Thailand!

Our trip to Thailand was an epic journey, not just to a new place but into a world bursting with great people, diverse experiences, so much to see, and delicious food. We enjoyed Bangkok’s vibrant streets, Chiang Mai’s tranquility, Phuket’s perfect beaches, and Krabi’s stunning scenery. This 14-day adventure was about discovery, where everything was affordable yet amazing and every moment turned into cherished memories. Thailand welcomed us with warmth, showcasing its cultural richness from the luxury of Keemala Resort to encounters with elephants and market wanders.

It was more than visiting places; we dived deep into a culture that captivated us. We explored the history of ancient temples and plunged into clear waters. Join us as we share our journey in the Land of Smiles, a mix of joy and peace beyond our dreams. This is our story, a tribute to Thailand, where every moment and memory is a treasure.

Our Simplified Thailand Adventure Itinerary

Bangkok Highlights

• Jan 13: Arrival & Evening at Asiatique The Riverfront
• Jan 14: Chatuchak Market, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chinatown, & Chao Phraya River Cruise

Chiang Mai Exploration

• Jan 15: Arrival in Chiang Mai, Stroll through Old City, & Fah Lanna Spa Experience
• Jan 16: Morning at Chiang Mai Gate Market & Evening at Night Bazaar
• Jan 17: Adventure through Doi Inthanon National Park
• Jan 18: Thai Cooking Class & Chiang Mai Night Safari

Phuket’s Paradise

• Jan 19: Arrival in Phuket, Relaxation at Keemala, & Oasis Spa
• Jan 20: Explore Patong Beach
• Jan 21: Day Trip to Racha Island & Evening in Old Town Phuket
• Jan 22 – 23: Leisure & Exploration in Phuket

Krabi’s Coastal Wonders

• Jan 24: Discovering Railay Beach
• Jan 25: Island Hopping: Hong Island & Phi Phi Island
• Jan 26: Free Day for Local Activities in Krabi

Farewell Thailand

• Jan 27: Floating Market in Bangkok & Departure

Now we will dive into all the great adventures!

Bangkok: Where Past and Present Collide

Our adventure began in Bangkok, a city brimming with life at every corner. As we navigated its bustling streets and meandering rivers, each twist and turn unveiled a new narrative, where ancient temples stood proudly against the backdrop of soaring skyscrapers.

The Grand Palace: Our first stop was this palatial complex that left us royally in awe. Its opulence and history were a sight to behold, as if we’d stepped through time into the Kingdom of Siam. The Emerald Buddha, a figure shrouded in spiritual mystique, was as elusive as it was fascinating.

We had to get around somehow…

Wat Pho: The giant reclining Buddha of Wat Pho, adorned in gold, laid before us in full splendor. The temple grounds whispered tales of meditation and healing, the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, a history that felt alive beneath our fingertips.

Chatuchak Market: We then plunged into the labyrinth of Chatuchak, a treasure trove sprawling with unique souvenirs and exotic wildlife. The frenzy of commerce was so intense, our wallets practically begged for a soothing massage afterward.

Longtail boat 2 hours – Bangkok Canal tour: We embarked on a journey through the canals of the Chao Phraya River aboard a classic longtail boat, capturing a slice of everyday life in Bangkok’s Thonburi district. Our voyage lasted up to two hours, during which we made stops to explore Baan Silapin (The Artist’s House) and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, immersing ourselves in the local culture and history.

Street Food Galore: Our culinary quest began with Pad Thai so divine, we considered extending our stay indefinitely. The streets of Bangkok introduced us to a symphony of flavors, from succulent mango sticky rice to spicy alligator bites, and coconuts that featured in everything from refreshing drinks to savory meals. Each dish was a delicious testament to Thailand’s affordability and commitment to healthy, scrumptious cuisine.

Nightlife: Although jetlagged, we couldn’t help but continue touring out this wonderful new city from strolling around the epic shops, malls (like Icon Siam), food markets, to checking out their rooftop activities (like Above Eleven) and surprisingly epic dancing areas 🙂 moving on …

Chiang Mai: The Soul of the North

The vibe shifted as we ascended to Chiang Mai, a city that embraced us with a serene, northern charm. Here, the pace of life slowed, and a tranquil atmosphere enveloped us.

Kao Soy Nimman: Our first culinary stop was at Kao Soy Nimman, a haven for the iconic Northern Thai dish, Khao Soi. This cozy eatery, nestled in the heart of the trendy Nimmanhaemin area, offered us a warm welcome with its rich, curry-based noodle soup—a must-try that seamlessly blends coconut creaminess with the crunch of crispy noodles.

Fah Lanna Spa (Honeymoon Massage): As soon as we landed, we couldn’t resist trying northern Thai food and getting another much needed massage to combat our light soreness from 15,000+ daily steps through the adventures. We found our way to Fah Lanna Spa in the Old City, a sanctuary known for its traditional Thai massages. Encased in a tranquil garden setting, this spa provided a serene escape, rejuvenating our spirits with ancient healing practices amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Chang Mai is a lovely place to just stole around and take it all in. Even though we got rained on a few times, it was worth it!

