Thailand – November 2017

We had an incredible ten days in Thailand. We explored their lush jungles, famed beaches, world-class diving, amazing food, and got to know their friendly people.

We spent two days in Bangkok, four days in Chiang Mai, and three days in Ko Lanta. Bangkok is a massive, crowded city with over 8 million people. Chiang Mai has amazing jungles and temples. Finally, Ko Lanta was a relaxing three days on the beach.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a massive and dense city in Thailand. In fact, the city has over 8 million people. The city reminded us a lot of Shanghai – it’s busy, crowded, and polluted. With that said, the people are incredibly nice and polite.

We stayed at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, and is right along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew

Bangkok Restaurants

The Bamboo Bar is small jazz bar in Thailand with a live band, unique cocktails, and excellent service. This is not the place to have a conversation, but a great place to enjoy some exotic drinks. Fair warning, this place is pretty expensive.

Boh Bar – great place to grab a drink along the river.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was a relaxing change from Bangkok – the city has a lush jungle and tons of culture. During our four days, we zip-lined in jungle, toured their temples, had a cooking class, and ate as much food as humanly possible.

We stayed at the Le Meridien Chiang Mai. Their service was first class, they will book anything you need. Aside from that, their pool had incredible views of the mountains.

Chiang Mai Restaraunts

David’s Kitchen – was one of the best meals we ever had. The chef, David Gordon, personally greeted us. He even stopped by later to converse with us as well. He was incredibly polite, and served an excellent meal.

Chiang Mai Events

Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School – excellent cooking class that gave us a tour of the market, and taught us to make pad thai, papaya salad, and curry. The host was hilarious!

Sunday Walking Street – Chiang Mai’s most famous market runs only once a week, so if you’re only in town for just one weekend, make sure you head here on a Sunday evening. The kilometre-long stretch is in the heart of the city’s main tourist area and runs from Tha Pae Gate going towards Ratchadamnoen Road in the west.  In the market, you’ll find a huge variety of crafts, souvenirs, and accessories. Aside from the shopping, the area comes alive with food vendors, makeshift bars and roadside massage areas for a quick foot rub.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep – Gorgeous temple up in the mountains

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – this market occurs every day, and has a food truck section to enjoy a break. Pro-tip for negotiating in Thailand – keep the cash you’re willing to spend in your pocket. If you’re at an impasse, pull out the cash and say that’s all you have. If they say no, there are a ton of shops down the street to try your luck with instead.

Woody’s Elephant Tour – a once in a lifetime experience. Woody’s is known as the most humane elephant tour in Thailand, and has amazing views of Northern Thailand’s countryside.

Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta was a relaxing three days on the beach. We stayed at the Pimalai Resort – the views, service, and resort were all first class. We absolutely loved it, and wish we could have stayed longer.

Ko Lanta Restaurants

Phad Thai Rock n Roll – Excellent pad thai, but the language barrier is for real. I asked the server if we could have “two minutes”, the server walked to a colleague, came back, and said “we do not have two minutes”. The food was delicious though, we went twice.

Same Same But Different – Right along the beach, great food, and fun drinks.

Spice and Rice Restaurant – The food is just as great as this view.

Ko Lanta Events

Snorkeling at Ko Haa Yai – Thailand’s islands are incredible, the coral is amazing, and Rome found a super toxic sea snake, as well as a shark!