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Category: Thailand

Thailand is an extraordinary country with amazing food, warm and friendly locals, and gorgeous landscapes. Visit the islands and cities, learn about its history and culture, you are sure to fall in love with this amazing country!

What I Learned on my First Trip to Thailand
I had a lot of questions before my first trip to Thailand. Would it be challenging to get around? How much of the Thai language would I need to know? Would I get tired of the food? Is it cheap to travel to Thailand? So here is a quick rundown of all the things I learned after my first trip to Thailand. I hope it will help you prepare and perhaps help relieve some of your concerns.

Airline Luggage Requirements

Our international flight to Thailand was on EVA Air. We also used both Air Asia & Bangkok Airways for domestic flights within Thailand. We had a 15lb weight limit for our combined personal item & carry-on luggage for two of the flights. Our plane to Sukhothai was the most limiting with a weight limit of 11lbs. However, everyone checked their bags as the aircraft wasn’t large enough to store luggage on board.

So, as you can see, you are very limited to how large your luggage can be as well as the weight limits. We found that even with our backpacks, we had to check our luggage due to their severe weight restrictions.

And since you need to check your luggage, why not plan by packing full-size sunscreen, and bug spray. You will be so glad you did! Sunscreen is quite expensive in Thailand and this way you will make sure you have the brand you prefer. Just make sure to put your liquids inside a sealed bag, to avoid any possible leaks from ruining your clothes. I also carry extra ziplock bags just in case!

Recommended Luggage

Packing lighter is freeing, you aren’t burdened down with a bunch of stuff that you won’t need or extra weight that you will inevitably regret carrying. When I first started traveling, I made the mistake of overpacking. Thankfully I have learned along the way that I don’t need a pair of jeans for every day or 4 pairs of shoes. Try packing light, and I think you will discover just how freeing it can be!

I use the Osprey Porter 46 backpack. During a 2 1/2 month trip to Europe, I traveled on Ryanair, Easyjet, AirFrance Hop! & Norwegian Air and never had any issues bringing it on board as a carry-on. And in Thailand, I highly recommend you have a backpack. Having a backpack will come in very handy when disembarking long tail boats and boarding the ferries that will take you from island to island.

The Language

You can get by just knowing your basic greetings and thank you words in Thai. They speak English everywhere we traveled, and they even spoke other languages, thanks in part to the large tourist population from around the world. Spanish, French, Russian, and Chinese were all languages in addition to English that I heard Thai people speak. I was so concerned about not knowing the language, but after my visit to Thailand, I discovered I was worried for no reason.

Thai Words to memorize:

If you are a man, you will end each phrase by saying, “khrap.” And if you are a woman, you will complete each sentence by adding “kha” to the end.
- Hello: Sawasdee (sounds like sah wah dee) So for example, if you are a man, you will say: Sawasdee khrap, and if you are a woman, you will say Sawasdee kha. Sometimes the “r” in khrap isn’t pronounced.
- How are you?: sabai dee mai? (sounds like suhbye dee my) You can respond with Sabai dee (good) if asked this.
- Thank you: khap khun (sounds like cop coon), then add khrap or kha (male/female ending)
- I don’t understand: mai khao jai (sounds like my cow jai)
One final custom you will observe is the wai. Thai’s use the wai to show respect and as a way of saying thank you. You press your palms together in front of you with your fingers pointing up to the chin and then dip your head in a bow, lowering your eyes. Then return looking forward and smile.

There are different levels of wai’s depending on whether someone is considered of “lower status” than you or “higher” or for monks, but I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Always try to return a wai. Your smile and attempt to respect their local customs will be appreciated, even if you don’t get it exactly right.

Getting Around
Grab Taxi is Thailand’s form of Uber, and it is a convenient way to get around. Download the app before your trip to Thailand, and you can use it to get from the airport to your hotel. We used it in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. A lot of the smaller areas do not use it though. In Chiang Mai, the red taxi trucks (songthaew) are also very cheap and an easy way to get around.

The drivers ask you where you want to go and as long as your stop is along their current route, they will take you. If not just ask another one until you find a driver going your way. We used Grab most of the time as it allows you to pay with your credit card via the app, thus eliminating the need to use cash.

Thai Culture
- Thais appreciate cleanliness. One custom is to take your shoes off before entering a home (or hotel room for that matter). Why track the dirt and grime from the streets into your house?
- Thai royalty is revered, and you must always be respectful around any monuments to their royalty or any discussion of their royalty. I think most people would do this intuitively, but I read about travelers getting fined for rude remarks regarding the King. So obviously for some, it needs to be spelled out.
- Smile. Thailand is called the land of smiles. They smile because they are friendly, and they also smile to help put others at ease and “save face.” You should do the same. Smile when bartering a deal with the local tuk-tuk driver or roadside vendor. Smile when you can’t understand the language, or you forget how to say thank you in Thai. It is incredible how trans-formative a smile can be.
Food

The food is great! Let’s face it, that’s a big reason why people travel to Thailand, it’s one of the reason’s we did for sure! So the fact that Thai food is fantastic is not what I learned when visiting Thailand. What I learned, is that if you need a break from Thai food (I know hard to believe) that they have lots of other options! Options will, of course, depend on where you are staying.

The cities will have the most variety. We had Mexican in Bangkok, Korean, and delicious burgers in Chiang Mai, and we had American style bacon at almost every hotel breakfast! Plus for those of you who prefer fast food, there are lots of options for that too.

Cash or Credit Card

One quick note regarding payments. You will want to withdraw enough money from an ATM to cover expenses for a week or so and reduce the ATM fees you might need to pay. ATM’s in Thailand, typically charge around $7 per transaction. So unless your credit card refunds you the withdrawal fees, this can add up. And cash is the most widely used form of payment throughout Thailand. Most places do not accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay in cash.

Costs
- Food: There were just two of us, and we would each have one dish, plus dessert and drinks, and it still would only cost around $10 – and we were stuffed full! One person could quickly get a meal for around $3.
- Transportation: Grab rides usually cost $2-$10 each way. Taxis are similar in price.
- Accommodations: You have many choices ranging from hostels to luxury hotels. Prices range $8 and up depending on where you stay. At our hostel in Bangkok, we had a private room with a private bathroom and a balcony, and it was about $20.
- Attractions: The price of each attraction will vary. In Bangkok, for example, you might spend $17 for a ticket to the Golden Palace or around $5 for visiting Wat Arun. Then you have more expensive attractions, like watching a Muay Thai match that will cost about $150. In Chiang Mai, you might take a tour to an elephant nature park which can cost $200-$300.
There are many options, no matter what your budget. And you can’t beat free–like lounging in a hammock by the beach or taking a hike like this Chiang Mai hike. Even on a tight budget, you will have a fantastic time in Thailand.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a trip to Thailand, but worried about not speaking the language, or about how you’ll get around or even about what to eat, don’t worry! Thailand has you covered!

The only thing stopping you now is booking your flight! If you need help with that too, please feel free to contact me or check out this article on how to book your flight. And to help you plan out your itinerary, check out this three week Thailand itinerary.

