Three Weeks in Thailand: A Dream Trip of Adventure, Wildlife, and Incredible Food
written by Sophie
After booking this trip at the end of 2022, the excitement had been building for two and a half years, and the time had finally arrived. This was our second time visiting Thailand—our first was in February 2022 when strict COVID measures were in place, requiring multiple tests, insurances, extensive paperwork, and a mandatory stay in one location under the “sandbox scheme.”
This time, things were completely different—no restrictions, just pure adventure and freedom!
We flew from Heathrow to Phuket, with a stop in Abu Dhabi, which perfectly split the journey into two six-hour flights. From there, our incredible three-week adventure began.
Khao Lak: Beachfront Bliss & Snorkelling with Turtles
Our first stop was Khao Lak, where we stayed in a stunning beachfront hotel for three nights. This area had such a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere—very family-friendly, with easy access to boat trips to the famous Surin and Similan Islands.
The highlight of our entire trip? A boat excursion to the Similan Islands, where we swam in crystal-clear waters and walked on powdery white sand. The snorkelling stops were unreal, but nothing could top swimming with sea turtles! We also saw an array of colourful fish, including clownfish and regal blue tangs—seeing Nemo and Dory in their natural habitat was a special moment for me as a Disney enthusiast.
Khao Lak also had a huge night market, which we explored one evening, browsing local wares and tasting some delicious Thai street food.
Krabi: Private Villas, Jungle Wildlife & Natural Wonders
Next, we travelled to Krabi, where we stayed in a private villa surrounded by lush jungle and towering mountains. This stop was pure relaxation—my husband spent time fishing, while I enjoyed lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, and indulging in more incredible Thai food.
We were also greeted by plenty of wildlife, from friendly lizards and frogs to an unexpected monkey visitor who casually stopped by to drink from our pool and check us out!
One of the most breathtaking experiences in Krabi was our early bird visit to the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs. We arrived before the crowds, which meant we had the serene Emerald Pool almost to ourselves—its mineral-rich waters are said to be great for the skin. A short walk led us to the Blue Pool, a strikingly vivid blue body of water that was mesmerising to see (though too deep to swim in).
Of course, jungle adventures also come with surprises… on our way to the Blue Pool, we had a close encounter with a huge river spider. Let’s just say we were very happy to move past it quickly!
The hot springs were as relaxing as they were steamy—so much so that it’s recommended to stay in for no more than 20 minutes due to their effect on blood pressure. They did get busy, but we still managed to find a peaceful spot to soak in the warmth.
Ao Nang: Elephants, Island Hopping & a Not-So-Fun Boat Ride
For the final part of our trip, we stayed in Ao Nang, a lively and tourist-friendly base for exploring the surrounding islands.
One of the most meaningful experiences was visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary. Observing these incredible animals in their natural environment and feeding them (only if they wanted) was heartwarming. I was adamant about choosing a sanctuary with no riding, chains, sticks, or forced interactions, and this experience reassured me that these elephants were truly living their best lives.
Ao Nang is also famous for its landmark night market, which we visited multiple times—sampling street food became a nightly ritual! The Thai roti (pancake) was a particular favourite and is an absolute must-try.
Not every experience was smooth sailing, though—literally! We decided to book a longtail boat trip to nearby islands, but the sea was extremely choppy. Waves crashed over the sides, soaking us, and the old wooden boat hit the water so hard that it felt like it might break apart at any moment. It wasn’t fun, so we cut the trip short and headed back to shore. Lesson learned!
Thai Food: A Love Affair with Pad Thai & More
Thai food was a huge highlight of our trip! I tried many local dishes, but my absolute favourite was Pad Thai—so much so that I had it at least five times.
Other must-try dishes include:
Mango Sticky Rice – A perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavours.
Tom Yum Soup – Spicy, tangy, and packed with fresh ingredients.
Thai Green Curry – A fragrant and comforting dish.
Top Travel Tips for Thailand
- Bring some Thai cash for your first day, but exchange the bulk of your money in Thailand for a better rate. Avoid airport exchanges!
- Book “early bird” tours to experience popular landmarks and beaches before the crowds arrive.
- Visit 7-Eleven for essentials like mosquito repellent and their viral green mosquito balm, which instantly stops bites from itching.
- Check TikTok for recommendations—we discovered some amazing finds, from hair masks to chocolate lava cakes.
Final Thoughts...
This was truly the trip of a lifetime—one that exceeded every expectation. From snorkelling with turtles to jungle adventures and unforgettable food, Thailand has completely stolen my heart.
If you’re considering visiting, just go! You won’t regret it.