Thailand, known for its pristine beaches and beautiful islands is also one of the cheapest and most affordable countries to travel to. And when I was planning for my first solo trip abroad last year, I couldn't think of any better place than Thailand.
As I had limited time and so much to see, I decided to skip Bangkok and directly go exploring, two of the most gorgeous Thai islands in the South - Phi Phi & Koh Lanta. After that I took a day's haul in Phuket and left straight out for North Thailand to explore a more cultural side of the country - Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai
Sharing my itinerary and experiences through my photos :
Day 1 : Bangalore - Phuket - Phi Phi Don
After landing in Phuket early morning, it took almost almost 2-3 hours to complete the entire VOA process as there was a lot of rush. I got free around 11:00 am , got out of the airport and booked a taxi straight to Rassada Pier which is about an hour drive from the airport.
Reached there right in time to catch the 12:00 pm ferry to Phi Phi Don. Enjoyed a scenic view of the ocean on the way from Phuket to Phi Phi, completely surrounded by turquoise blue waters.
Reached Phi Phi Don by 2:00 pm and checked-in to the Hotel, got fresh and went out walking and exploring the island - white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, constant sound of the waves crashing the shore, cute beach side cafes, the market and the chaos - Everything was just PERFECT!
Day 2: Phi Phi Islands Tour
Woke up early morning to enjoy a quick swim at the hotel's infinity pool overlooking the beach. It was relaxing time and perks of waking up early that you get the place entirely for yourself. Later, I had breakfast and left for the full day Phi Phi Island Tour.
There were about 15-20 people in the group and we went on a speed boat. The guide Jackie was super friendly and the tour overall was an amazing experience. We visited Monkeys beach, Vikings Cave, went snorkeling at Koh Phi Phi Leh, stopped by for lunch at the Bamboo beach, I jumped off into the ocean from the boat, saw some cliff side caves and Maya Bay from afar as it was high tide and we couldn't get down.
It was very first experience with the underwater world in general and I absolutely loved it. Phi Phi Islands is definitely hyped for a reason! Didn't have much time on hand for Scuba but definitely doing it on my next trip :)
Day 3 & 4: Koh Lanta
Checked out of the hotel in Phi Phi Don and left for the pier around 11:00 am. As it was a weekend, one of my friends staying in Singapore had decided to join me for 2-3 days. I met him at the pier and we both left for Koh Lanta.
The feeling of being amidst the ocean is unparalleled. As I was nearing Koh Lanta, I could see the changing colors of the ocean. The waters slowly turned from turquoise to green.
As we reached Koh Lanta's pier, we hired a tuk tuk to the hotel, checked-in, got fresh, rented a scooter from the reception and left to explore the island. Koh Lanta, is a rather laid back island with fewer tourists.
Lots and lots of greenery, jungle, scenic roadways, national parks, cliff side restaurants, quaint beaches, beach side bars - Koh Lanta has my heart <3
Next day, we booked a four island tour with one of the local operators and went island hopping with a bunch of other tourists and had a complete blast.
Day 5: Phuket
Left from Koh Lanta early morning around 8:00 am. It takes around 4 hours to get to Phuket. Reached around noon and checked-in to a hostel near the airport as the next day, I had an early morning flight to Chiang Rai and my friend had a flight back to Singapore.
We rented a scooter and went out exploring the streets of Phuket and oh! what an amazing ride it was!! Loved how there is so much greenery everywhere. Stopped by for lunch at a Lillo Beach Restaurant and enjoyed the amazing views. Went to Patong beach later and spent the night dancing and partying at the New York Sports Bar where there was a live band performance for the night.
Day 6 & 7: Chiang Rai
I had an early morning flight to Chiang Rai from Phuket. My friend left for Singapore and I boarded my flight to Chiang Rai. After reaching Chiang Rai I took some rest until late afternoon but later got stuck at the hostel again because of rains. Finally the rain stopped after a few hours and I went out, rented a scooter and went to visit the Blue Temple and the clock tower.
Next day woke up early and went to visit the famous Wat Rong Khun aka the White Temple. Visiting this architectural marvel was the sole reason I had made a pitstop in Chiang Rai.
And was it worth it?
One Hundred Percent!
Stopped by an old temple on my way back, had lunch and checked out as I had a bus to Chiang Mai.
Day 8 & 9: Chiang Mai
Reached Chiang Mai in the evening of day 7 and went to Pub Crawl with the hostel mates.
Next day woke up and rented a scooter and went exploring the temple town. First made a stop at Chedi Luang temple and then I went on a long drive in the hilly region of the city on the way to Doi Suthep. Lost my way may times in between and found a way back. Gave a lift to an English guy I met on the road and we both explored the remaining places together.
Next day I went to visit the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai and later roamed around the streets of city until afternoon before heading off to the airport to catch my flight back to Bangalore.
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