See for yourself why everyone who visits Thailand falls in love with it!
May 20, 2019
Hiking in Chiang Mai: Facing My Spider Fears

I love mixing in outdoor activities when I travel. National Parks and mountains surround Chiang Mai so hiking in Chiang Mai was top on my list of things to do during my visit. I knew that we didn’t have enough time to do any longer hikes. So I looked to see if there were any hikes we could reach by either walking from our hotel or via a quick taxi ride. That’s when I read about this Chiang Mai hike to Wat Pha Lat.
Wat Pha Lat is a Buddhist temple and monastery. The hike is called the Monk’s trail, and you will see trees wrapped by monk’s ribbon all along your walk to Wat Pha Lat. It only takes about 40 minutes to reach the temple. The path has ample shade, and you will pass some small waterfalls and resting spots on your way.
Getting Here:
You will want to make sure your driver understands that you want to go to the trailhead. We booked a Grab from our hotel. We gave the driver the address to the trailhead, but we still needed to explain that we didn’t want to drive to the Temple.
There is a road you can take to drive up there, but that defeats the purpose of hiking. It was only a 10-minute ride to the trailhead from our hotel at BED Nimman in Chiang Mai.
Trailhead Address: Unnamed Rd Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
The Hike
You will find a sign at the trailhead showing the route to Wat Pha Lat. I didn’t find the map to be that useful for me. Just follow the main trail. I found it to be reasonably intuitive. Plus there are usually other hikers on the path to help guide you, should you have any questions. There are also a few viewpoints along the way, and if you happen to be there when the smog isn’t too bad, you will be rewarded with views of Chiang Mai below.
Since the hike to Wat Pha Lat is such an easy one, it makes a good one for families too. So don’t be too concerned if you have kids, as you can quickly stop to take breaks on the way up if needed. I saw quite a few families making their way up and down the trail. It will make for beautiful memories and stories to tell about their hike thru the Chiang Mai jungle.
When you arrive at Wat Pha Lat you will come to a small bridge, and there will be signs about a coffee stand, you will see a small waterfall as well as a bunch of rocks that make for great resting spots for enjoying the views.
Remember that you have now entered a Buddhist monastery so you will notice signs everywhere asking you to be quiet and respect the temple areas. You are, however, free to wander around and explore the temple grounds.
We finished walking around the temple and decided to go back to the trail and follow it up to a small creek we saw. We watched some little fish swimming in the stream and looked at tadpoles (at least that’s what we think they were). Then we went back to the trail.
My Spider Fears Confronted:
That is when we noticed this enormous spider suspended in its web above us! This picture does not do it justice as it was HUGE! I had done my best up to this point, to not think about there being spiders here in Thailand. In fact, before the trip, I purposely chose not to research spiders in Thailand because I didn’t want to know!
So needless to say, my arachnophobia kicked in, and I let my husband know he was free to stay there and take pictures, but I was going to move down the trail a bit.
After he finished, he came over to show me the photos (which I had no interest in seeing), and that’s when he looked above my head and said “oh my goodness!” I of course panicked, and sure enough, suspended over my head was another one of these giant spiders!
So I took off and decided to wait on this little bridge we had passed, it seemed safe enough. I checked over my head, and couldn’t see any more spiders, so I stood there waiting and doing my best not to bolt down the mountain at full speed!
I told myself, it was probably like our garden spiders back home. They are big and scary looking, but for the most part harmless. Now, of course, our garden spiders aren’t the size of my palm!
Before seeing the spiders, I had enjoyed my visit very much, but ignorance is bliss, and since I was now fully aware of what lurked in the trees, I was not too eager to stay any longer than I had to. We quickly made our way down the mountain.
Getting Back to Chiang Mai:
You may not have cell service at the trailhead. But don’t panic! You can walk down the road until you do and then call a Grab taxi to pick you up. Or if you wait at the trailhead, a red songthaew (red truck taxi) will usually arrive dropping off hikers.
We waited about 2 minutes before one pulled up at the trailhead. We told the driver where we were staying and then she told us the price. I believe it was 100 THB total for my husband and me.
You sit in the back of the truck on benches. It is a very inexpensive and easy way to get around Chiang Mai. You may want to use them for traveling around the city or to other sites, such as to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
The songthaew taxis try to collect passengers that want to go to the same general area. So if you stop and ask a songthaew driver for a ride and they won’t take you, it is most likely because you don’t fall along their route. So don’t be discouraged, ask the next red truck taxi you see and you will find one that is willing to take you.
Where to Grab Lunch:
After your hike, I am sure you will be hungry. I highly recommend trying out one of these dining options:
KOBQ: A fabulous Korean BBQ restaurant. Make sure to try their Korean fried chicken, it was amazing!
Address: 202 เอ็น พาร์ค Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Beast Burger: If you are looking for a fabulous burger, look no further! Their balsamic cheesesteak burger was one of the best I have ever eaten! Make sure to check the time as they close between lunch and dinner for a short 2 1/2 hour break.
Address: Nimmanhemin Soi 17 Suthep, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Final Thoughts on hiking to Chiang Mai’s Wat Pha Lat (Monk’s Trail):
There are many options for hiking in Chiang Mai, but if you are short on time, this is an easy hike you can do first thing in the morning before it gets too hot and still have ample time for sightseeing afterward. Wat Pho Lat was a refreshing change of pace. It is a peaceful and beautiful area. A perfect setting to relax after your hike up the hill.
You can continue up the trail and hike to Doi Suthep (this is a much longer and more challenging hike). However, I recommend enjoying the tranquil setting of this jungle temple. It is a respite from the busy city below. If someone told me that I would see giant spiders while hiking in Chiang Mai, I am not sure I would have gone. But I am so glad that I did! I enjoyed my visit to this temple more than all the other temples in Chiang Mai. And that’s even with the spider!
Check out my full 3-week itinerary to Thailand for more inspiration. And in case you prefer something longer or to hire a guide, Trip Advisor offers some additional options for hiking in Chiang Mai.
Here’s to seeing new places & facing your fears!

May 5, 2019
Best Thai Massage in Bangkok & Coffee Bar

If you’re looking for a great coffee or an amazing Thai massage in Bangkok, look no further! Stand Alone Coffee Bar & Spa combines an amazing Thai massage spa with an incredible coffee house! If they were to add an Air BnB rental into the mix, I am not sure I’d ever leave! They have a fabulous coffee bar and two doors down is the Stand Alone Spa & Massage. It is located in a residential neighborhood and is a relaxing and quiet space.

Stand Alone Coffee Bar:

The coffee bar has a full menu, so if you’re hungry try a burger and fries or some pasta or whatever suits your fancy. However, I would probably wait to eat until after your massage.

In addition to the gorgeous industrial-style interior, the coffee bar also has an outdoor space for lounging. I tried the cold brew and it was bold and flavorful. In addition to their menu and coffee choices, they also roast their own coffee beans which are available for purchase. Check out their business page at Stand Alone Coffee Bar.

Location: Bangkok, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand

Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Stand Alone Spa & Massage:

As I mentioned above, the spa and massage are separate from the coffee bar, you exit the coffee bar and walk to the other end of the building and you will find the spa. We did not have reservations, as we had just wandered over to try a coffee before walking to the spa next door. However, they were able to get my husband and me in for a one hour traditional Thai and foot massage.

Previous Thai Massage Experiences:

Now let me backtrack a little to tell you, this was our last day in Thailand before heading back home. We already had a Thai massage at the Wat Pho Thai Massage School (would not recommend it, you can read a little about my experience at 2 Days in Bangkok).

Then we tried a traditional Thai massage again in Chiang Mai (this was much better than at the massage school, however, it still felt mechanical and just didn’t “wow” me). My husband got another massage on the beach in Phuket, which he said was good. But up to that point, I was just feeling a little “meh” with regards to Thai massages.

You see, I get deep tissue massages regularly at home and love them. I have scoliosis and a lot of back pain, so they really help me manage my spinal health. So when coming to Thailand I had been so excited at the prospect of getting 1-hour massages for less than $20! Then I had a couple of massages and they just weren’t as good as I had expected. That was until I got my massage at Stand Alone Spa & Massage.

