The Ultimate 3 to 5 Day Bangkok Itinerary: Your Guide Based on Your Interests

Best Things to See in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital, is a captivating blend of ancient temples, mouthwatering street food, and modern energy. This itinerary acts as your guide, not a rigid schedule, allowing you to craft the perfect adventure based on your interests, whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a temple enthusiast.

Getting to Bangkok:

Bangkok boasts two international airports – Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Most international flights arrive at BKK, while budget airlines often use DMK. Both airports offer convenient connections to the city center via taxis, metered taxis, ride-hailing apps, and public transportation.

Where to Stay in Bangkok:

Bangkok caters to a variety of budgets and travel styles. Here's a breakdown of popular areas:

• Khaosan Road: The backpacker haven! Lively atmosphere, budget-friendly guesthouses, and a street food paradise. Keep in mind it can get noisy at night.

• Silom & Sathorn: Bangkok's business district offers sleek high-rise hotels, upscale restaurants, and convenient access to public transportation.

• Riverside: Experience the heart of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River. Picturesque views, historical landmarks, and charming boutique hotels await.

• Sukhumvit: A vibrant district with a diverse range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury stays. Explore trendy restaurants, chic cafes, and happening nightlife.

The Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary & Must-See Experiences:

This guide highlights Bangkok's top experiences, allowing you to craft your 3 to 5 day itinerary:

Temples & Palaces:

• The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the royal palace and marvel at the sacred Emerald Buddha sculpted from a single piece of jade. Consider joining a Grand Palace and Temples tour for a guided exploration with insightful commentary.

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Witness the architectural splendor of this riverside temple, especially stunning during sunrise. This might be included in a Grand Palace and Temples tour, so check beforehand to avoid redundancy.

• Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Pay homage to the massive reclining Buddha statue and explore the temple's maze-like courtyards. This might also be included in a Grand Palace and Temples tour.

Cultural Delights:

• Wat Pho Thai Massage School: Learn the ancient art of Thai massage in a traditional setting.

• Jim Thompson House Museum: Explore the former residence of an American silk merchant, offering a glimpse into Thai history and culture.

• Lumphini Park: Escape the city bustle in Bangkok's largest park, perfect for picnics, boat rides, or simply relaxing amidst the greenery.

Foodie Adventures:

• Khao San Road: A haven for street food enthusiasts, offering everything from pad thai and mango sticky rice to exotic insects (for the adventurous!).

• Chinatown: Explore bustling markets and indulge in authentic Chinese delicacies.

• Wang Lang Market: Dive into the world of fresh seafood and traditional Thai dishes at this lively market.

• Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of Thai cuisine and whip up your favorite dishes in a fun and interactive class.

Nightlife:

• Khaosan Road: Live music, rooftop bars, and a backpacker party atmosphere.

• Silom & Sathorn: Upscale bars and rooftop lounges with stunning city views.

• Sukhumvit: Trendy bars, nightclubs, and live music venues catering to diverse tastes.

• Asiatique The Riverfront: A waterfront entertainment complex with restaurants, bars, and live shows.

• Nana Plaza: Bangkok's infamous red-light district with adult entertainment venues, bars, and go-go bars.

Night Markets:

• Chatuchak Weekend Market: The largest weekend market in the world, offering a mind-boggling variety of goods from clothing and souvenirs to handicrafts and antiques. Open Fridays through Sundays.

• Ratchadaphisek Train Market: A unique night market set in repurposed train cars, offering vintage finds, clothing, and delicious street food.

• ArtBox: A trendy night market known for its hipster vibes, live music, and stalls selling handmade crafts, fashion accessories, and delectable treats. Open Thursdays through Sundays.

• Ramkhamhaeng Night Market: A sprawling night market with a local vibe, offering clothing, souvenirs, and a vast selection of delicious street food.

• Jodd Fairs Night Market: A haven for vintage enthusiasts and collectors, featuring antiques, furniture, and unique finds. Open Fridays through Sundays.

• Srinakarin Rot Fai Market: This car-themed night market

Malls:

Bangkok boasts a thriving mall culture, offering a haven for shopping enthusiasts. Here are some of the top malls to visit:

• Siam Paragon: A world-class shopping complex featuring luxury brands, an aquarium, and a multiplex cinema.

• CentralWorld: Another massive mall with a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

• Terminal 21: This unique mall features themed floors representing different international cities.

• Icon Siam: A riverside mall offering high-end brands, an indoor floating market, and stunning views.

• MBK Center: A sprawling mall popular for its wide selection of shops at affordable prices.

Pro Tip: Many temples have dress code restrictions (shoulders covered, knees covered). Pack accordingly to avoid disappointment.

Embrace the flexibility of this guide and craft your Thailand trip accordingly.

The Ultimate 3 to 5 Day Krabi Itinerary | Best Things to See in Krabi

Best Things to Do In Krabi

Krabi is a stunning province located in southern Thailand, known for its beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, and lush jungles. It's a popular destination for tourists looking to relax, explore nature, and experience the local culture.

