Back in February, I got the opportunity to travel to Thailand for a week with my friend Nika. We decided to spend a few days in Bangkok, and then relax for the last half in Phuket. It was a much needed break from South Korea. The people were so kind, the weather was wonderful, the food delicious, and the memories were epic.
We landed in the afternoon and checked into our hotel in the heart of Bangkok. After we got settled, we met some friends at the Cassette Music Bar Ekamai for some fun cocktails and live music. The bar itself looked like a fairytale land with flowers and lights dangling from the ceiling. After drinks, we happened upon a 'Michelin Star' Shrimp Pad Thai feast at Khao. The night ended with dancing at one of many Bangkok nightclub establishments.
The next day was filled with sightseeing. We started off with a yummy breakfast at a local cafe, then spent a few hours walking the grounds of the Grand Palace. Roughly 1,000 photos were taken, history was absorbed, etc. Afterwards we ventured to the riverfront and booked a boat to take us on a scenic tour on the water. We saw GIANT carp, a floating market, more temples, and statues along the banks...it was magical. We took a tuk tuk to dinner and sat outside enjoying crabs, shrimp rolls, and shrimp fried rice. When we got back to the hotel, we enjoyed our rooftop pool, met some people at a night market, and ended the night with more dancing.
Our last day in Bangkok was spent shopping in Chatuchak Weekend Market. Souvenirs and Thai Tea were purchased in mass quantities. That night we flew to Phuket, and shortly after landing realized we wanted to never leave.
In Phuket we were surrounded by palm trees, our resort had a beautiful pool and easy access to the beach. Within a day, we were lounging at Cafe Del Mar Phuket, a beach club that had photo ops, water sports, cocktails and seafood galore, and access to one of the most beautiful oceans I've stepped foot into.
Phuket was where we feasted on so many different Thai cuisines and typically enjoyed a daily massage (foot massage, full body, etc.) for practically nothing. We ventured to Patong Beach and Bangla Walking Street and road so many tuk tuks. We took excursion tours, and I caught a show.
My two favorite tours involved a day at an elephant sanctuary and a half day boat tour to local smaller islands. I loved elephants before, but to see them up close and be able to feed them, give them a mud batch, and play in a pool together...was a whole other level of bliss. They are such noble creatures, and they were all rescues. I would do that experience again in a second, and recommend it to anyone in Thailand. The sanctuary also taught Nika and I to make our own Pad Thai from scratch, which we enjoyed for lunch..
The half day boat tour ended my trip, after a night of minor food poisoning thanks to some bad seafood from a street vendor. Somehow I forced myself on the boat, I was not about to miss the opportunity. I got coconut drinks, snorkeled with a lot of cute fish, relaxed on the beach, and went jet skiing.
I wish I could've spent longer there, but I'll definitely be back. Thailand was 5/5 stars. It was a sad day when I had to board the plane home.
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