My recent trip to Thailand started off in Bangkok. Bangkok is a huge city with major gridlock so gives yourself time if you are traveling by car. The main attraction in Bangkok is the Reclining Buddha, which is also known as the Sleeping Buddha to the locals. I would recommend you taking the metro to the water taxi to get to the tourist sites in Bangkok. All the major temples in mosques are located near the Reclining Buddha. Try to avoid anyone offering you private tours because most likely they are overcharging you.

I would also recommend you visit the night market close to the Reclining Buddha. The night market is a great place to buy souvenirs and there are many good restaurants to choose from. Overall, I would say two to three days is enough time to spend in Bangkok.

The place to spend most of your time while in Thailand is Phuket. Phuket is a very laid back and very different from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. There are several areas to stay in Phuket. I stayed in Patong which is where all the action is. The first thing, I recommend is booking a tour of Bond Island. The Bond Island tour is just breathtaking. Pictures don’t do the place justice. Besides going to Bond Island, you will also visit caves in canoes, swim in the Andaman Sea, spend time on Lawa Island, and have a great lunch if you book your tour with Guide Usa Nanakorn (facebook.com/U’Usa Nanakorn). The tour prices are in the $50 range.

Another tour I recommend is the Phi Phi Island tour. On this tour, you will go snorkeling at Maiton and Green Islands, visit Monkey Island, Phi Phi Island, and Khai Island. The best part of this tour is the snorkeling. Once you go into the water, which is warm by the way, you will discover some of the most beautiful fish and huge coral reefs.

Monkey Island is exactly what it is an island with a bunch of monkeys. My tour didn’t offer the opportunity to go onto the island like some others. But I wouldn’t recommend you going onto the island and trying to feed or pet the monkeys because they have attacked people.

The tour includes lunch on Phi Phi island and the tour ends in Khai Island. As I said earlier, Patong is the place with a lot of things to do. Since my days were spent on tours my afternoons and nights were spent in Patong. The hotel that I highly recommend to stay while you are in Phuket is The Marina Phuket Hotel (https://www.themarinaphuket.com). The hotel has a huge infinity pool on the rooftop with spectacular views of Patong. Plus, the hotel is walking distance to Patong Beach and Bangla Walking Street. The Bangla Walking Street is where there are a lot of bars, restaurants, clubs, and shows. Also, while in Phuket it’s a great opportunity to experience an inexpensive Thai massage. Many of the hotels have their own spas which tend to be very nice. Last, while in Phuket make sure you try the street food. I had the best Thai food from the street vendors. I promise you will for sure love Phuket and will want to visit again.