Thailand

We love Thailand! It's such a diverse country and has so much to offer. Thailand was Carina's first country outside of Europe. We can't wait to be back!

BANGKOK: The Capital

If you're visiting Thailand, you're probably flying in via Bangkok. Bangkok seems to be one of those cities that most people either love or hate. We certainly loved our time here!

Where to Stay

It really depends on what you like! Silom is the queer area (head to Silom 4 Alley for queer nightlife!). If you want something more affordable and touristy, Khaosan is a typical choice. However, we recommend Ram Buttri Aly: it's close to Khaosan, but not as touristy.

3 Popular and not so Popular Temples

Usually, temples ask their visitors to cover their shoulders and thighs—no matter your gender. Most temples will rent, lend, or sell you sarongs if you didn't bring appropriate clothing.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is one of the most popular temples in Bangkok. And we would say: rightfully so! Although the temple is more crowded than the last time Cora was there (c. 2016), there were surprisingly few visitors when we arrived. Possibly because we arrived at a very inconvenient time, around noon … (We can’t recommend that!)

Admission: 100 THB—we accidentally got in without paying, though.

Accessibility: while the lower parts of the temple are accessible, you will have to climb a lot of steps around here. But the view from below is beautiful too. Bring good shoes!

How to get here: Wat Arun is on the riverbank and we would recommend arriving by ferry—it’s such a beautiful view from the water! There are several ferry services in Bangkok and which line you take depends on your location, but the stop is called Wat Arun and a ticket costs about 40 THB.

Loha Prasat

Loha Prasat, or Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, has a unique architecture. Similar temples used to be in India and Sri Lanka. Nowadays, it's the only temple of its kind. Loha Prasat seems to be a temple that is not so much visited by tourists.

Admission: it's free!

Accessibility: we didn't explore all of it, but it seems to be wheelchair accessible.

Wat Saket

Wat Saket, or The Golden Mount Temple, is built on an artificial mountain in Bangkok.

What you need to know:

Admission: 100 THB—the official website says 50 THB for foreigners, but we paid 100.

Accessibility: to get to the temple, you’ll have to climb about 300 steps. But you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous view of Bangkok and a bird’s eye view on Loha Prasat.

Don’t forget to explore at the bottom of the mountain—there are a lot of hidden gems like a tree where people hang amulets!

3+1 Areas to Explore

Bangkok is famous for its temples and parties. But here are three areas we enjoyed just for walking around! (Shopping is also good here!) And one party area.

China Town

China Town is perfect if you just want to walk around. Take it all in! (We were still very jet-lagged when we visited. Surely there's more to do!)

Chatuchak Market

This weekend market has just about everything: clothes, food, souvenirs, and more!

Taling Chan Floating Market

Taling Chan Floating Market may not be as vibrant and popular as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, but it's still very interesting and easy to get to, even by local bus.

Silom 4 Alley

As initially said: this is where the queer nightlife in Bangkok happens. And you really shouldn't miss it! We had such a good time here. And The Stranger, a drag bar, is a fantastic place to end the night.

KO LANTA YAI: A Tropical Island

Ko Lanta Yai, often abridged to Ko(h) Lanta, was recommended by so many people! And we can see why: it was a really pretty island, although it was very touristy too, but with a laid-back touristy vibe (so not a party island like Ko Phi Phi).

How to Get Here

We flew in via Krabi and spent the night here. Connections to the islands don't run all night, so plan ahead! (Krabi is also worth a visit. Cora was there a few years ago and enjoyed it very much). To get from Krabi to Ko Lanta Yai, there are basically three options: minivan, private car, and high-speed ferry or speedboat. We booked the minivan through our hotel (most hotels offer this option): it was the cheapest option and we were picked up at the hotel. On the downside: it also takes quite a long time, about three hours, depending on the location of your hotel in Krabi!

2 Beautiful Beaches & 1 Important Advice

Ko Lanta is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing underwater world. We explored two beaches, both of which were beautiful (only two beaches because the jellyfish made us a little hesitant.) Don't be surprised: you'll have a tide here!

Phra Ae Beach

We stayed in a bungalow on this beach, so enjoying the beach here was not only beautiful, but also very convenient! And we saw the most beautiful sunsets here.

Relax Bay

On our first full day on the island, we walked from our hotel to this beach. There are a number of bars and restaurants that offer umbrellas and sun loungers. You can use them for free if you also order from these places!

Jellyfish Advice!

We had planned to visit more beaches, but then Carina got stung by a jellyfish—ouch! Luckily the sting wasn't too bad and we enjoyed our hotel's beach that day, so we went right back and they poured a lot of vinegar on her wrist.

If this ever happens to you: vinegar for at least thirty seconds really helps. And don't do anything else! (There is a lot about pee if you google it, but just use vinegar!) If you are in Ko Lanta, there are many jellyfish and hotels are advised to have vinegar for these cases. But you can also buy a cheap bottle yourself.