Thailand – The Land of Smiles. The country is rich in culture, history and natural beauty. It is easy to fall in love with Thailand and its people. This country kicked off my love for the Asia continent. It didn’t take us long to book our tickets following the question “What about Thailand?”.
1 country, 5 guys and around 15 days of leave, we knew that time was bottlenecked against thousands of points of interest worth visiting. After some planning, we agreed that we couldn’t miss out on the beauty of Phi Phi Islands, the chaotic Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s top recommended activities. Anything else that we managed to fit in was going to be a plus.
Chiang Mai
Our first stop was Bangkok. You’re expecting some information on this city, right? You will have to wait. While planning the trip, a few friends had told us that they didn’t really like the city due to a number of reasons. Based on this information, we had decided to get out of the city immediately upon arrival. We had organized ticket bookings with AirAsia, catching a flight up to the north – Chiang Mai, which is considered to be one of Thailand’s gems. After way too many hours in the air, we needed to spoil ourselves with some high-end accommodation. We had the opportunity to stay for a few days in a place called Shewe Wana Suite Resort. The suite looked like a bungalow, a great start to the holiday – a place which I highly recommend. Depending on your views about walking or catching a tuk-tuk, it is worth mentioning that this place is located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, away from the old city.
There are many points of interest worth visiting in Chiang Mai and we had the privilege to visit most of them. I recommend that you kick off your itinerary in Chiang Mai by visiting Wat Chedi Luang. Depending on where your accommodation is located, ideally in the central area of the city, this trip can be done by simply walking. It is good to start with this place as you can get familiar with your surroundings and immerse yourself in what it is like to live in Chiang Mai. The first thing that may hit you is the heat, especially when you’re walking through this large temple complex and its gardens. Next to the entrance you will find people selling water, stock up if you don’t have any and go explore the area. If you’re lucky you will find someone selling coconuts. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or simply Doi Suthep is another site which you must visit. Located around 15 kilometers from the city center, this temple is located on a mountain and naturally comes with some really awesome views of the city and the surrounding areas.
Additionally, I’m sure you’ve heard about the ‘fun-activities’ in Chiang Mai. The list of activities is extensive and includes visits to elephant ‘parks’ and a ride in the surrounding jungles. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also combine the elephant experience with a long trek which usually occurs after the ride. You can obviously keep these two activities separate and maybe dedicate a full day trekking and visiting hill-tribe villages located among rice paddies. White-water rafting, zip-lining, going on a night safari ride and getting a massage are also recommended.
Phuket
While a few gems exist in Phuket, we barely spent a day there mainly due to the fact that Phuket was still undergoing extensive townrepairs after the tsunami hit way back in 2004. Over a decade had passed and the centre looked like a ghetto. After being forced into a very large hotel which barely had any tourists staying in it, we decided to spend one night and take it easy.
The area we stayed in is known as Old Phuket Town. Today this place contains some beautiful Sino Portuguese streets, in fact the town recently applied to become a UNESCO World Heritage site. After countless renovations, the streets now boast various new eateries and bakeries. Dedicating a maximum of half a day going round this area should be more than enough.
Places which are also worth a visit are Wat Chalong and Karon Viewpoint. Both of these places are located very close to the old town. Around 3 hours to the north of Phuket and you will find the town’s Big Buddha and Phang Nga Bay which boasts some amazing scenery. Koh Panyee is located in the centre of Phang Nga Bay and there you will find a small fishermen village built on stilts. Hit this place early before the tourists arrive by catching a long tail boat to the area.
Truth be told, we had one destination in mind from the start of the trip – Phi Phi Islands and to reach it we had to travel by ferry which left from Phuket.
Phi Phi Islands
“Phi Phi Islands is Thailand’s island-superstar.“. No exaggeration in this statement whatsoever. Usually the ferry leaves early in the morning, at around 08:30. It takes approximately 2 hours. If you’re like me, you will stay outside staring in awe at the limestone cliffs. Be warned, take some sun-cream if you’re going to stay outside. There are two liveable areas on the island, Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh. The former is the main island and the largest of the group. Your first ferry stop will probably be in Ton Sai Bay. If you book accommodation in the North of the island, the ferry will stop a couple of kilometres away from the hotel and a long tail boat will pick you up and drop you off on the beach. Book accommodation as early as possible.
Needless to say, Phi Phi Islands boast whatever form of ocean activities you may desire including renting out a speedboat, diving, snorkelling, swimming and visiting the little islands close to the main islands, including Maya Bay. You remember The Beach right? Try and visit this place as early as possible. Believe me, you want to avoid the crowds. Other awesome attractions which are located in the vicinity include Bamboo island, Phi Phi’s view point, Laem Tong Bay, Monkey Island and Viking cave. Fit in as many sites as possible, you won’t regret it.
Ferry Price: approx~ 23EUR (1-way) trip for adults.
