In November I booked EF Ultimate Breakโs Thailand Getaway during a Black Friday sale at 2am with absolutely plans to return to Asia so soon. I was half asleep on my couch watching YouTube when a video for this exact trip started playing. I had a “screw it” moment after failing to move past this feeling something was there for me to discover within myself and obtain knowledge I needed to learn.
Fast forward a few months and I was audaciously stepping into my sixth solo country with a group of strangers who would quickly become my photographers, dance partners, and dinner buddies! Whether you go with friends or venture solo like I did, youโre instantly welcomed into a vibrant community with EF. Our group of 34 wandered through the jaw dropping temples of Bangkok, navigated bustling markets, observed rescued elephants at an ethical sanctuary in Chiang Mai, and exploring the stunning beaches of Phuket. Every day invited new surprises, friendships, and memories that Iโll carry with me forever.
EF Ultimate Break makes travel effortless. I simply showed up, and everything else was taken care of. I’ve traveled completely solo before without a group and it was a real treat having hotel rooms and all logistics in a row for me. As an EF Ultimate Break ambassador, I can help you save $100 on your first trip! Just use my referral link when booking! Itโs the perfect way to take that first step toward your next adventure, whether you’re solo traveling or on a group trip! If Thailand isn’t too high on your list, there are 120+ different trips to choose from!
Continue reading for all of my adventures (and a few misadventures, lol) through Thailand, and discover why this trip became one of the most transformative + significant times of my life!
Day 1: Flying to Bangkok
Flying to Thailand was a long haul, but well worth it. My entire travel day was about 26 hours. I downloaded a bunch of movies on my phone and it helped for a bit! Additionally, I brought a super comfy travel pillow and foot hammock, which make long hauls a bit easier. My flights were: PHL->ATL->ICN->BKK
The first flight was through Delta, but the others were Korean Air (they are codeshared, though). The staff was dressed SO nicely in their tiffany blue blazers and slicked back hair. Blankets, pillows, and slippers were provided to make the international flight as cozy as possible.
The flight team served two “larger” meals, and handed out snacks + coffee/tea throughout. Flying over Seoul was beautiful and more mountainous than I’d imagined. My only tip for the long haul flights is to not stare at the seemingly endless map on your screen, no matter how tempting.
Bangkok
Day 2: Arriving in Bangkok
Thailandโs capital is a whirlwind of ancient temples, vibrant nightlife, and jaw-dropping architecture (working in construction had me nerding out).
After arriving at around 10 pm, we went to the currency exchange and met up with Tony, our tour director. There were two people in my group on my flight. One of which, Hannah, ended up being my roommate and we clicked instantaneously! It was about a half hour drive to our first hotel, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown. Bangkok’s bright skyline reflected in my eyes and twinkled brightly; I couldn’t believe I was actually in THAILAND. Across the world from my home. The location was located next to a huge Starbucks and iconic 7 Eleven.
The three of us checked in and took our first tuktuk to Khao San Rd. “Grab” is the name of Uber here, but you can find tuktuks anywhere and they’re usually cheaper. Hannah, my roommate I met on the flight to Seoul, queued “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head through the tuktuk’s speakers; it felt like we were in a movie riding down the roads of Thailand with the wind in my hair. This iconic bustling road in Bangkok has copious amounts of street food, bars, and entertainment. We were still comedically wearing our compression socks from the flights. Setting vacation off right! (I actually DID take vacation days for this one).
Our first Pad Thai was in the cards, as well as dancing / singing at a bar I forget the name of. All bars, clubs, and food spots are all outdoors and look nearly identical on Khao San! Pad Thai is a classic Thai noodle dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, scrambled egg, tofu or meat, crunchy peanuts, bean sprouts, and a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce. Itโs usually served with a wedge of lime and a side of chili flakes so you can spice it up to your liking!
Something I loved about Thailand’s nightlife was how immersive and inviting it was. Staff would stroll right up and casually hand you a microphone to sing into. The bars along the street were open air, making bouncing from one to the next feel effortless and way more enjoyable than the claustrophobic chaos I am used to in Philly.
The streets were electric, with vivid signs illuminating the way, music in the air, and food vendors serving local food, from Pad Thai to full trays of fried insects. People approached us holding out a skewer of scorpions, spiders, and other critters.
