October is here and the brisk air is creeping up on us. The thoughts of a desert beach, food markets, and the sand in my toes seem to be dragging away with the ocean waves. Everyone can appreciate a relaxing getaway, so why not ditch the pumpkin spiced lattes and big sweaters to book a flight to Thailand?
Photo taken by Trevor Fudim
First, you can leave behind your big scarf and tall boots at Koh Mun Nork’s desert island. It’s about a 45-minute ride from the mainland and there is only one resort so this is not a popular area for tourist crowds. The beauty and privacy are perfect for kicking off your sandals and relaxing after your long journey to Thailand.
Railay Beach is another isolated island to help you avoid the crowds. You can enjoy the beautiful view of blue water and massive cliffs when traveling by boat since it’s the only way to travel there. The scenery makes rock climbing and snorkeling just that much more enjoyable on Railay Beach.
After a refreshing morning on the beach, you can grab lunch from one of the street vendors at a local food market. Barbequed seafood is an absolute must to try from these vendors. Yaowarat has many street vendors and is the equivalent of a Chinatown. It’s located in Bangcok and has amazing pop up stalls and restaurants along the streets for meal tastings. Another hidden food gem is a road from Saphan Taksin BTS station that continues into the intersection of Charoen Krung Road and Silom Road where all your food fantasies can be brought to life. If you’re looking for some good vibes and friendly locals, Bangrak is a small hippie locals’ restaurant with art shows and live music that also serves some awesome Thai food.
Some especially tasty Thai meals are Pat tai, Kanom Beuang, and Sate. Pat tai is a street food found in Bangkok made of stir-fried noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu, egg, lime, chives, and banana flower. Thip Samai has been serving this dish for plenty of years now. Kanom beuang is a Thai version of a taco and can be found in the Nang Leong Market. These tacos can be sweet tasting with duck and fruit preserves, or spicy with shrimp and white pepper.
Sate is a much simpler dish, made of meat skewers and served with a side of peanut sauce. These dishes may not sound like your typical bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich or your favorite buffalo chicken pizza, but it is extremely important to be open to trying new dishes while in Thailand. Often, cities have specialty meals that can reflect their unique cultures and traditions.
Just be careful of the Thailand animals becoming jealous of your delicious finds.
Photo taken by Trevor Fudim
If you think you’ll be getting rolled down the street from how full your stomach is, you might want to consider renting a motorcycle. Cheap on gas and perfect for exploring the cities and coasts, Thai locals use this as their main form of transportation for all their daily travels.
Photo taken by Trevor Fudim
You can take your new motorcycle over to the beach town of Hua Hin to escape the crowded markets. This town used to be a fishing village and it spans several miles along sandy beaches. Here you can explore on elephant rides, play golf, and take hikes. Waterfalls and natural beauty create a perfect spot to hangout for the evening if you’re energy starts to deplete.
If you do save up any energy for a night out, then you can show off your new tan at some Thai Full Moon Parties. Head Rin is the perfect spot. Drink, dance, and enjoy good music all night because these parties last until sunrise. If you’re head isn’t too foggy when you wake up you can spend the morning swimming along the peninsula and grab a bite to eat to fuel your next adventure. Lamai Beach, Samui is another beach where plenty of bars and restaurants transform over night.
If you plan to spend multiple days in Thailand, be sure to check out the historic elements and architectural structures. In a small city called Kanchanaburi there is a bridge known for Death Railway to Burma, which is where prisoners of war were held during World War II. There are also fascinating elephant camps, national parks, and majestic waterfall caves in this city. Chiang Rai is another great city where you can attend street fairs on the weekends, uncover the Golden Triangle, and see massive temples. Sukhothai is small historic city that harbors ancient ruins and Buddha statues. And if you want to arouse your inner Yogi, Pai is a relaxing city where you can meditate, do yoga, and soak in the warm water.
Plan wisely, and try to avoid the tourist crowds that can be found in major provinces.
Three Cities known to attract large crowds during the peak tourist seasons:
1. Bangkok
2. Koh Phi Phi
3. Koh Phangan
Consider yourself warned.
Not sure how to pack for your Thailand adventure? It is currently around 80 degrees in Bangkok, so some light shorts and shirts will be perfect for your daily activities. For those full moon parties or going out for dinner, a sundress and sandals, or a light shirt and khakis will be most comfortable. If you plan to visit any temples, pack loose, appropriate, clothing and something to cover your shoulders. Bring an umbrella and rain jacket if you plan on going during a rainy season, but I recommend planning your trip around the rainy weather so you can enjoy the outdoors. Pack bug spray, sun lotion, active sneakers, sandals, a bathing suit, and any over the counter products if you plan to stay at an isolated resort. Definitely bring a camera so you can capture all the beauty that you uncover.
On your first day in Thailand, Cody McKibben says it’s best to arrive in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and to have a hotel booked in the area for that first night because you may be arriving late at night after a long journey. Cody also advises not to get in a taxi that doesn’t have a meter in it, because the driver may try to scam you. Money in Thailand is called “baht”, so if they charge you around 400 baht, this is a scam. There are also plenty of 7/11’s around for you to stock up on any initial items that you may need.
Another thing that makes traveling to Thailand so desirable is its affordability. Check your conversion rate for traveling to Thailand so you know how to budget for this trip. Being an American citizen traveling to Thailand, products and services are much cheaper in Thailand. If you are a broke college student like myself, recent graduate with plenty of loans, or just looking for an amazing adventure that won’t cost you much, Thailand is a great option to consider.
Our team of wanderers hopes you can get the most experience out of your next getaway adventure. If you’re longing for clear water, white sand, savory meals, and a faraway destination, then Thailand might be the perfect place for you. Don’t worry, Autumn leaves and comfort food will be waiting for your return.
Wander Often.
Photo taken by Trevor Fudim
Feel free to share any photos or stories from your trip with us. Please send to wanderersonlyinfo@gmail.com.
