Day 0: Seattle to Bangkok (via Taipei)
We began our Thailand adventure flying with Starlux Airlines, trying their Premium Economy (Comfort Class). First lesson learned: even though two checked bags were included, G Adventures recommends bringing one medium duffle/suitcase under 40lbs, and carry-ons with Starlux were weighed and required to be under 7kg. Not ideal when you’re already dreaming about bringing treasures home and didn’t know your carry-on also had a weight limit.
A gate upgrade to business class? A cool $3,000. Hard pass.
That said, Premium Economy was surprisingly comfortable. We had:• Reclining seats with footrests• A comfort kit (eye mask, socks, chapstick, etc.)• Two preselected meals (Mediterranean chicken with polenta and vegetables + pumpkin porridge)
Pro tip: Preselect your meals. They ran out of options for passengers who didn’t.
The 13–14 hour flight passed quicker than expected. I even managed about five hours of sleep without touching the entertainment screen — a small miracle. Click here to ask any lingering questions you may have about my experience with Starlux airlines and if I’d recommend this airline.
Day 1: First Impressions of Bangkok
We hit the ground moving.I had connected previously with Bill, host of the Thailand Adventures podcast (I was a guest on his show before this trip), and he generously offered to show us around our first day.
Getting Around BangkokWe used the MRT (Bangkok’s subway system) frequently. It was approximately 35 baht per ride, but it depended where you were travelling. We felt it was clean, efficient, and affordable.
We also tried:• A win motorcycle taxi (thrilling and slightly terrifying with no helmet)• Walking through Chinatown• Sampling local thai teaBangkok wastes no time introducing you to its sensory layers.
Cultural HighlightsWe visited temples (“wat” in Thai), experienced monks chanting, and saw the world’s largest solid gold statue, The Golden Buddha, and a beautiful glass pagoda.The contrast of sacred stillness alongside the hum of city life was striking. Bangkok doesn’t separate the spiritual and the practical, they coexist.
Market Wandering & Street LifeWe explored Talat Phlu Market and found Bill’s favorite restaurant to enjoy dinner together. Though we had to wait for a table, it was worth the wait. We enjoyed Jim Jum (a local, interactive hot pot style dining), and the evening was full of laughter and the kind of “we’re really here” moments that mark the true beginning of a trip. Later, we wandered through Iconsiam, a giant shopping mall, eventually climbing what felt like endless stairs and escalators to the Napalai Terrace for views of the river and glowing Bangkok skyline.Chinatown’s street vendors were still buzzing as we returned to our hotel. The city was alive long after our jet-lagged bodies were ready for bed.
Meeting the GroupBack at Hotel Royal, we met our CEO (Chief Experience Officer) from G Adventures and some of our group for the 14-day Classic Thailand - West Coast tour. Some grabbed dinner nearby together, but we continued exploring with Bill, soaking in every possible minute of our first day in Thailand.Before we turned in for the night, we also ducked into the iconic 7-Eleven for bug lotion (essential), and sampled mooncakes. This was the first of many 7-Eleven runs! Click here to request what became my favorite 7-Eleven items!
Cultural HighlightsWe visited temples (“wat” in Thai), experienced monks chanting, and saw the world’s largest solid gold statue, The Golden Buddha, and a beautiful glass pagoda.The contrast of sacred stillness alongside the hum of city life was striking. Bangkok doesn’t separate the spiritual and the practical, they coexist.
Market Wandering & Street LifeWe explored Talat Phlu Market and found Bill’s favorite restaurant to enjoy dinner together. Though we had to wait for a table, it was worth the wait. We enjoyed Jim Jum (a local, interactive hot pot style dining), and the evening was full of laughter and the kind of “we’re really here” moments that mark the true beginning of a trip. Later, we wandered through Iconsiam, a giant shopping mall, eventually climbing what felt like endless stairs and escalators to the Napalai Terrace for views of the river and glowing Bangkok skyline.Chinatown’s street vendors were still buzzing as we returned to our hotel. The city was alive long after our jet-lagged bodies were ready for bed.
