Thailand – the land of smiles.
Recent 3 week trip to Thailand with our kid and a childhood friend.
Short story is I do not know why anyone goes to Mexico/Central America or Europe when they could go to Thailand.
It’s beautiful, safe, lots and lots to do, easy to travel in and the dollar goes 3-4 times farther. The downside a 16+ hour flight to get there, but there is massage in the airport and for that matter EVERYWHERE else.
I normally put an article up here, no it has nothing to do with Acupuncture. But it’s an easy place to send people as many want details on the trip. I spend a huge amount of time in the planning stage of trips. I read a psych report saying you can get as much fun from planning a trip as to doing the trip.
This is our third big trip and I still think that is not true, but I still spend a wack of time on the planning. This trip worked out close to 95% for sure. It was super-duper. Missed a boat, train and one so/so room otherwise for the sheer amount of stuff we did, it all worked out perfectly. Which we are VERY grateful for.
The planning: I still have work to do on this, I use Chatbot, google, youtube, facebook and talk to people. But still things get overlooked or screwed up. The start of our trip was busy, and really needed to work out for timing or the knock on effect would have been tough. But it all worked.
Flew Kelowna-Bangkok-Chiang Rai all in one shot. It was a super long day. Hit Chiang Rai (CR) in the North of Thailand and they have: Grab, Bolt and InDrive, their Ubers. Well it is just so easy and cheap to cab everywhere. We got a driver for the afternoon and hit the two temples of the day Blue and Black. Completely mind blowing.
Next day I had a driver for the day ($120+$40 tip for the day!) and we drove up into the Golden Triangle. Saw crazy fancy temples, tea farms, Golden triangle, Opium Museum and miles of beautiful country. It was amazing. I put the actual itinerary at the end of the article
Next day, same driver for the day ($150+$40 tip) drove us from CR to Chiang Mai (CM) it’s a few hundred Km. We stopped at all sorts of things along the way. Fascinating temples, hot springs and to our hotels door. A fantastic deal compared to the public bus.
Next day we did a three day jungle hike with Amazing Trekking https://www.amazing-trekking.com/ A guy named Solo came and got us from the hotel and away we went in his 4×4. Stopped got some food and hit the waterfall, hot springs, and started a walk. The distances were not great but it was either steep up or down. It was great, my biggest surprise was how good the meals were.
We stayed in villages and the whole Eco-tourism thing there I think is a bit new as the villagers were not sure what to do with us. Most of them just did not look at us. It was a bit weird, but I think they get a fair bit of unruly travellers.
A tip I learned was go on weekdays as on weekend trips there is a lot more party’s at the stops. They sell beer and I guess it can get pretty wild.
These people are living much like they would have 100 years ago. They did have power, which has recently been upgraded. New solar panels and batteries. But that gives them lights, they cook on fire and I never saw a refrigerator or really anything super modern.
The farm work is incredibly physical, in the last few years a road went in and now they do some commercial farming. Mostly corn where we were. It is very steep fields and all hand work.
The jungle hike ticks a lot of boxes. You see some great jungle, the guide knows every plant, bug, tree…. We were going down a road and 2 elephants came up to us, that was a surprise. We got to raft on a bamboo raft, girls cooked on a open fire, ate in the field, hot springs, waterfalls…. It was great.
The soil is that crazy sticky red clay, I asked our guide how is this trip in the rain. He smiled, “it’s a different kind of fun.” So keep the weather in mind. I really don’t know how a person would hike up some of those hills on that mud. It would be ugly.
Got back to CM and stayed at BED-ChiangMai Gate. Our best hotel, hightly recommend it. There are 4 different ‘BED’ hotels in CM. All good things happen in BED. Cool ad.
And CM is a different animal than CR. In CR at the markets, in town and around. It was 100 locals to a tourist. In CM it was a different ratio for sure. Also it was our first SUPER FREAKING BUSY place. I guess 3 days in the jungle had not prepared us for rush hour in CM.
We did a street market and walked around, it was busy. The next day (can you see I sort of packed our first week, it worked out but not a good idea, next time I don’t book the first two days). We had another driver for the day ($120+$40tip) Miss Oil and she was next level.
We went north of CM and saw all kinds of great things. Itinerary is at the bottom of article. Saw our best temple complex, in my opinion. Went to a café with elephants, Sticky Waterfalls – likely the most interesting geological thing. The water and rock make it very sticky and you just walk up a waterfall. It’s hard to believe, worth a visit but go as soon as it opens!
This is a good point to put in. I read 5-6 guide books, hours of Youtube and google and I never read this. There are temples and cool things to see in every square mile of that country. Do not worry about which temple, or town or whatever is the best to see. It is everywhere to see.
We would be driving to XYZ temple that the guide book says is the best/most famous/oldest or whatever. We would pass 10 other amazing temples to get to it. Like just on the side of the road in a town with no name.
