Travel Diaries: Thailand
The weather is too cold in SF, so we packed up and headed out on a girl’s trip to Thailand.
The agenda? Bangkok & Phuket specifically, but more importantly a little sun and a lot of food.
Of course we have our full list of recs here too…
STAY: Bangkok hotels are so affordable, making it easy to enjoy the good life.
AdLib - our fave stay on the trip! Nestled away in the heart of the city, close to Nana Plaza and the Skytrain, AdLib was a slice of calm in the bustling city. The food and pool service were exceptional (pool is pictured left, swoon.)
AriyasomVilla - we technically did not stay here, but we will be on our next trip to BKK. The restaurant was fantastic (ate here 2x!) with grounds straight out of a lush tropical scene.
Volve Hotel - this hotel is such a hi-so girl mood. We spent our last night here, in the vibrant and chic Thonglor neighborhood. Great rooftop garden with city views.
K Masion - reasonably priced, bit of a catfish experience. An Instagram-worthy entryway and lobby, with simple rooms/accommodations. Quiet neighborhood with authentic and cheap street food. We can’t forget to mention that it’s near the King Power duty free mall…
HOW TO GET AROUND:
When in Rome (Thailand), travel by TUK TUK! We also became total pros at the Skytrain, which is cheap, reliable, and easy to navigate. When you need to cross the river, there are Long Tail boats and ferries. Our biggest lifesaver however, was the GrabTaxi App which gave us the modern comforts of home.
No matter what you choose, do your Googles, and be ready to negotiate. Anything outside of the train and Grab is open to debate!
NEIGHBORHOODS: location is absolutely *everything* and we’ve got you covered.
WANG BURAPHA - arguably BKK’s most iconic neighborhood, featuring the Grand Palace, Reclining Buddha, and the highly sought-after Wats (temples). Our biggest suggestion: definitely bring a parasol as it is incredibly bright, with little-to-no shade.
THONGLOR - be ready for the hi so lifestyle. Get an over-the-top mani @ Treat Nails and check out the amazing food. The nightlife is also a total scene.
EKKAMAI - cool cafes, shopping, and v good vintage. A quick jaunt from Thonglor.
PATHUM WAN DISTRICT - a trendy neighborhood along the river. We stumbled upon YELO - a concept mall filled with trendy art galleries, vintage stores, and cafes. It was the perfect pitstop on our way to the Jim Thompson House, which is a design masterpiece by the late American veteran/architect/Thai silk entrepreneur. If you enjoy architecture and art, do not miss it.
CHINATOWN - A definite highlight for us. We did enjoy the main-drag of busy city streets, but once we went off the beaten path this hood won us over! The small roads and alleyways are narrow, visually interesting, and authentic. We made our way to the So Heng Tai Mansion, where we befriended the homeowner Eddy. The home has been in his family for almost 250 years! He was so welcoming and friendly. From his scuba school to his Beagle breeding, we felt like we could spend hours talking to him. Spoiler alert: we did.
RATCHATHEWI - Another true Thai neighborhood, with quiet streets, small massage parlors, and fab local food. We enjoyed strolls thru the park, and the proximity to the Sky Train. The best part however was the King Power duty free mall.
EAT: Thai food is all about the balance of sweet and spicy.
Our bellies experienced all kinds of food - high and lo. Of course we went Michelin, but casual fare and street food dominated our vibe.
Bo.Laan - an absolute must in Bangkok. The most authentic and elevated expression of Thai food arguably on the planet. It was a beautiful experience start to finish, with the dessert being our favorite.
Gaa - We spent a Galentine’s Day dinner here, and it also happened to be our final meal. The service and the food were outstanding. It was the perfect way to round out our travels.
Supanniga Eating Room - An elevated but casual Thai joint, and an overall gorgeous scene. In the heart of Thonglor, it is the perfect pre-cursor to a night out. The King Crab Curry is not to be missed.
Peppina - Who would have thought we’d find Neopolitan pizza in the middle of Bangkok? Not us. There are a few locations but our favorite was by far at The Commons in Thonglor—a sustainable indoor/outdoor foodie food court.
YELO Café - We already shouted them out above, but worth another mention!
Ba Hao Tian- We checked the hype, and now we believe the hype. Fab desserts and a perfect mid-afternoon pick me up.
Double U Coffee & Bakery - Once the barista referred to us as Sex and the City characters, we were won over. Still thinking about the cold brew with popping boba…
WHAT ELSE TO DO:
The Bangkok lifestyle did not disappoint, but once we were over the city, we made a quick escape to Phuket. There was not much to do aside from laying around on the beach, so here is our small (but solid) list for the island:
Oasis Spa Turquoise Cove
James Bond Island (tour)
Kamala Beach
Nai Harn Beach
Kata Beach
Promthep Cape
Adrienne Kwok-Lundy