Category Archives: Thailand

What all I learnt traveling around the world

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page” 

– Saint Augustine

Wow! What a quote on travel. Saint Augustine said everything in a phrase for which I need paragraphs to explain. Travel is my life and it is beyond everything. I had been traveling around the world not for a break to relax my mind but to explore and learn what I couldn’t learn through my books or under the guidance and to spend the qualitative time with my husband.

Traveling Around the world

Travel has polished and enriched me in every sense from being kind, patient and philosophical. I see the whole world with a different perspective and vision. So, now my life philosophy has changed and I repeatedly say “Invest in a book called – Travel. Get as many stamps in your passport as you can. Build up your own catalog of pictures and memories. Tomorrow there should be no regret of missing on anything”.

There is no end to what traveling around the world gave and taught me. I still want to quit rest and learn more. So, I have listed few lessons which travel around the world had already taught me so far.

  1. You explore new things what you haven’t done till today

Travel compels you to come out of your comfort zone and experience what is real life. It makes you realize that grass is not always green on the other side and sometimes it is the most challenging role to perform. The conversations with locals tell you how different lives can be with the common shared commonalities. Travel also makes you learn how you have to manage each penny when you have budgeted amounts.

Traveling Around the World

  1. Learn about new culture

While traveling around the world, you explore small towns, villages and of course big cities.  You meet different people; see different things, foods, different cultures, and traditions from yours. All this can’t be explored on the internet or taught by anyone but  all this can only be experienced. Might be some of the cuisines or cultures becomes your favorite and you imbibe that in yourself.

Thailand - Traveling Around the world

  1. The whole World is not that advance and every Human just wants to be happy

Traveling around the world will make you realize that the whole world is not that advanced as you think.  Every child is not spending time playing Xbox or teenager is not going to club. Still, children play in the puddles and enjoy making toys with the waste. But they are happy. They have cultivated their happiness in their surroundings. So, happiness is immaterial and comes from inside and thoughts. One can be happy in mountains, beaches, mansions, villas or just in a small house. But the prime goal for all human in all countries everywhere in the globe is just Happiness.

Happy Humans- Traveling Around the world

  1. Travel gives a new perspective to life

I stated in the second point that you learn about new cultures, new people, new cuisines etc. But in depth, all of these are some or more related. All the humans have same needs and same desires. It is just in the name of religion and politics people and countries are pulled apart. Still, there is a feeling of brotherhood and kindness for tourists and travelers.

Your family, your friends, and your job everything is important but there is much more in life. You learn to prioritize what is important and what is not. Travel around the world really helps you to broaden your horizons and think out of the box.

Jaipur - Traveling around the world

  1. Talking to strangers is not always bad

During travel, conversation with a stranger especially locals help you in learning more about that place. They guide you on what needs to be explored and what cannot be missed on. Locals actually help you to experience and live in that culture. And your fellow travelers on the move can help you with their travel guides and tips. Simultaneously you will have a new bunch of friends to go on the adventures together.

  1. You don’t need to plan everything in your life

Sometimes unplanned things and destinations lead you to beautiful experiences. I agree that planning is good but sometimes it can make you miss the awesome things you could have experienced otherwise. So, let the things go with their own flow especially with travel. You might fall in love with the place and want to embrace their culture and traditions. It is cool to get lost in unknown places to experience the most random and amazing things.

Sr Lanka - Traveling Around the world

  1. Certain things cannot be changed

There is no point of taking stress about the certain small things like missed bus or hotel booking or flight. Breathe with the situation and accept it. Instead, stress will dampen your morale and ruin your day. Traveling is all about fun, learning, exploring and seeing new good things. Learn from every mistake and situation so you organize the things better next time.

Overall traveling around the world had made me much more patient, knowledgeable and kind. And these are just a few lessons which I have learned till today. There is so much more to learn and explore. Life is short so enjoy and live every moment, whatever makes you happy.

Read the related post – 7 life lessons Himalayan trek taught me

10 places not to miss during Bangkok trip

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is a getaway to the Southeast Asian world. It is a must stop for few days when you are heading towards beautiful islands and beaches for vacations. The city is a crazy mash of ancient sites, shrines, colourful shopping malls, tourist treasure and culinary. Bangkok trip itself has lots to offers which cannot be covered in 3-4 days.

So, here we have shortlisted 10 places which cannot be missed during Bangkok trip.

  1. The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand palace built in 1782 lives up to its name with golden Chedis, statues, lush green ground and old chapel. It is located on the banks of Chao Phraya River and represents a great combination of Thai and European architecture. Wat Phra Kaew also known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha contains Buddha statue dating back to 14th century. For detail information about the temple, click here.