I’d ask the guide what about that one. He/she would say it’s not very popular but it’s nice, we can stop and I’ll show you. They were amazing and NO tourists at all. Don’t get to wound up on seeing specific temples as they are all freaking WOW!!!
The next few days I had not booked anything, there were things to do but no more reserved drivers or tours. It was a glorious rest day. We wandered CM, ate at café’s surrounded by big trees and flowers. We could go out eat whatever, drink banana milkshakes and the bill was 5-7$ each! Try that in Europe or Mexico.
I was amazed later we go to a secluded beach resort and even there dinner and milkshakes were $8-9 each. I thought it was a fantastic deal. All the while people tell us that prices in Thailand have gone up so much. Maybe they have but it’s still very affordable. Bangkok was the highest prices and I am sure we could find crazy expensive but overall it was good prices.
Back to CM. The one thing we did I would NOT recommend was the Monks Walk up to Wat Pha Lat. I would skip the whole thing. It was a so/so temple and the walk was just nothing. Up a steep hill, no view, not a great trail. There are better ways to spend a day in CM. But each their own.
Next was zip line day we used Skyline Adventures and recommend them. There are 3-4 on the same strip of road and a couple on the other side of CM. They picked us up, drove an hour. Did 30 zip lines, a swing over a drop, an absolutely crazy gravity go cart race. A nice buffet lunch and drove us back for $100! Crazy great deal. The whole thing was well done.
Every town has night, day, afternoon, morning… markets. Some are very local and are interesting to go to. Others are a mix of local to tourist and some are absolutely massive. CM has a couple that are soooooooooooo big you would need days to see them. But it’s a combination of food from normal to scorpions and bugs. All sorts of things for sale and entertainment. Some get so busy you could walk on people’s heads!
Next was fly south to the beaches of Krabi, Railay beach and Ao Nang beach. It’s time to get our sunburns on.
First was Railay and stayed at Avatar hotel, would stay again. This area is on the mainland but how the topography it is cut off by bit cliffs. It is a complete zoo during the day with day trippers on Long-tail boats. But once the sun goes down you own the place till 9am tomorrow. So stay there 2 nights and enjoy somewhere that is as beautiful as the magazine makes it look.
Going at Christmas really jacks the room prices WAY WAY up. But the food and excursions seems about the same all year. We did a cool night time paddle board, on clear boards with lights on the bottom, so the fish came up. Also they turn off the lights and the bio-illuminecence is seen. The kids loved it. The guides know how to make it fun.
There are some neat hikes up these cliffs into caves and lagoons and it’s a huge rock climbing meca.
Then it was Ao Nang for Xmas and I would not stay here as long next time. It is a nice beach, well miles of it. But it is a mix of marijuana, tour, money exchange, restaurants, and a million scooters. Bit hectic for me. This is where we had our worst hotel.
There is one major road and I would stay at a hotel off that road next time, but the X-mas prices were so jacked I was limited in options. Anytime outside of December 5 to Jan 10 there are lots of options. But I wouldn’t go back to Ao Nang. I’d think about going to Ko Lanta next time. But might be too quiet for the teenagers.
We did a private island tour. I got a boat/driver for 8 hours for $220+$40 tip. Crazy good deal and that included pickup/drop off and lunch/water. But I would not do it again. It is a complete zoo, we picked private so we could avoid the crowds and apparently we did. OW MY there are crowds.
Now I did spend 8 years in the Caribbean so I have seen islands. Yes these are just as nice as any were. You and your closest thousand friends can squish together on the beach. Or snorkel in the super murky water. But that is just a matter of the ocean churn that week. We had good weather but the water was still pretty cloudy, not pollution just normal stuff with wind/wave action.
I don’t know the answer to island tours. I imagine you go say on Phi Phi for a couple of days and like Railay when the day trippers leave you get the beach mostly to yourself. But I am not a beach guy, we did it for the kids and they loved it. It was beautiful, once you mentally deleted the other 30 boats… You should see the marina’s there. There are 100+ long tail boats lined up. It’s very impressive.
Next 1260 steps up Tiger Mountain temple in Krabi. It was the big test. MANY MANY temples are up a wack of steps, none like this one. I am super proud of Heather for making it up. It was a beast of a hike. Great view at the top and down you go.
Of course we saw the kids swim coach on the hike down. The crazy part he currently lives in Kazakhstan! Small world.
Did a day walking around Krabi and did their night market and that is about as much time as you need for that town.
Then it was time for the big show, Bangkok (BKK). We stayed at a place I can not pronounce The Krungkasem Srikrung Hotel and we’d stay there again. Good breakfast, nice staff and excellent location. In the off season, or without the kids I may stay in a fancier place as the rooms were simple but it did what we needed. BKK still has 2 of the top 10 hotels in the world and many in the top 100. There are some incredible high end shops and places here.
