THAILAND
My first visit to Thailand was truly a unique and culturally immersive experience, unlike any other vacation I’ve had before. The way Thailand blends its rich traditions with the modern world is incredible—from the bustling cityscapes to the serene, ancient temples that stand as symbols of the country’s deep-rooted heritage. The temples are breathtaking, with their intricate designs and peaceful atmospheres, while the people were so kind and welcoming, making me feel at home. The food? Absolutely delicious! Every dish was a burst of flavors, and the street food was an adventure of its own. One of the highlights of my trip was being there during the Loy Krathong festival, a beautiful tradition where people release decorated floating lanterns into rivers to pay respect to the water goddess. Participating in such a cultural experience made me feel more connected to the people, something I’ve always sought through travel but found challenging as someone who’s naturally introverted. And of course, the night markets were so much fun—full of life, lights, and treasures waiting to be discovered!
During my 2-week vacation in Thailand, I managed to visit just three major cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. While each place offered its own unique charm—from the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the tranquil temples of Chiang Mai and the stunning beaches of Koh Samui—I know I barely scratched the surface of what this incredible country has to offer. There’s so much more to explore and experience, and I can’t wait to return to dive deeper into Thailand’s rich culture, traditions, and hidden gems!
BANGKOK
Bangkok is a captivating city, known for its vast size, bustling energy, and endless options for lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. It can feel overwhelming at first, but that’s part of its charm! I found it comparable to Manila, though Bangkok offers even more stunning temples to explore. What truly stood out to me was how beautifully the city preserves its cultural heritage. It’s not uncommon to be driving past sleek, modern skyscrapers, only to spot a majestic temple with towering spires and intricate sculptures right next door. The contrast between the old and new is striking, yet seamlessly blended.
Below, I’ve highlighted some of the restaurants, hotels, and activities from my trip. While it's a modest list for now, I hope to expand it with each visit to Thailand, creating a more comprehensive guide to this amazing city!
Come check out my Youtube travel vlog of Bangkok here!
CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai is hands-down my favorite city in Thailand so far. It’s the perfect blend of city vibes and laid-back mountain life. There aren’t towering skyscrapers or fancy rooftop bars, but it still feels young, busy, and modern. The Old City, especially, stole my heart—you can walk down any street and easily pass two temples. And the food scene? Amazing! From buzzing night markets to chill street food stalls and even Michelin-recommended spots, there’s something for everyone.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting an elephant sanctuary. It’s super important to research and find ones that treat the elephants ethically, especially since elephant tourism is big in Thailand. We opted for a private tour at Elephant Rescue Park, where we got to feed the elephants and hang out as they roamed freely. It’s all about finding experiences that respect the animals' natural routine.
Chiang Mai also wins for the best shopping! If you’re into unique silver jewelry, check out Nova Jewelry—I picked up an awesome mixed-metal ring and a silver bracelet. For boutique shopping, hit up One Nimman, and if you’re there on a Friday or Saturday, don’t miss the small business market just outside. It’s perfect for grabbing cute, locally made souvenirs.
We visited during the start of Loy Krathong, and the whole city was lit up with colorful lanterns. At sunset, you can set off your own lantern and either release negative vibes or make a wish. The weekend night markets were especially fun, with tourists and locals coming together to celebrate.
Chiang Mai is seriously a great time. Check out my restaurant and activity highlights below!
Also, come check out my Youtube vlog in Chiang Mai here!
KOH SAMUI
We arrived in Koh Samui just in time for the big Loy Krathong festival, and honestly, it felt like a total cleanse. We set our krathong afloat on the lake and then got an extra surprise—a full-on downpour! It was like a mental, emotional, and physical reset all in one. The days after that were perfectly sunny and warm, so everything just felt aligned.
When we travel, we always plan for about 75% adventure and early mornings, then reserve the last 25% for pure relaxation where we barely leave the resort. Thailand was no different. We stayed at Vana Belle, a luxury resort tucked away on Chaweng Beach, and it was absolute paradise. For two days, we didn’t leave the resort—just soaking up the views from our balcony infinity pool, lounging at the hotel pool, or chilling by the beach. At night, we’d head into town for food and drinks. The main area near the lake has this cool mall with an upscale outdoor market that was fun to stroll through.
One night, we checked out a Muay Thai fight, and wow, that was intense! The local crowd was so fired up, it was impossible not to get swept up in the energy!
Check out my Koh Samui places to eat and activities below!