Today, I will talk about everything you need to know to create your ultimate 3 to 5 day itinerary for your Krabi trip.

Bangkok to Krabi

The best way to reach Krabi from Bangkok is to take a flight. Both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) International Airports offer a daily direct flight taking only 1 hr 25 min from Bangkok. Prices are similar from each airport, but I noticed that DMK usually has more flights and better departure times than BKK. 

Choose the airport based on where you are in Bangkok and what time is the most convenient for you.

From Krabi Airport to Your Hotel/Airbnb

There are several ways to reach your hotel from Krabi Airport. You can take a taxi, airport bus, shuttle service, Grab, or private transfer.

I prefer private transfer, as you can book these online long before your trip and they will greet you at the airport to offer a hassle-free transfer to your hotel.

Where to Stay in Krabi

Ao Nang is a popular tourist destination located in the Krabi province of Thailand. It is known for its beautiful beaches, easy access to nearby islands, and a range of activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and diving.

Ao Nang is a convenient base for exploring the best of Krabi, including famous islands such as Railay and Koh Phi Phi, as well as nearby beaches and national parks. In addition to its natural beauty, Ao Nang also offers a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, pubs, and live music venues.

Overall, Ao Nang is the best central base location to stay and explore Krabi.

Instead of giving a day-by-day itinerary, I will describe what you must not miss in Krabi. This way you will have flexibility to create your own itinerary with the attractions that are important to you.

Island Tours You Must Not Miss

There are so many tours in Krabi that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, my top recommendations are the two tours below before you try any others.

1. James Bond Island Longtail Boat Tour

2. Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour

Pro Tip: Book these tours months before your trip. If you are going to Phuket, you can take these tours from Phuket as well. Compare where (Krabi or Phuket) you’ll get cheaper options. You can shift one or both tours to Phuket if necessary and book other tours not mentioned here.

Top Things You Must Not Miss in Krabi

There are so many things to do in Krabi, but these are my top favourites and you should try these first before doing anything else.

- Visit Railay Beach - a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and rock climbing

- Visit the Tiger Cave Temple - a Buddhist temple located on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Warning: There are 1260 steps to climb, so assess your fitness level.

- Experience the local night markets and sample authentic Thai cuisine.

- Visit Ao Nang Beach and other beaches.

- Visit The Emerald Pool and also the nearby Blue Pool, which is a deeper and more vivid pool of water.

- Visit Krabi Town - the main town and the cultural hub of Krabi province.

- Take Elephant Bathing Tour at Elephant Shelter or Sanctuary. Opt for responsible sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare over exploitative practices.

Pro Tip: Some of these sightseeing spots may already be included in the day tours you are taking, so make sure to avoid duplicates before visiting them. 

Embrace the flexibility this guide offers. Craft your dream Krabi itinerary, incorporating the experiences that resonate most with you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Where to Stay in Bangkok for Your First Night in Thailand

How to Plan for Your Thailand Itinerary - Your First Night in Bangkok

Planning your first night in Bangkok sets the stage for your entire Thailand adventure. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the city's energy immediately or opt for a slower acclimatization, understanding your options is key.

Choosing Your Home Base in Bangkok:

The vibrant Sukhumvit area is a popular choice for first-time visitors. Boasting excellent connectivity via the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, it offers something for everyone:

Shopaholics: Indulge in high-end malls like EmQuartier and Terminal 21 or explore bustling street markets.

Foodies: Sample diverse street food or savor delicious meals at renowned restaurants.

Night owls: Immerse yourself in the lively nightlife scene of Soi Cowboy or Nana Plaza.

However, Bangkok caters to diverse preferences. Consider alternatives like:

Old Town: Steeped in history and charm, with stunning temples and traditional markets.

Silom: Ideal for business travelers with its modern high-rises and convenient location.

Rest and Exploration:

While a long flight might make you want to retire to your room for a night of relaxation, you have options:

1-2 Nights: Explore key sights like the Grand Palace or Wat Pho and savor the street food scene.

Skip Bangkok: If your itinerary prioritizes other destinations, head straight to Krabi or Chiang Mai.

Remember, your decision is personal!

Tips for a Smooth Arrival:

Pre-book an airport transfer: Especially if you’re arriving late or seeking convenience, consider private transfers for around $27 CAD.

Exchange currency: Ensure you have Thai Baht for initial expenses.

Research visa requirements: Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa upon arrival.

Beyond Your First Night:

Stay tuned for upcoming articles on planning your itinerary, exploring Krabi, and uncovering hidden gems in Bangkok!

How to Plan for Your Thailand Trip (Initial Stage)

How to Plan for Your Initial Stage Thailand Trip

Are you dreaming of visiting Thailand, the land of smiles, but feel overwhelmed by all the choices and details? Don’t worry, I’ve been there too. That’s why I want to share with you how I planned my Thailand itinerary and what I learned along the way.