Hotel: ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
The breakfast buffet was absolutely DIVINE and I had the best bao buns of my life (ube flavored)! Coffee was strong and served as perfect fuel for the long days ahead. There was a selection of fruits, rice, breads, and veggies.
The outlets here have USB cables, so no adapter is needed here. However, for the other two hotels we stayed at during this trip, the adapter was needed.
Day 3: Touring Bangkok + Welcome Dinner
Bus Tour of Bangkok
Our morning began with breakfast at ASAI and a welcome orientation led by our tour director, Tony. He gave gave us a run down of the trip’s itinerary, his background with EF, and little welcome gifts, including an herbal inhaler and bandana. Herbal inhalers are a huge thing in Thailand, and they precipitously became a new obsession for me. They are refreshing and clear your sinuses instantly and I’m grateful Tony got us in on this!
Admiring The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace filled every expectation! Every building looked like it was dipped in gold and covered in tiny jewels. I couldnโt stop gawking at the details. The evident craft exerted into the building was truly mesmerizing. The location has been the official residence of Thai kings since the 1700s, and you can palpably feel the history walking through it. It was hot and crowded but 100% worth it. Shoulders and knees are required to be covered for entry.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
Wat Arun Ratchawararam emulated a sight straight out of a postcard with its towering spires and intricate tilework that shimmered in the sun.
Subsequent to our group walking in, our tour director mentioned itโs a huge thing for both locals and tourists to rent traditional Thai attire and take photos at the temples. For about 200 baht each, Hannah and I, as well as a few others from our group, decided to go for it. We only had about 45 min at each temple. Hence, we had to run for it to make our bus. This trip was very GO GO GO. I like the fast pace and experiencing as much as possible, but I did wish we had just a teeny bit more time at each spot.
The girls were led behind this curtained off corner where a group of women helped us change into the full outfit, bright patterned fabrics, gold accessories, the works. You can select which style you would like as well. They have a booklet of different looks if you’re in need of inspiration. Tony said itโs a way to honor the culture and show respect at these sacred places, and we wanted to do it right. It was a privilege to experience this part of Thai culture and it made me excited seeing how ecstatic those around were for us to respect it in this way.
Though, Hannah and I couldnโt stop laughing at the fact we had just met yesterday on a plane, and now here we were in our bras and underwear getting dressed in a tiny corner by Thai women who were somehow keeping a straight face.
Chao Phraya River Boat Tour & Orchid Farm
One of the stops on our boat tour was an orchid farm nestled right along the water. It was peaceful and lush, with rows of vibrant orchids hanging from every corner like little bursts of color. I spotted a massive centipede crawling across the walkway. And I mean thicc. The variety of orchids was incredible!
ICONSIAM Mall & Welcome Dinner
Our first night kicked off with a little exploring at one of Bangkokโs โluxuryโ malls, ICONSIAM. Following this, our bus drove us to the official welcome dinner, something every EF trip includes. It was the perfect way to meet everyone and ease into the trip. Mango sticky rice is a Thailand staple and was offered for dessert. Something in my brain rewired. My genetic make up. I will forever crave mango sticky rice. Creamy coconut rice, fresh mango, and a drizzle of sweetness in perfect harmony.
Rum, wine, and beer were included as part of the meal. The food was served family style – I believe it was a mix of coconut chicken, veggies, and other hearty plates. It was the beginning of a week full of new flavors, new people, and lots of little surprises!
Khao San Road
To wrap up our first full night and official day in Thailand, a large part of the group headed back to Khao San Road. It was a LONG day. I almost couldn’t believe how much we accomplished and saw in only 24 hours. Normally I’m one of the last ones standing, but I needed to hit the hay early. It was only about a 10 minute tuktuk ride from the hotel. The energy hit different now that we all knew each other a little better. Our group danced under neon lights, sipped buckets, and shouted the lyrics to every song like we were lifelong friends.