The Grand Palace - Bangkok Trip
Source -www.rahlat.com

Time to visit The Grand Palace – 8:30a.m – 3:30 pm, daily

Entrance Cost– 500 THB for tourist; Free for Thais

Important Note – Wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders; otherwise, you need to rent clothes outside the palace.

  1. Wat Pho – Temple of Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho the other famous landmark is located at the south of Grand Palace. One can reach here, by a 10-minute walk. The main attraction of this temple is 45 meters long and 15-metre high reclining statue of Lord Buddha covered in gold leaf. The sole of the feet are laid with precious stones and are divided into 108 panels, displaying auspicious symbols by which Buddha can be recognised. It is also a school of Thai medicine.

Wat Pho - Bangkok Trip

Time to visit Temple – 8:30a.m – 6:30 pm, daily

Entrance Cost– 100 THB for tourist;

Cost for Thai massage at Temple – 260 THB

Important Note – You need to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders, or you can rent or purchase clothes from outside. Somehow I managed to enter without covering my shoulders.

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  1. Wat Arun – The Temple of Dawn

The temple of Dawn is named after a Hindu God Aruna and one can reach temple through a ferry ride paying 5 THB. The best time to visit the temple is during sunset and night when the temple is fully lit up with lights. Before sunset, authorities let you climb till central prang, the mid-level of the temple. You will get the magnificent and mind-blowing views of city and sunset on the Chao Praya River.

Wat Arun - Bangkok trip

Time to visit Temple – 8:30a.m – 5:30 pm, daily

Entrance Cost– 20 THB for tourist;

Important Note – Wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders, to pay respect.

Also Read: Experiencing Thai food on a Bangkok Street Food Tour

  1. Wat Traimit – Temple of golden Buddha

The temple is located on Chinatown road and it houses the world’s largest massive gold seated lord Buddha. The statue is nearly five metre in height and weighs five and a half ton. Till today no one has been able to trace the origin of this priceless statue and is believed to be of Sukhothai period.

Wat Traimit - The Golden Buddha - Bangkok trip

Time to visit Temple – 9:00a.m – 5:00 pm, daily

Entrance Cost– Temple visit is free and 10 THB for museum visit

Important Note – You need to cover your head and maintain silence in the premises

  1. Chatuchak Market – Weekend Shopaholic Paradise during Bangkok trip

The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the world’s largest markets with more than 15,000 stalls. It is a must visit during a Bangkok trip as it is a house of everything – clothes, jewellery, plants, pottery, souvenirs and most importantly all types of Thai food. So, it is quite exciting to visit. You need a complete full day to explore it. Once you have moved ahead, it is very tough to find the last shop from where you wanted to make a purchase. Therefore the advice is to buy immediately what you like, after bargaining. For detail information, check here.

chatuchak Market - Bangkok trip
Source -www.bangkok.com

Market timings – Saturdays & Sundays 9:00a.m – 6:00 pm; Friday – 6pm – 12 am. On Wednesday and Thursdays, it is open for plants from 7:00 am – 6 pm

Important Note – Be aware of pickpockets, bargain as much as you can and don’t trust on vendors for antique unless you have an eye for them.

Also Read: The best places to stay in Bangkok

  1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

This is one of the most famous floating markets and is located at a distance of 1.5 hours from Bangkok. It’s lively and colourful but too much crowded with tourists. You can find stalls selling almost everything- Thai handicrafts, souvenirs which you could find too at Chatuchak market. The best is to enjoy fresh fruits, food, and interaction with the locals on the boat.

Damnoen Sadauk Floating Market - bangkok trip

Timings – opens daily in the morning at 6:00 am –till noon

Pricing– By long tail boat 2000 -3000 THB

Important – Check for the boats run by government authorities, leave early around 5 to avoid harsh sun, check the prices

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  1. Boat trip on Chao Phraya River

Boat ride while Bangkok trip is on every tourist wish list. You can opt for a complete day or half day trip with Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. Boat trip gives you the opportunity to see the city in different perspective. They provide service at 8 piers and tourist can get down on any pier to explore the same.

Chao Phraya river - Bangkok trip
Source -www.ozasiatraveller.com

Timings –9:30 am –7:30 pm

Pricing– At times it’s free or you can take day pass

Important – You can hop up and down at any pier and catch any of their boats for returning back

  1. China Town

With the sunset, China Town Street in Bangkok gets laid with the food street cuisines. On the streets, you will get not only Chinese cuisines but others too at decent enough prices. It is spread over a kilometre and is unique and fascinating. Photographers can try their hands here for the colourful and bright pictures.

