Our Ultimate Thailand Adventure: A Personal Guide for First-Time Travelers

So, we just spent nearly three weeks in Thailand, and wow, what a trip! From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Koh Phi Phi and the peaceful vibes of Chiang Rai, it felt like we squeezed a lifetime of experiences into just a few weeks. Whether you’re planning a short trip or thinking about staying longer (trust us, you’ll want to), this guide is full of personal tips, insider info, and all the highlights from our journey. Let’s dive into our Thailand adventure!

Bangkok: 5 Days of Street Food, Temples & City Life

Where we stayed: Pillow and Bread

Bangkok was our first stop, and we spent five busy, fun-filled days soaking up everything the city had to offer. Bangkok is a sensory overload in the best way possible—there’s always something happening, the food is incredible, and the temples are next-level beautiful.

Day 1-2: Exploring the Temples

We kicked off our stay with a visit to Wat Arun, easily one of our favorite spots in Bangkok. The best time to go? Late afternoon, so you can catch the sunset from the top—such a magical moment. Then there’s the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, which are must-sees. But here’s a funny story: we got stopped by the police on the way for not having an international driving license (oops). The fine wasn’t bad at all though, so while we laughed it off, we’d definitely advise sorting that out beforehand!

Day 3: Food Coma in Chinatown

We are obsessed with street food, so naturally, Chinatown was high on our list. We wandered through endless alleyways, snacking on everything from noodle soups to BBQ pork buns. But the real highlight? Grandpa’s Recipe Grilled Pork. We went back three times—it was that good. (By the way, Netflix totally missed this gem in “Streetfood Asia.” Big mistake!) Don’t leave Bangkok without trying it.

Day 4: Chill Time & Rooftop Bars

After days of exploring, we decided to take it easy at Lumpini Park, a quiet little oasis in the middle of the city. Watching the local Tai Chi sessions and spotting a few massive monitor lizards was definitely a highlight! In the evening, we hit up Techuca Rooftop Bar for cocktails and panoramic city views. This is the kind of place where you realize just how cool Bangkok is.

Day 5: The Golden Mount

On our last day, we hiked up to the Golden Mount for one final view of the city. The sunset from up there was breathtaking, and it’s a quieter spot compared to some of the bigger tourist attractions—definitely a good way to end our time in Bangkok.

During our trip, Jamie discovered a newfound love for Thai tea and Pad Krapow. At first, it was just an experiment to try something local, but after a few sips of that sweet, creamy tea and a bite of the spicy stir-fried basil with minced meat, Jamie was hooked. By the end of our stay, it had become a staple—whether we were grabbing a quick meal from a street vendor or sitting down at a cozy cafe, Pad Krapow and a cold glass of Thai tea were always on the table.

Koh Phi Phi: 3 Nights in Beach Paradise

Where we stayed: Phi Phi Bayview Resort

After Bangkok, we flew down to Krabi and then hopped on a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. If you’ve ever seen photos of Thailand’s iconic beaches, Koh Phi Phi is probably what you’re imagining. We stayed at the Phi Phi Bayview Resort, and let me tell you—it was our absolute favorite place of the whole trip.

Island Adventures & Beach Days

Koh Phi Phi is touristy, yes, but it’s also absolutely stunning. We spent our days hopping between Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Phi Phi Lay on boat tours. Crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs—it was like living in a postcard. For something a little less crowded, take the hike up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint. It’s a bit of a climb, but there’s a little hippie bar at the top, and the views are totally worth it.

Nightlife & Fire Shows

In the evenings, we chilled on the beach and caught some amazing fire shows—for free! Koh Phi Phi might be known for its party scene, but you can totally enjoy a relaxed evening by the water, watching performers light up the night.

Koh Phi Phi can definitely get crowded, especially with all the tourists, but honestly, it has everything you could want from a tropical paradise. Yes, there’s a party scene, but because our amazing hotel, Phi Phi Bayview Resort, was tucked away from the busy center, we always had our peace and quiet when we needed it. However, Maya Bay—while gorgeous—felt pretty overrated. It’s super hyped up, but with all the crowds, we didn’t find it as magical as the rest of the island.

