Oh, brother: Thailand itinerary

Back in November, I wrote a preliminary post about planning my dream trip I’m finally taking later this year to southeast Asia with my brother Ryan.

Since then, a lot has changed to our plans, but we have most everything planned out and booked and I couldn’t be more excited!

Originally, we outlined our trip as such:

• Spend 4D/5N in Bangkok, Thailand
• Bangkok to Phuket, remainder of the day to explore Phuket
• LiveAboard (3D/2N) from Phuket
• Phuket to Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia
• Spend 4D/3N in Kuala Lumpar before departing to Singapore
• Spend 3D/3N in Singapore

However, with all I was suggested to do in Thailand, we have decided to just stay in Thailand for this trip. I much prefer the quality of my trips over going to another country just because, which is what I largely felt the other two destinations were. I’ve wanted to go to Thailand for the better part of a decade now and I would like to see as much there as I can.

Here is our modified plan:

• 11 June: Depart Los Angeles
• 12 June: Arrive Bangkok (late evening)
• 13 June: Bangkok
• 14 June: Bangkok
• 15 June: Bangkok
• 16 June: Depart Bangkok to fly to Ko Samui, transfer to Ko Phangan
• 17 June: Scuba diving day trip, start of Full Moon Party
• 18 June: End of Full Moon Party, nurse our hangovers
• 19 June: Take a coach from Ko Phangan to Phuket
• 20 June: Elephant sanctuary half-day visit
• 21 June: LiveAboard (The Junk, southern Thailand itinerary)
• 22 June: LiveAboard (The Junk)
• 23 June: LiveAboard (The Junk)
• 24 June: Phang Nga Bay daytrip
• 25 June: Depart Bangkok (minutes past midnight) and arrive Los Angeles (early morning, time zones are a trip)

After speaking to a few people about the Full Moon Party, they said it’s a fun time, but something you only have a to do once. I know plenty of attractions like that (The Grand Canyon, London Eye, the Pyramids…) and completely understand what they mean. With the island a bit of a faff to get to, I decided it would be prudent to spend a few days there so we’re not wearing ourselves out. Plus, another place to dive!

As you can see, we’re going to be quite busy, but I’d love to hear any suggestions you have for Bangkok! We haven’t planned any activities for the big city yet.

We are mostly on track for our budget of $2,750, spending a grand on flights and a bit less than that on activities, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we barely broke the $3,000 mark for this trip.

We are also mostly geared up for the trip as well! For Christmas, I got an underwater camera and a dive computer and Ryan got a backpack for his birthday last week. I also got some new clothes and swimsuits for the trip.

There are just a few things left to sort…

• Vaccinations
• Final accommodation bookings (I’ve been e-mailing my hostel in Phuket to see if I can come a day later with no reply, I might have to re-book…)
• Final purchases (sandals, menthol crystals, red filter for my camera, etc.)

I’m so excited for this trip, I can’t wait!

What’s your dream trip?

Photo by Wanaporn Yangsiri.