Hotels: One of the cool things about this trip was all hotels where basically booked with points with free breakfast and excellent service. We couldn’t ask for better stays. Our home in Chiang Mai was the akyra Manor, a boutique hotel that epitomizes luxury and design. Located in the vibrant Nimmanhaemin district, this hotel served as the perfect base for exploring the city, offering an exquisite blend of modernity and comfort with its rooftop bar and pool offering panoramic views of the surrounding urban landscape.

Walking Tour: Overwhelmed and intrigued, we turned to the locals to orient us on the history, and culture of Chang Mai. What better way to do this that starting off with a walking tour. We saw several temples, learned A LOT about the culture, religious practices, the kings, the language, and so much more.

Warorot Market (Kad Luang): A visit to Chiang Mai wouldn’t be complete without exploring the bustling Warorot Market. Known locally as Kad Luang, this market is a tapestry of colors, smells, and sounds, offering everything from traditional Thai fabrics to fresh produce and street food. It was here that we truly felt the pulse of the city’s daily life.

Tha Phae Gate: Stepping through Tha Phae Gate, we were transported back in time. This historic landmark, once part of the ancient city walls, now serves as a gateway to Chiang Mai’s rich history and cultural festivals. Its surroundings buzz with activity, from street performers to local artisans selling their crafts.

Tiger Kingdom: An encounter at Tiger Kingdom was one of the most thrilling experiences, allowing us to come face-to-face with majestic tigers under ethical conditions. This unique opportunity offered us insights into conservation efforts and the chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close. These were the most active and INTENSE tigers I’ve seen — it was a little concerning.

Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir and Sculpture Park: For a touch of nature, we ventured to Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir, a serene lake surrounded by mountains. The nearby sculpture park added an artistic element to the natural beauty, with intriguing artworks set against the backdrop of lush greenery.

Outside of these adventures, let’s just say we hit the towns and ate like royalties.

Doi Inthanon Day Trip from Chiang Mai including Karen Hill Tribe & Twin Pagodas

To see the next few places, we found a full day tour to explore Doi Inthanon National Park.

Wachirathan Waterfall, Karen tribe village, and Doi Inthanon Summit: Venturing outside the city, we were mesmerized by the Wachirathan Waterfall’s powerful cascades within the lush surroundings of Doi Inthanon National Park. The journey reached its peak at the Doi Inthanon Summit, Thailand’s highest point, offering breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility above the clouds.

Pagoda Noppamethanedon & Pagoda Nopphonphusiri: These twin pagodas, erected in honor of the King and Queen’s birthdays, stand as a testament to the region’s architectural beauty and the reverence for the monarchy. Surrounded by gardens and overlooking scenic vistas, they provided a peaceful retreat and a moment of reflection.

Half Day Thai Cooking Course at Farm (Chiang Mai): In Chiang Mai, our culinary adventure reached new heights with a Half Day Thai Cooking Course at an organic farm, a hands-on experience that allowed us to pick fresh herbs and vegetables before cooking traditional Thai dishes such as curry, stir-fry, and spring rolls. Leading the cooking demonstration for our group, I learned the intricacies of Thai cuisine, from making curry paste from scratch to the final taste test, which was as educational as it was delicious. The course, adaptable for vegan and vegetarian diets, emphasized the importance of organic farming and sustainability, making our meal not just a feast for the taste buds but a lesson in mindful eating. With transportation included, this experience offered a seamless blend of learning and enjoyment, immersing us deeply into the local food culture and leaving us with memories and skills to last a lifetime. [literally just ordering Thai food online (in LA) after writing this…]

Ginger Farm Kitchen: Another highlight was dining at Ginger Farm Kitchen in One Nimman [after eating just a few hours earlier], where farm-to-table dishes showcased the best of Northern Thai ingredients.

Let’s Relax Spa: Our Chiang Mai experience concluded with a visit to Let’s Relax Spa (for like the 4th time in days), where traditional Thai massages offered a final dose of relaxation, perfectly encapsulating the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.

From the aromatic streets lined with culinary delights to the tranquil paths leading through ancient temples and natural wonders, Chiang Mai captivated our hearts. Each location we visited added layers to our understanding of this historic city, leaving us with memories etched in time and a longing to return.

Phuket: The Tropical Dream

Phuket greeted us with the embrace of sun-kissed shores and whispers of sea-salt-laden breezes. This island was the perfect combination of leisure and exploration, a tropical cocktail we savored slowly.

Keemala Resort: Nestled in the verdant hills, Keemala Resort was our hillside sanctuary, where luxury intertwined with nature’s symphony, each villa a secluded paradise singing in harmony with the tropical birds. The resort is beautiful! Buffet breakfast, driven around wherever, daily activities and many amenities – we were ready to stay longer.