Day 4: Floating Markets, Coconut Farms, & Rooftops
The coconut farm was a random little gem and surprisingly one of my favorite parts of the trip. Our tour group was able to observe the whole process, from how the coconuts are collected to extracting the sap, which they cook until it crystalizes into something almost honey-like. We got to taste it from the pot, and it was teeth-hurting sweet, smooth, and also a little gritty. The place had a quaint atmosphere and a tiny gift shop tucked in the back. I ended up grabbing a silky pastel blue scarf embroidered with gold elephants that was just too soft not to buy!
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets were a peaceful change of pace. As our boat glided through narrow canals, we passed vendors cooking from their boats, surrounded by baskets of fruit, grilled meat, and handmade goods. Hannah and I ended up getting coconut ice cream, and it hit the spot in the unforgiving heat. I didnโt end up buying anything. Haggling is expected here and is definitely not my forte. Still, I loved just being present in the moment, feeling the breeze as the boat picked up speed and watching the blur of vibrant fabrics, sizzling pans, and local life floating by.
Thai Massages @ ASAI
Tony, our tour director, organized an optional Thai massage right in our hotel rooms for about 1000 baht, which is roughly $30 USD. (cash only) Hannah and I chose to do this together and I’m glad I got paired with her. We dually shared the mentality of wanting to experience everything while traveling and I’m so grateful EF paired us as roommates.
My first Thai massage was interesting to say the least. I fell asleep during the first 30 minutes and when I woke up, the women were literally on all fours using their full body weight to crack my back and stretch in every direction. It was a great massage, but the whole thing felt a little awkward. There was no music, only the symphony of my joints snapping like bubble wrap LOL which made it difficult to relax. If I were speaking to a prospective traveler, Iโd suggest going to an spa nearby to avoid the awkward silence. But as far as random travel stories go, this oneโs definitely memorable.
Drinks & Dancing at Tichuca
After dinner (which for me, was the Starbucks adjacent to ASAI – would 10/10 recommend), our group had some free time. A bunch of us decided to check out Tichuca, one of Bangkokโs most famous rooftop bars. The view was incredible, like something out of a movie. The city sprawled out beneath us with twinkling lights, and the warm night breeze added to the whole vibe. I’m a party girl through and through, and this was absolutely one of the coolest bars I’ve been to!
Our group took a Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) around 9pm, so it wasn’t super crowded, but it also wasn’t dead, either. The bar had this sleek, modern feel, and the energy was a perfect balance of laid-back and upscale. It was one of those moments where you just had to take a second to appreciate the experience. I kept referring to the location as, “The bar with the tree” because it reminded me of the tree of souls from Avatar!
One note about going here – a passport (or photo of it) is required for entry. A drivers license alone won’t get you in. No reservations are needed, either! I’m not sure if there is a dress code or not, but it was def more of a dressy club than casual. It was nice to clean up a bit ๐
Chiang Mai
Day 5: Flying to Chiang Mai + Visit To Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Lunch in Chiang Mai
Flying to Chiang Mai was a much less strenuous process than anticipated. All domestic flights are included in the cost of the trip. An unexpected surprise was having access to the Bangkok Airways lounges for each consecutive flight. All flights in Thailand, regardless of length, offer a meal service!
For our first lunch in Chiang Mai, EF switched things up and included lunch instead of dinner. We went to a local spot that served a variety of traditional northern Thai dishes. Naturally, I was feeling adventurous, so I decided to try silk worms. I popped one in my mouth, tried to chew through it, and immediately almost gagged. But, when in Thailand – traveling is all about trying new things, even if you don’t end up loving them. But on the bright side, I balanced the experience out with a plate of absolutely delicious peanut noodles that totally saved my appetite.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand, perched on a mountain with views that stretch all the way across Chiang Mai. According to legend, a white elephant carried a relic of the Buddha up this mountain, circled the top, and peacefully passed away, marking the land as a holy site.
It takes 306 steps to get to the top, but I took my time and soaked in the surroundings. As someone who works in construction, I was geeking out over the millwork. The detail in every pillar and panel was insane. The little market at the base ended up having some of the most unique and reasonably priced finds of the whole trip. You can purchase little bells or lotus flowers as offerings.
