After an incredible trip to Kashmir in March 2024, I found myself back at work for five months before I felt the itch to travel again. And guess where I ended up? Thailand! Yep, I kicked off September with a whirlwind 10-day adventure. This guide will give you a quick overview of my journey, so if you’re looking for some travel inspiration, stick around!
Visa Processing
The first step in any international trip is the visa. As a Bangladeshi citizen, I needed one to enter Thailand. I opted for a 6-month multiple-entry visa, which my agent handled for $250. It took about 7 days to process. If you’re in Cambodia and want the contact info for my agent, feel free to reach out to me.
For travelers from other countries, the process may differ. I recommend applying through Thailand’s official e-Visa portal for a smooth experience.
Packing Essentials
Ten days on the road required smart packing. Here’s a breakdown of what I took:
- Clothing: 5 t-shirts, a mix of short and long pants, and a couple of extra pieces I picked up at local markets along the way.
- Footwear: 3 pairs of shoes and 5 pairs of socks to keep me comfy.
- Personal Items: toothbrush, shampoo, mini umbrella, and a few sprays to keep fresh!
- Skincare: Sunscreen, toner, face serum, and hair serum for those sunny beach days.
- Tech & Travel Gear: Passport, earbuds, charger, and my trusty JBL speaker.
Planning the Adventure
A well-planned trip is the key to a great experience. Here’s how my 10-day itinerary played out:
Day 1-3: Pattaya
- Day 1: Checked into my hotel, took a rest, and spent the evening strolling Pattaya Beach and exploring Terminal 21 mall.
- Day 2: The adrenaline rush kicked in with tandem skydiving! After an intense day, I headed to Walking Street for a taste of Pattaya’s famous nightlife.
- Day 3: Visited Tiger Park, explored the Pattaya Floating Market, and then wandered through the lush Nong Nooch Tropical Garden before winding down with dinner. Read more
Days 4-5: Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai
- Day 4: Flew to Chiang Rai and visited the iconic White Temple, followed by a trip to Wat Huay Pla Kang and Lalitta Cafe. Ended the day exploring Chiang Rai’s local scene.
- Day 5: On the road to Chiang Mai after visiting the Blue Temple. I spent the afternoon at the Elephant Sanctuary and zipped through the treetops at Phoenix Adventure. Read more
Day 6-8: Phuket
- Day 6: After the busy days in the north, I finally took a breather in Phuket. Sometimes, you just need a chill day, right?
- Day 7: Strolled through Phuket Old Town, did some shopping, and wrapped it up with a quiet night in.
- Day 8: Off to the Phi Phi Islands! This tour was a highlight with stops at Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and lunch on the beach at Phi Phi Don. I even met a few cheeky monkeys at Monkey Beach! Read more
Days 9-10: Bangkok
- Day 9: After a morning flight to Bangkok, I explored the Ancient City and visited popular spots like the Train Market and Khaosan Road.
- Day 10: After some much-needed rest, I headed back to Phnom Penh in the afternoon, ready to reminisce about my Thai adventure.
Booking Flights & Hotels
To avoid last-minute hassles, I made all my flight and hotel bookings in advance. Here’s a tip: booking flights and hotels at least a week ahead will save you both time and money.
- Flight Bookings: I used Trip.com for seamless flights across Thailand. Bolt and Grab were my go-to for getting around by car.
- Hotel Stays: I stayed in Pattaya for 3 nights, Chiang Rai for 1, Chiang Mai for 1, Phuket for 3, and wrapped it up in Bangkok for 1 night. Each hotel added a little more comfort to my trip, making those long travel days more bearable.
Budget & Cash
When it comes to cash, I highly recommend carrying enough in USD or your local currency to exchange at the airport. I had $2,000 with me, which was enough for exchanges and unforeseen costs. Keep in mind that international transactions on your visa card might incur extra fees—sometimes as high as 5%!
That wraps up my 10-day adventure through Thailand! If you’re planning your trip, don’t hesitate to follow my blog for more tips and insights. This guide is just a glimpse of what Thailand has to offer and trust me—there’s so much more to discover!
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