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Laos: Slow Boat

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Laos: Slow Boat

 

Slow Boat the Mekong

Overview

Taking a slow boat down the Mekong is almost a right of passage for those traveling through Laos.  Here is all you need to know about various routes, border crossings and the overall experience. 

For more general information on traveling Laos such as visas, money, Covid updates and more, visit my Laos travel page. 

The Gibbon Experience

The Gibbon Experience

Guide to the Gibbon Experience In Laos 

Flying Through the Trees Like a Monkey at the Gibbon Experience 

loas mekong sb-min

Thailand to Luang Prabang

Most backpackers come this way as they head from Chiang Mai and the north of Thailand to begin their Laotian adventure. 

Slow Boat to Laos – The Best Tips and Advice

Chiang Mai to Laos – Slow boat or bus? 

Luang Prabang to Thailand

Ultimate Guide Laos to Thailand by Boat

How to Travel  by Slow Boat from Laos to Thailand

I went this route. It has less people which can be a pro because there was much more room to spread out and have your own space (which is important when you’re stuck on a small vessel for most of the day) a con because you don’t meet as many people and it was a little more of a “keep to yourself” kind of vibe. It was nice and relaxed but also a bit boring after a while. However, another pro was that it was very easy to figure out without the assistance of an agency. 

Laos slow Boat-min

Pak Beng

15 Best Things to Do in Pak Beng

Where to stay in Pak Beng  (Additional information can be found in travel guides above on accomodation) 

The Other Slow Boat

Muang Khua to Luang Prabang

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Bangkok Thailand night market-unsplash-min

Thailand: Bangkok

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Thailand: Bangkok

 

Bangkok, Thailand

Coming

Getting there, around and away

Into the city center: 

Getting around 

Sleeping

Ultimate Neighborhood Guide

Another one for good measure 

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Doing

20 Incredible Things to do in Bangkok 

Ayutthaya Resources: 

Detailed guide for an Ayutthaya day trip

Eating

Deciding where to eat can be overwhelming in such a big city. Thai food is some of the best in the world so make sure since you’ve come this far that you’re getting the good stuff! 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Eating in Bangkok as a Tourist 

12 Must-Eat Restaurants

16 must-try authentic local food

Bangkok Travel Guide for Food Lovers 

Bangkok Thailand night market-unsplash-min

Staying

A better city for living than visiting – if you’re short on time I wouldn’t spend more than a day or two here.  If you do have time, it’s a great city once you get to know it a little better. 

Going

One of the main travel hubs in SE Asia, Bangkok is your gateway to anywhere. With two large international airports and bus connections to virtually anywhere within Thailand and the surrounding areas your possibilities are endless.

Popular destinations within Thailand would be to go south to the islands or north to Chiang Mai. Cambodia is also right next door and an easy bus ride away. If you need more information on general travel within Thailand such as money, visas, Covid updates and more, check out the Thailand travel page. 

floating market bangkok thailand unsplash-min

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White Temple Thailand Chiang Rai

Thailand: Chiang Rai

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Thailand: Chiang Rai

 

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Coming

Chiang Rai is known for its White Temple and it really is as stunning as it looks in the pictures. But it’s not just the glittering White Temple that will draw you in- the surrounding enclosure with its cartoon characters and small details to be discovered will capture your interest just as much! 

Getting to and from 

Sleeping

3 Best Hostels in Chiang Rai

Where to stay in Chiang Rai – areas, hotels and hostels 

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Doing

20 Things to do in Chiang Rai 

21 Awesome Things to do in Chiang Rai

The Black House 

Eating

Where to Eat Chiang Rai’s Most Iconic Dishes

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Staying

An easy day trip from Chiang Mai or spend a few extra days exploring more than just the White Temple. 

Going

Head south to Chiang Mai or make your way up to the border to head over to Laos.

For more general information on traveling Thailand such as visas, money, Covid updates and more, visit my Thailand travel page. 

Chiang Rai Thailand white temple hands-min

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What to do in Pai - Pai Canyon

Thailand: Pai

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Thailand: Pai

 

Pai, Thailand

Coming

If you’re looking to kick back, relax and get away for however long, than Pai is the place for you. Small town mountain vibes make it easy to slow down and take it all in. Chase waterfalls and explore canyons during the day and relax or party all night. 

Be prepared for a bumpy ride with some twisty turny roads, especially if you take a minivan. Those prone to motion sickness might request to sit up front. I would very seriously advise not to be hungover for this journey. 

Getting there and back from Chiang Mai 

Sleeping

Where to Stay – Good options for all budgets 

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Doing

17 Epic Things to Do

Eating

With such an influx of visitors there are a ton of great food options both local and Western.  

Food Guide: where to eat in Pai, Thailand

All the Food You Should Eat in Pai, Thailand 

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Staying

Most come for a few days but don’t be surprised if you’re sucked in by the chill atmosphere to stay for longer.  

Going

Head back to Chiang Mai and take it from there. 

For more general information on traveling Thailand such as visas, money, Covid updates and more, visit the Thailand travel page. 

Pai Canyon

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Thailand: Chiang Mai

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Thailand: Chiang Mai

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Coming

Chiang Mai International Airport (CMX) is the main airport for Northern Thailand and connects to much of SE Asia and the rest of Thailand. From the airport it is a cheap and short journey into town. Find detailed info HERE. 

Bus trips in Thailand are extremely comfortable and affordable, if a bit long. The seats are spacious and even offer movies (sometimes only in Thai, sometimes available in English). Make sure they bring something warm to cover up with as the AC gets chilly at night. Buses leave regularly from Bangkok’s Mo Chit station. The trip takes about 10 hours, the later the better to save yourself overnight accommodation. 