Jade Factory
After, our group walked to a local jade factory in Chiang Mai. Outside were grounds lined with lush Bohdi leaves, and there was a beautiful fountain. Inside, we had the chance to watch jewelry creators carefully crafting jade pieces by hand, which was mesmerizing. It was a fascinating experience and a perfect way to get a deeper understanding of the value and artistry that goes into creating jade in Thailand. The only part of the itinerary I wish was different were the quantity of shopping stops. I feel as if there was too much time spent shopping. Some people really like retail therapy on vacation and I’m all for supporting the small businesses, but I would have rather done other activities.
On this trip, we visited the jade factory, malls, markets, a silk factory, and silver factory. This took up a fair amount of time and I would have opted for something more adventurous, but I also understand that they probably have deals with the owners and some people really enjoy shopping while traveling.
Traditional Kantoke Dinner
The traditional Kantoke dinner in Chiang Mai was one of an experience that transported me straight into the heart of Thai culture. Held in a beautifully decorated and dimly lit venue, our group was seated on the floor around a low table, surrounded by traditional dishes like sticky rice, curry, and grilled meats. My legs ended up getting eaten alive by mosquitos, I should have brought bug spray. Tip: I’d recommend just buying bug spray/sunscreen when you get here at a 7 Eleven – much cheaper than the States. As we dug into the delicious food, dancers performed cultural dances, gracefully moving to the rhythm of traditional Thai music. It was a true celebration of Chiang Mai’s rich heritage.
Hotel: Cross Vibe Chiang Mai
Cross Vibe was my favorite and objectively the best hotel out of the three we stayed at on this trip. The rooms were spacious and had a comfortable lounge area, and the bathrooms were beautiful! I’m sad I didn’t get to spend time at the pool, but it was pretty to look at. The breakfast here was tasty and there were plenty of great spots in walking distance from the hotel.
A few groups went down to the bar during their happy hour and had only good things to report. In the lobby, there were these little sweet biscuit snacks you could put in a snow cone and were surprisingly delicious. They were almost malted?
Laundry service was available at this hotel Chiang Mai for 90 baht per kilogram. If youโd like to use this service, someone collects your laundry and return it the next day.
Day 6: Visit an Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai Home Hosted Dinner, & Muay Thai Fight
ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary
Our first full day in Chiang Mai was spent at ChangChill, an ethical elephant sanctuary nestled in the mountains about an hour and a half from the city. Thailand is known for elephant tourism, but not all experiences are created equal. Many places still offer rides or let tourists bathe elephants, which can be stressful and harmful for them. ChangChill does the opposite. Their philosophy is simple: let elephants be elephants.
The sanctuary is home to four female elephants, all rescued from the logging and tourism industries. Instead of interacting with them directly, we observed them from a distance as they roamed freely, foraged, and socialized in their natural habitat.
Walking through the forest blanketed in red clay and guided by knowledgeable mahouts, we learned about each elephant’s history and personality. It was a peaceful, eye opening experience that concurrently was respectful to the animals and their wellbeing.
We spent our final hour at ChangChill posted up on the shaded wooden platform, watching elephants enjoy their lunch. Massive piles of sugarcane the group had chopped earlier were on the menu. I hadnโt been part of that, so I turned to Paige and Sadie and asked where it happened. Paige pointed upwards and gregariously yelled, โGo Lara, go! Sidequest!โ A nod to Lara Croft, my forever favorite. That was all the encouragement I needed.
There was no one from our group around, and I barely know any Thai, but I managed to piece together a request to try it myself. One of the staff handed me this big ass machete and pointed to the stalks. Cutting sugarcane was way harder than I expected and soon, a small crowd of locals gathered to watch me struggle lmao. I’m just incredibly weak though, too. At one point someone asked if I wanted a photo, and I just smiled and said, โNo, this moment is for me.โ ๐
Chiang Mai Family Hosted Dinner
The Chiang Mai family hosted dinner is an optional excursion that EF offers, and it ended up being one of the most meaningful experiences of the trip. It cost about ninety dollars, which at first seemed steep for a dinner, but you truly cannot find something like this anywhere else. We started by making traditional phuang malai, or flower garlands, as offerings to the familyโs ancestors: an important part of Thai spiritual practice that honors lineage and welcomes blessings. Our host, who seemed to be around my age, welcomed us onto the property and explained that three generations lived in three separate homes side by side. The walls were filled with portraits and family history, giving us a glimpse into their lives.