Krabi & Ao Nang: 5 Days of Fun & Relaxation

Where we stayed: Tetris Hotel (meh, not our fave—see our recommendation below)

From Koh Phi Phi, we made our way back to Krabi and set up base in Ao Nang for five days. Our hotel (Tetris Hotel) wasn’t the best but also not the worst, so if you’re looking for something more special, we’d suggest staying somewhere like the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas for the ultimate beachfront experience.

Day Trip to Railay Beach

One of the highlights of our time in Ao Nang was visiting Railay Beach. It’s a rock climber’s dream, but even if you’re not into that, you can just chill on the beach with the stunning limestone cliffs surrounding you. This place is a little piece of paradise.

One of the best surprises at Railay Beach came when we followed one of the smaller paths away from the main strip. We stumbled upon this tiny, unobtrusive food stall run by a young woman. It looked simple, but the food was the real deal—authentic, flavorful, and definitely not toned down for tourists! Be warned though, the spice level is intense, so approach with caution. We also scored the biggest, most refreshing coconut ever for just 1.60 Euros. It was such a hidden gem, and hands down the best (and cheapest!) meal we had on the beach.

Hidden Gem: Khaothong Hill Cafe

We also got a tip from a Japanese scooter vendor (shoutout to you, random guy!) to check out Khaothong Hill Cafe. It’s off the beaten path, but the views over Phang Nga Bay are unreal. Definitely one of those places you wouldn’t stumble upon unless a local tells you about it.

Chiang Mai: 4 Days of Culture & Elephants

Where we stayed: Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel

After our beach time, we flew up north to Chiang Mai for four days, and it was such a change of pace. The city is surrounded by mountains, the air feels fresher, and there’s this amazing mix of ancient temples and modern cafes. We stayed at Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel, which was super convenient and comfortable.

Street Food & Night Markets

Chiang Mai has an amazing street food scene, and we found ourselves going back to the Chinese Night Market again and again. The food is incredible (get ready for some serious spice!), and the atmosphere is electric. We also visited during the Flower Festival, which takes place every February. The city was filled with the most beautiful floral displays—it felt like a mini paradise.

Elephant Day at Chailai Orchid Eco Lodge & Cafe

One of the most unforgettable things we did in Chiang Mai was our day trip to the Chailai Orchid Eco Lodge & Cafe to spend time with elephants. It’s an ethical sanctuary, so there’s no riding, just feeding, walking, and bathing these gentle giants. Spending a day with the elephants was hands down the highlight of our trip.

Temple Visits: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

We also visited Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits on a mountain overlooking the city. The views are amazing, and the temple itself is one of the most important in Northern Thailand. Definitely worth the winding drive up!

A word of advice: if you find yourself at the Chinese night market in Chiang Mai, maybe skip the fresh sushi. If you want the full, cringe-worthy details, check out our article, “That Time We Regretted Eating Sushi at a Night Market in Chiang Mai.”

Chiang Rai: 3 Nights of Quiet Beauty

Where we stayed: Amarin Resort

Finally, we took a bus to Chiang Rai for some much-needed relaxation. We stayed at the Amarin Resort, and we’d recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful place to unwind. Surrounded by lush gardens, it was the perfect way to wrap up our Thailand adventure.

Blue & White Temples

Chiang Rai is known for its incredible temples, and we made sure to visit both the White Temple and the Blue Temple. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is unlike anything you’ve ever seen—completely modern and almost surreal in its design. The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) is equally impressive, with its rich blue tones and intricate gold details. Both are must-visits if you’re in the area.

Planning Your Own Thailand Adventure?

We had almost three weeks to explore, and it was an amazing experience. If you’re planning to stay for just two weeks, let us know! We can help you pick the most important spots to fit into your itinerary. And if you’ve got the time to stay longer—up to a month—we’ve got even more insider tips to help you make the most of your trip!

Thinking about a trip to Thailand? We’d love to hear from you—what are your must-see places, or do you have any questions about our journey? Drop us a comment below!