Ultimate 5-Day Thailand Adventure in Bangkok and Phuket

I was full of energy upon getting down at Suvarnabhumi Airport because the start of every journey creates some physical sensations. The whole operation of the airport was without any hitch. Our flight to Phuket was planned from another airport in Bangkok called Don Mueang Airport. Accordingly, following the shuttle bus instructions, we got to Don Mueang Airport just before our flight to Phuket. It was a free shuttle service within both airports.

It took sixty minutes to cover the distance through the shuttle bus. Post reaching Don Mueang Airport, it was a short 1-hour flight, and we reached Phuket in the evening. This marked the beginning of our 5-Day Thailand Adventure in Bangkok and Phuket, where the vibrant culture of Bangkok meets the tropical charm of Phuket, making every moment unforgettable.

Day 1: Phuket as a starting point and first Nightlife experience

On our arrival, we hired a taxi from the airport to take us to our hotel located close to the vicinity of Patong Beach. During the trip, the taxi driver kept on entertaining us with his jovial attitude and playing pleasant Thai music in the car. It was about an hour ride from the Airport to the hotel.

As soon as we checked into our hotel, we went straight to the famous Bangla Market. It was next level — like a mini carnival thing! This one was another level — it was like a little carnival sort of thing! The nightlife scene is vibrant. The presence of the live bar and night clubs made it an ideal place to visit at night. This probably helped create an even livelier atmosphere in the area.

First, I decided to buy a bottle of Chang beer and then casually strolled through the lively street. I spotted an Indian restaurant called “Amritsar” right off the Bangla market where we had delicious food and a chat with the owner, He is from Uttarakhand originally and moved to Phuket to start his own restaurant. Laughter, capturing moments and time filled with great fun, we returned to the hotel not exactly drained, but positively charged.

Day 2: Full-Day Phuket Tour – Nature, Wildlife & Culture

The next morning, we chose to go for a private day tour in a comfortable minivan. There were six other tourists with us.

The first site we visited was Big Buddha which was very quiet. It is a large white sculpture that is fixed at the top of a hill. We removed shoes and walked around and also turned large-brimmed bronze bells that were placed along the path. When I reached the top, I was able to look down and see lush green trees, the blue sea far in the distance and many small houses.

Then arrived a rather fascinating experience – Tiger Kingdom. This place offers an opportunity to make a closer look at tigers.

It made me feel nervous and thrilled at the same time. We obeyed the rules and stepped into a cage that had a few harmless, dozy tigers.  I managed to touch that tiger from the back which was muscular. It’s something I’ll never forget!

The next place was Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. This was one of the most interesting activities that we undertook during this tour.

I rode an elephant for about 10 minutes and was able to feed bananas to the elephants. They stared with their big eyes and used their trunks friendly. This I don’t think I may ever forget.

We also visited a factory where they process cashew nuts, tried some of the flavored cashew nuts and bought some for home. The last one was a viewpoint on the hill, where we had some time to rest and refresh ourselves with coconut water.

Later in the day, we went back to Patong Beach where we strolled on the beach shore and observed the people tanning.

We had delicious Indian meal with the favorite dish which is butter chicken, naan bread and dal that evening in the same restaurant called “Amritsar”.

I quenched my thirst with a cold Thai beer and enjoyed the sea breeze and slowly strolled back to the hotel.

Day 3: Phi Phi Island Adventure

The next morning, we got up early to go for a boat ride to the island of Phi Phi. It was a large boat with benches built along the edges and an open middle. The journey took about 2 hours.

We saw clear blue water; beautiful islands were green and birds flying up above. The boat staff provided some light snacks and beverages. There were people taking pictures while some were just feeling the cool breeze on their hair.

When we arrived to Phi Phi Island, I was surprised. It was so calm. Everybody put on the life jackets and we joined the group for snorkeling activities. I watched the fish swim around my legs, there were even yellow fish, blue fish and fish with several stripes.

We then took our lunch at a small restaurant near the sea – very basic food, fried rice and fruits. We went for swimming in the sea, took a walk on the seashore and spent some time sitting under palm trees.

Later that day, we sailed back to Phuket by the boat. Looking at the return, everyone felt a bit more tired, but still happy.

It was a very low-key evening, we sat in the sand along the seashore, eating grilled fish caught from the deep and sipping on cold beverages. It was the best way to finish up a great day.