Cheesing:

Taking it in:

Kamala Beach: The gentle lapping of the waves at Kamala Beach carried tales of the deep blue, each tide a secret unveiled at our feet.

Patong Beach: As the sun dipped below the horizon, Patong Beach transformed into a vibrant town filled with life and celebration, the epitome of island nightlife lived to its fullest.

Phi Phi Islands: A voyage to the Phi Phi Islands revealed nature’s artistry—a canvas where crystalline waters and jagged cliffs came together in perfect harmony. This part of the trip was actually insane. It felt as if we were in a different world most of the time. We entered dark caves with bats, bioluminescence, monkeys, mudskippers, cool looking fishes while snorkeling, and so many more interesting encounters. 

Krabi: The Postcard Perfect

Krabi was awesome. The sheer limestone cliffs stood as timeless sentinels over tranquil beaches, each cove a hidden chapter in the book of our journey. We were adventuring all over but eventually made it there!

We left the beautiful Keemala hotel (sadly), and opted to visit one of the biggest animals on earth to clear our minds.

Buket Elephant Park! This was lovely. At this point, I was truly present. These majestic lives were awe inspiring.

The Hiltop Ao Nang

After a full day of nature and ferrying across islands, nothing beats a beautiful hilltop dinner. What made it even better was when the sunset quickly transitioned to the heaviest monsoon rain we’ve ever seen also breaking apart the restaurant. It was awesome!

After a day of local relaxation, we where back to exploring!

Next stop? Railay Beach: Accessible only by boat, Railay Beach was an exclusive retreat crafted by nature. Here, the vertical cliffs extended an invitation to ascend, rewarding us with vistas so mesmerizing they seemed to leap straight from a dream.

Next stop??

Hot Springs, Emerald Pool, and the Blue Pool

Our first stop of the morning was the relaxing steam pool. Then, we travelled even further south … Amidst the lush foliage, the 150-Degrees-Fahrenheit Emerald Pool was a jewel of nature. Its waters, a hue to rival the most precious of gemstones, offered a refreshing respite, rekindling our appreciation for the simplest of nature’s gifts.

Tiger Cave Temple

Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Suea, is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of cultural exploration and physical challenge. This Buddhist complex isn’t just a religious site for resident monks; it’s a captivating maze of natural caves nestled within a lush jungle valley. Ascend over 1,200 steps – take your time and enjoy the panoramic views! – and reach the summit where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Explore the caves, some rumored to have housed tigers in the past, and delve into the temple’s history through archaeological finds like pottery shards and a mold believed to be used for Buddha’s footprints. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or an adventurous traveler, the Tiger Cave Temple offers a unique experience in Krabi.

What it was like getting to the top…

From Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour

Imagine cruising through crystal-clear waters [Picture 1], limestone cliffs rising majestically on either side. We dived into vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish [Picture 2], snorkeled amongst hidden coves accessible only by boat. Pristine beaches beckoned, with Maya Bay, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio, a must-see [Picture 3]. But the Phi Phi Islands offered more than just one stunning beach. We explored hidden coves like Ao Lo Samah, feeling like true castaways. A playful encounter awaited at Monkey Beach, where a colony of monkeys frolicked on the shore [Picture 4]. History whispered from the Viking Cave, adorned with ancient paintings, as we cruised past [Picture 5]. This Phi Phi Island speedboat tour was more than just sightseeing; it was an immersive experience filled with island bliss. Packed with our swimsuits and a sense of adventure, this day was pure paradise!

After all the adventures, we went back to our resort in beautiful Krabi to spend our last day 🙁 …

And, after enjoying the breathtaking beach vibes of Krabi, we went back to Bangkok, the giant bustling city with a million and a half things to do.

Final Thoughts, finally…

Thailand captivated our senses with a symphony of experiences. Our taste buds danced with the delightful culinary escapades, each meal a vibrant tapestry of spices and fragrant herbs. We embraced the playful “heat” balanced by the sweetness of tropical fruits and the comforting richness of local grains.

Venturing In the Footsteps of History, we unraveled narratives etched in ancient temples and whispered by the Andaman Sea. Thailand’s rich tapestry unfolded with each step, revealing bygone kingdoms, seafaring pirates, and legends brought to life.

Our 14-day odyssey wasn’t just a trip; it was an embrace of wanderlust. Navigating the Land of Smiles, we discovered Thailand as an emotion, a collection of moments that painted a masterpiece of memories. Each sunset marked a chapter’s end and a new memory’s dawn, reflecting the journey’s passion and tranquility.

Thailand, you gifted us stories for a lifetime, laughter that echoes in our hearts, and an adventure forever etched in our souls. Are you ready to embark on your own page-turning adventure? Thailand awaits, beckoning you to become the protagonist in its captivating narrative.