Massage Experience at Stand Alone Spa & Massage:

The woman who gave me my massage was strong and firm and did a wonderful job of balancing stretching and pressure to create a massage that felt both relaxing as well as therapeutic. Honestly, I was so sad that this was my last day in Bangkok, as I would have gone back for another one the next day!

And what is more incredible, it was the cheapest out of the four massages we had while in Thailand! They have a special going where it is only 200 THB for a one hour Thai & foot massage. Please visit Stand Alone Spa & Massage for more information.

Location: วิภาวดีรังสิต20 Soi Chom Phon, , Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand

Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

I highly recommend Stand Alone Coffee Bar & Stand Alone Spa & Massage. If you are in Bangkok and need a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city don’t miss this hidden gem. For a full trip itinerary to Thailand, check out What to See in Thailand For Your First Trip.

April 26, 2019
2 Days in Bangkok: Here’s What to See
With only 2 days in Bangkok, you can’t see it all and you shouldn’t even try. Bangkok is a very large city, okay, it’s a huge city! It is also hot and humid and crowded. So you will undoubtedly feel a little overwhelmed at first. And due to jet lag combined with the heat, you may not have the stamina you normally would. I know that was the case for me. Usually, I like to conquer a new city, see all the sights and just go-go-go, however, Bangkok taught me a good lesson in slowing down.

I will share with you tips on where to stay, a great place to catch a Muay Thai boxing match, some coffee shops for those much-needed breaks, and some of the top sights to see in Bangkok. This 2 Day Bangkok itinerary covers the highlights and gives you a little flexibility. So without further adieu! (queue the drum roll)
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun
  
  Day 2: Jim Thompson House, Parks, Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium, Optional Weekend Excursions
  
  Useful Info: Getting around Bangkok, Where to Stay, Additional Tips for Visiting Bangkok
Day 1 of 2 days in Bangkok

As you can see on the map these top attractions are clustered together. So for Day 1 of your 2 days in Bangkok, I organized the itinerary around these attractions to avoid backtracking on Day Two. These attractions included the Grand Palace Complex (includes Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) & Wat Arun.

The Grand Palace Complex

The Grand Palace is stunning. The architecture and details will blow you away! That being said, it is crowded and chaotic. Get here at 8:30 a.m. when it opens. By afternoon the heat and the crowds will be unbearable. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is located within the Grand Palace complex and is the most popular attraction here.

You must take your shoes off before walking up the stairs to enter the temple. And don’t be surprised if it is wall to wall people. I found this experience to be the least enjoyable. I think admiring the ornate buildings from the outside is what I enjoyed most.

What to wear: Make sure to wear long pants or a skirt that goes past the knees and also a shirt with sleeves or bring a scarf to cover up with. If you forget these, they do have a place to rent them from.

Opening Hours: The Grand Palace is open daily 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. rarely it closes for special events. Tickets are 500 THB (Thai Baht currency). Visit The Grand Palace for more information.

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phranakorn (Rattanakosin) Follow the signs for the foreign visitor entrance and follow the crowds. I read about scams that tell you it’s closed when it’s not or try to steer you somewhere else, I did not personally have this happen, but just ignore anyone who tries to tell you this and make your way to the main entrance.

Lunch

Take a break for lunch or a light snack before moving on to Wat Pho. AMA is a great Thai restaurant only a 5-minute walk from the Grand Palace and in the direction of your next stop at Wat Pho.

Address: 270 272 Maha Rat Rd, พระบรมมหาราชวัง Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand.

One of the best things you can do in a crowded and hot place like Bangkok is to take time for your breaks. They are a requirement if you don’t want to burn out too quickly.

Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha)

The Wat Pho complex is much less crowded than the Grand Palace. That’s not to say there aren’t crowds, but that it is less crowded. I found it to be more enjoyable to walk around. The main attraction, the reclining Buddha is almost 50 feet high and over 150 feet long! The bottoms of the feet are almost 10 feet high and over 14 feet long! The mother of pearl used on the feet is really stunning to see in person.

What to wear: Make sure to wear long pants or skirt that goes past the knees and also a shirt with sleeves or bring a scarf to cover up with when you go into the temple of the Reclining Buddha or any other temple within Thailand. I don’t recall if they had a place to purchase scarves inside the Wat Pho complex, but I’m guessing they probably did, or close by since it is a requirement to cover your shoulders and legs.

Opening Hours: Wat Pho is open daily 8:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Tickets are 200 THB.

Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand. Visit Wat Pho for more information.

Side Note Regarding Massage School: At Wat Pho, there is also the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School. I read about the school, which was established in the ’50s and it sounded like a good place to get a traditional massage. However, I have to be honest, I did not have a good experience here and would not recommend it. I found it to be a crowded fast-food style of massage.

(*warning gross details, you may wish to avoid reading) Besides being placed side by side with other strangers getting their massages, it did not appear to be a sterile environment either. I saw a man with a large sore on his arm, that was bleeding, he just wiped it with his hands, while he sat and waited for his massage. And as far as I could see they didn’t sterilize or wipe down the massage mats between clients.

Also, it was the most expensive massage I got while in Thailand. So although others may have had good experiences here, I did not, and could never recommend it based on my own experience. You are better off to find a smaller massage studio near your hotel that is highly rated and can provide a cleaner and more personalized Thai massage. Read about my massage experience at Stand Alone Spa & Massage, I highly recommend it!

Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn)

Getting to Wat Arun: After leaving Wat Pho if you make your way back to the street the AMA restaurant was located on, you will walk about a block down to the Tha Tien water taxi/ferry. You walk thru a small hallway with little shops and vendors on each side and make your way to the ticket line where it is 4 THB per person to cross the river to Wat Arun.

Break Time: Now it is a good time for you to take another break before visiting Wat Arun. There is a cafe inside the Wat Arun complex, but I recommend that you instead pass the entrance gate to Wat Arun and walk about 5 minutes to the end of the street where you will find a couple of small cafes that make a great place to get a cold drink and have a break from the crowds.

Wat Arun is an incredibly detailed temple! It is definitely worth seeing on any trip to Bangkok. Visit it at sunrise or sunset to see it lit up by the sun. The stairs to the top, are very steep! It was closed for a ceremony when I visited, but I can say by walking up the portion that was open, if you have a fear of heights, it is best to stay at the bottom. However if not, you will be provided with views of the river and of Bangkok below.

Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand, for more information visit Wat Arun

What to wear: Make sure to wear long pants or a skirt that goes past the knees and also a shirt with sleeves or bring a scarf to cover up with. If you forget these, they did have a place to purchase scarves to cover up with.

Opening Hours: Wat Arun is open daily 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tickets are 30 THB.

Dinner

It has been a full day of sightseeing, so depending on how you’re feeling, you can either head back to your hotel to relax and get dinner or another option is to take the river taxi that loads directly in front of Wat Arun and ride it to the stop for Khao San Road. *Tip: Skip an expensive sunset river cruise and instead ride the water taxi to the end of the line during sunset hours.

I went because it was my first time here, and it was on the list of “must see’s.” However, having visited it, I can say, it’s nothing special. It is very touristy, but if you really must eat a scorpion or see what it is all about, then, by all means, go check it out. It makes for a nice ride down the river and once getting off the water taxi you will be rewarded by walking through streets filled with restaurants and plentiful dining options.

Location: Khaosan Rd, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Day 2 of 2 days in Bangkok

Today you will want to take it a little slower. As I said earlier, with only 2 days in Bangkok, it isn’t enough time to see every attraction. Plus that will really burn you out and not allow you to appreciate Thailand’s capital city. Instead, I recommend you take some time today for wandering and relaxing. Perhaps even get a massage! These sights allow time for all of that.

