Thailand Diaries: Exploring the Land of Smiles
Thailand, popularly known as Land of Smiles is famous for it's natural beauty, beaches, cultural heritage, skyscrapers, megamalls, night markets and street food.
With this blog, I will share my travel experiences from a week long trip to Thailand. So, sit back, relax, and complete reading the blog till the end to know more about the things to do, things to avoid, travel itinerary and so on.
Let's start with travel itinerary first. For us, a week was well enough to cover most of the places in Bangkok and Phuket.
Travel Itinerary
Where to stay at Bangkok and Phuket?
I would suggest to stay at IBIS Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel in Bangkok or hotels nearby as this hotel is by the roadside and there are lots of options for street food, bars and restaurants. But if you are looking Indian food, stay at The Ecotel Hotel Bangkok, there are lots of options for Indian food near the hotel and the hotel itself serves the Indian food. It is also close to The Pratunam Night Market, a walkable distance where you can do shopping and enjoy street food.
For Phuket, I would suggest to stay at Sunset Beach Resort or nearby. This resort offers backside view of the Patong Beach and the main beach is also very close. There are lots of options for street food at reasonable price nearby. The resort also had shuttle services which we can use to travel nearby places.
How to Travel?
The most affordable way to get around is public transport. In Bangkok, buses and the Metro are highly recommended—they are well-connected, inexpensive, and serve most major attractions and landmarks. Another option is Tuktuk but we need to careful with this as we have to be good with negotiating the fare.
In Phuket, I primarily relied on resort shuttle to travel but there are options for Tuktuk, private cab.
For Airport pickup and drop, there is option for private cabs, you can get this included in your travel package as well.
Phuket : Patong Beach and Bangla market
This was our first day at Phuket and the nearest place we could go from our hotel was Patong Beach. This is one of the popular beaches in Phuket where you can enjoy amazing coastal views, water sports and nightlife. Lots of options for street foods, shopping are available near the beach.
The Bangla Market is walking distance from the beach and the best time to visit the market is during evening or night as the market gets lively during this time. The streets are filled with music, lights, and energy, and many pubs and restaurants host live performances.
Phuket : Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island was a full day trip. It took us around 2 hours to reach the island by ferry. We can get information about the ferry from the hotel or the Bangla Market or have this included in your tour package.
The ferry experience itself was amazing. The breathtaking sea views, limestone cliffs and lush green islands, made the journey just as memorable as the destination. You will enjoy each and every moment of the journey.
Once you reach the island, you will witness one of the cleanest beaches you have ever visited and the crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings left us in awe. You can enjoy the peaceful environment and explore the market nearby. If you know swimming, there are options for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.
This was our third and last day at Phuket. A speedboat, included in our tour package, was ready to take us on an exciting island-hopping adventure. In a single day, we explored multiple islands and experienced the thrill of canoeing amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
The most popular island we covered was James Bond Island where the shooting of the Hollywood movie took place. This place has a unique structure of big stone in the middle of the sea which is the major attraction point of the Island.
Hong Island was another Island we covered. This experience was once in a lifetime experience for us, we explored various sea caves and enjoyed canoeing. Canoeing was one of the memorable experiences for us, we went through caves and witnessed amazing views of the sea and mountains.
It was a day filled with adventure, natural beauty, and cherished memories—a perfect conclusion to our time in Phuket.
Bangkok : Wax museum , Aquarium, Shopping Malls
On the day we arrived from Phuket, we had the chance to explore some of Bangkok's most popular attractions, including Madame Tussauds, the famous wax museum, and Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, as well as some of the city's impressive shopping malls.
If you’ve never been to an aquarium, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is a must-visit. It’s a mesmerizing underwater world filled with fascinating marine life. Madame Tussauds is another must-see, whether or not you’ve been to a wax museum before. The lifelike wax statues are crafted with such precision that they feel almost real, making it a truly memorable experience.
Bangkok is renowned for its modern skyscrapers and tall buildings. There are lots of Shopping malls where you can do shopping or simply roam around.
Bangkok : The Grand palace, The Pratunam night market
Next place we covered in Bangkok was The Grand palace. It is one of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination for travelers. It has been a symbol of Thai culture, history, and craftsmanship.
There are lots of Buddhist Monasteries in The Grand Palace and museums are also there which gives information of Thai culture. Once the tour of The Grand Palace was over, we went to cultural show near to The Grand Palace, this was covered in the entry ticket and they also provided shuttle service to reach to the cultural show.
The show was a delightful surprise, immersing us in Thai mythology and traditional performances. One of the highlights was the Thai adaptation of the Ramayana (Ramakien).
We also covered Pratunam Night market on the same day as it was close to our hotel. The market had lots of options for shopping at cheaper prices and street food.
Bangkok : Wat Arun, Jim Thompson house, Khao San Road
On the last day of our trip we covered Jim Thompson House, Wat Arun, and Khao San Road. We went to Jim Thompson house first.
First Stop: The Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a museum in Bangkok that offers a fascinating glimpse into Thai art, culture, and architecture. It is the former home of Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur and architect who is credited with revitalizing the Thai silk industry in the mid-20th century.
Second Stop: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Next, we headed to Wat Arun, we took a metro to reach a point where we could take a boat to go to Wat Arun. Wat Arun is another Bangkok's most iconic landmarks. This too is a must visit place in Bangkok. Located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, this stunning temple is famous for its unique architectural design and breathtaking riverside views.
Nearby, we explored some of the floating markets, which were bustling with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs. While the daytime market was vibrant, I would highly recommend visiting at night, as the energy and atmosphere come alive after sundown.
On our way back, we passed Wat Arun again, this time illuminated by golden lights, reflecting beautifully off the river. The nighttime view of the temple was magical and truly unforgettable, one of the highlights of our trip.
Final Stop: Khao San Road
Things Not to Do in Thailand
Thailand is a beautiful country with much to offer, but like any destination, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid unnecessary hassles. Here's a quick guide on what not to do during your trip:
- Don’t Buy a SIM Card at the AirportWhile it might seem convenient, purchasing a SIM card at the airport is usually more expensive. Instead, explore local stores or malls for better deals.
- Don’t Forget SunscreenThailand’s tropical sun can be unforgiving. Always carry and apply sunscreen before stepping out, even if it's cloudy. It’s a simple step to avoid sunburns that could spoil your holiday.
- Don’t Skip Fare Negotiations with Tuk-tuksTuk-tuks are a fun way to explore the city, but fares can vary wildly. Always agree on a price before starting your journey to avoid surprises later.
- Don’t Wear Shorts to the Grand PalaceThe Grand Palace has a strict dress code. Wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or other inappropriate attire will result in denied entry. Opt for full-length clothing to respect the culture and rules.
- Don’t Overpack Your LuggageThailand is a shopping paradise, from bustling street markets to chic malls. Leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs, clothing, and other affordable treasures.
Wrapping Up
Thailand was truly an unforgettable journey for us, filled with breathtaking sights and unique experiences. Among the highlights, the Phuket adventure stood out with its beaches, seaview, and landscapes, while the night view of the Wat Arun temple left us in awe.
I hope this guide helps you have a more enjoyable trip. Stay tuned for more travel tips and experiences in my next blog—happy travels!
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