He asked what we do when welcoming guests into our homes. People said offer coffee or tea. He smiled and shared that in Thailand, they offer chewing betel nut to cleanse the palate. It ended up numbing our tongues, and I somehow broke my permanent retainer on it. I also tried solid tea for the first timeโfermented tea leaves served with saltโand even with the flavor balancing, I canโt say I loved it.
We walked through their massive garden, which is when I felt a huge mosquito bite my armpit. Watching the appetizers being prepared right in front of us was mesmerizing, and later we got to help cook Pad Thai together.
Monk Chat
Monk Chat in Chiang Mai was a relaxed open forum where we got to sit with real monks and ask them anything after the family hosted dinner. From mindfulness to daily routines, their answers were simple but thought provoking. It is free, open to anyone, and such a unique way to learn about Buddhism. I took a few religious studies classes in undergrad; however, it was special to learn from people who practice in a location where it’s the predominant religion.
Muay Thai Fight
After wandering through the bustling markets in Chiang Mai, we headed to a Muay Thai fight as part of an optional tour guide led activity by Tony. The cost was about $30USD for front row seats and an included drink. The energy was electric as we sat in the outdoor arena, watching the intense matches unfold in front of us. The rain came out of nowhere. So heavy it felt like a monsoon had just decided to show up. We lost power twice during the fight, but it was actually kind of wholesome and cool to see.
Everyone pulled out their phone lights to keep the vibe alive, shining bright in the dark, and it brought the crowd together. Despite the rain, the fighters gave their all, and we all rallied together to keep cheering them on. The fight was long – about 3 hours. It was much more entertaining than anticipated and it was genuinely inspiring seeing how passionate locals were about the sport.
If you don’t go to the fight, you have your own free time or can spend time at the markets (transportation included both ways)
Day 7: Flying to Phuket + Free Time
Cat Cafe
Before boarding our flight to Phuket, we had some free time and decided squeeze in a visit to Mali Cat Cafe & Bar in Chiang Mai. An optional silk factory/silver factory tour is held before this. With entry, everyone gets one drink, so I ordered the strawberry milk, which was refreshing and delicious. The cafe had a cozy, relaxed vibe, with plenty of cats roaming around, adding a unique charm to the place. The cats were all friendly and well taken care of, and it was fun to watch them interact with everyone. We sat back, sipped our drinks, and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great last stop before heading to Phuket.
Now we were headed to Phuket, The. MOST. INSTAGRAMMABLE. PLACE. EVER. Phang Nga Bay. This bay is home to the James Bond Island, named not because it likes things shaken not stirred, but because itโs where Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. This teetering limestone island is one very iconic rock in one insanely beautiful place.
Free time suggestions
Bangla Road Nightlife: When the sun goes down, and the roads close to vehicle traffic, Bangla Road is the place to be. Loud music. Cheap beer. Neon lights. Itโs like an outdoor clubโฆexcept the drinks are ridiculously cheap.
Phuket
Day 8: Free Day in Phuket + Optional Ao Phang Nga National Park by Starlight
Phuket is more than just picture perfect beaches and stunning viewpoints. Beneath its beauty lies centuries of culture, layers of nature, and stories carved into limestone. EF offers a full day trip to Ao Phang Nga National Park, and it was easily the most breathtaking place I have ever laid eyes on. We kayaked through calm emerald waters, weaving through towering limestone cliffs that felt like ancient giants watching over us.
We took part in a Krathong ceremony, gently releasing handmade flower boats into the sea, and ended the day watching the water come alive with glowing bioluminescent plankton. Every single person in our group signed up for this, and that made it even more special; sharing those moments, smiles, and awe together. I do not use this phrase lightly, but I can say with full certainty this was the best day of my life.
Boats, Kayaking, & Swimming
Kathong Ceremony
In Thailand, a Krathong is a small, handmade basket crafted from banana leaves, flowers, and often a candle or incense stick. It is floated on rivers, lakes, or the sea during the Loy Krathong Festival, a beautiful tradition held to honor the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha.
Beyond its visual beauty, the act of releasing a krathong into the water carries deep symbolism of letting go of misfortune, past mistakes, or negative thoughts, and welcoming in renewal. The stillness of that moment, paired with the flicker of candlelight and soft rippling of the water, embodied a sense of peace I had never experienced before.