The Jim Thompson House

The Jim Thompson House is a museum to its former owner, Jim Thompson, an American businessman who moved to Thailand in the ’40s and helped promote the Thai silk trade by creating the Thai Silk Company Ltd.

He was also a collector of Asian art and the Jim Thompson House displays his collection. If you enjoy history with a dash of mystery (he mysteriously disappeared in the ’60s) and a stroll thru some quiet gardens, then this might be the place for you.

Opening Hours: The Jim Thompson House is open daily 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Tickets are 200 THB and include a 30-minute guided tour of the house (unaccompanied visits are not allowed). During the guided tour, you are expected to remove your shoes and no pictures allowed on the tour. You can, however, wander around grounds outside the house on your own.

Location: 6 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand. Visit Jim Thompson House for more info.

Lunch

You have the option of finding someplace close to the Jim Thompson House or if you’d like to check out one of Bangkok’s many malls (and have an air-conditioned break), I recommend Terminal 21.

Terminal 21 is about a 30-minute ride on the BTS Sukhumvit Line. It is an airport-themed mall and the top floor is full of restaurant choices as well as a food court. They also have a movie theater and unique shopping choices, with each level representing a different destination (Tokyo, London, San Francisco, and so on).

Location: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Visit a Park: Lumphini Park or Benchakiti Park

Lumphini Park is a huge park, with lots of shaded areas if you’re needing a break from the sun. There is also a lake and boat rental options. There are large monitor lizards in certain areas of the park. Although they tend to mind their own business, I think it is good to note, in case you’re not a fan of giant lizards.

Benchakiti Park is a small park with a great running/biking path, but it has fewer shade options than the larger Lumphini Park. You might also see the occasional lizard here. You can rent bicycles and ride around the path by the lake. Both parks offer nice skyline views of the city.

Opening Hours:
- Lumphini Park is open daily 4:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
- Benchakiti Park is open 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location:
- Lumphini Park: Thanon Rama IV, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
- Benchakiti Park: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Dinner

After you have had sufficient time to stroll thru a city park or explore some city streets. You can make your way back to your hotel to freshen up before heading out for dinner.

I recommend dining at The Family, it’s a wonderful Thai restaurant located not far from our next stop, Rajadamnern Stadium. This quaint little restaurant situated on the canal is brightly decorated and the staff is exceptionally helpful and courteous. The food is delicious and you can get it as spicy as you want, just let them know your preferences.

They also have vegetarian and vegan options, just let them know your needs and they will do their best to accommodate. The Kitty Cat Cafe shares a space next door so don’t be surprised to see cats strolling thru the restaurant. The food is exceptional, the portions huge and everything is reasonably priced. It was one of the best meals I ate while in Thailand!

Location: 1, 6 Prachathipatai Rd, Khwaeng Ban Phan Thom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Watch a Muay Thai Boxing Match at Rajadamnern Stadium

Muay Thai has a long history within Thailand’s culture dating as far back as the 18th century. It is the national sport in Thailand and is a version of kickboxing that utilizes the fists, elbows, knees, and legs. It is one of the top things to see and do in Thailand. Rajadamnern Stadium is centrally located in Bangkok, which is why I recommend it here, vs the newer Lumpini Stadium.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when attending a Muay Thai match. Will it be crowded? How violent would the matches be?

I discovered there are plenty of seats, so no need to purchase in advance, we just bought our tickets at the ticket office. They have ticket options ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 THB. Although they will most likely try to give you a deal for upgrading. And second, the fights are very structured, they have a specific format and rules that must be followed. It isn’t graphic and is more technical than violent.

They have different levels of fighters throughout the night. Ranging from junior Muay Thai fighters to the ones in the professional class. It is fascinating to watch years of Muay Thai history being followed to this day.

Opening Hours: They are only open on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Visit Rajadamnern Stadium to learn more and see specific fight times. Also, no outside food or drinks are allowed, but there are snack and drink options inside.

Location: Rajadamnern Stadium is about a 10-minute walk from The Family restaurant. You can also take a taxi or Grab if you prefer. Address: 1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, Pom Prap, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Additional Options for what to see in Bangkok

If you’re in Bangkok over the weekend check out these additional things to do:
- Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping and street food.
- Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or one of the other more traditional floating markets near Bangkok.
Useful Info

Getting around Bangkok:
- Taxis: At Suvarnabhumi airport, you take a number and then go to the appropriate taxi stand associated with that number. It is a very easy system. When getting a taxi around town, you can just wave down any unoccupied taxi and they will pull over to pick you up.
  
  *Please note that for taxis and Grab, depending on the route you choose, you may need to pay an extra fee for the toll roads. When leaving from Suvarnabhumi airport this fee is an additional 50 THB. The fee varies depending on your route.
- Grab: I would highly recommend downloading the Grab app prior to arriving in Thailand so you will be ready to go as soon as you touch down in Thailand. It is extremely affordable and very easy to use. Plus you use your credit card to pay thru the app, so it can really help if you haven’t had a chance to get to an ATM.
- BTS (Skytrain) & MRT (subway): These are two of the main public transportation modes with routes in central Bangkok. I’d look at Google map to see if your hotel is located along one of their routes. If it is then you might prefer this option to the taxi or Grab.
- Tuk Tuks: These three-wheeled rides do not use a meter like a taxi or Grab. Be prepared to haggle and if it doesn’t feel right, walk away.
Final Thoughts on Transporation in Bangkok:
With only 2 days in Bangkok, I suggest maximizing your time by using the most efficient mode of transportation. Taxis and Grab are very affordable and easy to use. And if you are located along the BTS or MRT these are easy to use, however they can get very crowded. So choose the method that will best help you enjoy your time in Bangkok.

Where to Stay:

You have many great neighborhood options when staying in Bangkok. Start by looking at the attractions that interest you and then choose a hotel within walking distance to those sights. Or perhaps if you are a runner, you will want to choose a hotel near one of their parks. Depending on your travel plans after Bangkok, you may want to stay closer to the airport. Think about your needs and then look for a hotel based on that.

We stayed in two different areas. Our first 3 nights were in the Sukhumvit neighborhood at Hide Bangkok Hostel. The hostel was affordable and clean. However, it was about a 15-minute walk along some very busy roads to actually reach the BTS (sky train) and taxis were also harder to come by here. If you do end up staying in the Sukhumvit neighborhood, make sure to check out this Eco-friendly coffeehouse for some delicious food and coffee!

Our last night in Bangkok we wanted to be closer to the airport, so we stayed at V20 Boutique Hotel in the Chatuchak neighborhood near the Chatuchak Weekend Market. We loved the neighborhood here! It had produce stands, convenient stores, post office, fabulous coffee and massage all within 10 minutes or less. Getting into town via taxi also was quicker and so was getting to the airport.

Technology:
You can purchase a SIM card for your stay in Thailand at the Bangkok airport upon arriving in Thailand. There are two different kiosks (you will need cash), I used the AIS tourist SIM and it worked everywhere we went but did cost a little more than the True Move SIM that my husband used and it had a smaller data plan. The True Move SIM had more data and for the most part and worked everywhere we went, but there were a few spotty areas where my husband didn’t have coverage when I did.