Krabi
We left Phi Phi Islands in the same way as we arrived, by ferry, which operates twice during the day at 10:30 and 15:30 (subject to change). Krabi is quite large, however a few days should be enough to visit most of the places of interest.
You will definitely end up swimming in Ao Nang beach at some point during your stay here. I stayed in two places, both being extremely close to Ao Nang beach and the main street in Krabi filled with restaurants, bars, an internet cafe and a couple of really nice beaches, around 20 to 30 minutes away from the centre.
I stayed in a place called Adam Bungalow and the rooms are quite simple having the barest of necessities. It was beautiful just the same though mainly because all the ‘bungalows’ are centred around a garden and some awesome views of a jungle and a few limestone cliffs in the backdrop. Simple but beautiful.
If you’ve heard about Railay Beach, Krabi is the place from where you can reach it. Generally arriving on the beach via long tail boats, Railay offers some great activities and adventure including rock climbing and trekking. The beach also has a number of little bars which stay open quite late at night.
Bangkok
The last few days of the trip were spent in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. The city is massive, the points of interest, endless. Exiting the airport was an experience – the hordes of people, the highlighter-pink taxis, the tropical savanna climate and the pollution screwed up my senses. We managed to make our way to the Millennium Hilton Bangkok Hotel. It was time to spoil ourselves for the last few days.
The executive suite had awesome views of a river called the Chao Phraya River which crosses the heart of Bangkok. The city looked amazing from the executive room we had booked.
The city has several places of interest which are without a doubt worth visiting. We kicked off our stay by visiting the Grand Palace and a few surrounding temples including the Buddhist temple Wat Suthat. Apart from a number of very beautiful parks like Lumphini Park, you have to visit the Chatuchak weekend market. You will find anything from antique furniture, food and animals which you’ve never seen in your life. Unless you’re a gemologist, stay away from Bangkok’s amulet market or stores. It is possible that at some point of your trip to Bangkok (unfortunately), you will encounter a hustler. If you have any doubts you should keep walking and follow the crowds of tourists.
Bangkok also has some really great night life and you will be able to locate several rooftop bars. I suggest you check out Sky Bar for some Hangovertinis and Three Sixty on the top floor of the Millenium Hilton while listening to some jazz and the awesome views of the city.
If you’re a little crazy, drop by Soi Cowboy, Patpong or Nana Plaza for a few drinks. Both are located in Bangkok’s brightest street and possibly the most seedy thanks to their go-go bars and ping pong shows. These aren’t places you want to take your girlfriend to.
We finished the night in Khao San Road which is basically a super famous backpacker street in the Bangkok. The place is overloaded with tourists due to the clubs, bars and hostels located here. It is worth spending a night here and it is very unlikely that you will leave sober due to the many offers given when ordering drinks. If you are not the type to party, you will also enjoy the numerous eateries in the surrounding area. If you like insects this could be the place where you will try your first fried roaches and grasshoppers. The alcohol doesn’t really help with making the right decision, if you know what I mean.
Helpful Travel Information
Recommended Hotels:
- Shewe Wana Suite Resort, Chiang Mai: Amazing service, clean and beautiful bungalow-styled rooms with a couple of pools. Slightly on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Great food and great service. Price: Expensive.
- Millenium Hilton, Bangkok: In the centre of the capital. Great service throughout and awesome food. The hotel has some great lounging options also which boast some great views. Price: Medium to Expensive.
- Adam Bungalow, Krabi: Located very close to the centre of Krabi. Small bungalows which have the bare necessities but with some great views. Great for backpackers. Price: Cheap to Medium.
- Phra Nang Inn Hotel, Krabi: Located on Ao Nang Beach the hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens. It has an outdoor pool, spa and open-air bar offering views of the Andaman Sea. Price: Medium to Expensive.
- P.P. Erawan Palms Resort, Phi Phi: Great service and the surrounding area is ridiculously beautiful. Located in the north part of the island, away from the centre. Price: Medium to Expensive.
Recommended Taxi Services:
Before catching any form of transport I suggest you take note of the following points:
- Ideally have the address written down in Thai or show a map of the destination you need to go to;
- Always make sure the taxi (the modern ones in the city), have a meter;
- Keep in mind that express ways usually have toll-ways and you may be asked to pay for the toll charges directly.
- Tuk Tuks – Inexpensive and located everywhere. Highly recommended but bargaining a price is required.
- Songthaew – Another good option to get around a city. Usually red in colour and you will see many in Chiang Mai, they look like a modified pick-up truck. The name is derived from two bench seats fixed along either side of the back of the truck. Like tuk tuks, you will need to bargain to get a good price.
- Green and yellow Taxis: These are privately owned taxis. Make sure the taxi has a meter.
- Pink Taxis: Generally corporate taxis. Make sure the taxi has a meter.