Meeting the GroupBack at Hotel Royal, we met our CEO (Chief Experience Officer) from G Adventures and some of our group for the 14-day Classic Thailand - West Coast tour. Some grabbed dinner nearby together, but we continued exploring with Bill, soaking in every possible minute of our first day in Thailand.Before we turned in for the night, we also ducked into the iconic 7-Eleven for bug lotion (essential), and sampled mooncakes. This was the first of many 7-Eleven runs! Click here to request what became my favorite 7-Eleven items!
Day 2: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi — Beauty & Reality
We met our group at 8:00am, handed 500 baht to our CEO to distribute as driver tips, loaded the bus, and officially began the Classic Thailand - West Coast journey with G Adventures. Curious about how much tip and spending money I brought for this trip? Simply click here and ask!
Long Tail Boat TourAfter checking out, we walked to a long tail boat for a canal tour. Some nearby groups had guides using microphones to explain the sites. Our guide opted not to, saying the boat engine was too loud and to save questions for later. He did shout out some highlights as we passed:
• The Royal Palace• Water monitor lizards and catfish along the waterways• A floating market
It was scenic and culturally rich, but this was the first moment we felt a slight difference between what we imagined and what we experienced.
Wat PhoWe then visited Wat Pho, one of Thailand’s largest temple complexes (about 20 acres, though parts are private). Home to the famous Reclining Buddha and considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, it felt grand, sacred, and intricate all at once.
Kanchanaburi: History & Sobering PerspectiveAfter roughly a 2-hour drive (shorter than expected thanks to light traffic), we visited:• The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (Death Railway Museum)• The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery This museum covers the years 1939–1945 and tells the story of prisoners of war forced to build the railway under brutal conditions during World War II.It was heavy. Quiet. Sobering.Travel isn’t only beautiful waterfalls and markets — sometimes it’s walking through history that reshapes your gratitude.
Overnight: Rafthouse on the River KwaiWe then drove 45 minutes (the estimate had been 1.5–2 hours) to our overnight rafthouse stay along the famous River Kwai in Kanchanaburi.The scenery? Stunning. Lush. Peaceful. The accommodations? Very rustic.• Soft spots in the floors that made us nervous• Bathrooms with a strong mold smell• Many of us avoided showering• No running water the next morning Dinner was included tonight with our G Adventures cost, but drinks, even water, were not. The restaurant closed at 8pm (though they kindly let us sit and talk until 9). No wine was offered, and several guests mentioned they wished they had known to grab some at 7-Eleven beforehand. One guest described it as “an abandoned amusement park.” Another commented they expected more from a Canadian company. It was one of those moments where group travel reveals its range — breathtaking setting, but comfort expectations not quite aligned. Click here to request the name of these accommodations.
Wat PhoWe then visited Wat Pho, one of Thailand’s largest temple complexes (about 20 acres, though parts are private). Home to the famous Reclining Buddha and considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, it felt grand, sacred, and intricate all at once.
Kanchanaburi: History & Sobering PerspectiveAfter roughly a 2-hour drive (shorter than expected thanks to light traffic), we visited:• The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (Death Railway Museum)• The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery This museum covers the years 1939–1945 and tells the story of prisoners of war forced to build the railway under brutal conditions during World War II.It was heavy. Quiet. Sobering.Travel isn’t only beautiful waterfalls and markets — sometimes it’s walking through history that reshapes your gratitude.
Overnight: Rafthouse on the River KwaiWe then drove 45 minutes (the estimate had been 1.5–2 hours) to our overnight rafthouse stay along the famous River Kwai in Kanchanaburi.The scenery? Stunning. Lush. Peaceful. The accommodations? Very rustic.• Soft spots in the floors that made us nervous• Bathrooms with a strong mold smell• Many of us avoided showering• No running water the next morning Dinner was included tonight with our G Adventures cost, but drinks, even water, were not. The restaurant closed at 8pm (though they kindly let us sit and talk until 9). No wine was offered, and several guests mentioned they wished they had known to grab some at 7-Eleven beforehand. One guest described it as “an abandoned amusement park.” Another commented they expected more from a Canadian company. It was one of those moments where group travel reveals its range — breathtaking setting, but comfort expectations not quite aligned. Click here to request the name of these accommodations.