Chinatown - Bangkok trip
Source – www.bangkokattractions.com

Timings –open 24 hrs

  1. Jim Thompsons House

The Jim Thompson house now turned into a museum is a lovely garden enclosed compound on the banks of Saen Saeb canal. It contains old Thai structures that Jim Thompson collected between 1950 -1990. This house makes you look and admires the Thailand’s traditional architecture, beautiful silk, and art. Outside there is lush green gardens and pond to sit and relax.

Jim Thompson House - Bangkok trip
Source -www.sirinyas-thailand.de

Timings – 9:00am -6:00 pm

Pricing– 150THB

  1. Maeklong Railway Market

Bangkok has several markets but this railway market has something unique. There is a train running in the middle of the market, that also several times a day. The market is just down the street from the Maeklong Railway Station, which is the last stop along the railway line. A little warning bell rings over the speaker system just a few minutes before the arrival of the train. Within a few minutes of a buzzer, vendors pull back their specially designed awnings. This market is locally known as Talat Rom Hoop which means “Market Umbrella Close”.

maeklong-railway-market - Bangkok trip
Source -www.messynessychic.com

Timings – 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Important Note – check the train departure and arrival time to get the full view of Maeklong railway market on Bangkok trip. You can easily get out of the train, and walk into the market. Buy a ticket for getting onto the train.

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Also Read: South East Budget guide

Phi Phi Tour Bucket list

You are off to one of the most beautiful Island Phi Phi of Krabi province for 2 days and confused what to do. So, here is a bucket list for Phi Phi tour.

Things to do at Phi Phi Tour

1. Boat trip to Maya Bay

A beautiful white sand bay surrounded by 100 meter high cliffs on three sides is a hidden treasure in the middle of the blue sea. The sheer beauty of this place attracts more than a hundred tourists every day, so it’s highly crowded. But if you want to have an adventure then go for Maya Bay Sleep Aboard tour.

Maya Beach - Phi Phi Tour
Source – www.flickr.com

Maya Bay Sleep aboard Tour

The boat departs in the late afternoon and takes you around for swimming, snorkeling before reaching shore. In the evening they arrange for Barbeque and mini-camp sites. At night swimming in the perfect temperature water with bioluminescent planktons and gazing at bright stars, makes your life perfect.  Tripper too gets the chance to sleep in the boat or if lucky enough then at the beach.

Maya Bay Sleep aboard tour - Phi Phi tour
Source -www.destination-adventure.com

All this gives you a chance to see the different version of this tourist trapped island, in the evening when people are departing as well as during early mornings when it is empty.

2. Trek to Koh Phi Phi View Point

The best time to trek is early morning when the sun is not too hot. From the point, one can see the complete view of Koh Phi Phi and two major bays. I should say it is the hell of the view, I had never imagined.

Phi Phi View Point - Phi Phi Tour

3. Island Hoping at Phi Phi Tour

Hire a long-tailed boat for 6hrs, for 2500-3000 THB. It is an excursion designed to hop Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Monkey Bay, Maya Bay and Tonsai Village with few hours of shopping and swimming. Sail back around sunset as you will get to see the spectacular view of the shaded sky and sunset in the ocean.

Island Hoping - Phi Phi Tour

4. Enjoy Nightlife 

Even if you are not a party material head towards the beach, during late evening to experience the beach madness. Buy yourself a drink and chill. In no time, the whole beach will turn alive with music, fire shows, and parties. These parties continue till sunrise.

Beach Party - Phi Phi Tour
Source – www.youtube.com

Apart from this enjoy Thai boxing matches at the beach bars (Reggae Bar). You can also fight in the ring and win yourself a bucket of booze.

5. Snorkelling

Go for snorkeling in the crystal clear bluish green water at Hat Yao. In Idyllic temperature, you will get to see various colorful and exotic marine lives. Sometimes you will also get a chance to see shark and clownfishes too.

Snorkeling - Phi Phi tour
Source -www.phuket.com

 6. Party on boat while at Phi Phi Tour

If you are looking to party on the beach with an unlimited beer, vodka, and rum, then hop on to Captain Bobs Booze Cruise. It’s a 6 hrs sailing trip from 1 pm – 6 pm. Admission to cruise happens only with snorkeling gear, Kayaks, and fishing. The charges for a trip vary from 2400 -3000 Thailand Bhat (THB).

