Bangkok

We spent 3 nights in this city which is a study of contrasts. Bangkok is simultaneously traditional and modern, noisy and serene. It takes a few days to get used to it for sure.

Bangkok

@aviva

Add to

Details

The Sukhothai Bangkok

@aviva

Beautiful five star hotel with all the amenities in a tranquil setting. Gorgeous pool, incredible buffet, impeccable service. The hotel blends modern conveniences and traditional Thai architecture.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

St Regis Bangkok

@aviva

Beautifully and well appointed hotel. Located in one of the large skyscraper. Very standard 5 star hotel. Amazing and comfortable but nothing special

Add to

Details

Taling Chan Floating Market

@aviva

Cute local and somewhat small floating market.

Add to

Details

Chao Phraya

@aviva

A river cruise on Chao Phraya (River of Kings) gives a great intro to BKK. There are many small canals that branch off the river as BKK was once dubbed the “Venice of the East’. You will see floating markets, traditional Thai houses and lots of Tilapia!

Add to

Details

Wat Arun

@aviva

Beautiful temple next to the river. Would recommend going in the evening to see it lit up

Add to

Details

The Grand Palace

@aviva

Incredible complex with multiple temples including the Reclining Buddha. We took a guided tour but you can also buy your ticket and get the audio guide. Modest dress is required. Capped sleeves and long skirt/pants required

Add to

Details

Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

@aviva

Aisles and aisles of flowers. It’s a quick visit but worth it for the sights and smells

Add to

Details

Khao San Road

@aviva

Short promenade that is a haven for backpackers. Crazy loud and kinda seedy with low budget hotels and bars offering cheap drinks and laughing gas, souvenir shops and foot massages everywhere. Very loud. I felt like I was 100.

Add to

Details

Polo Fried Chicken

@aviva

Delicious fried chicken! Local spot, close to the Sukothai Hotel. The chicken is deep fried but it’s not breaded. Also Marta Steward filmed an episode of her show here. So, if it’s good enough for Martha….

Add to

Details

Moon Bar

@aviva

Located in the Banyan Tree Hotel (next door to the SukhotThai Hotel). 68th floor rooftop bar, great views. Opens at 6. Recommended to go after sunset. No casual dress. Men cannot wear open toed shoes.

Add to

Details

Tropic City

@aviva

Voted one of the top 50 bars in the world. Be sure to make a reservation

Add to

Details

Crimson Room

@aviva

Beautiful bar with fabulous cocktails. Live jazz music. It’s pricey and there is a minimum spend required. Still worth it.

Add to

Details

Bar.Yard

@aviva

A resto/bar located on the 40th floor. Decent food and decent views. It’s located in a beautiful complex where lots of high end restos/shops are located

Add to

Details

Bright Green Stones (JTC Branch)

@aviva

Thailand is one of the best places in the world to buy loose gem stones. They have all shapes and sizes and price points at this lovely store. They take credit cards too!

Add to

Details

Chiang Mai

Spent 3 nights here. Our group loved this city. It has a young and vibrant feel to it with loads of travellers using Chiang Mai as as gateway to adventure. Definitely spend time walking around and getting massages in the old city (an area around Chiang Mai that is surrounded by a moat)

There are markets and bike tours, elephant visits and cooking classes available and many different adventure options that can take you out of the city.

Chiang Mai

@aviva

Add to

Details

Shangri-La Chiang Mai

@aviva

We stayed here because of the resort amenities for the kids. The hotel and surrounding grounds are large with all the amenities. Overall a bit dated and needs a refresh. All the food at the breakfast buffet was delicious. They even have a salad bar which was very welcome! There are definitely other choices if it’s adults only or you don’t want that resort feel.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

@aviva

Check Prices

Add to

Details

Khao Soy Maesai

@aviva

The real deal. The Khao soy here is rich and spicy and sour and the noodles are perfectly tender on the bottom and crispy crunchy on top. We got the chicken and the beef to mix it up.

Add to

Details

Goodsouls Kitchen

@aviva

Vegan restaurant with wonderful smoothie bowls. Great choice when you just can’t eat more Pad Thai.

Add to

Details

The North Gate Jazz Co-Op

@aviva

Very happening jazz bar with incredible musicians, lively scene and good drinks. There are usually so many people here that the party overflows into the street - hard to get a table.

Add to

Details

The Food Trust CNX

@aviva

A great option when you just can’t eat anymore street food or noodles. Pizza, pasta, salad, burgers etc. more pricey than Thai restaurants but well worth it for the diversity.