Day 3: Erawan Falls — A Trip Highlight
Today completely shifted the mood.
We spent the day at Erawan National Park, home to the iconic seven-tier Erawan Waterfalls. This was an absolute must-do and one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen.
Each tier offers a unique experience, climbing up to about 1,500 meters (4,921 ft). The turquoise water looked almost unreal. We were advised to swim at tiers 2 and 4, but we found people swam in several of the other tiers too (we swam at tiers 2, 4, and 5). After tier 5, the path turned into a dirt trail and significantly increased in difficulty. Many without proper shoes or hiking ability turned back at that point.
I was thankful to make it up to tier 7, and we had fun taking pictures with a sign that read, “You are the conqueror.” We had a two-hour time limit to hike and swim in the waterfalls before meeting for lunch. Those of us who hiked to the top and spent time swimming in all the waterfalls we could, found that time to be too crunched.
Worth noting: bring real hiking shoes or sandals with secure straps.
We ate lunch at restaurant 7 near the parking lot entrance. I had green curry chicken and it was the perfect meal to refuel after such an adventurous and active morning.
Bridge on the River KwaiLater we visited the railway bridge made famous by The Bridge on the River Kwai and walked along the tracks. Shopping here was unexpectedly fun. I bought the iconic loose Thai pants, and many of us wished we had more time to browse.
Good Times ResortThat evening we stayed at Good Times Resort.Consensus? Night and day difference.• Beautiful riverside setting• Pools• Thai massage available in-room (Click here to learn more about this experience)• Laundry services• Comfortable beds Several of us said we would have gladly stayed here two nights instead of splitting between here and the raft house. The idea of unpacking once and staying put sounded heavenly.
Bridge on the River KwaiLater we visited the railway bridge made famous by The Bridge on the River Kwai and walked along the tracks. Shopping here was unexpectedly fun. I bought the iconic loose Thai pants, and many of us wished we had more time to browse.
Good Times ResortThat evening we stayed at Good Times Resort.Consensus? Night and day difference.• Beautiful riverside setting• Pools• Thai massage available in-room (Click here to learn more about this experience)• Laundry services• Comfortable beds Several of us said we would have gladly stayed here two nights instead of splitting between here and the raft house. The idea of unpacking once and staying put sounded heavenly.
Day 4: Ayutthaya & The Long Ride North
Breakfast at Good Times Resort was a generous buffet: Thai rice dishes, fruit, desserts, omelets, boiled eggs, cabbage, espresso machine — a great sendoff.
We then boarded the bus for a 3-hour drive to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital city known for its temple ruins, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Important note: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
The ruins are striking…crumbling stone, Buddha heads entwined in tree roots, layers of history etched into brick and stone.
At 4pm we checked into a hotel for a “day room” only, essentially a place to shower and regroup before an overnight bus. Four of us shared one bathroom to get ready.
Dinner nearby (Tony’s that had a Bali vibe). Some opted for burgers and club sandwiches (first American food sighting). I stuck with Pad Thai. We enjoyed the vibe, people and meal here.
Then came the big disappointment:The planned overnight train to Chiang Mai was cancelled. Instead, we boarded a 9pm overnight bus…a 10-hour ride.
Rough is the right word.
Sleep was minimal. Expectations required flexibility. Adventure required endurance.
Day 5: Chiang Mai — Elephants & Energy Restored
We rolled into Chiang Mai at 6:00am after the overnight bus. Bleary-eyed, we dropped our luggage in the lobby of Chiang Mai Gate Hotel, brushed our teeth in the lobby bathroom, changed clothes, and embraced what I can only describe as a “zombie sunrise market walk.”
Morning Market WanderEven exhausted, the street market felt alive.We sampled:• Sticky rice with beans steamed in long bamboo stalks• Fried bananas and pumpkin• Mango sticky rice• Gummy rice chews• Rice cakesThere’s something grounding about eating local food before you’ve even slept.