Final Tips for Bangkok:
- Use sunscreen & wear a hat.
- Carry water with you. I recommend purchasing a refillable water bottle and bring it with you wherever you go.
- Take lots of breaks from the heat and the crowds. Even a small 30-minute break will do wonders!
- The air quality in Bangkok is poor. If you have respiratory issues, just make sure to plan ahead and bring any inhalers or asthma medicine you might need.
- And remember, 2 days in Bangkok, is not enough, but give this city a chance, and I think it might just surprise you. Wander it’s streets, mingle with the locals, go off the beaten path to really begin to feel the heartbeat of this capital city.
- Use bug spray, especially if you plan to be out after dark. While in Bangkok I was bitten by something that left huge welts on my leg and arm. This was the only place I had this problem. I wasn’t as vigilant with bug spray in Bangkok as I should have been. I visited a pharmacy and purchased some cream to help with the itching. The pharmacy staff was very helpful.
- Cash is king in Thailand. Most places do not accept credit cards, so you will need to withdraw cash at the ATMs. Please note that ATMs charge approx $7 per withdrawal, so make it count!
- And speaking of royalty, Thailand loves its monarchy. You will see statues and posters of their royalty everywhere. Be respectful. I feel this goes without saying. Whenever you travel to another country, do your best to respect their culture.
If you need some ideas for what to see in Thailand after you leave Bangkok, read What to See in Thailand For your First Trip. And if you want to read about where I traveled to after Bangkok check out Visiting Sukhothai.

Happy Travels!
April 25, 2019
What to See in Thailand For Your First Trip
Are you planning your first trip to Thailand? It can be challenging to decide what to include on a single trip to Thailand. So I have created this 3-week itinerary to help you begin designing your dream trip. This itinerary covers some of the best places to see in Thailand and it can easily be shortened to a 2-week itinerary. You get to sample some of Thailand’s top cities & most beautiful islands!
What to see in Thailand
- Bangkok (3 nights)
- Sukhothai (2 nights)
- Chiang Mai (4 nights)
- Koh Phi Phi (3 nights)
- Koh Lanta (4 nights)
- Phuket (3 nights)
- Bangkok (1 night)
Total of 20 nights in Thailand

Optional 2-week itinerary: Bankok (2 nights), Chiang Mai (3 nights), Koh Phi Phi (3 nights), Koh Lanta (4 nights), Bangkok (1 night) then fly home. (This would require you take an evening flight from Phuket to Bangkok upon leaving Koh Lanta) You can play around with the dates to design a 2-week trip that works best for you. One week in the cities, one week in the islands.
Bangkok (3 nights)

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is a huge city with lots of options for things to see. However, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. According to Google, there are over 8 million people who live in Bangkok.

It is very crowded, hot and humid. So my advice is to not pack too many things into your time here. See only one or two big attractions in a single day and leave the rest of the time for breaks from the heat and relaxing walks around the city or in one of its many parks. Read 2 Days in Bankok: What to See to learn more about what there is to do.

Where to Stay:

You have many neighborhood options when staying in Bangkok. I recommend that you plot out the main attractions you wish to see in Bangkok and then look for a hotel near those areas so you can potentially walk there or choose a place off their sky train route for easy access.

We stayed at Hide Bangkok Hostel in the Sukhumvit neighborhood, it is a 15-minute walk from the BTS (sky train).

Our last night in Bangkok we stayed at V20 Boutique Hotel in the Chatuchak neighborhood near the Chatuchak Weekend Market. We loved the neighborhood here!

Getting to your hotel in Bangkok:

Most international (and domestic) flights fly in and out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The two easiest options are either using the airport established taxi stands or using Grab (this is Thailand’s version of Uber). Both are great choices and I would highly recommend downloading the Grab app prior to arriving in Thailand so you will be ready to go as soon as you touch down in Thailand.

It is extremely affordable and very easy to use. Plus you don’t have to have cash when you use Grab so it can really help if you haven’t had time to get cash or you’re trying to save what cash you have.

Additionally, depending on where your hotel is located, you could also use the MRT (metro) or the BTS (sky train) to get to your hotel.

Sukhothai (2 nights)

Sukhothai is an ancient city dating back to the 13th century and is popular for its wealth of ancient ruins. It has a wonderfully relaxed vibe and the slower pace was a much-needed break after visiting the bustling city of Bangkok.

With only 2 nights, it really only gives you 1 full day and I would highly recommend extending this another night if your travel itinerary allows it. Read more about our time in Sukhothai Historical Park and what to do there in our post Visiting Sukhothai Historical Park.

Where to Stay:

We stayed in the historical district at Sukhothai Garden and we absolutely loved it! It was clean, had air conditioning, great buffet breakfast, and free bikes to use for the duration of your stay. No matter where you decide, I do think the historical district is the best choice as it will give you the most relaxed visit and maximize your time spent seeing the ancient ruins at Sukhothai Historical Park.

Getting here from Bangkok:

There are options to take the train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok station (5-8 hour ride) and then a 1-hour bus from there to Sukhothai. However, we booked a 1.5 hr flight thru Bangkok Airways from Bangkok to Sukhothai. We paid $63 USD per person and the time we saved was well worth it!

Chiang Mai (4 nights)

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most traveled to cities and it is easy to see why. Travel & Leisure placed it in the Top 10 Cities in Asia. It is a bustling city with an artsy-hipster vibe that is often associated with University cities like Chiang Mai.

There are amazing restaurants, friendly locals, outdoor recreation, historic temples, and plentiful shopping. It is no wonder so many expats make their way here to live. Another bonus is that it tends to be cooler than Bangkok and slightly better air quality too. There are plentiful options for outdoor activities such as hiking the Monk’s Trail.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at BED Nimman and we could not have been happier! They have multi-lingual staff there to help you with whatever questions or needs you might have. The breakfast had one of the most delicious buffets I’ve ever eaten at! I would probably go back just for the breakfast.

It was also in a great location with lots of fabulous restaurants and shops nearby. It was easy to get around on foot, red taxi or Grab. However, one important thing to note, BED Nimman is an adult only hotel, so it does not make a good option for families with children.

Getting Here:

The bus is your best option. We took a bus from Wintour Bus Station near our guesthouse in Sukhothai to Chiang Mai. The journey took around 5 hours to get to the Chiang Mai bus station. It was air-conditioned and they do make a few stops along the way to drop off and pick up other passengers. There is one 20 minute stop where you can use the restroom and purchase food or drinks if you want to.

Wintour Bus Station: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

Koh Phi Phi (3 nights)

Koh Phi Phi has a reputation for being one of the more touristy islands with parties and nightlife that make those looking for a relaxing beach destination, want to look elsewhere. However, due to our location at Laem Tong Beach, we did not experience that at all. In the mornings we’d watch the sunrise and have the beach almost entirely to ourselves. It also had plenty of reefs for snorkeling and a dedicated area for swimmers.

Where to stay:

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island at Laem Tong Beach. There are a few other resorts along this stretch of beach that are a little more affordable, such as the P.P. Erawan Palms Resort that will offer you the same great beach as the Holiday Inn, but at a slightly more affordable price. We chose the Laem Tong area of Koh Phi Phi as we were looking for somewhere a little quieter and more relaxing than the Tonsai beach area.

Getting Here:

We flew from Chiang Mai to Phuket and took a taxi from the airport to Rassada Pier in Phuket. We booked our ferry tickets ahead of time with Andaman Wavemaster. There are three daily ferries thru Andaman Wavemaster that will take you to Koh Phi Phi’s Tonsai Pier. Only 2 of the 3 will also take you to Laem Tong Pier.

If you can’t make one of the two ferries, you will need to hire a long-tail boat or make arrangements with your hotel to pick you up. The ferry ride was around 3 hours from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi’s Laem Tong Pier.

