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Bangkok Ā· Krabi Ā· The Islands Ā· And Every Memory In Between
Thailand is one of those places that lives in people’s dreams long before they actually go. The golden temples, the street food that hits different at midnight, the turquoise water around the islands, the warmth of the people ā it all sounds almost too good to be true. And then you go. And it’s real. And it’s better.
This blog is a mix of two things: a general guide to help you plan your own trip, and my personal story of travelling Thailand with my friend Claire šŗ ā about three years ago now. I’m writing this from memory, but some memories are sharp enough that they feel like yesterday.
We covered Bangkok and Krabi, island-hopped on a private boat, hiked stairs we hadn’t bargained for, fell off a bike (and survived), and came home with more than just photos. We came home with the kind of stories you still tell years later.
This is that story. I hope it helps you plan yours ā and if Claire is reading this, hi. You’ll recognise everything.
It was a Sunday afternoon. Claire and I were sitting inside a Starbucks ā nothing special, just killing time. She was scrolling through flights to Thailand on her phone and told me the price. Without really thinking too much, I said: “If you can manage, book one for me too. I’ll pay you later.”
That was it. No long planning session. No spreadsheet. Just two friends, a coffee shop, and a flight price that felt right. The trip was real.
Thailand had always been on the list for both of us. And just like that ā almost by accident ā it was actually happening.
Once we landed, the first thing we did was grab a Grab ā the rideshare app ā and head to our hotel. Smooth and easy. Claire had planned everything: which hotel, which areas to move through, how to get around. Everything was thought out, on time, in order.
My job was completely different. I was calculating memory cards. How many do I carry? How many pen drives for backup storage? I did not want to run out of space in Thailand of all places. We each handled our half of the trip ā and it worked perfectly.
Our first destination after check-in was the temples. And they were something else. Coming from India, and with Claire from the Philippines, we both found something familiar in the architecture ā the colors, the carvings, the feeling of something old and meaningful.
We saw people renting traditional Thai royal costumes for photos outside the temples. A great idea, honestly. But I was already deep in camera mode and Claire was shooting for Instagram, so we just kept moving. Still, it looked amazing ā something worth doing if you have the time.
The food was good. But what really stayed with me was how the Thai people greet you. It’s completely different from anything I’d experienced. It made me feel something quiet and real: that no matter where you are in the world, people are still just people ā and that’s what connects us.
Bangkok is the kind of city you can’t fully prepare for. It’s loud and quiet in the same moment ā ancient temples rising beside glass towers, monks walking past neon signs, street food carts parked next to luxury malls. The city holds all its contradictions together without breaking a sweat.
Most trips to Thailand start here. And while it can feel overwhelming at first, Bangkok rewards the curious. Give it a day or two and you’ll stop seeing the chaos as noise ā you’ll start seeing it as energy.
There’s temple culture, river life, incredible food, rooftop bars, floating markets, massive weekend markets, and a nightlife that genuinely doesn’t sleep. Whatever kind of traveller you are, Bangkok has a version of itself for you.
Once we landed, the first thing we did was grab a Grab ā the rideshare app ā and head to our hotel. Smooth and easy. Claire had planned everything: which hotel, which areas to move through, how to get around. Everything was thought out, on time, in order.
My job was completely different. I was calculating memory cards. How many do I carry? How many pen drives for backup storage? I did not want to run out of space in Thailand of all places. We each handled our half of the trip ā and it worked perfectly.
Our first destination after check-in was the temples. And they were something else. Coming from India, and with Claire from the Philippines, we both found something familiar in the architecture ā the colors, the carvings, the feeling of something old and meaningful.
We saw people renting traditional Thai royal costumes for photos outside the temples. A great idea, honestly. But I was already deep in camera mode and Claire was shooting for Instagram, so we just kept moving. Still, it looked amazing ā something worth doing if you have the time.
The food was good. But what really stayed with me was how the Thai people greet you. It’s completely different from anything I’d experienced. It made me feel something quiet and real: that no matter where you are in the world, people are still just people ā and that’s what connects us.
Travel does not require a big budget. It requires a decision. The decision that your happiness is also part of the family budget.
Must-Visit Spots
Bangkok has more to offer than most people expect. Here are the places worth putting on your list ā whether you have two days or ten.