Wat Phra That Doi SuthepAfter breakfast, we boarded a smaller bus and headed up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple perched on Mount Doi Suthep.Climb 300 steps and you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Chiang Mai.The drive up? Winding. Dramamine-worthy for many. At one point we joked, “Let’s hope the brakes don’t go out on the way down.” The temple gleamed in gold. Bells chimed in the breeze. The sacred and scenic blended again. Random notes from the day:• Teak wood everywhere• “It’s Thai logic” (someone’s phrase explaining why there are no paper towels and toilet paper in bathrooms, yet plastic bags are abundant)Thailand continues to surprise.
Elephant Sanctuary — Trip HighlightG Adventures offered a free afternoon, but we were determined to visit an elephant sanctuary. Even exhausted, we chose the experience over rest, and I’m so grateful we did. We found a family-owned sanctuary through a brochure at the hotel lobby, reassured by hotel staff that it was an ethical and solid option.For 1,300 baht per person, we were picked up and driven 1.5 hours into the countryside to a truly ethical, intimate elephant experience. The elephants:• Grandma• Mom (pregnant — elephants carry for 2 years!)• Mom’s two babies We:• Mixed their food (tamarind, banana, pumpkin, protein powder, wood, etc.)• Fed them• Hugged and kissed them• Bathed them in the river, and then they bathed us, playfully spraying water from their trunks They eat roughly 25,000 baht worth of food per elephant per month. The sanctuary is now run by the granddaughter of the original owner. Her grandfather told her to always care for the elephants. You could see the bond between handlers and animals. It felt respectful, relational, and beautiful. Nothing but pure joy was on everyone’s faces for the entirety of this experience. Click here to request the name and contact information for this ethical elephant company, as well as a list of things to bring if you visit. This was absolutely one of the top experiences of the entire trip.
Evening: Night Bazaar & CabaretStill energized, we met back up with the group for G Adventures’ optional evening activities:• Chiang Mai Bazaar (fantastic shopping and food)• Cabaret show (adult drag performance — mixed reactions from the group) Thailand is layered. Sacred temples by day. Bold entertainment by night.
Wat Phra That Doi SuthepAfter breakfast, we boarded a smaller bus and headed up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple perched on Mount Doi Suthep.Climb 300 steps and you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Chiang Mai.The drive up? Winding. Dramamine-worthy for many. At one point we joked, “Let’s hope the brakes don’t go out on the way down.” The temple gleamed in gold. Bells chimed in the breeze. The sacred and scenic blended again. Random notes from the day:• Teak wood everywhere• “It’s Thai logic” (someone’s phrase explaining why there are no paper towels and toilet paper in bathrooms, yet plastic bags are abundant)Thailand continues to surprise.
Elephant Sanctuary — Trip HighlightG Adventures offered a free afternoon, but we were determined to visit an elephant sanctuary. Even exhausted, we chose the experience over rest, and I’m so grateful we did. We found a family-owned sanctuary through a brochure at the hotel lobby, reassured by hotel staff that it was an ethical and solid option.For 1,300 baht per person, we were picked up and driven 1.5 hours into the countryside to a truly ethical, intimate elephant experience. The elephants:• Grandma• Mom (pregnant — elephants carry for 2 years!)• Mom’s two babies We:• Mixed their food (tamarind, banana, pumpkin, protein powder, wood, etc.)• Fed them• Hugged and kissed them• Bathed them in the river, and then they bathed us, playfully spraying water from their trunks They eat roughly 25,000 baht worth of food per elephant per month. The sanctuary is now run by the granddaughter of the original owner. Her grandfather told her to always care for the elephants. You could see the bond between handlers and animals. It felt respectful, relational, and beautiful. Nothing but pure joy was on everyone’s faces for the entirety of this experience. Click here to request the name and contact information for this ethical elephant company, as well as a list of things to bring if you visit. This was absolutely one of the top experiences of the entire trip.
Evening: Night Bazaar & CabaretStill energized, we met back up with the group for G Adventures’ optional evening activities:• Chiang Mai Bazaar (fantastic shopping and food)• Cabaret show (adult drag performance — mixed reactions from the group) Thailand is layered. Sacred temples by day. Bold entertainment by night.
