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Welcome to the Land of Smiles: My Solo Journey to Thailand


Jet Lagged and Joyful: My Phuket Reunion

Booking “My solo journey to Thailand” was an act of spontaneity and courage. For those considering a similar path, there’s a brilliant guide I found invaluable: “Preparing for My Solo Journey to Thailand: From Planning to Packing”, which promises to be the North Star for your adventures, guiding you through every step of the way.

thailand tuktuk

Climate Adaptation: A Warm Welcome to My Solo Journey to Thailand

The weather during my solo journey to Thailand welcomed me with open arms and a sunny embrace as I traded the UK’s chill for Phuket’s tropical heat. The 32-degree warmth greeted me not with a handshake but with a full-on bear hug! Adjusting? Well, it’s a work in progress, like trying to convince a cat that water is fun.

Rekindling Love for Phuket

Revisiting Phuket felt like a homecoming on my solo journey to Thailand. Little had changed, reassuring me that my love for Thailand wasn’t just a fling. The familiarity was comforting, like slipping into your favorite pajamas – but with more 7/11 stores popping up than mushrooms in a forest.

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Jet Lag: The Uninvited Companion on My Solo Journey to Thailand

Jet lag, the inevitable sidekick of my solo journey to Thailand, has become an opportunity for nocturnal musings. Choosing adventure over sleep might have been misguided, but it’s all part of the journey’s charm. Now, battling jet lag is like trying to persuade a toddler that bedtime is non-negotiable. Watching Indiana Jones instead of sleeping on the plane might not have helped, but who can resist a good adventure? Note to self and others: maybe next time, we opt for sleeping tablets.

nai yang beach phuket

Nai Yang Beach Discoveries on My Solo Journey to Thailand

Nai Yang Beach has been my tranquil haven for the past 4 days I’ve been here, with its beauty and occasional theatrical thunderstorms. The beach bars buzz with life at sunset, and I ponder, where everyone hides before the sun dips, and the rituals begin.

Delightful Encounters and Culinary Wonders

Every morning greets me with a frozen cappuccino and the warmth of local smiles. Meeting a wonderful Russian couple, Vlad and Yulia (apologies for any misspelling), was a nice highlight, chipping away at my introvert’s shell, one friendly chat at a time.

Two Wheels and a Camera: My Thai Ride

Renting a scooter has been a pivotal moment in my solo journey to Thailand. It felt like claiming my wings in Phuket. For 15,000 baht, (approx. £345 or $422 for 3 months) I gained the freedom to explore, with my DJI Osmo Action 3 strapped on, capturing the essence of my travels. Check out my adventures and perhaps become my first YouTube follower. Nudge, Nudge, Wink, wink, , as soon as I figure out which button on the camera doesn’t order Pad Thai and actually records videos!

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My Cozy Nook in VIP Great Hill

vip great hill thailand

Finding affordable yet comfortable accommodation like the VIP Great Hill has been one of the many successes of my solo journey to Thailand. Providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Living in the VIP Great Hill complex for £685 (for 3 months) has been a steal! It’s cozy, with all the essentials and a rain shower that’s become my new best friend amid the heat. It also offers a pool, gym, and 24-hour security.

A Feast for One at The Boss Bar: A Gastronomic Highlight

Solo dining doesn’t get better than The Boss Bar just set back from the beach. With live music and a wooden charm that’s purely Thai, it’s a place that says, “Come for the food, stay for the experience.”

boss bar phuket thailand

Singha Beer and the Generosity of Thailand

While I’m not much for drinks, although a cold Singha Beer has become a ritual during dinner. And the lengths the locals go to ensure you enjoy your stay, well, that’s Thai hospitality for you.

Immersing in Thai Culture

Understanding the intricacies of Thai culture has been an enlightening aspect of my solo journey to Thailand, teaching me the delicate balance between being a respectful visitor and an enthusiastic traveler. Learning the cultural do’s and don’ts has been like learning a new dance – a little awkward at first, but graceful once you get the rhythm. Politeness and respect here are as important as sunscreen on a beach day.

  • Planning a Trip? – Travel Smart! Click HERE for all my top Travel Resources

The Light and Lantern Festival Beckons

Loy Krathong is around the corner, and I can hardly wait. I’m told it’s November 28th. Lanterns light up the night sky, symbolizing hope and renewal. Wishing away bad luck and inviting good fortune. The festival is a spectacular sight, and the Thai people’s warmth will no doubt only enhance the experience.

Nai Yang Beach in Frames

nai yang beach was my destination for my solo journey to thailand

Each photograph I take adds a vibrant chapter to the story of my solo journey to Thailand, preserving the essence of each experience in vivid detail. These will be the colorful proofs of my adventures.

Diving into Local Delicacies

Thailand’s cuisine is a treasure trove, and I’m digging in with caution – just the right amount of spice, thank you. From Pad Thai to Gaeng Daeng, each dish is a masterpiece worth every baht.

Markets, Fresh Produce, and Souvenirs

The Nai Yang market stands out as a highlight, adding color and local flair, perfect for picking up fresh ingredients or a keepsake. If you’re into self-catering or just looking for a tangible memory, this is the place.

  • Planning a Trip? – Travel Smart! Click HERE for all my top Travel Resources

Scooter Safety: A Friendly Reminder

A word to the wise: always wear your helmet on a scooter. Thai roads are full of surprises, and it’s best to ride with care.

My Favorite Local Spot: A Hidden Gem (Luang Wang Restaurant & Bar)

my solo journey to thailand

Lastly, I’ve discovered a hidden gem, a local spot that has stolen my heart. At Luang Wang, it’s not just the food that’s spectacular – the views are like a masterclass in Thai vistas, and the owners, are the sweetest hosts you’ll ever meet.

Luang Wang Restaurant and Bar location

Until next time, with stories untold and memories yet to be made, the road to Timbuktu continues. For more tales and tips on solo travel, swing by my digital abode: The Road to Timbuktu.

Government Travel Information Sites

  • U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisories: The U.S. Department of State provides travel advisories and information on safety and security for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Visit their website for up-to-date information on various countries: Travel.State.Gov
  • UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Travel Advice: The UK government offers travel advice and safety information for British nationals. Check their website for country-specific guidance: Gov.uk Travel Advice
  • Government of Canada – Travel Advice and Advisories: The Government of Canada provides travel advice and advisories for Canadian citizens, including safety tips and country-specific information: Travel.gc.ca
  • Australian Government – Smartraveller: The Australian government’s Smartraveller website offers travel advice, safety tips, and country-specific information for Australian travellers: Smartraveller.gov.au
  • Thailand Visa – Official Thai E-Visa Website
  • Republic of the Philippines – Bureau of Immigration – (Visas) Website

Final Notes:

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