Bangkok’s most iconic landmark. A massive complex of golden spires, royal buildings, and sacred temples ā home to the Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of jade and considered the most sacred Buddhist artifact in Thailand.
Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Standing on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of the most photographed temples in Thailand. Its towering spires are decorated with colorful porcelain and seashells. Stunning at sunrise and beautifully lit at night.
Take the ferry across the river ā the boat view is as good as the temple itself.
One of Bangkok’s oldest temples and home to the 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. It’s also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Ranked among the top attractions in all of Asia.
Entry is 100 baht. Free for kids under 4 feet. Open 8amā6:30pm.
One of the largest open-air markets in the world ā over 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres. You’ll find vintage clothes, art, antiques, street food, plants, and things you didn’t know you needed. Open weekends from 9am to 6pm.
Go early. It gets hot and crowded by midday. Wear comfortable shoes.
Bangkok offers far more than just temples. Here are six essential experiences for every type of traveler:
Chao Phraya River Cruise (Culture): See the city from the water. Whether itās a luxury dinner cruise or a local longtail boat, the river offers stunning views of illuminated temples and local life. Pro tip: Book top-end cruises early!
Street Food Tour (Food): Bangkokās street food is world-class. From Pad Thai to mango sticky rice, Chinatown is the place to be. For a true “bucket-list” moment, try a 4:00 AM food tour.
Traditional Thai Massage (Wellness): Perfect after a long day of exploring. For the most authentic experience, visit Wat Pho, the historic home of traditional massage.
Free Walking Tours (Discovery): Get your bearings on your first day. Groups like Bangkok Walking Tour offer history and local tips that help you understand the city’s soul.
Malls as Social Hubs (Shopping): These aren’t just for shoppingāthey are air-conditioned social centers with elite food courts and entertainment. Don’t miss Siam Paragon and MBK.
Khao San Road (Nightlife): Itās loud, touristy, and energetic. While not “refined,” itās a must-see at least once for the street food and the vibrant, late-night atmosphere.
Bangkok is warm and humid year-round, but the seasons play a huge role in your comfort. Here is a quick breakdown to help you plan:
The Vibe: The most comfortable time to visit with lower humidity and blue skies.
Best For: Temple-hopping, walking tours, and outdoor markets.
Note: This is peak seasonābook your flights and hotels well in advance!
The Vibe: Intense heat, especially in April.
Best For: Indoor malls, rooftop bars, and river cruises.
Highlight: April features Songkran, Thailandās famous nationwide water festival. Visit temples early to beat the sun.
The Vibe: Short, heavy afternoon showers. September and October are the wettest.
Best For: Budget travelers. Youāll find fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush green scenery.
Note: Perfect if youāre flexible with your daily plans.
Bangkok is a massive city, but getting around is easy and affordable if you know which mode to pick. Here is the best way to navigate the streets:
Grab (Rideshare): The easiest way for tourists to avoid haggling. Like Uber, you book via the app with a fixed price. Itās the best choice for airport transfers on your first day.
BTS Skytrain & MRT: Fast, air-conditioned, and cheap. These trains cover most tourist hubs and run every 5ā10 minutes from 5:30 AM to midnight.
Tip: A one-day unlimited pass is only about 150 baht ($4).
Chao Phraya Ferry: The most scenic way to visit riverside landmarks like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. A single trip is roughly 40 baht.
Tip: Skip the 100-baht “tourist boats”āthe regular ferry is just as fast.
Tuk-Tuk: An iconic Bangkok experience, best for short distances and photos. Always agree on the price before getting in. For long trips, Grab is usually cheaper and faster.
Bus: The cheapest but most complex option. Use Google Maps to track routes, though it’s generally better suited for locals or seasoned travelers.
Driving Yourself: Not recommended. Between intense traffic, tricky navigation, and limited parking, you’re much better off sticking to public transit and rideshares.
After the rush of Bangkok, heading south to Krabi is the natural next move. Known for its towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, Krabi has a laid-back pace that forces you to slow down. Itās the perfect base for island-hopping and getting off the beaten path.
This is one of the areaās most popular but challenging hikes.