Koh Lanta (4 nights)

Koh Lanta is the island to go to if you want to just relax and enjoy the slow pace of island life. It was my favorite island. We had great food and met some of the friendliest people we encountered our whole time in Thailand. Koh Lanta is the perfect island to spend relaxing, swimming, snorkeling or reading a book by the beach. If you need to just unwind and enjoy a beautiful island, this is your place!

Where to Stay:

We stayed at Lanta Casa Blanca and we loved it! I would absolutely stay here again when we go back. They have their own pool, restaurant, massage and scooter rentals all on site. A wonderful breakfast buffet and also a great beachfront location for relaxing and enjoying the amazing Koh Lanta sunsets! (And don’t tell but they’re also just a short walk away from Secret Beach – a great place for swimming and snorkeling.)

Getting Here:

From Koh Phi Phi at Laem Tong Beach we hired a long-tail boat (booked thru our hotel) to Tonsai Pier where we then boarded a ferry (also booked thru our hotel) to Koh Lanta. It is about a 90-minute ferry ride from Tonsai Pier to Koh Lanta. Make sure to notify your hotel in Koh Lanta when you’re coming and they can provide a ride for you from the pier otherwise you can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi driver.

Phuket (3 nights)

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and to me, it feels more like a big city than an island destination. Honestly, I could have skipped Phuket, however, my husband wanted to check it out as he’d heard so much about it. It is not our typical choice for an island.

When going to a beach destination, we prefer a smaller, more laid back area. So even though we stayed off the quieter Kata Beach area of Phuket, it still isn’t on our list of places we would return to in the future. However, again, that’s just our personal preference.

Where to Stay:

We chose to stay in the Kata Beach neighborhood. It is far enough from Patong that you have a quieter stay, but close enough to go by taxi should you wish to. Kata Beach itself is a great place to have a beach day. Yes, it gets crowded, but they have lots of chairs with umbrellas for rent (only 200 baht for the day) and the beach is a beautiful white sandy beach, perfect for swimming!

There are also jet ski rentals and parasailing as well as smoothie shacks and food vendors so you never need to leave the beach until you’re ready to! We stayed at Chanalai Flora Resort which was a 5-minute walk to Kata Beach.

Getting Here:

To return to Phuket our hotel booked us a high-speed ferry though Tigerline Ferry. It took 1 1/2 hours to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket’s Rassada Pier. The ferry stops briefly at Tonsai Pier in Koh Phi Phi to drop off and pick up new passengers before heading directly to Phuket. Once arriving at Phuket’s Rassada Pier you will then need to hire a taxi or Grab to take you to your hotel.

Additional Tips for Traveling to Thailand:

Packing: Pack sunscreen and bug spray with the highest percentage of DEET you can find. I also recommend you pack as light as possible as this makes it easiest for navigating their small planes, buses and especially for traveling between the islands where you might need to carry your luggage over your head when exiting a long-tail boat. We prefer backpacks for this reason.

Technology: You can purchase a SIM card for your stay in Thailand at the Bangkok airport upon arriving in Thailand. There are two different kiosks (you will need cash), I used the AIS tourist SIM and it worked everywhere we went but did cost a little more than the True Move SIM that my husband used and it had a smaller data plan. The True Move SIM had more data and for the most part and worked everywhere we went, but there were a few spotty areas where my husband didn’t have coverage when I did.

Thailand Trip Summary:

If I were to do this itinerary all over again, I would shorten my time in Bangkok from 4 nights to only 3 nights. I would extend our time in Sukhothai to 3 nights instead of two and would only spend 1 night in Phuket before flying back to Bangkok and use those extra 2 nights to extend my stay in Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi.

These are my recommendations for what to see in Thailand on your first trip. Make sure to take time to relax, time to wander and soak in the culture of this beautiful country. You may “see” less, but you will experience more. No matter how you choose to tailor your trip you will have an amazing time! Thailand is a beautiful country and it is hard to pick a place you won’t enjoy. Please also check out 10 Best Things To Do in Thailand to give you more inspirations for your trip.

Happy Planning! And as always feel free to ask any questions you might have for your next trip!
April 15, 2019
10 Best Things to do in Thailand

To narrow down the best things to do in Thailand is a hard thing to accomplish. There are so many things to enjoy about traveling in this amazing country. So here are my top 10 things that I loved most about traveling in Thailand.

1) Enjoy Thailand’s Hospitality

Almost every hotel you stay at will greet you with a refreshing drink and a cool washcloth. It is such a nice touch. I find after traveling to each destination, I typically arrive tired and hot, and this touch of kindness makes me feel human again. This butterfly pea drink was our first welcoming drink, given to us by our hostel in Bangkok. Butterfly pea tea is thought to provide many health benefits and was the welcoming drink of choice at most of our hotels. It was also very light and refreshing!

This butterfly pea tea was one of the welcoming drinks. It is said to have great health benefits and it tasted good too.

2) Eat Thailand’s Amazing Fruit

One of the best things to do in Thailand is to eat your fill of fruit! Thailand has so much wonderful, delicious tropical fruit! It was a fruit-smorgasbord and I loved every minute of it! My all-time favorite fruit was mangosteen. I can’t really describe the flavor, sweet with a little tang – basically, it was fruit candy and I couldn’t eat enough of it!

Mangosteen. I had never tried these before coming to Thailand and now they are one of my favorite fruits!

Mini-mangoes, also known as ma phrang in Thai, ranked right behind mangosteens. Take the juicy goodness of the regular Thai mango and now put it in a small size so you can pop the whole fruit in your mouth in one big bite! No pulpy fibers like full-size mangoes can have either.

They were A-MAZING!

I don’t know why ma phrang (mini mangoes) aren’t sold here in the states. They are SO good!

In addition to my two favorites, Thailand also has great oranges (they look sort of like mandarin-sized limes) pineapples, watermelon, rambutan, durian, and many more choices. For me, though, it is the mangosteens and the mini-mangoes that would bring me back again and again.

3) Meet the Locals

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but Thai people are friendly and generous. I first encountered this in the States at my favorite Thai restaurant. The owners knew me by name and even gave me presents on my birthday. They also fed me some of the most delicious food I ever ate and inspired me to visit Thailand. I saw this same warm and inviting attitude while traveling in Thailand.

At a restaurant in Koh Lanta, we saw the waiter rush out of the restaurant and down the street after a motorcyclist crashed, just to make sure the person was okay. While taking a snorkel tour we saw the love our guide had of his island and when we took a tour of an elephant nature park our guide clearly displayed his concern for injured animals. And on multiple occasions when buying fruit from a local stand, the family gave us free fruit along with their beautiful smiles. The Thai people have shown themselves to be generous and warm individuals who love their country and enjoy sharing it with others.

4) Eat Thai food

I know Thai food is known for being delicious and many others like myself travel to Thailand because of it. Sometimes when you’ve eaten the food at home and then you travel to that country and try it, it’s not always as good as what you had at home. With Thai food, that was not the case!

Tom Kha Gai Soup, Spicy Papaya Salad & Mango with Sticky Rice and Coconut Sauce

Mango with sticky rice and coconut sauce is a favorite of mine that I can’t seem to eat enough of! Deep-fried bananas with coconut ice cream, also a must-try! Crying Tiger, a dish I also love to eat at home in the States, is a spicy dish that will reveal why the “tiger” is crying. And no my eyes weren’t watering, it’s just my allergies, okay!

Thailand’s crying tiger (beef salad with spicy peppers). And yes my eyes were watering.

Tom Jude Woonsen also referred to as glass noodle soup with pork, was a new dish we tried and it was so delicious I am going to try to make it myself here at home. These are just a few of the Thai dishes I tried while visiting Thailand. And a favorite snack I discovered was seedless dried tamarind.