Sonny, the amazing man who paddled us and escorted us through the massive park all day, helped us assemble the assortment of flowers and banana leaves to create our Krathong. It reminded me of making the origami animals I create at work! This was truly such an intimate and special experience, might have been my favorite part of the trip.
I informed my group about the book I’ve been writing since age twelve and how I wanted to finalize the plot in Thailand at the beginning of this trip. When I saw Sonny handed me a meticulously crafted bird made of an orchid, as corny as it sounds, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. “Little Bird” is the title of my memoir and it was kind of a “wtf” moment confirming my heart was right ๐ We made a wish releasing the offerings into the water and set our intentions out into the massive beauty around us.
Gallery
Bangla Road
Bangla Road in Phuket is the heartbeat of the island’s nightlife. Think “Bourbon Street” on steroids. A chaotic, neon playground pulsing with music, laughter, and the unexpected. Every step you take along this infamous street reveals something new: rows of bars with open fronts, street performers dancing under strobe lights, vendors selling everything from sizzling street food to handmade bracelets, and crowds of travelers from every corner of the world.
One night, a group of us decided to check out Illuzion, one of the top nightclubs in Southeast Asia. Towering LED screens, booming bass, and world-class DJs transformed the space into an immersive experience. The vibe was electric, the drinks were flowing ($30 for unlimited drinks), and the dance floor pulsed like a living thing. It was the kind of night that makes you lose track of time.
One of the best parts of Bangla Road wasnโt the clubs or shows, but the cover band bars tucked between the chaos. These spots had live bands that played everything from rock to early 2000s throwbacks, and they took requests which made it even more fun. I liked this way more than the clubs. People of all ages dancing together, singing at the top of their lungs, and just fully enjoying the moment.
Optional Tour – Cabaret Show: Think bright lights, great costumes, and nonstop entertainment. I didn’t do this because I thought it was just a little too expensive. Other travelers really enjoyed the show! Those, including myself, that opted out of this started the night a bit early on Bangla Road. If you chose to do this, you’ll still have plenty of time in the night.
Hotel: Travelodge Phuket
Our stay at the Travelodge Hotel in Phuket was nice, clean, and had great breakfast! It was tucked away in a spot where you could not really walk to much. Unlike Bangkok or Chiang Mai where you could wander outside and instantly find a market or street food cart, here you had to call a Grab just to grab dinner. It made spontaneous exploring a bit harder.
The area around the hotel gave me a few laughs. One of the shops right down the road was called โBrave Drug,โ and I am not sure why, but every time we passed that sign, I absolutely lost it. Same goes for the “Feel The Massage” store.
Day 9: Free Day in Phuket
Another day in paradise. Most of our group decided to do the Phi Phi Islands optional tour that Tony situated for us. The cost was roughly $60 USD (you pay cash to the tour guide), but it was worth every single penny. My eyes have never seen such beautiful, turquoise water in my entire life. It sounds dramatic, I know, but it felt like I was in a dream!
Maya Bay
The Phi Phi Islands tour was worth every cent. Towering limestone cliffs rose dramatically from crystal clear turquoise waters, snorkeling in the bays, and burying my feet into the sand of Maya Bay. One of our first stops was Maya Bay, famously featured in the film The Beach, but its beauty far exceeds any screen it has graced. Stepping onto the soft white sand, surrounded by lush cliffs and jungle, felt like walking into a secret paradise carved out by nature itself. Though tourism has grown, the Thai government now protects the bay, allowing only limited daily visitors and no swimming, which preserved a sense of serenity.
Snorkeling & Swimming Koh Lanta
Swimming in the Phi Phi Islands was like stepping into a living aquarium. The water was so clear, it was almost unreal, like floating through glass. We snorkeled alongside schools of butterflyfish, damselfish, and parrotfish, their colors vivid against the backdrop of vibrant coral reefs. In the shallows, we spotted blacktip reef sharks gliding effortlessly, while clownfish peeked out from their anemone homes. The visibility was incredible, allowing us to see every detail of the underwater world around us. The water was a bit choppy, so be weary if you’re not a strong swimmer! Also, don’t be like me and try rope swinging from these rocks. You will cut your feet, they are sharp as a razor LOL
Old Town Phuket
On one of our final nights, we headed to Old Town Phuket: a charming, colorful stretch filled with colonial buildings, lantern-lined streets, and that perfect blend of laid-back and lively energy. We wandered into a gelato shop first, needing something to cool us down in the evening heat, then found a tiny photo booth tucked between two shops where we crammed in and took goofy pictures to remember the trip by. It was a nice way to wrap up the chaos that was Phuket.
