BLOG ENTRY 3

 Thailand Blog 

Week One; February 5th

Our flight from Melbourne to Bangkok took about nine hours. I had hoped to catch some sleep, but the universe had other plans—a restless five-year-old boy with a strong case of kicking feet was seated directly behind me.

Despite the bumpy ride, we finally landed in Bangkok, Thailand. After a long travel day, we checked into our hotel, La Petit Salil in Sukhumvit 11. A hot shower and change of clothes later, we were ready to explore. I was exhausted and hungry but filled with excitement to finally be in Thailand.

We found a nearby restaurant where I ordered my first Thai beer. In Thailand, you'll typically find three main beer options: Chang (a European-style lager), Leo, and Singha (both pale lagers). Most travelers pick their favorite and stick with it for the duration of their trip. Mine ended up being Leo—light, crisp, and easy to drink.

Our first night was simple: walking around, soaking in the energy of the city, and familiarizing ourselves with the area. We turned in early to rest up for our first full day in Bangkok.

The next morning, we exchanged some cash for Thai Baht and grabbed breakfast before meeting up with Luka’s dad and some of his friends who live in Thailand. Together, we took the train to catch a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River, a great way to see the city from the water.

We chose a traditional long-tail boat, one of the many types available. No matter the boat, you’ll notice they’re all adorned with bright garlands and flowers at the bow. These decorations are offerings to Mae Ya Nang, the guardian spirit believed to protect travelers and boats—a beautiful tradition rooted in Thai spirituality.

The boat took us through the canals of Bangkok, where we caught glimpses of the giant golden Buddha at Talat Phlu and the stunning spires of Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.

After the tour, we headed to Chinatown, where we snacked on street food potstickers before sitting down for a delicious seafood lunch of noodles, soup, and fresh catches.

Next, we jumped in a tuk-tuk that whisked us off to the infamous Khao San Road, known for its wild nightlife, thumping music, and countless weed shops. We found a bar, ordered a couple of cold beers—well earned after a long, hot day—and watched the chaos unfold.

Every few minutes, someone would approach trying to sell us something: jewelry, grilled spiders, snakes on sticks—you name it. We politely declined most offers. If you’re a woman, “Mai Kha” means “No, thank you,” and if you’re a man, it’s “Mai Krap.” Adding “Kha” or “Krap” to the end of your sentence is a simple yet respectful way to speak in Thai. It shows politeness, which goes a long way.

Traveling anywhere means being a guest in someone else’s country. It’s important to learn the customs, culture, and at least a few words of the language. It’s not hard—and it’s always appreciated. A kind way to turn someone down is to say: "Mai Kha/Krap, chohk dee" — "No, thank you. Good luck."

We ended the night by sharing a heavenly plate of mango sticky rice, and I was out the moment my head hit the pillow.

The next morning, we packed up and set off for our next destination: Jomtien.

  

Week One; February 6th

We hopped into a taxi for a two-hour ride to our next destination: Jomtien. When we arrived at our hotel, we were greeted with a stunning view of the ocean and the lively street below — where music filled the air and the energy of the crowd drifted up to our balcony.

After settling in and freshening up, we headed out to explore the Jomtien Night Market. To get there, we took a baht bus — hands down one of my favorite things about traveling in Thailand.

A baht bus is a shared taxi, essentially a pickup truck converted into public transport with two long benches along the sides and a small rear platform you can stand on. To hop on, you simply wave one down like a New York cab. When you’re ready to get off, just press the small buzzer to alert the driver. After you disembark, you walk up to the driver, who tells you the fare — usually between 10 to 50 Baht (roughly 3 cents to $1.50 USD). They’re incredibly cheap, convenient, and a fun way to get around.

Night markets quickly became a highlight of our trip, and Jomtien's was the first one we visited. They're a paradise for food lovers like Luka and me — rows of food stalls, drinks, clothes, handmade soaps, and everything in between. Music plays in the background as locals and tourists alike wander the aisles, eating, shopping, and enjoying the warm night air.

That night, we decided to try something totally out of the ordinary: a live shrimp salad. Known as Goong Ten, or “Dancing Shrimp,” the dish is exactly what it sounds like. A mobile food cart housed a small tank packed with tiny, wriggling shrimp. Once you order, the vendor scoops them out with a net, gives them a quick rinse, and tosses them with vinegar, fish sauce, chili, and fresh herbs. They're served still alive and twitching in a plastic container. Bon appétit!

Week One; February 7th -9th

Our day was blissfully low-key, mostly spent lounging on the beach and swimming in the warm, clear ocean. We enjoyed a delicious lunch with a stunning ocean view, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.

Once the sun dipped below the horizon, we ventured out to explore the town of Pattaya — a bustling, electric city that truly comes alive at night. One of its most famous spots is the legendary Walking Street, a neon-lit stretch packed with bars, clubs, and every kind of entertainer you can imagine. The pulsing music practically vibrates through the pavement as you walk past each venue.

Outside every establishment, staff call out to passersby, offering cheap drinks, flirtatious company, or both — a reminder of why Thailand is often called a "man’s world."

At one point, we managed to sneak into a sleek rooftop bar atop a fancy hotel, just to take in the breathtaking nighttime view of Pattaya glittering below. With cocktails priced at $20 each, we quickly retreated back to our comfort zone — $2 beers.

After what felt like a record-breaking number of steps, we returned to our hotel with sore legs and aching feet, ready to rest up for our next adventure: the island paradise of Koh Chang.

Week One; February 10th - 16th

We hired a car to take us from Jomtien to the island of Koh Chang — one of the many convenient (and surprisingly affordable) services Thailand offers if you're willing to spend a bit. The entire trip cost about $30 USD.

Our driver, whose name was Porn — a common name in Thailand — picked us up and drove us to the ferry pier. Once on the ferry, we had the chance to stretch our legs, grab a snack, and enjoy the views as we crossed the water. After docking at Koh Chang, Porn continued driving us all the way to our hotel. The whole journey took around four and a half hours.

As we arrived at the hotel, Porn mentioned it was his son’s birthday — a detail that earned him a generous tip.

Our room was perched on a hill, up three flights of stairs, but absolutely worth the climb. It was stunning — a spacious room with a private patio and an uninterrupted view of the shimmering blue ocean. This was our biggest splurge of the trip, yet it was only $50 a night.

First order of business: jump in the ocean — check.

Later, we strolled down the shore and stumbled upon the most charming little restaurant/bungalow. The entire place was built from wood, giving it a rustic, true island vibe. We sipped cold beers as the sun slowly dipped toward the horizon.

The next few days were a dreamy blur of lounging by the beach, indulging in delicious food, sipping cold drinks, swimming in crystal-clear water, and browsing through local shops. One especially memorable day began with an early breakfast followed by a morning of exploring.

Our main mode of transportation on the island was a motorbike — and true to my role as the "passenger princess," Luka quickly got the hang of riding it like a pro. 

The next few days were a dreamy blur of lounging by the beach, indulging in delicious food, sipping cold drinks, swimming in crystal-clear water, and browsing through local shops. One especially memorable day began with an early breakfast followed by a morning of exploring.

Our main mode of transportation on the island was a motorbike — and true to my role as the "passenger princess," Luka quickly got the hang of riding it like a pro.

Our next stop was a smaller, more secluded island called Koh Kood — a true hidden gem in Thailand.