The Challenge: Nearly 1,300 steps to the summitāalmost vertical in some sections.
The Reward: A stunning 360-degree view of the Krabi landscape that makes every grueling step worth it.
We flew from Bangkok to Krabi and landed at night. After settling in, we went out for a walk and started looking for bikes to rent. Found a shop that was still open. The owner said yes, showed us the options ā and then Claire and I both noticed one particular bike sitting at the front of the shop.
The moment we started eyeing it up, the owner immediately said, “No no no no ā that one is mine! How will I get home?” We burst out laughing. That moment still makes me smile every time I think about it.
The next day, we found the hiking spot ā I still can’t remember the name, but it had close to a thousand stairs going almost straight up. Claire looked at it, looked at me, and said: “I’ll wait here. You go.” So I went ā camera bag, drones, everything on my back.
By the time I got to the top, it was already getting cloudy. I thought, let me at least get some shots before it closes in. I did. And standing there, looking out over Krabi from the top, I genuinely felt glad I made the climb. The view was worth every step.
On the way back, it started raining hard. I said we could still ride back slowly. That was a mistake. The road was slippery, the slope was tricky, and the bike went. We both went down. But we had been going so slowly that there wasn’t a single scratch on either of us ā we were completely fine.
Claire, understandably, wanted to get checked anyway. We found a clinic, everything was clear. She wasn’t very enthusiastic about bikes after that. I completely understood.
Island-hopping around Krabi is a quintessential Thailand experience. While group tours are cheaper, a private boat gives you total freedom over your schedule and destinations. If you can split the cost with a small group, itās the only way to go.
Popular Stops Around Krabi:
Phi Phi Islands & Bamboo Island: Iconic scenery and crystal-clear water.
Chicken Island: Famous for its unique rock formation.
Railay Beach: Great for relaxing and staring at the dramatic cliffs.
Claire found us a great deal on a private boat tour ā four to five islands in one day. We had the boat to ourselves. No schedule, no rushing. It was exactly the kind of trip you imagine when you think of Thailand.
I had plans for the drone. Big plans. Aerial shots over the water, the islands from above, the kind of footage that takes your breath away. I was setting up, about to launch ā
And then a wave splash hit the drone directly. Circuit damage. Completely done. I couldn’t fly it for the rest of the trip.
I was genuinely gutted. All those shots I had pictured, gone. But what I did get ā the photos from before it happened, the boat, the water, the light ā those are still good. And the experience itself was something I’d recommend to anyone without hesitation.
There’s something about being out on the open water with no particular schedule, moving between islands at your own pace, that just settles something inside you. It was quiet and beautiful and perfect.
Choose Private: You control the islands, the timing, and when to head back.
Book at the Pier: Talk to the boatmen directly at the pier to avoid agency markups.
Pack Waterproof: Use waterproof bags for all electronics and cameras.
Drone Warning: Be extremely careful with waves and tide conditions when launching from a boat!
Motion Sickness: Bring tablets if youāre sensitive to the boatās motion.
Small details can make a huge difference in your experience. Here is what you need to know before you land:
Cash is King: While ATMs are common, many street food stalls, temples, and small shops only accept cash. Tip: Withdraw larger amounts at once to avoid the standard 220 baht ATM fee.
Grab the App: Download Grab before you arrive. Itās the go-to rideshare app for stress-free travel from airports and around major cities like Bangkok and Krabi with upfront pricing.
Dress for Temples: Respect the dress code by keeping your shoulders and knees covered. Carry a light scarf or shawl in your bagāyouāll need it for places like the Grand Palace.
Renting Bikes: In Krabi and the islands, scooters are fun and cheap, but take them seriously. Always wear a helmet and be extra cautious on wet or downhill roads.
Thai Balm ā Buy It: Famous herbal balms (like Tiger Balm) are everywhere and work wonders for muscle aches, insect bites, and congestion. They make for great, lightweight souvenirs.
Storage & Gear: If youāre a content creator, bring extra memory cards and portable drives, as they can be pricey locally. Important for drone users: Always check tide and wind conditions before flying over water!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetur adipiscing elit. Maece males mas porttitor lectus cursus nec. Ut pharetra metus nec lobortis imperdiet pharetra fermentum.
