Thailand: A Journey of Culture, Exploration, and Unexpected Surprises

Our adventure to Thailand was one I will never forget, a perfect mix of excitement, relaxation, and a touch of spontaneity. From the moment we left Texas, to the day we returned home, the trip was filled with unforgettable experiences.

We kept it simple with just one carry-on suitcase and a backpack to share between the two of us… a packing challenge I loved, especially since I’m a huge fan of fashion and was determined to bring all my cute outfits!

The Long Journey Begins

Our flight was long… 20 hours of flight time and a 9-hour layover in Japan, to be exact, but we were so excited about what was to come that the travel fatigue did not set in immediately. We flew from Dallas to Japan, and during that flight, we stayed awake the whole time. I’ll be honest: it was not hard to stay up. Between a couple of glasses of wine, playing chess together on our phones, and watching a movie or two, we were too pumped to sleep. We had big plans to explore Tokyo during our layover, but after landing and realizing the time difference (it was 1 pm in Japan, but nearly midnight in Texas), we ended up crashing for a nap in the airport chairs instead. I also managed to bring a blanket along (yes, a full blanket) and Nick and I shared it while we slept at the airport!

Once our layover was over, it was time to board our final flight to Bangkok. We had a quick 6-hour flight to Bangkok, and even though we were tired, we were ready to dive into the adventure.

Day 1: Arriving in Chiang Mai

Our first destination was Chiang Mai, a beautiful city surrounded by mountains in Northern Thailand. After landing in Bangkok and clearing customs, we had a brief but exciting connection to Chiang Mai. I planned all the logistics through the "Get Your Guide" app, which was a game-changer, easy to use, reliable, and everything I booked turned out to be amazing.

We arrived at our hotel in Chiang Mai around 1 pm local time on Saturday. We were officially in Thailand after a long journey! We were pretty exhausted from the time zone changes but set out immediately to explore the town. The Old City of Chiang Mai is charming, with a mix of old and new, and we quickly fell in love with its vibe.

Our first stop? A little smoothie hut on the side of the road where we indulged in refreshing fruit drinks. After that, we had a very interesting experience… a fish foot massage! It was definitely strange at first, but we ended up laughing and enjoying the odd sensation.

As we wandered around, we were mesmerized by the temples. The intricate architecture, the golden details, and the peaceful atmosphere were breathtaking. Visiting these temples was one of the highlights of our trip. Just a note - whenever you visit a temple in Thailand, it's important to cover your shoulders and remove your shoes. We made sure to keep a pashmina handy for such occasions.

An Unexpected Night Adventure

We thought we would rest at the hotel after our afternoon wanderings, but we ended up falling asleep around 3 pm and didn’t wake up until 4 am! Starving, we decided to walk to the nearest McDonald’s (a surprising but fun choice!) for a late-night meal. Thailand's nightlife is something else - people were still partying and enjoying themselves, with clubs and bars bustling with activity.

Day 2: Sticky Waterfall Hike

The next day, after a quick coffee run (I’m a coffee fanatic!), we met our tour guide, Annie, who would take us on an unforgettable hike to the Sticky Waterfalls. Annie picked us up in a van along with two fun girls from Spain, and we set off on our 2-hour journey. The first stop on our trip was an awesome cafe located inside an old airplane, which had been converted into a cafe. The coffee was delicious, and the quirky vibe of the place set the tone for the rest of the day.

Annie shared that she had moved to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, and it was clear how much she loved exploring the area. After the cafe, we made our way to a park with a fascinating hike. The stairs leading up to a cave were designed to look like a dragon, and the story that Annie told us about the royal family who once lived in the cave was captivating. It felt like stepping back in time as we learned about their prayers and connection to the land.

Finally, we reached the Sticky Waterfalls. The name “sticky” comes from the unique texture of the rocks that make it easy to climb up and down. The waterfalls themselves were gorgeous, cascading water surrounded by lush greenery. Even though the water was not actually sticky, climbing up the rocks felt like a thrilling adventure.