BKK was a mix of ferry rides, subway, skytrain and ubers (grab, bolt, indrive) Normally we took a grab as for 4 people it is often cheaper and quicker than the subway/skytrain and we walked 20K+ steps everyday.
Temples, shows, markets and the biggest shopping centers I have ever seen. The scale of malls there it is stunning. Think Orchard park. Take 10 of them and put that stuff in 1 of them. Then 10 times that. Then make it much bigger, then put 3-4-5 of them side by side, now you are starting to get the picture.
We did Chatuchak Weekend Market. The biggest outdoor market in the world. Well we did it for a few hours and left. It is just so massive, so much stuff, so much selection and variety. The kids got all their souvenirs and we hit the road. It was so busy.
South of town a bit is Erwan museum (three headed elephant) and The Ancient City and few hundred acre replica of the coolest temples in Thailand. There we took a golf cart around as it is, well a few hundred acres big. It was a great day out.
We did New Years at Central World a top 5 world fireworks venue. I would not agree. But I and my new million friends did see a nice show and getting home was chaos, but the subway/sky train system held up and we made it out of there in an hour. Which considering the crowds it was amazing.
We ended our trip at a nice rooftop restaurant in China town and reflected on an amazing trip. Then it was back to Air Canada for our 24 hours of fun. BKK to Hongkong to Vancouver to Kelowna. Only 30 min delay and we are so grateful to have had it all workout.
The Thai people are wonderful. The land of smiles they call it and it is. So many wonderful stories and memories. I highly recommend it.
over all itinerary with some notes shown by “*”
Thailand Itinerary
Arrival (Bangkok)
- FLIGHT Take cash money and exchange at SuperRich Thailand (green) – B Floor, Suvarnabhumi Airport (near Airport Rail Link).
- Magic food court level 1, by Gate 8
Chiang Rai (CEI)
- -FLIGHTto CEI,
Stay for 2 nights at: Baan Baramee House WR3P+56, booked via FB messenger
Getting around (Grab):
- Grab to Baan Dam Museum พิพิธภัณฑ์บ้านดำ XVR6+R8
- Grab to Blue Temple Rong Suea Ten Temple วัดร่องเสือเต้น WRFR+
- then Saturday walking market WR5M+JRX Clock tower light show
Dec 14 Sunday
-
- Dec 14 Sunday, tour Golden triangle – I have doc: Chiang Rai Tour itinerary Mr. Veera
- night goto Chiang Rai Night Bazar – just above us.
Dec 15, Monday
- Dec 15, Monday go to CXM private driver Mrs Oil – I have doc: Rai to Mai tour Itinerary
Chiang Mai (CXM)
- Dec 17: trek
- Dec 18: Thursday return to CXM by 4:00, go to hotel relax, walk town
Stay Dec 18 to 22 accommodation:
- Cozytel Chiang Mai Hotel QXRP+HF *would not stay again
Dec 19 (Fri)
- Dec 19 (Fri) – Driver for the day, “north of Chiang Mai doc”
Dec 20
- Dec 20 walk CXM in morning and 1-2 pm start
- Monks walk QWXR+3RQ, Suthep, to be at top temple for sunset *would not do again
- Saturday Walking Street market 5-10pm – Down South East corner gate, by BED hotel
Dec 21, Sunday
-
- Dec 21, Sunday zip line BOOK via what’s ap tour in morning dept 9-10am return
- *book ziplining. Comes with lunch – not much vegetarian.
- At night, do early Sunday Walking Street market the big one
– Ratchadamnoen Road (ถนนคนเดินวันอาทิตย์)
Flight to Krabi
- *FLIGHT Dec 22 Fly CXM to Krabi booked via website : Air
- Depart date: Monday 22-Dec-2025
- Depart: 07:55hrs
- Arrive: 09:55hrs
- *book Cab to airport
Krabi / Railay / Ao Nang
Dec 22 Monday
- Dec 22 Monday Krabi airport to Nam Mao Pier get cab 2VH7+M6P,
- Long tail boat to East Railay Pier 100B ea
Dec 22 (Railay stay)
- Dec 22: Avatar Railay-Adults Only
- Total price: approx.CAD 391 Mon, Dec 22, 2025 – Tue, Dec 23, 2025 , 1 night * stay 2 nights next time
- and in evening do night kayaking Freebird Paddle Co. saved in maps mid-way on walking street
Dec 23
- Dec 23 about 3 pm railay to ao nang beach – long tail boat from beach.
Ao Nang stay
- Stay at Aonang Eco Inn Krabi *never stay here
Dec 24
- Dec 24 hike tiger mountain go early, if time cab to Krabi and walk around Krabi. Taxi home
- and evening beach restaurant and look for xmas stuff to do.
