1) Shopping

In hindsight, we should have stayed longer in Bangkok. One day and two nights wasn’t enough to really take in the city and explore. This being the case, we obviously spent 80% of our time in Bangkok shopping! Even for an expert shopper like myself, Thailand shopping is on another level! I probably spent a huge chunk of my time walking through markets and shopping centres trying to hustle down everything I could fit into my suitcase. One of the most exhilarating things about shopping in Thailand is that everything is so cheap! There are a variety of choices and you really feel you’re getting your money’s worth. I bought summer dresses, bracelets, beachwear, sunglasses and bags. Of course, there’s a bit of indulging in designer labels as well. I promised myself I wouldn’t need to buy myself anything else for a year after haemorrhaging my wallet out there!

2) Beaches

Any beaches with crystal blue seas and white sands is a win for me. Thailand has these in abundance. If it was up to me, I’d be on the beach everyday but we had to squeeze in other activities. Our resort was located on the beach of Kata Noi Bay, which was beautiful and quiet. Patong was a good one to socialise, do water sports and enjoy cocktails on (though too crowded to relax), while Karon beach is somewhere in between the two.  All the beaches were stunning to look at and spend time on. 

3) Island Hopping

Island hopping was probably my favourite activity during the entire trip. We couldn’t decide whether we wanted to do the Phi Phi islands or James bond island so we did both. With the James Bond tour, I got to enter the famous caves, lagoons of Phang Nga Bay Panak as well as visit the floating village Koh Panyi. The Phi Phi island tour was more about island hopping, snorkelling and diving. I also got to visit a number of beautiful lagoons with emerald green waters as well as see wild monkeys on their own island. I was least impressed with Maya Bay made famous by the Leonardo Di Caprio film ‘The Beach. It was overcrowded, touristy and dirty (nearly stepped on broken glass in the sea). Apart from that, one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!

4) Our hotel

We stayed at the Katathani beach resort on the quieter kata noi beach. As far as resorts go, it ticked the list when it came to food, cleanliness, view from our suite and close beach. The staff were also accommodating and friendly throughout our stay.

5) Food glorious food

I came back pounds heavier after being unable resist the AMAZING food in Thailand.  You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants and food markets, and the food is so cheap! I over indulged in seafood, Pad Thai and spring rolls as well as the Tom Yum soup.

I can honestly say that I’m definitely going to Thailand again. 10 days wasn’t enough to explore the rest of it and it truly deserves a second visit. There were too many things I loved to go into detail but my other favourite activities included watching an authentic lady boys show, walking through Bangla street, seeing old Phuket town, having an endless amount of thai massages and zip lining through the Phuket jungles. Locals are friendly, food and cocktails are cheap, weather is amazing and the beaches are breathtaking! I can't wait to return.