Visiting Wat Phra Temple

After our hike, we decided to rent a moped and drive up the winding mountain roads to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Nestled on the mountainside, this sacred temple is surrounded by a bustling town filled with street markets, wandering dogs, and vendors selling bugs on sticks - a quirky and authentic touch to the experience.

To reach the temple, you have to climb 300 stairs, which certainly felt like a mini hike in itself! But when we reached the top, it was absolutely worth it. The temple's intricate architecture and golden details were breathtaking, and the atmosphere was serene.

Everywhere we looked, there were monks in quiet prayer, adding to the peaceful energy that surrounded the place. The views from the temple were spectacular, with the town below and the lush mountains stretching out in every direction. It was one of those moments where you could truly feel the beauty and tranquility of Thailand.

Exploring Chiang Mai

After returning to the Old City, we set out to find a cozy spot for dinner, and what we stumbled upon was truly one of the highlights of our trip. We ended up at a restaurant that was actually in someone’s backyard. The woman and her family had transformed their outdoor space into a charming little restaurant, complete with tables, twinkling lights, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It felt like we were dining with locals in their home, which made the experience all that more special.

We indulged in spicy ramen and authentic Thai cuisine, each bite bursting with flavor. Once we were fully satisfied, we decided to wander the streets and ended up on Thae Phae Road, where the vibrant energy of street shopping awaited us. But the real surprise came when we stumbled upon a Thai drag show! The queen was lip-syncing to Miley Cyrus, and it was absolutely incredible - the energy, the performance, the whole vibe was unforgettable. What a perfect, spontaneous way to end our day in Chiang Mai!

Day 3: Traveling South to Phuket

The next day, we flew from Chiang Mai to the coast, landing in Phuket. After arriving, we had private transportation drive us about 45 minutes to our Airbnb. It was the cutest apartment unit, with a perfect view of the town. Once settled, we decided to explore Phuket on foot and quickly stumbled upon a place called "French Tacos." Despite the name, these were essentially quesadillas with fries stuffed inside! It was a random but tasty stop, especially since the restaurant we planned to have dinner at was about a 45-minute walk away, and we were starving! Consider it an appetizer to tide us over.

After our impromptu snack, we continued our walk to Smile Bar, a high-rated restaurant that definitely lived up to its hype. The food was amazing! Once we finished dinner, we found some cute beach bean bags set up on the sand, under twinkling lights, and enjoyed drinks with the sound of the waves in the background. 

Day 4: Exploring Kamala Beach

Our first day in Kamala Beach, we woke up early and strolled to breakfast on the beach. The view was absolutely stunning as we sipped mimosas, enjoyed pancakes, and indulged in avocado toast. The combination of the delicious food and the breathtaking view of Kamala Beach made it the perfect way to start the day.

We spent the rest of the day exploring the beach, walking along the sand, and checking out the little flea markets near the shore. It was so relaxing to take it all in… the sun, the beach, and the vibrant local culture. After some time spent tanning and exploring, we got ready for a night out.

We drove about 45 minutes south, making a stop in Kathu, a more developed area compared to Chiang Mai, which is surrounded by nature and mountains. It was interesting to see the contrast between the bustling town and the serene landscapes we had just experienced in Chiang Mai. After wandering around and doing a little shopping, we headed to one of the most beautiful restaurants in Phuket, Sizzle Rooftop. The view was out of this world, with sweeping views of the land and sea. The food was absolutely delicious, the service was fantastic, and it was the perfect way to end a wonderful day together.

Day 5: Exploring Everything Phuket had to offer

The next morning, we were ready to explore more, so we found a moped rental close by and took off. We drove 30 minutes north to Ma Doo Bua, a famous restaurant known for its giant lily pads. The food was okay, but the photos we got were definitely worth the stop! Afterward, we headed 35 minutes east to Old Town Phuket, where we wandered through charming streets and checked out the local shops.

Next, we rode another 30 minutes southeast to the Chalong Temples, which were simply breathtaking. The architecture and peaceful atmosphere were definitely a highlight. We then made our way 20 minutes south to the Big Buddha, one of the main attractions of Thailand. Standing at the top was epic—the views were absolutely fantastic.