How to Plan for Your Thailand Itinerary

A couple of days ago, I started booking my Thailand trip. But to come to this point, I had to go through a lot of research on deciding my itinerary and various other things.

In this article, I will focus on the initial stage of planning and research, which includes deciding how long to stay, where to go, and what to see in Thailand.

The Very First Thing You Need to Decide

How many days or nights you want to spend in Thailand is the very first thing you need to decide upon. And then, where you want to stay. This will depend on your budget, your availability, and your preferences. Thailand is a large and diverse country, so you can easily spend a month or more exploring different regions and attractions.

However, if you are like most travelers, you probably have a limited time and want to make the most of it. So I first had to figure out how many total days I am staying in Thailand. My total number came to 18 nights. I think is a good amount of time to see the highlights and enjoy some relaxation. Of course, you can adjust this number according to your own needs and interests.

Where to Go & How Many Days You Want to Allocate for Your Stay in Thailand

The second challenging part was to decide where to go and how many days to allocate for each place. This sounds easy, but it took me a lot of research and planning to decide on solid numbers.

Thailand has three main regions: the north, the central, and the south. Each region has its own charm and attractions, so it’s hard to choose. The north is known for its mountains, temples, and culture. The central is where you can find Bangkok, the capital city, and some historical sites. The south is where you can enjoy the beaches, islands, and marine life.

I read many articles, watched YouTube videos on Thailand and used AI sites as Google Bard, PI AI, and Bing Copilot to help me decided on this. In the end, I decided to visit Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket. Based on the days I would require for sightseeing and relaxing, I came up with allocating the first 2 nights in Bangkok, 4 nights in Krabi, 6 nights in Phuket, and the last 6 nights in Bangkok again.

I think these destinations offer a good mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. I also considered the weather, the transportation, and the costs when making my decisions.

What to See in Thailand

To decide on what to see, where to visit, and what kind of tours to book in Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket, I took help from online articles, YouTube travel videos, and AI sites to finalize my plans.

I will write more articles and publish more videos for the next steps in the future. Stay tuned and happy travels!

The Philippines. Manila and Boracay Basics: Top Things to Know Before You Go

What You Need to Know About the Philippines, Manila and Boracay

My month-long Philippines trip is just around the corner and I wanted to put together a short intro to the Philippines, Manila and Boracay.

The Philippines: What You Need to Know

The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, in the Pacific Ocean. The Philippines is made up of 7,640 islands, 2,000 of which are inhabited. The country is broadly categorized in three main geographical divisions:

Luzon - This is the largest, northernmost island. Manila is a part of it.

Visayas - The major islands Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, and Masbate.

Mindanao – In the south. This is the second largest island.

Manila: What You Need to Know

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely-populated metropolis located on a bay of Luzon (one of over 7,000 Philippine islands). Manila has a population of about 15 million in a 240 sq mi area, making it the most or one of the most densely-populated cities in the world.

The City of Manila is the capital of the Philippines and is made up of 16 administrative districts like Binondo, Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, Quiapo, and more.

The greater Metropolitan Manila area or Metro Manila is officially called the National Capital Region (NCR). Metro Manila made up of cities like the City of Manila, Makati, Quezon City, Parañaque, Pasay, Taguig, and more.

Boracay: What You Need to Know

With its powdery white-sand beaches and tranquil turquoise water, Boracay is a paradise on Earth. Boracay covers only 10km and the narrowest point is only 1km. Boracay is located in the western region of Visayas, in the Aklan province, under the jurisdiction of Malay.

Boracay has received various recognitions from top travel magazines such as the Best Island in Asia award from Travel + Leisure and the Top Island in the World from Condé Nast Traveler.

The most popular beach in Boracay is the White Beach (it’s also the biggest), but there are many other world-class beaches exist such as Puka Shell Beach, Bulabog Beach, Diniwid Beach and Ilig-Iligan Beach.  All these beaches have white sand and they are unique their own ways.

Boracay White Beach is divided into 3 sections: Station 1, 2 and 3. These stations are essentially the north, middle and south parts of the beach.

Station 1: Wider Beach & Luxury Resorts

Boracay’s famous visual landmark Willy’s Rock is in Station 1. Here you will find most of the luxurious hotels and resorts. Station 1 is comparatively quieter than Station 2. 

The water is shallow and the beach is wider here with no separate walking path. Station 1 has the finest stretch of white sand.

Only a few clubs are in the same proximity within a short walking distance if you want to enjoy the Boracay nightlife.

Station 2: The Centre

This is the middle part of Boracay and the most crowded, with an assortment of shops and restaurants. You will find many mid-range hotels and resorts. The water is still shallow but not as much like Station 1.

The biggest D’mall sits right in the middle of Station 2. There is a seafood market, D’Talipapa, located in the south. You will find lots of bars, live music, and 3 clubs where you can experience the Boracay Nightlife.

Station 3: Nature and Tranquility

This is the quietest station with lots of greenery and lots of budget-friendly hotels. The beach is a lot steeper here. There are only a handful of laid-back bars and one club for nightlife.