A few of us did some last minute shopping, picking up a few souvenirs I didnโt know I needed until I saw them. For dinner, we found a quiet Italian restaurant on a side street and I ordered the gnocchi without thinking twice. Iโm not exaggerating when I say it was the best four cheese gnocchi Iโve ever had, sooo pillowy.
Day 10: Travel to Bangkok + Farewell Dinner
I think it was poetic ending the trip back to our starting location. Yet, I will say, it was pretty inconvenient to use most of our last day to travel all the way from Phuket to Bangkok. Our group could have had almost another entire day exploring the city we were in. However, I do understand that Bangkok is a more centralized airport and probably cheaper to fly out of than Phuket.
MBK Mall / Tattoos!
I was in MBK Mall with a few others securing my tradition of getting a tattoo in every country I visit while the farewell dinner took place at our hotel. I’m bummed I missed it, but also concurrently thankful our group got to experience such a cool moment together that we’ll carry with us throughout our lives. Tony organized transportation.
MBK Center in Bangkok is a shopping experience like no other. With eight floors housing over 2,000 shops, it’s a labyrinth of fashion, electronics, souvenirs, and street food. Prices are generally affordable, and bargaining is often possible in many small stalls. The lower levels are packed with clothing and accessories, while the upper floors feature electronics, furniture, and even a cinema. The food courts are a highlight, offering a variety of Thai street food that’s both delicious and budget-friendly.
A highlight of Thailand was getting a tattoo at Zen Ink Bangkok, located on the fifth floor of MBK Center. Their team of licensed tattoo artists specializes in various styles, including Realism Black & Grey, Japanese, Sak Yant Thai Blessing Tattoo, Watercolor, Old School, Custom Designs, and Minimal tattoos .
The experience was unforgettable. Despite being a walk in, the kind manager (who was also a complete badass) ensured all of us received beautiful, permanent souvenirs. They only had two artists available, but three others came in on their day off to accommodate us on our last day. It meant the world to me. The work was absolutely incredible, professional, and detailed. I thought I would get another stamp tattoo as I did in Guate, but this jellyfish flash tattoo was calling my name! One member of our group got his first tattoo, and his wife (who originally thought she wouldn’t get one), caved and got an adorable elephant! It made me so happy coming out from getting mine and seeing her get another.
While waiting for my tattoo, I wandered up and down the escalators and explored craft stores. I smiled at all of the capybara and Moo Deng merchandise. I bought Sanrio stationery and savored one last plate of mango sticky rice.
As I sat alone in the cafeteria people watching and struggling to get the last bit on mango my spoon, the identical thought I experienced for the first time in the locker room at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon: “This is what I’m MEANT to do.”
To experience and give others the courage to go out of their comfort zone, reporting that this world is much larger than we think and is ours to explore. It’s worth the side hustles to support experiences such as this. There is so much more to the world than the same trees and buildings we see outside our bedroom window every morning. The same birds we hear chirping. The same food joints and bars locals visit on the weekend to unwind. There is no material item I have purchased that has remotely fabricated the amount of joy that traveling has given me and experiencing things I can’t at home.
Karaoke at เธฃเนเธฒเธเธญเธฒเธซเธฒเธฃ New 888
Ending the trip with karaoke!
On our very last night in Bangkok, we wrapped things up by visiting a karaoke spot that was just a five minute walk from our hotel. It was tucked away hidden gem of a spot that ended up being the perfect vibe for our last night. Neon lights, a cozy room, and an endless queue of classics. Tony joined us and was fully in on the fun, belting out classics and cheering everyone on. I succeeded in getting a video of him saying “slay.” For some reason, it was the funniest thing to me hearing him sporadically enunciate the word throughout the trip.