Captain Bob's Booze cruise - Phi phi tour
Source – www.youtube.com

 7. Rock Climbing

For adventure, hop on to the Tonsai beach. There is a huge 200- meter limestone tower famous for rock climbing. The tower has been bolted to reach the top for beginners to advanced climbers. There are many companies at the beach who assists and provide training for a half or full day tours.

Rock Climbing - phi phi tour
Source – www.railay.com

8.  Dive at Highest Vertical Wall

The largest underwater formation at Hing Daeng protrudes 3 meters above the waterline. Above the waterline, there are barren rocks but as you descend down red corals attract you to dive deeper. The diving depth goes up to 70 meters, so be careful where to stop. Also, watch sharks and manta rays.

Diving - Phi Phi Tour
Source – www.divetheworldthailand.com

9. Sail to Viking Caves

Viking cave located at the north-western tip of Phi Phi Leh is not open for tourism. Boatman stops boat near the cave to see the tangles of platforms and altars set by Thai people to honor the spirits of the cave. There are paintings of boats and elephants on the walls of cave probably made by sea gypsies or pirates.

Viking Cave - phi phi tour
Source -www.siamadventureworld.com

10. Shark Watching  at Phi Phi Tour

Leave early around 6:00 am, at the eastern end of the long beach, Hin Phae. Here you can swim with black tip reef sharks at a depth of 1-2 meter. These sharks are not dangerous. If you are not afraid and remain calm, they will gather around you exquisitely.

Sharks - Phi Phi Tours
Source -www.friendlybooking.com

From Thailand, just don’t hop back without exploring the border country Cambodia, especially when crossing the Thailand – Cambodia border is just like a piece of cake. Read the complete guide here.

Place which calls me again & again – Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

The turquoise blue water, limestone cliffs, bleached golden beaches and coral reefs beautify this island no less than a paradise. Yes, I am talking about the Island Koh Phi Phi in Thailand, which is at number one in every traveler’s list. Moreover “The Beach” movie and star Leonardo Di Caprio brought this beautiful, bluish green water island to the limelight and fame.

Koh Phi Phi Thailand
Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Island Koh Phi Phi archipelago consists of two islands –Phi Phi Lee/Leh/Ley an uninhabited island 1.5 km away from Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Don is a permanently habituated island made of limestones.

Recent History of Koh Phi Phi Island

The Koh Phi Phi islands were completely devastated by the Indian Ocean 2004 tsunami. Ton Sai village on Koh Phi Phi Don was nearly wiped out. With new building codes to preserve views, Koh Phi Phi’s infrastructure has been rebuilt.

How to reach?

The Phi Phi Island lies around 45 kilometers from the mainland coast of Krabi and 48 kilometers from the island of Phuket. They are accessible by ferry and speedboat on daily basis. From both Krabi and Phuket province, there are fixed timetables for ferry take off and it usually takes around 90 minutes whereas speedboat takes around 30 -45 minutes.

Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi?

Ton Sai Village is the place to stay if you want fun, party, nightlife and more action. Most of the hotels, budgeted accommodation, party places and restaurants are located here. If you are looking for a relaxing stay with much fewer crowds, then Long Beach is the ideal location with picturesque beaches, tall island cliffs, and good food. The proper signage will lead you to the long beach through uphill- downhill and forest paths. There are no night parties at the long beach. You can walk down or go by boat to Ton Sai Village for the same.

What to do?

  • Relax and get mesmerized by the beauty of this secluded place
  • Give yourself a treat with sunbath
  • Munch over seafood and Thai food
  • Go for day trip to the nearby islands
  • Do swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear water
  • Dip in the beauty of coral reefs
  • Party whole night on the beach with the bucket of drinks
  • Dance on sand without shoes
  • Watch enchanting crazy fire shows and observe people who jump and walk on fire
  • Get lost in the neon colors of beach at night
  • Watch sunset before and sunrise after party
  • Stroll around the local market
  • Color yourself with the pretty prints of beach dresses
  • Get yourself inked if you have been thinking about it for a long time
  • At the end of the day, go for Thai massage and fish spas. They are actually relaxing

Do also read the complete Phi Phi Tour Guide, before heading to Island.Activities at Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Must Carry Essentials

  • Swim Suit, Beachwear & Towel
  • Shorts
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Sunshades
  • Hat
  • Comfortable flip flops
  • Underwater Camera
  • Anti-mosquito lotion or cream
  • Water bottle and some handy eatables

Don’t forget to check detailed post on Beach Packing list.