I think one of the best things to do, no matter what country you visit, is to try new dishes you’ve never eaten before. Chances are you’ll find a new favorite!

Tom Jude Woonsen/ Glass noodle soup with pork. This was the noodle soup you wished Mom had made when you were sick!

5) Thai Massages

It took me getting three traditional Thai massages for me to get it right and to really get a good traditional Thai massage! The first was at the Thai Massage School in Bangkok by the reclining Buddha, this is definitely a touristy place, you’re all crowded in one big open room, lying right alongside each other. There were also some hygiene concerns that would keep me from returning.

The second one was at a massage studio in Chiang Mai. We had private rooms and it was a decent massage. However, it didn’t feel as though the therapist were giving me a massage based on what my body needed, rather she was going thru the steps of a programmed massage routine.

Thai massage studios will offer you a refreshing drink and a cool washcloth after your massage.

The third time is the charm!

But finally, the third time was the charm. I had the best massage in Bangkok, not to mention some of the best coffee (they have a cafe separate from their massage studio) at Stand Alone Coffee Bar & Massage. I highly recommend them for both coffee and massage! Honestly, if they also had rooms for rent, I might never have left. I was so disappointed it was our last day in Thailand when I found this place however when I return to Bangkok, I will return here for a coffee & massage!

6) Visiting Thailand’s Islands

Now, this probably should have been number one of the best things to do in Thailand! No vacation to Thailand would be complete without spending some time at one or more of these gorgeous tropical islands.

This is one of the beaches in Koh Lanta.

There are over 1,400 islands in Thailand. Not all are inhabited of course, but can you imagine trying to see every single one? I can! We only were able to squeeze in 3 islands during our stay and they were enough to leave us wanting to see more. We visited Phuket, Thailand’s largest island. Koh Phi Phi where we stayed at the quiet end at Laem Tong Beach and the even quieter and more relaxed island of Koh Lanta.

I think Koh Lanta was probably our favorite with its laid back vibe, however, Laem Tong Beach on Koh Phi Phi was the perfect place to just do nothing but spend all day at the beach. It was relaxing and not at all crowded like the more popular Tonsai Beach side of the island. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort Koh Phi Phi Island in their Sunset Pool Villas that come with their own private pools and sunset views. And on Koh Lanta we stayed at Lanta Casa Blanca which I highly recommend!

7) Riding a long-tail boat in Thailand

Be sure to ride a long-tail boat while in Thailand. It was so fun to be zipping over the water with the wind blowing in my hair! There are long tail boat captains everywhere in Thailand. You can hire them to take you out to one of the many islands for snorkeling or relaxing or even to taxi you to the other side of the island. We used them for a snorkel trip and also to go from Laem Tong Beach on Koh Phi Phi to the main ferry terminal at Tonsai Bay. They are a fun way to get around and enjoy the water.

Long tail boat anchored offshore on Koh Phi Phi Islands Laem Tong beach.

8) Go Diving in Thailand

Thailand is a great place to go diving whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver. There are dive centers on all the major islands where you can get your beginner or advanced PADI scuba certifications. Koh Tao is a top destination in the world for getting PADI certified. One of the reasons for this is the price, it is cheaper to get your PADI certification there than at most other locations. Another reason is that they have one of the highest concentrations of dive shops and therefore lots of choices.

The Similan Islands are also a popular diving destination as they are in a protected National Park that is regulated by the Thailand government. Research a good dive shop ahead of time, chances are no matter what island you are visiting you will find good diving opportunities. Check out PADI’s site to learn more.

9) See a Muay Thai Fight

Muay Thai has a long history within Thailand’s culture dating as far back as the 18th century. It is the national sport in Thailand and is a version of kickboxing that utilizes the fists, elbows, knees, and legs. It is one of the top things to see and do in Thailand. I recommend going to a Muay Thai Fight while you’re in Bangkok.

They adhere to specific rules and format for this ancient martial art form that dates back hundreds of years.

We went to a Muay Thai fight in Bangkok at Rajadamnern Stadium. I thought it might be really crowded, it wasn’t. There was plenty of seating no matter which ticket choice you purchased. Also no need to purchase in advance, we just bought one at the ticket office. They have different levels of fighters throughout the night. Ranging from junior Muay Thai fighters to the ones in the professional class. Also, it’s important to note that they are only open on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You can check out their website to learn more. And in addition to watching a fight, there are many local gyms throughout Thailand where you can take Muay Thai classes if that’s something that interests you.

10) Visit one of Thailand’s ancient historical sites.

There are so many options to see historical sites in Thailand. Whether it is the Grand Palace or Reclining Buddha in Bangkok or the historic cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai (both of which are UNESCO world heritage sites). Make sure to research which ones appeal to you most. We visited the Grand Palace, Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun while in Bangkok and then chose Sukhothai as the historical city we wanted to explore. Sukhothai is far less crowded than Ayutthaya or Bangkok for that matter. It is easily seen on a bicycle and was a highlight of our time in Thailand. Read Visiting Sukhothai Historical Park to learn more.

Discovering the ancient monuments throughout Sukhothai

These are just some examples of things to do in Thailand, but there are so many more for you to discover in this incredible country! So no matter what you decide for your trip, you will have an unforgettable vacation experience!

For another great coffee option in Bangkok read about this eco-friendly coffee shop. And for a full 3-week itinerary to Thailand read What to See on Your First Trip to Thailand.

Happy travels!

March 28, 2019
Visiting Sukhothai Historical Park

Visiting Sukhothai Historical Park was a highlight of my trip to Thailand. Thailand has multiple ancient ruin sites to choose from, and two of the more popular ones are Ayuthaya, near Bangkok, and Sukhothai Historical Park. Both are UNESCO world heritage sites. I knew from previous research that it would take a little more effort to visit Sukhothai rather than the more popular Ayutthaya. However, this was also part of the appeal.

When our plane from Bangkok to Sukhothai touched down at the airport, and I looked around, I knew I had made the right decision.

Sitting on our tram on the Sukhothai runway as our bags are loaded off the plane.

The tiny little airport was beautiful and welcoming. Our first stop was to grab our bags, and then we were off to find a ride to our hotel. The information desk was very helpful and showed us where to go to get a shuttle into town (no Grab here). We walked over to the shuttle desk, where we discovered it would cost 330 baht per person for the 45 km ride into town. Although initially surprised at the cost, we considered that there really weren’t any other options, and this was possibly the last and only shuttle into town. So we concluded it was well worth the price and hopped on board!

Sukhothai Airport Terminal

Welcome sign at Sukhothai airport.

The drive into town went past farms and rural houses on stilts. The sun was setting, and the gentle breezes were blowing through the palm trees as we drove past. I could feel myself begin to relax. You see, although I enjoy visiting the big cities every now and then, I tend only to want to take them in small doses. And Bangkok was so hot, humid and busy, that I was ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sukhothai was starting to feel like just what I needed.

Small Town Culture

From the moment we touched down in Sukhothai, I felt like I was finally beginning my vacation in Thailand. Small towns reveal the local culture in a way that no big city can. It gives you a window into what daily life is like for the average person in that country.

And without a huge list of tourist “must-sees,” you can take it slower. Wander the streets, say hi to the locals, visit the local produce market and hang out at a cafe. Observe.

In Sukhothai, I was able to do all these things. Plus, it is full of ancient history. Sukhothai was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam during the 13th and 14th centuries (talk about ancient). Visiting Sukhothai Historical Park gives a glimpse into the beginnings of what we now know as Thailand.