Day 6: Capybaras & Cooking Like a Local
We had a full free day, so we slept in until 10am. Glorious and needed!Then we grabbed a round-trip taxi (300 baht per person) to a capybara café. Click here to request location and contact details for this experience. Capybara Café
Entrance:• 300 baht• 100 baht for food to feed them
Feeding and interacting with capybaras in the countryside of Thailand was joyful, quirky and fun. This one was in honor of my kids at home, who absolutely adore capybaras. The café food itself was fresh and delicious. A peaceful, unexpected adventure.
Northern Thai Cooking ClassThat afternoon we attended one of our prepaid/prearranged G Adventure activity add-ons: a traditional Thai cooking class. We started at a small local market (supporting local farmers), where we learned:• Small Thai garlic — use the peel for flavor• Thai melon looks like cucumber• Alkaline eggs are fermented in ash• Bean paste can substitute for anchovies We even stopped to buy beer to drink while cooking (their suggestion).At the cooking school:• Bottled water was provided immediately• Tropical fruit was served before we began• Spices are layered intentionally: 1 chili = mild, 2 = medium, 3 = hot, 5 if you’re Thai Ingredients we used:• Lemongrass• Red onion• Chinese ginger• Turmeric• Coconut milk• Coconut sugar• Molasses• Oyster sauce Tools:• Steel wok (not aluminum)• Metal spatula We made:• Green curry• Khao soi soup• Stir fry• Mango sticky rice At the end, we feasted on everything we created. I couldn’t believe I had just cooked authentic Thai food that actually tasted… authentic. Click here for the name of this highly recommended cooking class. We even received a 42-page PDF following the class full of delicious Thai recipes! We finished the night walking the Saturday Night Market. Shopping and foot massages were the perfect close to the evening. One honest note: while Chiang Mai Gate Hotel had beautiful grounds, the rooms felt filthy and moldy. If you’re sensitive to mold, I would not recommend it.
Northern Thai Cooking ClassThat afternoon we attended one of our prepaid/prearranged G Adventure activity add-ons: a traditional Thai cooking class. We started at a small local market (supporting local farmers), where we learned:• Small Thai garlic — use the peel for flavor• Thai melon looks like cucumber• Alkaline eggs are fermented in ash• Bean paste can substitute for anchovies We even stopped to buy beer to drink while cooking (their suggestion).At the cooking school:• Bottled water was provided immediately• Tropical fruit was served before we began• Spices are layered intentionally: 1 chili = mild, 2 = medium, 3 = hot, 5 if you’re Thai Ingredients we used:• Lemongrass• Red onion• Chinese ginger• Turmeric• Coconut milk• Coconut sugar• Molasses• Oyster sauce Tools:• Steel wok (not aluminum)• Metal spatula We made:• Green curry• Khao soi soup• Stir fry• Mango sticky rice At the end, we feasted on everything we created. I couldn’t believe I had just cooked authentic Thai food that actually tasted… authentic. Click here for the name of this highly recommended cooking class. We even received a 42-page PDF following the class full of delicious Thai recipes! We finished the night walking the Saturday Night Market. Shopping and foot massages were the perfect close to the evening. One honest note: while Chiang Mai Gate Hotel had beautiful grounds, the rooms felt filthy and moldy. If you’re sensitive to mold, I would not recommend it.
Day 7: Back to Bangkok (Logistics & Hidden Gems)
We had breakfast, checked out, and said goodbye to group members who had chosen a shorter version of the tour (I didn’t realize that was an option within the G Adventures structure).We flew back to Bangkok to meet two new members joining for the southern portion.
Logistically, this felt inefficient. It would have made more sense to fly directly south instead of backtracking to Bangkok. We also flew into Don Mueang International Airport, which was about an hour from our designated hotel, instead of Suvarnabhumi Airport, which was much closer.It felt like a logistics decision for tour coordination rather than traveler convenience.
We flew Air Asia for this leg of the trip. To request a comparison of the in-country flight options between Air Asia and Bangkok air, click here.