Dec 25
- Dec 25 beach, walk around. Cooking class at night Penny Thai Cookery School *great time
Dec 26
- Dec 26 4 island tour Poda, Chicken, Tup, and Phra Nang Cave Beach do speed boat vs long tail
- https://bigtourkrabi.com office on main beach strip, saved in maps
Dec 27
- Dec 27 Kayak rent or island tour
Flight to Bangkok (DMK)
- FLIGHT Dec 28 Sunday Krabi to Bangkok fly, Air Asia move
- Dept 12:50 arv 2:20pm at Don Mueang Airport north of town
Accommodation Dec 28 to Jan 4:
- Krungkasem Srikrung Hotel โรงแรมกรุงเกษมศรีกรุง
- PGQ8+G4
Bangkok
Dec 29
- Dec 29 tourist ferry, What pho, wat arun and grand palace.
Dec 30
- Dec 30 Ayutthaya day trip *missed the train, never went
Dec 31
- Dec 31 Ancient city and Erwan (Muang Boran, The Ancient City) it’s $30. Songtheau #36
- evening newyears fireworks show Iconsiam *did Central World. Would NOT go again
Jan 1
- Jan 1 China town and shopping
Jan 2
- Jan 2 open day ?river ferry
Jan 3
- Jan 3 Saturday chatachaka market
Jan 4
- Jan 4 fly out of BKK at 2pm air Canada flight get there 11am. Likely 90min transit leave hotel 9:30
- Grab is 30 min drive.
Driving tour North of Chiang Rai
8:00am Sunday Dec 14 pick up at Baan Baramee House บ้านบารมีเฮ้าส์ WR3P+56
- Wat Huai Pla Kang วัดห้วยปลากั้ง 40bht WRX4+MM
Says opens 7:00am, elevator to 25floor of Guan Yinm, back balcony view,
9 story Red Temple, things on each floor. Dragon stair case. 1 hour. - Choui Fong Tea ลานจอดรถ ไร่ชาฉุยฟง 5RX9+G5R
Nice tea field views, restaurant and store 45 min - Wat Phra That Doi Wao วัดพระธาตุดอยเวา แม่สาย CVRH+Q3G
View of town and interesting Wat - Wat Tham Pha Chom วัดถ้ำผาจม CVRF+R7
May do this temple first, close to #3 - The Northern Most of Thailand เหนือสุดยอดแดนสยาม CVVJ+Q6
Just a sign to take a picture under right around border crossing
LUNCH? In town. - Hall of Opium หอฝิ่นอุทยานสามเหลี่ยมทองคำ 937F+RC
1.5-2hours - Golden Triangle สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ 932M+W6X
Walk around various structures on the waterfront to see. - Wat Chedi Luang วัดเจดีย์หลวง 73FJ+95 Wiang
Can stop in. Not sure how great, another down street 300m - Wat Phra That Pha Ngao วัดพระธาตุผาเงา 64V5+M7
Chatty says good stop.
Back to hotel Baan Baramee House บ้านบารมีเฮ้าส์ WR3P+56
Driving tour Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Depart Monday Dec 15, 8:00am
- White temple Wat Rong Khun วัดร่องขุ่น RQF7+83 opens 8am 1hr
- Singha Park Chiang Rai สิงห์ปาร์คเชียงราย VP3V+66 1hr
- Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan วัดแสงแก้วโพธิญาณ (ครูบาอริยชาติ) JG2G+WP 45min
Lunch? - Mae Kachan Hot Spring น้ำพุร้อนแม่ขะจาน 4F76+WV 15min
- Wat Phra That Doi Saket วัดพระธาตุดอยสะเก็ด V4FR+22 45min
- BED Chiangmai Gate โรงแรมเบด เชียงใหม่ เกต QXHQ+RF
Driving tour north of Chiang Mai
-Pick up Cozytel Chiangmai, QXRP+HF โคซี่เทล เชียงใหม่
-Buatong Waterfall อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกบัวตอง-น้ำพุเจ็ดสี
– Wat Den Sali Si Mueang Kaen (Wat Ban Den) วัดเด่นสะหลีศรีเมืองแกน (วัดบ้านเด่น) * I think best temple area in Thailand. it’s alot.
– Elely Cafe’ แอลลี่ คาเฟ่ 3W9R+GC Ki Lek
-Huai Tueng Thao Sculpture Park คิงคองฟางยักษ์ VWFP+2QG Closes 6pm
-Bai Orchid & Butterfly Farm WW9M+FM closes 5pm ใบออร์คิด-บัตเตอร์ฟลายฟาร์ม
-Wat Pa Dara Phirom Phra Aram Luang WW6R+7GJ closes 6pm วัดป่าดาราภิรมย์ พระอารามหลวง
Drop off cozytell โคซี่เทล เชียงใหม่