Thailand

Five Days in Bangkok: A Sensory Overload

Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is a city that stimulates all the senses. Our five-day adventure in Bangkok was filled with excitement, discovery, and a touch of chaos. We kicked things off with a visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, a massive hub with over 15,000 stalls selling everything imaginable. The market’s lively atmosphere, combined with the irresistible aroma of street food, made for an unforgettable start. We enjoyed spicy som tam, grilled meats, and coconut ice cream while trying to haggle with vendors. There are a lot of similar stalls but sooo much stuff, take coins for the toilets and plenty of cash for the goodies.

We decided that the best way to explore Bangkok was via the hop on hop off bus. This way we were able to get around most of the temples and also some of the commercial spots that we wanted to see . It was a perfect way of seeing most of Bangkok While relaxing on the bus in listening to the audio provided. There was even an app where you could see when the next bus was due to arrive at your stop. Exploring Bangkok’s famous temples, like Wat Pho and Wat Arun, was a big highlight. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho left us in awe, while the riverside Wat Arun looked stunning, especially at sunset. We got somewhat swindled by a local and ended up on a tuk-tuk to even more temples and his mate’s shop (of course!). We took it all in our stride as it was not a lot of money and actually quite a lot of fun. The King Power Mahanakhon building offered breathtaking views from its glass rooftop where there was a DJ and bar serving cold fresh beers! Standing on the transparent floor with the city below was freaky! Although Victoria ended up dancing on it like a clown!

Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise. Shopping at MBK Center, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld provided a mix of high-end brands and local boutiques, plus really good air-conditioning. In the evening, there are so many markets you can go to for food and knick knacks, and one night we ended up at a Muay Thai boxing event which was pretty cool.

Bangkok’s vibrant energy and rich culture made our trip unforgettable. The city’s public transportation, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, made exploring easy and was pretty straight forward to use. Despite the chaos, the locals’ hospitality added warmth to our journey, leaving us with cherished memories of this amazing city.

Discovering Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai: Temples, Elephants, and Natural Wonders

Our five-day journey through Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, nestled in northern Thailand’s lush landscapes, was a captivating blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. Our adventure began with an overnight sleeper train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, a 13-hour ride that came into Chain Mai around 7am. This was a cheap way to travel but not that comfortable for the 6’2″ Paul!

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, we were greeted by a local tour guide, Monthian, who with his wife, organised all of our trips around this part of northern Thailand. In Chiang Mai, we visited the local markets and local temples before Monthian took us for a wonderful day out to an elephant sanctuary and the famous Sticky Waterfalls. Interacting with the elephants in their natural environment was a humbling experience that highlighted the importance of ethical wildlife tourism, while the Sticky Waterfalls were absolutely stunning. No visit to northern Thailand would be complete without experiencing the unique Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Thong Waterfalls). Nestled amidst lush greenery, these limestone waterfalls allowed us to climb their naturally sticky surfaces, thanks to mineral deposits that create friction. It was a thrilling and refreshing adventure in nature’s playground.

Our journey continued with a scenic three-hour drive to Chiang Rai, guided by Monthian our tour guide. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) stood out with its intricate white facade and contemporary art, symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Thai Buddhism. The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) captivated us with its serene atmosphere and stunning blue interior adorned with intricate murals. We also explored Baan Dam, or the Black House, a unique collection of dark, ornate buildings showcasing Thai art and culture in a stark contrast to the White Temple’s purity.

Both day trips were excellent and Monthian took us to stops along the way for coffee and food. He talked to us the whole time about Northern Thailand and his family. It was worth every cent!

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai offered us a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. From tranquil temples to elephants and adventurous waterfalls, each day brought new discoveries and deepened our appreciation for northern Thailand’s beauty. Our five-day journey was a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation, leaving us with cherished memories and a desire to return to this magical part of Thailand.

Exploring Koh Lanta, Ao Nang, and Krabi: Southern Thailand’s Relaxing Charms

Our journey through southern Thailand’s coastal gems of Koh Lanta, Ao Nang, and Krabi was a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure. Arriving in Ao Nang, we immediately fell in love with its laid-back vibe and caught a breathtaking sunset on the nearby beach. Ao Nang is very touristy (but not as much as Phuket) and there are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops plus Marijuana stores! It is a short walk to everywhere, including more markets.

Excited to explore, we quickly booked a boat tour to the renowned Koh Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and island hopping, enjoying the clear waters and diverse marine life. The snorkeling was okay but not great as there was not a lot to see but still fun doing it. We hired a scooter each and ventured inland to discover natural wonders like the Emerald Pool, a tranquil turquoise lagoon surrounded by lush greenery and the Blue Lagoon which was absolutely stunning in a peaceful setting. Then we took on the challenging hike to Tiger Cave Temple which involved 1260 steps and monkeys! but did reward us with stunning panoramic views of the region’s rugged landscapes.

In Koh Lanta, we found a slice of paradise at a beachfront resort for just $35 NZD per night. Waking up to the sound of waves, we relished lazy days on pristine beaches and embraced the island’s relaxed atmosphere. Another boat excursion led us to secluded caves for swimming and a leisurely lunch on a quiet island, deepening our appreciation for southern Thailand’s tranquility.

Compared to the bustling tourist hub of Phuket, Koh Lanta, Ao Nang, and Krabi offered a more authentic and peaceful retreat. The slower pace allowed us to unwind and connect with the natural beauty and local culture of this serene part of Thailand. Whether snorkeling in clear waters, exploring hidden lagoons, or simply basking in the sun on empty beaches, every moment in southern Thailand was a testament to its status as a tropical paradise.