Rooftop Sunset & Chinatown SurpriseAfter settling in, we headed to the rooftop pool and bar to watch the sunset. We met new friends from Ireland and Scotland and then ventured into Chinatown for dinner. Dinner highlight: crispy duck skin. We saw everyone ordering it, asked what it was, and another patron let us try some. Surprisingly delicious. Then came the mystery:“What’s hiding on the third floor?”Hint: Look for the antique clock. Upstairs from the 2nd floor restaurant, on the 3rd floor, is a hidden speakeasy-style bar tucked behind a secret entrance. A perfect, moody end to the evening. Click here to request the name of this restaurant that will lead you to the hidden speakeasy. Except… I didn’t sleep well. Something from dinner didn’t settle right. I never got sick, but I thought I might all night.And we had a 4am wake-up call. Good thing islands, speedboats, and the Phi Phi island tour were ahead.
Rooftop Sunset & Chinatown SurpriseAfter settling in, we headed to the rooftop pool and bar to watch the sunset. We met new friends from Ireland and Scotland and then ventured into Chinatown for dinner. Dinner highlight: crispy duck skin. We saw everyone ordering it, asked what it was, and another patron let us try some. Surprisingly delicious. Then came the mystery:“What’s hiding on the third floor?”Hint: Look for the antique clock. Upstairs from the 2nd floor restaurant, on the 3rd floor, is a hidden speakeasy-style bar tucked behind a secret entrance. A perfect, moody end to the evening. Click here to request the name of this restaurant that will lead you to the hidden speakeasy. Except… I didn’t sleep well. Something from dinner didn’t settle right. I never got sick, but I thought I might all night.And we had a 4am wake-up call. Good thing islands, speedboats, and the Phi Phi island tour were ahead.
Day 8: Almost Missed It — Onward to the Islands
Our alarm didn’t go off.
At 4:38am, Nicole jolted awake yelling, “It’s 4:38!” We were supposed to meet in the lobby at 4:45.
Cue scramble.
We somehow made it downstairs in time, scattered, breathless, wide-eyed, but we made it.Airport check-in was much smoother this time, and we even had a few spare minutes to find a Starbucks for chai tea bags before boarding. Familiar comfort goes a long way sometimes!
We flew about 1.5 hours into lush, vibrant green landscapes and landed in Trang, a new, very clean airport surrounded by developing roads and fresh pavement. It felt like we were entering the “less discovered” part of Thailand. From there, we boarded a loud boat to tiny Ko Ngai in Krabi Province.
First Island StayKo Ngai felt remote and quiet. We:• Swam and snorkeled straight from the resort• Found a hidden swing tucked into a cove• Enjoyed lunch and dinner onsite
The scenery? Stunning. The accommodations? Very rustic again:• Older rooms• Holes in screens, which made the perfect entrance for mosquitoes • Open-air shower• Springs very noticeable in the mattress• Huge mosquitoes
Beautiful setting. Basic comforts.
Day 9: Emerald Waters
We set off for the Emerald Cave excursion, which entailed swimming through a dark passage that opens into a hidden lagoon, surrounded by lush jungle. One of those surreal “this is real life?” moments. This was an incredible experience and another “must do!”
We also snorkeled and stopped for lunch at Long Beach viewpoint, breathtaking turquoise water stretching endlessly. Minimal crowds. Delicious food. I could have stayed here for much longer.
Another reef stop on the way back gave us our best snorkeling yet before returning to a peaceful afternoon at the resort.Island time slows everything down.
Day 10: Ko Lanta — A Shift in Energy
We boarded a speedboat to Ko Lanta. This one was packed. Shoulder-to-shoulder bench seating, little visibility, and very hot when stationary (though airflow improved once moving). We transferred by taxi to Andaman Lanta Resort in Klong Dao. No room upgrades available, but thankfully, clean rooms.
The beach here surprised us:• Less turquoise• More brown tones• Rockier entry• Slightly colder water
Though we went into the water for a bit, we pivoted to the pool and booked poolside massages. Then…sunset seafood dinner. A beach fire show. Long walks in the sand.
Different island, different vibe.
Day 11: Snorkeling Lessons Learned
Today was a free day on the G Adventures itinerary, so we booked a snorkel tour through the hotel for 1,700 baht.
