How I Lived My Best Life In Thailand

On my first day at the firm, I met someone that would become my very first B.F.W. (Best Friend at Work – do you use this term?). BFW is Thai and she introduced me to Thai food. The food, images, and prices got me thinking about visiting Thailand. On a December afternoon a few years later, I headed off. Little did I know that this was the beginning of a love affair with the land of smiles (Thailand) and South East Asia!

Spending two weeks across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, this was such a great trip! There are 1,001 blog posts with tips on how to spend two weeks in Thailand and the truth is, you could do this in so many great ways depending on your budget, time, and interests.  I’ll narrow it down to five highlights from my trip but there’s  so much more. In my opinion, there is something for everyone in Thailand from temples, to beach parties, beaches, to forests, city to remote hill tribes, and great food and excellent service all the way.

Thai Food– Street Food & Cooking Class:

No surprise here, considering that food was my first introduction to Thailand. I was definitely not disappointed. As a lover of  spicy savoury food and Thailand delivered in all three locations. I went on my first Street Food tour in Bangkok with Chilli Paste Tours and it was fantastic. We ate SO MUCH FOOD in a few hours. Favorite bits on the tour was making Papaya salad in the streets, and trying all sorts of insects. This tour was that it took us to places we’d never have found on our own. Aside from eating, we also got to visit an artist and see a Muppet show.

I also took a Thai cooking class (another first) while in Thailand. My friends weren’t keen so I went solo. I made papaya salad, spring rolls, Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and a chicken curry dish. I totally overate!

Tip: When in Bangkok, definitely try a street food tour or at least go on Khao San Road for street food. We did both! Most Thai cities/islands have cooking classes as well. These are so fun and interactive; one can do a cooking class solo, with friends, or as a couple.

 

Massages Galore

I got four massages in two weeks, two full body massages and two foot massages after long days of walking. I struggle to spend money on massages at home because they’re too pricey, but in Thailand, they cost maybe $10. When in Thailand, get a massage…or 4 like I did! There are lots of massage parlors in Thailand (including those that provide ‘happy endings’). Several masseuses were fascinated to see black girls with braided hair, but they were so nice/complimentary about it.

Tip: Hotel spas are usually more expensive than independent businesses but still quite affordable. I usually ask around for recommendations from locals or fellow travellers, or use trip advisor for the most up to date reviews.

 

Kissed By An Elephant – A Day at an Elephant Sanctuary

Seeing and perhaps riding elephants in Thailand is on many lists, mine inclusive. However, as we prepared for the trip, we found out more about how many elephants are abused to cater to tourists. So I started looking into Elephant Sanctuaries instead. These places rescue mistreated or orphaned elephants and take care of them. Visitors can spend a day taking care of elephants: feeding them, bathing them, learning about them, and in some cases riding them but bare back only (no chairs on the elephants’ back). We spent a day at a sanctuary, but in recent times I’ve heard that even some of these sanctuaries aren’t the best for the animals. It was fun being dressed in mahout uniforms, feeding the elephants, learning to instruct them to turn left or right, being sprayed with water and ultimately, being kissed by one unexpectedly.

Tip: I went to Thailand in December 2013 and a lot has changed since then, definitely take your time looking into a specific sanctuary before booking. I’d dissuade anyone from riding on an elephant with a chair on it’s back. The elephant sanctuaries/Orphanages I found were in Chiang Mai.

Jumping Into The Sea — Without a Life Vest

I’m not an average swimmer and while I know enough now not to drown, at the time I went to Thailand I could not swim. One day we went on a day trip to Koh Phi Phi. As some point, everyone on our boat was jumping off the boat and into the water and I felt left out. Then, the guide told me to go for it  that I’d bob right up since the water was quite salty/buoyant. My friends egged me on as well. Since I don’t like to be a punk (but I’m one in real life when it comes to these things), and I didn’t want regrets, I did it. I jumped, without a life vest!!!! Thank God my mom doesn’t know! Sometimes, YOLO! PS I’m in no way recommending this!

Tip: Depending on what Island you visit in Thailand, a day trip or overnight visit to other Islands are a great way to explore more. We went on two different day trips. Again, I’d recommend trip advisor here for the most up-to-date best rated day trips/tours.

 

 

 

Night Markets & Artists:

There’s Patpong night market in Bangkok, and Anusam night Market in Chiang Mai. Wararot day time Market in the latter and Chatutak in Bangkok. There’s a vibe at these markets (especially Night Markets) that I love. Eating, bartering and shopping for souvenirs is always a great idea. I found Chiang Mai to have the most beautiful crafted items from pillow cases, to handmade Christmas ornaments, to journals, to home décor

Near the entrance to Anusam market, we stumbled upon a building with an entire floor of artists with incredible work! On a whim, I commissioned one of the artists to draw a picture I had on my phone. Till date, this is one of my favourite travel souvenirs!

 

Other Helpful Facts/Tips:

• You will need a valid yellow fever certificate when visiting Thailand
• Train travel is available, but domestic flights are quite affordable.
• Always bargain when shopping for souvenirs
• When visiting temples carry a scarf to cover your shoulders and knees or you’ll be given one at the entrance
• Thailand is a great introduction to South East Asia and the prices are pocket friendly
• While I went with friends, Thailand can easily be travelled solo as it is backpackers haven

Throughout Thailand, the people were exceptional; I was blown away at the great service whether we were staying in hostels, B&Bs, or resorts (we did all 3!). The land of Smiles did not disappoint. It was my first time travelling with my new travel buddies (met one at a work conference, and the other was a friend of hers). We got on so well; we’ve since traveled together multiple times and visited each other in different countries!

I could easily compile my trip information into a guide for Thailand showing itineraries and things to consider from my perspective. Would you be interested in a post like that? Have you been to Thailand, if you have where did you go and what were your highlights? If you’re planning a trip what are you most looking forward to?

Looking for more Southeast Asia inspiration? See my posts on the Philippines here and here and drop me a note or comment with questions on Vietnam!

 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please share using the social share buttons. To be notified of new posts, please subscribe to your right I don’t spam but I’m actively looking to grow my subscription list! I’m working on a monthly newsletter with insider information, and additional tips specifically for subscribers!!

 

Till next week!