Biking in Sukhothai Historical Park

Biking Around Sukhothai Historical Park

We stayed at Sukhothai Garden Guesthouse, where they provide free bicycles to all their guests. So the next day, after breakfast, we grabbed some bikes and headed out. Riding bicycles is always fun, whether I’m at home or abroad. I feel like I suddenly turn into a kid, and everything is more enjoyable.

From Sukhothai Garden, it was a 5-minute ride over to the Historical Park. I paid the entry fee to see the temple ruins in the central portion of the park and a 10 baht per bicycle surcharge. Then we were off. (If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one there, or if you’d rather sit back and relax, you can also ride a hop-on hop-off tram that goes to each of the main stops.)

However, as you’ve probably guessed, I think bicycling is the way to go! You have more freedom to see what you want when you want, and the breeze blowing thru your hair makes it all worthwhile (plus, it helps cool you off).

Visiting Sukhothai Historical Park only takes a couple of hours out of your day (and that’s at a leisurely pace). Try getting there when it opens, and you will be rewarded with cooler temperatures and almost no crowds! You can ride around and see all of the sites within this main central area in that time.

It was so much fun just bicycling around the park, stopping at anything that caught our eyes, and just enjoying a day of exploring.

Monument at Sukhothai Historical Park

Large Buddha at Sukhothai Historical Park

One of the many ancient temples at Sukhothai Historical Park

Smoothie Break!

After we visited the ruins and temples in the park’s central area, we rode back into town and stopped at a smoothie stand to take a break from the sun. We were SO hot! Oh, that reminds me – make sure you bring water bottles to the park! We used some folding re-usable silicone bottles that we refill at our guesthouse. They are very convenient to have while traveling. The ones we use are very similar to these on Amazon.

I had a pineapple smoothie, and my hubby had a mango one. We sat under an umbrella with a fan blowing on our back and just enjoyed people watching. It was so relaxing and just what we needed after biking around the park all morning.

Smoothies and people watching while cooling off.

Feeling energized by our smoothies, we biked out of town to visit more temple ruins. They are scattered around the town, and many of them are free! We rode our bikes to Wat Chang Lom. I saw pictures of it online with the elephant sculptures and knew I wanted to visit it when I came. There are some great shade trees in the back where you can sit and relax for a while if you want. Then continue biking down the path.

Wat Chang Lom

I love elephants!

We biked down the path and then randomly turned down streets and explored neighborhoods before making a pit stop at the 7 Eleven for a Slurpee and a Popsicle. Then we rode back to the Sukhothai Garden Guesthouse to hide from the sun for a few hours.

Bike path thru Sukhothai best way to see the sites!

You will pass this sign along the bike path showing you where there are temple sites to see.

Bicycle path sign to the various sites

After our air-conditioned break, we walked back into town and went over to the Saturday market to look at the produce stands and mingle with the locals. We tried a new fruit that reminded us both of a small pear. We were finally felt ready to eat lunch (when we’re hot, we don’t get hungry), so we had lunch at Baitong Thai, and again just people watched.

The brown fruit we bought at the local market. Reminded me of miniature pears.

The atmosphere in Sukhothai was so relaxing. It was such a needed break after our time in Bangkok. We spent two nights here, and I wish we would have had a third night. I highly recommend at least 2 full days for your visit here.

Discovering the ancient monuments throughout Sukhothai

We had a great time in Sukhothai. And my hubby brought that hat under protest from me, but it turned out to be very useful against the heat! Even if it was less than fashionable.

Helpful Tips when visiting Sukhothai Historical Park:

Getting here from Bangkok to Sukhothai: There are options to take the train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok station (5-8 hour ride) and then a 1-hour bus from there to Sukhothai. However, we chose to go with the 1.5 hr flight from Bangkok to Sukhothai. We paid $60 USD per person, and the time we saved was well worth it!

Where to Stay: We stayed at the Sukhothai Garden Guesthouse and loved it! We would stay here again. They have a large and varied breakfast buffet as well as free bicycles to use around town. The staff was very nice, and the rooms were clean. Bottled was provided every day, and in the common room where breakfast was served, they had water and hot water and fruit and noodle cups for snacks.

Sukhothai Garden:
119 Muangkao Muangkao Muang Chang Wat Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
https://www.facebook.com/sukhothaigarden
Book thru Expedia

Where We Ate:

At the end of the block from the guesthouse is Sureerat Restaurant, and across the street is Baitong Restaurant. There are a lot of options along the main street in the Sukhothai Historical City area. I don’t actually know the name of the smoothie stand we stopped at, but it had a big Fruit Shake sign over it, and it was next to The Coffee Cup Cafe. Explore and find some of your own favorite spots!

Fees for Visiting Sukhothai Historical Park

We biked to the park. There is a 10 baht fee to bring your own bike in, but worth it! They have paper maps you can ask for, but maps are also posted around the park to see while biking. Really though, it is a big loop, so stop when you come to a monument or temple and then bike around in a big circle seeing all the sites. Take time to sit by the water and enjoy the calm feeling of this park in the morning. For more information on fees and the park, you can visit the Sukhothai Historical Park website.

Special Note: On weekends during the high season, they will open the park after hours and illuminate the main temple sites with lighting. So definitely ask about this if you happen to stay in Sukhothai on the weekend.

Sukhothai to Chiang Mai (bus to Chiang Mai)

We took a bus from Wintour Bus Station. It was about a 3-minute walk from our hotel. We noticed a sign outside that said to book tickets the day before you want to leave. I don’t know if they are sticklers about this, but we didn’t take any chances and bought our tickets the night before. It was a good thing, too, as the bus was filled the day of departure. The journey took around 5 hours to get to the Chiang Mai bus station. It was air-conditioned, and they do make a few stops along the way to drop off and pick up other passengers. There is one 20 minute stop to use the restroom and purchase food or drinks if you want to.

Wintour Bus Station: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

Please drop me a comment if you have any further questions about visiting Sukhothai. If you’re in Bangkok, check out the Better Moon x Refill Station for some fabulous coffee and food.

Happy Travels!

This bridge takes us to our last stop before leaving the park.

March 10, 2019
Eco-Friendly Coffee near BTS in Bangkok

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly coffee option while in Bangkok, Better Moon x Refill Station has you covered. They serve fantastic coffee and food and are doing their part to help the environment. Better Moon x Refill Station is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the On Nut BTS station. I went there for breakfast and tried the mixed berry acai bowl and it was so refreshing! When the weather is hot, I prefer something cold, so an iced Americano and this cold acai bowl hit the spot!

Coffee Near BTS

Better Moon x Refill Station is starting a trend of reducing plastic waste in Bangkok. It’s a huge mission, but everyone has to start somewhere! Even my straw was made of metal. So if you’re looking for a great coffee near the BTS, Better Moon x Refill station is about a 5-minute walk from the OnNut BTS station and I highly recommend it!

They have a large open space with plenty of comfy seating choices as well as outdoor seating. They also sell kombucha and homemade soaps, bags and re-usable silicone water bottles (I purchased one and it has been so handy on this trip). Check them out and support a local business trying to help improve their community. Not to mention you’ll be rewarded with a cup of real coffee – no instant stuff here!

Where:

Better Moon x Refill Station
2031 Better Moon Cafe, Sukhumvit 77/1 Alley, Klongtoey Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110

If you like this please check out our other articles at Le Cafe & Travel. And if you want to learn more about the mission behind Better Moon x Refill Station, check out this great blog article from Coconuts Bangkok.

Have an amazing day and go get yourself some coffee too!

February 10, 2019