At the dock during check-in, we were informed of an additional 400 baht national park fee, something we were not told in advance. Other travelers had been informed and even found cheaper tours (as low as 1,500 baht total). Though this was a lesson learned, we didn’t regret booking this tour because it ended up being the best snorkeling of the entire trip!
We visited:• Koh Rok• Koh Ha
Both offered beautiful water, reefs and abundant sea life.
Future goal: Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, world-famous dive sites with vibrant pinnacles and possible manta rays and whale sharks. (30m deep, certified divers only.)
We added it to the someday list.
Day 12: Ao Nang & Monkey Trail
A 3-hour van ride (plus short ferry) brought us to Ao Nang in Krabi.
We checked into Deevana Krabi Resort. We had a small attic-style room, not beachfront, but charming and near bustling shops filled with knock-off designer bags and soccer jerseys. In our G Adventures free time for the day, we took a tuk tuk to the famous Monkey Trail in Ao Nang.
Monkey TrailA jungle boardwalk connecting Ao Nang Beach to Pai Plong Beach.It’s described as:• 15–20 minutes• Scenic• Easy
Reality? More difficult than advertised. Several in our group struggled; some turned back.
But the reward:• Limestone cliffs• Jungle canopy• Macaque monkeys lounging boldly• Pai Plong Beach — soft sand, clear water, and a peaceful cove where I could have stayed for a picnic and sunset (next time!)
The monkeys were curious and very accustomed to people. Unfortunately, many tourists were feeding and holding them, causing them to be even more aggressive.
That evening, we visited Ao Nang Landmark Night Market, food on one side, shopping on the other. Lively, colorful, loud, delicious.
Day 13: Phi Phi — Beauty & Crowds
This was the big one, the G Adventure add-on excursion I anticipated the most, the one in which I had high hopes and expectations. Check-in was chaotic. Herds of people, color-coded arm bands, numbers shouted, and boats filling quickly. G Adventures arranged our tour with JAFFLUENT TRAVEL & TOUR CO.,LTD.
Boat seating was packed, shoulder to shoulder. It felt overwhelming. It was also a closed boat with no views, also not a great design for this tour.
Stops included:• Maya Bay (from The Beach movie — it is beautiful, worth seeing, but no swimming allowed, and overrun with crowds)• Viking Cave (rare birds, edible swiftlet nests used in soup delicacies, viewed from boat and couldn’t see much)• Snorkel stop (not spectacular)• Swim/photo stop in shallow water• Monkey Island (viewed from boat and couldn’t see much)• Phi Phi Don for lunch — overcrowded buffet and bumper-boat-level traffic• Bamboo Island — quieter, calmer, and the favorite stop for most of us
Consensus: We wished we could have spent more time at Bamboo Island simply relaxing and swimming. Overall, this highly anticipated excursion was a disappointment. I’m still glad I did it for the experience, but it did not live up to the hype in my opinion. It is possible that a different company on a different type of boat would have enhanced the experience at least a bit.
We returned for the sunset at a beach bar, said goodbye to our CEO Joey (click here to request recommended tipping amount for this tour), did some last-minute shopping for knockoff sunglasses and bags, and indulged in one final warm coconut oil massage.
Bittersweet.
Day 14: Final Night in Bangkok
We flew back to Bangkok via Bangkok Airways. It was a short 1.5-hour flight with a meal service included. My checked bag came in at 19kg, phew, safely under limit.
Thanks to advanced arrangements by our friend and host of the podcast Thailand Adventures, Bill, we stayed at Akara Hotel, where Ray and the staff were incredibly hospitable. That evening we experienced Akara Sky Hanuman Bangkok on the 61st floor.
The experience included:• A “Taste of Thailand” progressive meal featuring dishes from the four regions• Choosing your favorite region for your main course• Moving to different themed rooms (lantern room, reflection room)• A short sky show
The views were spectacular. It’s expensive and very tourist-forward, but unique and well-executed. Though I’m glad I did it this time, I’d likely skip the full dinner next time and just enjoy the experience spaces and sky bar.
Afterward, we made one final pilgrimage to 7-Eleven.
The biggest surprise of the entire trip? How iconic 7-Eleven is in Thailand. Who knew in other countries than the USA, 7-Eleven has more desired items than slurpees?!