You can also take the train from Bangkok which is around 12 hours with bunks available both with and without air conditioning. 

Big red trucks called songthaews are the most common way to get around the city. Negotiate a price beforehand and ask your accommodation what a normal price is to get to where you’re needing to go. 

Sleeping

Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

Where to Stay (All hotel budgets) 

Chiang Mai Wat Thailand-min

Doing

43 Absolute Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai 

Best things to do in Chiang Mai 

8 Day Trips  

6 Things NOT to do in Thailand 

7 Reasons Why You Should Not Visit Thailand’s Tiger Temples

Why You Shouldn’t Ride Elephants in Thailand 

Why you should NOT visit the famous long neck tribe in Thailand 

Eating

Northern Thai food takes flavors and influences from its neighbors, make sure not to miss out on some incredible tastes and dishes that you won’t find elsewhere in the country. 

15 Best Authentic Chiang Mai Food and Where to Eat It

11 Must-Eat Restaurants and Street Food Stalls

10 Must try Restaurants 

Sticky waterfall CM Thailand-min

Staying

3-4 days is doable but rushed, I would suggest closer to 6-7 days. 

If you’re coming for Songkran then you’ll I’d say anywhere from 7-10 since those days will just be celebrations. 

Songkran Festival: Everything You Need to Know

Thailand’s Water Festival

Songkran Survival Guide

Survival Guide 

Going

Myanmar and Laos are your closest options internationally but CM airport services many other international destinations. If you’re staying domestic then Pai and Chiang Rai are both nearby or head south to Bangkok on your way to the islands. 

For more general information on traveling Thailand such as visas, money, Covid updates and more, visit the Thailand travel page.

Chiang Mai Grand Canyon-min

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isaan temple thailand

Thailand: Isaan

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Thailand: Isaan

 

Isaan, Thailand

If Chiang Mai is the heart of Thailand then Isaan (Isan) is the soul. While you won’t find many foreigners (farangs) here, it is not for a lack of things to do and see.  Get off the tourist track and delve into the real Thailand. Not a bad idea to brush up on a few Thai phrases as well as English isn’t quite as prevalent. I spent four months living in the region in a small town outside of Korat. You’ll find an endless curiosity and some wicked karaoke parties as you meet locals and learn all about what true Thai culture is. 

For more general information on traveling Thailand such as visas, money, Covid updates and more, visit the Thailand travel page. 

Introduction 

Why Travel to Isaan? 

Eating

Spicy and flavorful is the name of the game with Isaan food, which is distinctly different from other types of Thai cuisine. The region focuses a lot on chilis and sticky rice and has a strong Laotian influence. 

Guide to Isan Food in Thailand 

Isaan Thai Food: 6 Northeastern Thai Dishes You Should Try

isaan thailand wat-min

Travel Guides

The northeast: Isaan Travel Guide

The Best Things to See and Do in Isaan

How to Travel Around Isaan

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Thailand: Islands

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Thailand: Islands

 

The South

Thai Islands

The Thai islands are what you dream of when you think of paradise. But there are seemingly endless amounts of islands – all with their own beauty and each with their own vibe and culture – so how do you choose? 

For more general information on traveling Thailand such as visas, money, Covid updates and more, you can visit the Thailand travel page. 

Deciding which islands

The 20 best islands in Thailand 

A Quick Guide to the Best Islands in Thailand 

11 of Thailand’s Islands Ranked 

Koh tao unsplashed thailand

Koh Tao

A diver’s dream

A Travel Guide to Koh Tao

Dive Sites Koh Tao 

Koh Tao Complete Guide 

Krabi and Ao Nang

The Ultimate Guide to Krabi – Had a great stay at Pak-Up Hostel in Krabi town 

Krabi Itinerary 

A Traveller’s Guide to Krabi 

10 Things to Know Before Travelling to Krabi 

Ao Nang sunset hike Thailand

Koh Phangan

The home of the full moon party! 

12 Awesome things to do in Koh Phangan

A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Phangan 

Koh Samui

Travel Guide to Koh Samui: Top things to do and Secret Tips 

Quick Guide to Koh Samui 

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta 

Koh Lanta: The Ultimate Travel Guide 

A Detailed Guide to Our Favorite Thai Island 

Koh Yao

Thailand’s best kept secret

Kao Yao 

Thai islands unsp

Koh Phi Phi

I have to admit, I didn’t really enjoy Koh Phi Phi and don’t really recommend it. It is dirty and overrun by drunk backpackers with no real character to it. I love a good party but that can easily be found almost anywhere. Phi Phi has given up any facade of authenticity and is expensive and gross.

The real appeal to coming here is Maya Bay, or “The Beach” beach from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie. Due to the aforementioned over tourism, Maya Bay, has been closed in an attempt to restore the damage done to it by so many visitors. Closed in February 2018 it is not expected to reopen until sometime in Jan 2022. You can still see the beach during its closure, you just can’t physically go on the beach or exploring the island. When it does open up again and if you decide to visit, GO EARLY! VERY EARLY. I woke everyone up at 5:30 to be able to get this shot with no people and shortly thereafter it is swarming with others. 

A Complete Travel Guide

7 Ways to Screw up Koh Phi Phi

Koh Samet

Getting to and from 

10 Best Things to do 

Where to eat on Ko Samet

 

Koh Samet Thailand-min

Phuket

Phuket Tourism

First Timer’s Guide to Phuket 

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