Add to

Details

Women's Massage Center By Ex-Prisoner

@aviva

The change to give a woman who has served her time a chance to make an honest living.

Add to

Details

Wat Pha Lat Hike (Monk's trail)

@aviva

There are various routes you can take on this trail. Ranging from 45 minutes to three hours. To be honest I didn’t make it to this truck but people in our group did and they stayed the full three hours because it was just that enchanting.

Add to

Details

Chiang Rai

@aviva

We travelled to Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai. It’s a full-day trip and the way home is loooooong!

Add to

Details

Golden Triangle Border Checkpoint

@aviva

One of the most porous borders on earth. You’ve got a

Add to

Details

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

@aviva

A very bizarre and fascinating temple built by a famous Thai artist. Inside are crayzy murals covered in pop culture references. It’s like the Disney land of Bhuddist temples!

Add to

Details

Longneck Karen Village

@aviva

Debatable if this is a human zoo as the point is to come see the long neck Karen ladies. It’s a cultural experience for sure and interesting to see another culture and support these ladies.

Add to

Details

House of Opium Museum พิพิธภัณฑ์บ้านฝิ่น

@aviva

Fascinating!!! Showcases the history of the opium trade, tools used for production, poppy horticulture and more! History of the region and how colonial powers were in fact very supportive of this lucrative industry! But also remember - just say not to drugs!!!!

Add to

Details

Phuket

The ultimate chill beach scene. Keep in mind that Phuket is an island and there are different areas to stay on Phuket. The large international hotels are located on the western side of the Donald’s. We stayed at the southern point of Phuket which apparently is more low key and less large hotels.

Phuket

@aviva

Phuket is a relatively large island. When we were here we stayed in the south eastern part of the island away from where all the major hotel chains are located and about 45 minutes south of Old Town Phuket (20 minutes with no traffic)

Add to

Details

The Vijitt Resort

@aviva

Lovely and super chill resort. If you are looking for beach access this is not the spot for you. The resort is a bit tired however the standalone cabanas, outdoor showers and fab infinity pool more than make up for it. The resort is also located on a hill and if you don’t want to walk uphill to the lobby golf carts can shuttle you anywhere you want to go on the property! Also a great kite surfing outfit down the road!

Check Prices

Add to

Details

The Nai Harn, Phuket

@aviva

We didn’t stay at this hotel we discovered it while Looking for nearby beaches. It seems similar to the Vijitt with improved beach facilities.

Add to

Details

Phi Phi Islands

@aviva

Full day in the sun, the tour packs in a lot! And maybe even too much. That being said, the views are spectacular. Expect a ton of boat traffic and the average boat Carrie’s about 40 ppl with many many boats. It is crowded!!! An alternative to an organized tour may be to try and find a private boat. Which can take you where you want to go and stay for as long as you want. If you do that you still want to get a fast boat. It took us an hour by sea to get to Phi Phi. Look for a boat with at least two motors.

Add to

Details

Rai Island

@aviva

We stopped here as part of our tour of Phi Phi. It’s small almost sand bar like with chairs for rent, bars, tchotchkes, jet ski rentals etc. mix of locals and tourists

Add to

Details

Nai Harn Beach

@aviva

Didn’t actually make it to this beach. Reviews look positive and from the pics it seems like there are seats and umbrellas available to rent.

Add to

Details

Old Phuket Town

@aviva

SUPER cute town! Colour displays of Sino-Portuguese architectures. Great stores, restaurants, bars, sticky rice-ice cream joints. Great for an evening of strolling!

Add to

Details

Rawai Seafood Market

@aviva

Incredible concept. A laneway with restaurants on one side and fish mongers on the other. You buy your fish, and the restaurant cooks it for you based on weight. There are many different preparations available to choose from a photo based menu. There are side dishes available and other limited options for those who don’t eat fish/seafood. After dinner there are stands that sell rotis in different flavours and fruit stands with delicious peeled Pomelos. Hot tip: Oysters are best when grown in cold water. I’d avoid them here.

Add to

Details

Raya Restaurant

@aviva

Delicious Thai food with a focus on regional specialties. Located in a very cute Sino-Portuguese building.

Add to

Details

BOOST | Cafe & Restaurant Phuket

@aviva

Everyone was happy here. Delicious smoothies, burgers, pastas, salad. Great vibe!

Add to

Details

Tips

Bring Thai Baht with you. Surprising how few restaurants took credit cards. ATMs also work no problem. You will spend more cash than you think you will.

Women: Tampons are generally not used here. Remember to bring your own!