Visit more than one city; you’ve traveled too far and it’s too cheap not to. For $100 we flew from Bangkok to Phuket.
Stay: Courtyard Marriott (Ratchadamiri Rd) . 4-star and $100/night.
Get massages often! Trust us you’ll thank us later! The Touch (thetouch1.com) in Bangkok; 2-hour massage for $20!
Take a cooking class at Silom Thai Cooking School www.bangkokthaicooking.com. You’ll go to a local market for fresh ingredients, make a 5-course meal and get a cookbook for $30 (ask for Jay).
Shopping: MBK Center is 8 levels and hundreds of stores; overstimulating but great for souvenirs. Sharpen your negotiation skills and avoid the brand names (few are legit). After sunset visit the Phuket Night Markets (like Phuket Walking Street) to immerse yourself in local culture and food while you shop. Bangkok Day Tour – $200 for a private all-day tour, hotel pick up and lunch. Our guide was amazing and became our photographer!
Take a Tuk Tuk (3 wheeled open taxi). Negotiate; drivers will often lower the price if you walk way. The train (BTS) is modern, clean, simple, cheap and goes to most popular attractions.
Phi Phi Islands by speed boat ($60) www.phuketalltours.com. Pros: fabulous views, multiple stops. Cons: stops are short; little time to enjoy the beaches but enough for a quick photo shoot. Think twice if you struggle with motion sickness; fast boat + choppy water = bumpy ride.
Temples: Breathtaking but numerous; plan accordingly. You’ll need to cover shoulders and legs inside; bring a wrap.
It is customary in many places to take off your shoes. Leave the jeans at home; pack light, airy fabrics. Buy sarongs and scarves (beautiful, vibrant colors and fabrics) spices, tea and “elephant pants” (so comfy). Plus size travelers: the vendors will let you (and the world) know that they have big (their term not mine) sizes!
Traffic is INSANE! Allow extra travel time.
1 USD = 31 BHAT. 10 nights, 2 flights, 5 massages, 3 excursions, 1 cooking class, tips, meals & transportation (tuk tuks too) about $2,000!
L’Ornya Bowie
Instagram: @bestieswithpassports
