Thailand
Off the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Chiang Mai
$10 massages, elephant sanctuaries, and a whole lot of Wats. In college, everyone studied abroad in Italy. In the 20s working world, everyone does a “life changing” trip to Thailand.
Like most millennials, I found my first Thailand trip to be as beautiful, cultural, and exciting as I expected it to be.
Chiang Mai is known for its elephant sanctuaries, lush mountains, and vibrant street markets. We spent our days slurping down the regional favorite Khao Soi (a noodle soup with a curry base) and used our nights to dance with hundreds of other westerners at Zoe in Yellow (my favorite bar in the world - sorry Brooklyn).
The city is full of expats and Westerners, making it a fairly comfortable experience and ideal pit stop for any Southeast Asia travel.
Railay
I absolutely loved Railay. The moment that Rachel and I got into our hotels, we spent 2 hours trying to figure out how to cancel our flight the following night to the United States so we could spend more time here.
Railay is a jungle island sanctuary surrounded by the most beautiful Grecian hotels, funky looking treehouse bars, and the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen.
Phi Phi islands
The only word I can use to describe Koh Phi Phi is: wreckless. Our days were full of monkeys taking over our hotel pool, our afternoons were full of drunk British kids tackling us off the boats (lovingly), and our nights were full of people jumping into fire pits. Glad I got to see Phi Phi and don’t need to see it again.
A 12 day itinerary
in Thailand:
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Day 2 - 4 (Chiang Mai):
That’s right. Hop on a flight straight to Chiang Mai.
Check out the insanely peaceful and serene views on top of the highest mountain in the area, Doi Suthep
Climb up a rushing waterfall at Bua Tong Waterfalls, aka Sticky Waterfall
Try not to buy something at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Visit an Elephant Sanctuary! (Make sure its a legit sanctuary)
Hit my favorite bar in the world: Zoe in Yellow
Day 5 (Krabi)
The Vegas of Thailand. Drunk old creepy men everywhere. Trashy vibes. We just used as a pit stop to stay a night before we hit Koh Phi Phi.
Day 6-7 (Phi Phi Islands): There are SO many islands to choose from in Thailand. But if you only have time for one - start with the well known Koh Phi Phi.
Spend the day doing a boat tour. You can either get your own private boat or try the Blanco Boat Party (warning: you’ll be surrounded by wreckless, drunk British and Australian kids all day)
Check out the insane nightlife . Everywhere you turn, there is a fire show, Thai boxing show and/or literal buckets of alcohol being shoved/throw onto you.
Climb up to the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint for a beautiful sunset + panoramic views
Day 8-10 Railay
Wow. My favorite spot in Thailand (granted I’ve only been to 5).
Phra Nang Beach - go to Princess Cave and check out the cove
Go kayaking to Ao Phra Nang
Tew Lay Bar - the Treehouse Bar
Spend the night roaming down Walking Street
Day 11-12 Bangkok
End the your trip with endless massages, manicures, body wraps, coffee scrubs, unbelievable phad thai from the streets, and partying on Khao San Road