Day 4: Travel to Phuket and Relaxing Morning and Bangkok

It was a very lazy morning in Phuket and we woke up without any particular rush to it. We decided to have a slow breakfast at one of those small cafés not far from our hotel. The quiet streets gave the feel of calm which was quite nice after the days of rushing around and visiting various tourist attractions.

Following that, we proceeded to pack our belongings, arrange for a taxi to get us to the airport by the afternoon to take a flight to Bangkok. The flight was not long at all, it only took about an hour. We could hardly sit back in our seats as the plane began to move downwards.

Our flight arrived at the DMK Airport and after collecting our luggage, we hailed a taxi to our hotel in Bangkok. The check-in was quick. We left our luggage in the room and went out again, this time, we were hungry and more determined to discover the city.

After lunch, we took a stroll along the Sukhumvit Road which we found to be one of the most active part of Bangkok.

As we wanted to relax, we went to a neat and comfortable salon to get a foot massage. It was so nice to ease up and take a break from walking on sore feet. After that, we went shopping and bought some clothes and also bought fragrant Thai massage oil.

It was a leisurely, cheerful sort of day. More time for being lazy, experiencing the little things in life.

Day 5: ICONSIAM, Crocodile Roast, and Airport Rush

On our last day of the Bangkok Tour, we woke up early to catch breakfast at the hotel we were staying in Sukhumvit. They served a decent breakfast – toast, eggs, fruits, juice, and hot coffee. Since we had the evening flight back to Delhi, we did not plan to waste time and wanted to make the most of the last day.

We purchased a boat day pass for the canal service passing through the city. It was like a bus where tourists could board throughout the 28 sites in the canal cruise line and exit wherever they wanted. The boat trip was relatively calm and provided another perspective of Bangkok. It was similar to the Vienna boat tour I had done a few years back when I was touring Europe.

First of all, we visited the largest shopping mall in Thailand named ICONSIAM. This place was quite huge which makes it look like a whole city contained within the mall.

There was every kind of Thai street food we could think of and it was located in the underground food market.

The thing that most shocked us was a whole crocodile being grilled on a barbeque pit. It watching was both weird and interesting at the same time.

Next, we got off at Wat Arun Temple also called the temple of dawn tourist attraction center.

This temple is located on a river with a tall white tower having colored glasses and potteries on its walls. It is among the best-known temples in Bangkok and looks really great in photographs with the river in the background.

The last place we visited was the Asiatique Riverfront which is an open-air mall and night bazaar. It had the feel of a vibrant market with people playing different music and vendors selling yummy foods. Relaxing back on the chairs, we opened a cold Chang beer and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Although we were enjoying ourselves very much, not once did we remember that we had a flight to catch!

We moved back to the boat pier and went back to the city where our journey started to the hotel to collect our belongings. From there, we got a taxi to the airport but it was in the evening rush hour. It was as bad as the traffic situation in Delhi during office hours. We were pretty much crawling on the highway.

We get to the airport thirty minutes prior to our flight. I took the bags and rushed to the indigo counter which was not easy to locate as it was the last at the airport. When I arrived, the staff told me, “Boarding is closed.”

I presented my boarding pass (I already checked in online), however, my luggage had to be scanned and checked in.

Then, one good man from the indigo team turned towards me and said, “Maybe I can do something for you.” He took my bags, showed me through the fast-forward service and requested the airport security to expedite my bags check. He even informed his colleague at the aircraft through the radio to look for us.

It was time to board the plane and they were announcing our names. At last, we reached the airplane, with all of us out of breath because of the speedy running. The bags have been loaded, and we were finally aboard, tired but relieved, sweaty and happy.

Thanks to the indigo staff for that lovely gesture of making our day a happy one. That is why I will never forget this experience. It was challenging, but at the same time, it was full of courtesy. I had to say that such an event has become one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire Thailand trip.

This journey was filled with fun, enjoyment, adventure, and some tension as well. From feeding the elephant to the near miss of my flight, everything that happened during this trip was interesting.

Also Read | My Unfiltered Malaysia Trip from Delhi

Avoid Scams in Thailand

• Hire taxi through using the Grab app.

• Do not listen to strange people telling you that a certain place is closed.

• Don’t order food or product before checking the price.

• Use hotel receptions or reliable third-party mobile applications when it comes to booking tours.

• Try to talk politely, but do not allow yourself to get rushed into an impulsive purchase.