Finally, we cruised back toward Kamala Beach, where our Airbnb was located, feeling so grateful (and sun burned) for the experiences we had packed into just one day. 

Carnival Magic

After a quick nap, we got ready for Carnival Magic, which, for Nick, was the number one thing he had been looking forward to on this entire adventure. We decided to schedule it for February 14th, in honor of Valentine’s Day, making it a special way to celebrate together. There is really no proper way to describe Carnival Magic, but I’ll give it my best shot.

We arrived and stepped into what felt like the largest adventure park in the world (I actually think it may be). We spent some time entertaining ourselves by people-watching and exploring everything the park had to offer. One of the first things we did was check out the world’s largest buffet, which had food from all over the globe - an absolute feast for the senses. After filling up, we found a bar and grabbed a few drinks before heading in for the show.

At Carnival Magic, you have to place your phones in lockers before the show to ensure you are fully immersed in the experience, and let me tell you… it was unforgettable. I won’t go into too much detail because you really need to see it for yourself, but it was such a special treat for Nick and me to share together. Afterward, we got our phones back and walked through their stunning light show, which you could only experience by walking through it. It was absolutely insane - breathtaking, immersive, and truly one of the highlights of our trip.

Day 6: Island Hopping 

On our last day in Phuket, we set off on a luxurious island-hopping tour by boat. The boat was beautiful, and the entire day felt like a dream. We spent the day cruising around, sipping drinks, and meeting amazing people from all over the world. Along the way, we stopped at a few stunning beaches, each more picturesque than the last. We explored, soaked up the sun, and made some unforgettable memories.

The day was full of laughter and fun, and we definitely went all in - ending the night by helping carry Nick back to our room! It was hands down our wildest party day of the entire trip, and the perfect way to close out our time in Phuket.

Day 7: Ending where we started: Bangkok

The next day, we woke up early (somehow not hungover) and caught an 8AM flight to Bangkok. Once we landed, we checked into our hotel, took a quick nap, and recharged for the day ahead. Once we were feeling rejuvenated, we got ready and headed out for the world’s tallest bar crawl at The Standard. This was so much fun! When we checked in, they gave us a passport, and each bar in the hotel stamped it once we ordered our free drink. The hotel was incredible, and each bar had its own unique theme: eclectic, retro, and full of character.

That evening, we finally experienced riding a tuk-tuk for the first time - a must-do when in Thailand! It was such a fun and bumpy ride through the city.

Day 8: One Night In Bangkok

For our last full day in Thailand, we woke up early and set out to explore the city. We were on a mission to live out the song "One Night in Bangkok." First stop: the Reclining Buddha. I had no idea it would be so massive, truly an awe-inspiring sight. From there, we wandered through the busy streets of Chinatown, where we popped in and out of countless shops.

Next, we made our way to the famous ICONSIAM mall, where we walked around all six floors. After some shopping and exploring, we boarded a dinner cruise, sailing down the river through the heart of Bangkok. We passed by so many stunning temples, bridges, and landmarks, all lit up beautifully. The night ended with fireworks lighting up the sky, a perfect finale to our time in the city and Thailand.

Once the cruise docked, we hopped into a tuk-tuk and headed over to the famous Khao San Road, known for its vibrant bar scene. We ended up getting matching tattoos here, a symbol of the unalome, which represents the journey to enlightenment.

Heading Home

As we boarded our flight back to Dallas, I couldn’t help but reflect on the unforgettable memories we made. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beauty of Chiang Mai and the relaxing beaches of Phuket, every moment felt like a new chapter in an adventure neither of us will ever forget. Thailand surprised us at every turn… its culture, people, and landscapes left an imprint on our hearts. The unexpected experiences, like the fish foot massage and the wild night at Carnival Magic, reminded us that the best parts of travel often come from embracing the unknown.

This trip was more than just a vacation; it was a celebration of adventure, love, and spontaneity. Thailand taught us to slow down, enjoy the present, and soak in the beauty of the world around us. 

For more information, please contact:

Faith Wyatt Harrison

PHONE: (214) 600-1811

EMAIL: faith@perspectiveplanning.net

WEBSITE: perspectiveplanning.net

Source: Perspective Planning