Tiếng Việt
I just went on a trip to Bangkok and Phuket by myself, it was a huge deal, now I’ll tell you all about it, it’s long but worth reading, bear with me!
I started this trip with the mindset of “going for the experience”, like the first time I traveled to Thailand alone, not knowing if I could survive. From Vietnam, I flew straight to Bangkok with a cheap flight ticket, which cost more than 2 million VND round trip, great. Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, I was a bit overwhelmed because it was so big, with so many people, but luckily the check-in procedure was quick, I got my luggage and went straight out to find a car.
In Bangkok, I chose to stay in Khao San area because it was close to entertainment places. Everyone knows Khao San Road, it’s a bit quiet during the day, but it explodes at night. I rented a hostel for about 300 baht/night (about 200k VND), the dorm room was clean, had air conditioning, but I slept with some Western backpackers so it was a bit noisy. The first night, I walked around that area, the lights were bright, bars, restaurants, and stalls selling miscellaneous items were everywhere. I stopped to eat pad Thai at a sidewalk stall, it was only 50 baht but it was so delicious, the sweet and sour fish sauce was absorbed well, it was hot, with some crispy roasted peanuts, just right for Thai.
On the first day in Bangkok, I decided to visit some famous places. Early in the morning, I took a tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace, the deal price was 100 baht. When I got there, I was stunned by its beauty, bright yellow, the Thai temple architecture was exquisite in every detail. But it was terribly hot, the sun was burning my skin, so I wore a long-sleeved shirt and a hat to avoid suffering. There was Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, very sacred, I stood looking at the green jade Buddha statue and felt so chill. There were a lot of people, all tourists taking pictures, I also took the opportunity to take a few virtual photos.
Then I took a boat across the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Sitting on the boat was cool, the river breeze blew gently, looking at the shabby houses on both sides of the river mixed with high-rise buildings, I felt Bangkok was both old and new. Wat Arun was breathtakingly beautiful, the ceramic towers sparkled in the sun, climbing up a little bit to see the river view was amazing. I bought coconut water to drink right at the foot of the temple, sweet, cool, only 40 baht, cheap but refreshing.
That night, I stopped by Asiatique night market, using Grab for convenience, for only 150 baht. This market is more modern than Chatuchak-style markets, clean, airy, with countless food and shopping items. I tried grilled chicken with spicy sauce, small skewers but fragrant, spicy to the tongue, served with sticky rice, filling my stomach. Then I walked around, bought an elephant-printed T-shirt for 200 baht, to wear for fun. There was also a Ferris wheel, I thought about going up but it was too crowded so I gave up, standing below to watch was enough to make me happy.
After 3 days in Bangkok, I flew domestically to Phuket, the airfare was about 1 million, quick and easy. Arriving at Phuket airport, I rented a motorbike right there, the price was 250 baht/day, very convenient, I could go wherever I wanted. I stayed in Patong area, near the beach, the bustling atmosphere was just like Khao San but the salty smell of the sea was better. The hotel room I booked cost 600 baht/night, private room, clean, with a balcony overlooking the street, very reasonable for my budget.
On the first day in Phuket, I drove to Patong beach to play. The sea was blue, the waves were strong, there were a lot of people swimming, and some Western guys were lying in the sun until their bodies were red. I rented a lounge chair for 100 baht, sat and sipped fresh coconut, watched the sea and thought life was so beautiful. Every afternoon, I drove up to Karon View Point, the road was a bit steep but the scenery was breathtaking, looking down at the blue sea, in the distance were several small islands, the cool wind blew across my face, it was so chill.
At night in Patong, needless to say, Bangla Road is bustling like a festival. Bars and clubs play loud music, Thai ladies stand inviting customers very cutely. I stopped by a small bar, ordered a Chang beer, 80 baht/bottle, cool, sat listening to EDM music and wanted to dance. That night I walked around a bit more, ate grilled seafood at a roadside restaurant, lobsters were 500 baht/piece, fresh, grilled with fragrant garlic butter, dipped in green chili salt, so delicious I almost swallowed my tongue.
On the second day in Phuket, I booked a tour to Phang Nga Bay, which cost 1,200 baht including shuttle bus, boat, and lunch. This tour was worth the money, sailing through several limestone islands standing tall in the middle of the sea, the water was as green as jade, beautiful as a picture. The highlight was James Bond Island, a small island with a huge rock in the middle of the sea that everyone took pictures of. I also kayaked through several caves, the water was dripping, cool, and the feeling of adventure was amazing.
At noon, the boat stopped at the floating village of Koh Panyee, where all the people were Muslims, and the houses were built on the water, which was very unique. I had a buffet on the boat, with chicken curry, fried shrimp, white rice, and fruit for dessert. I was full but not full. In the afternoon, I took the opportunity to swim in the sea at a small island, the water was crystal clear, and swimming for a while made me feel refreshed.
On my last day in Phuket, I drove up to Wat Chalong, the largest temple here. The atmosphere was peaceful and the scent of incense wafted in the air. I lit incense to pray for peace, looked at the golden Buddha statues, and felt so light in my heart. Then I stopped by Big Buddha, the big Buddha statue on the hill. Standing here, I looked down at Phuket, the sea and mountains blending together, so beautiful it made me cry.
Before going home, I went to Malin Plaza night market in Patong, ate and drank to my heart’s content. Grilled skewers, Thai milk tea, mango salad, everything was delicious, cheap, all 20-50 baht. I bought some souvenirs, some bracelets, key chains, as gifts for friends.
This trip cost a total of about 20 million, including airfare, accommodation, and entertainment. Being self-sufficient is a bit difficult because you have to take care of everything yourself, but it’s fun, free, you can go wherever you want, eat whatever you want. Bangkok is bustling, with lots of things to explore, and Phuket is a chill island, a proper vacation. If you like to be self-sufficient, try going to Thailand once, it’s not difficult, but remember to bring comfortable shoes, lots of change, and don’t be afraid to try street food, it’s delicious!
