Thailand

I went to Thailand a few months ago and  I am finally getting a chance to blog about it. I loved my time there - it was fun, cheap and I learned a ton. Overall the country is safe, I didn't feel like an outsider and you can get by easily speaking English. 

celebrating my birthday in Thailand

How I got there - I scored a cheap flight from JFK to Bangkok on China Eastern for $387 (with taxes & fees). China Eastern will get you there, but the food is horrible and the service is just OK. My two friends who were on vacation with me bought a ticket for roughly $600 on Cathay Pacific. They loved the service, food and free adult beverages. The pic below is the first class seat I should have bought for the long flight...I was in coach seating which was very tight.

first class seating - I was in coach :-/

We went to Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Definitely map out your time and book your inter-country flights in advance (We spent about $200 for inter-country flights). I recommend Thai Smile for inter-country flights - the service is great and there is good food.

Bangkok

How long you should stay: I think 2-3 days is more than enough in Bangkok. 

Where we stayed: If you have read my previous blogs, you will notice I prefer Airbnb over hotels. One of my friends traveling with me wanted to play it "safe" and stay in a hotel so we stayed at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. The service is great, awesome rooftop views and it is close to the train station.

How to get around: Take the train whenever you can - its cheap, easy to use and you get a bit of culture. If you do take taxis, be sure to ask them to turn the meter on (the drivers can be shady). Try to sneak in a ride on a tuk-tuk as well.

What to eat: We looked for any restaurant that was filled with locals and ate there. The food was super cheap and good. We also ate some street food, which I was a bit nervous about, but I am fine and it was better than the restaurants

I didn't eat the insects

awesome street food

highest restaurant prices we found (1USD=30Baht)

What we did: The Grand Palace, Floating Market (I think this was a waste of money and boring), Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) and we went to the downtown shopping area. 

we met some cool guys from the US

Phuket

How long you should stay: I think 2days is perfect.  

How to get around: Get a hotel close to the beach so you can easily get around by walking. We only took the taxi back and forth to the airport.

What to do: Phuket is one big party - think New Orleans meets South Beach. We got massages on the beach then enjoyed the nightlife with some friends we met from South Africa. If you want to relax or be a beach bum, my good friend who went with her husband recommends Krabi (Avatar Railay hotel). Next time I am in Thailand, I am going to skip Phuket and head to Krabi.

Chiang Mai

How long you should stay: I think 3-5days is perfect. Chiang Mai was my favorite city in Thailand

Where we stayed: We loved the Thai Akara Lanna Boutique Hotel. The hotel is beautiful, relaxing and close to temples.

sweet hotel message and cake from the hotel

How to get around: You can walk to most places and taxis are pretty cheap. 

What to do: Chiang Mai is full of culture and beautiful temples. I recommend taking 2 days to visit temples and take in the culture. The monks are pretty nice and will try to practice English by talking to you.

Be sure to visit the night market where there is tons of cheap tasty food. I also recommend going to May Kaidee cooking class, KANTA Elephant Sanctuary and Freedom yoga class.

I highly recommend going to Thailand. It great for a girls trip, romantic getaway or a family vacation. If you have any questions feel free to connect with me on Instagram - nutellaeuphoria or email me at Shevonne_b@yahoo.com.

Cheers!
Shevonne