little city is a bit of a drive from Chiang Mai, but it is 100% worth it. Rent a motorbike for the day and take it through town, or go on a hike in the jungle. You’ll meet lots of artists, bloggers, and yogis. After you grab a mango smoothie, spend the afternoon relaxing at Sai Ngam Hot Springs, a natural clear pool surrounded by towering trees. 

Day 8: Enjoy the morning in Pai, because today is a long travel day from the North down to the islands! 

Day 9-10: Phuket 

Day 9: Hang out at Patong Beach, hike through Khao Sok National Park, or even up to the famous Big Buddha overlooking Phuket.  #views 

Tonight, head to Phuket Old Town for a colorful night market full of food and shopping. 

Day 10: Phi Phi Islands – This is what you have been dreaming about. Towering cliffs surround crystal clear bright blue waters. It was the most beautiful place I had ever been! Grab your flippers - Take a boat tour around the islands for a full day of snorkeling in coral reefs and swimming with fish (including Nemo). 

Tonight take a free tuk tuk up to No 6. Restaurant for a view and a good meal in preparation for a long night out. Bangla Road in Patong Beach really comes to life when the sun goes down. 

Day 11-14: Krabi

 Day 11: Arrive in paradise – aka Ao Nang, Krabi. I hiked up 1,227 steps in the jungle to Tiger Cave Temple my first afternoon here, and reached the top to watch the sunset. High above the mountains, you have a perfect view of the ocean and surrounding jungle. Make friends with the monkeys along the trail! #monkeyseemonkeydo

Day 12: Get your cameras ready - Take the four island tour to Koh Gai, Koh Tub, Koh Mor, and Koh Poda. Longtail boats, amazing caves, turquoise waters, and lots of swimming! 

Make sure to swim towards the back of this cave, it continues into an amazing orange canyon!

Day 13: Take a longtail boat to Railay Beach to spend the day swimming, kayaking, or even rock climbing! The caves are incredible and meant for exploring. Stay for the magical sunset. 

Day 14: Get active and go kayaking through Ao Thalane. Beautiful mangrove forests and lots of wildlife (monkeys, crocodiles, fish, oh my!) await!

Saying goodbye wasn't easy, and I hope I'll be back someday!