I heard two men begin to sing “The Nights” by Avicii, my favorite song of all time for the past ten years. That song has never played anywhere I’ve been before, pushing my ideology of living life to the fullest, and I somehow heard it three times during my visit to Thailand. Signs! One of the fellow travelers mentioned while reading the lyrics on the distant TV screen that it seemed like a very “me” song ๐ The drinks were good, the energy was electric, and in that little tucked-away room, I realized we were all fleeting friends who had shared something big together. A lot of sad goodbyes were said, hugs exchanged between people who had started as strangers but somehow became like a mini family for 11 days.
Day 11: Flying Home
Concluding Thoughts
EF designed this itinerary to overflow, especially during the first week, pressing every moment for meaning. As the days unfolded, the pace softened, but the exhaustion remained. Still, I found myself recalling a lesson I first learned while studying abroad in Costa Rica: “If I don’t push through the tiredness, I’ll look back one day and wonder what might have been. I will not remember how weary I was, but I will remember the opportunities I let slip away.” The cost of the “Oh well” carries significantly less weight than the emotional debt of the “What if?”I will be sharing these stories forever and I’ll never forget the people I met, sights I saw, sounds I heard, and feelings in my heart.
The comfort of companionship to witness something beautiful or to chase what calls to you isn’t a necessity. Not just in travel, but in the silent courage of everyday life. Go to that coffee shop alone or see the movie by yourself. Step into spaces without waiting for someone else’s permission or presence. The world has a way of meeting you halfway when you show up with an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to stretch beyond what is familiar. Especially in travel, connection finds you as long as you remain open, aware, and brave enough to begin. It is education for living, strengthens decision making and communication skills, and inaugurates priceless stories.
Some people in my life fail to commisserate with my desire to cross oceans and continents, seeking stories in unfamiliar corners of the world. But I have come to realize I do not owe an explanation to anyone. Not every path is meant to be understood by those who did not choose it. Solo travel isn’t for everyone, and just because something is not part of someone elseโs journey does not mean it should not be part of mine. If you are confident a path is right for you and have done your research, you don’t need to defend it to anybody.
I have worked relentlessly for every experience I have earned. Stretching paychecks, picking up side hustles, paying for both my college degrees, and budgeted meticulously. Nothing was handed to me. I grew up in a household without a working toilet at times because we couldn’t afford the repairs, neither of my parents went to college, I struggled with depression and PTSD for ten years and was scared to leave my house; the odds of living a life of adventure were not in my favor. And yet, here I am!
That is why I write about my travels and share them with others. To prove the capability of people who came from almost nothing can create a life full of meaning, wonder, and exploration. That a personโs beginning circumstances is not necessarily indicative of their capacity to experience traveling. But simultaneously, hoping the reader realizes their free will and that they can take the plunge to live a life they dream of with hard work. It’s not easy, don’t get me wrong. But, it’s worth every skipped heartbeat, doubt, and extra shift.
It required sacrifice, effort, patience, and countless quiet side hustles. But in the my moments in Thailand, I was not thinking about the cost. I was only thinking about how it felt. how deeply, achingly worth it it all was. “Rich” is a subjective term. I feel rich because I’ve seen the beauty of many places with my own eyes. To me, that is worth more than a lucrative amount in a savings account.
In America, there is a myth that we must wait until retirement to truly live. On this journey, I met plenty others who reject that belief, who understand the fleeting nature of time. Collectively we shared this quiet understanding: there is a lack of infinite time in the world and there is no guarantee of our hourglass here.
There is so much more to life than what’s outside outside your bedroom window every morning. And the world, with all its magic and madness, is not just meant to be admired from afar. This world is meant to be lived in, tasted, wandered through. It belongs to all of us, especially those brave enough search for it.
Pretty incredible, right? If you are ready to explore the world without the stress of planning, EF Ultimate Break makes it easy. Flights, hotels, experiences, and lifelong friends are all part of the package. Whether it is your first trip or your fifth, you will have everything you need for an unforgettable journey. Use my promo code UAHollyu100 at checkout to get $100 off your trip, or click my personalized link where the discount will be applied for you. Do not wait for the perfect moment, create it. The world is calling.
Gallery
Where The Wind Takes Me. 