Travel triggered by a game -2025 Women's Volleyball World Championships+Singapore/Thailand Tour, Thailand Travel Guide

What do you get when you combine a women's volleyball world championship with two of Southeast Asia's most vibrant destinations? An unforgettable journey that blends sports excitement with cultural exploration. This unique trip took us from the modern metropolis of Singapore to the tropical paradise of Thailand, following the Chinese women's volleyball team while experiencing the best of both countries.

Duration: 7 days
Route: Singapore → Krabi (Thailand) → Bangkok (Thailand)
Main Purpose: Women's Volleyball World Championship viewing
Travel Season: Late September
Total Cost: Approximately 8,000 CNY per person

We booked flights with Singapore Airlines for the outbound journey and AirAsia for the return. The timing worked perfectly with the volleyball match schedule. Total flight cost was about 2,500 CNY per person.

Singapore: One night at Hotel 81 chain hotel near Chinatown, costing about 400 CNY per night
Krabi: Three nights at a beachfront resort in Ao Nang, about 300 CNY per night
Bangkok: Two nights at a city center hotel near Siam Square, about 350 CNY per night

Singapore: 96-hour transit visa for Chinese citizens
Thailand: Visa-free for Chinese citizens (30 days)

Arrived at Changi Airport in the afternoon. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to Chinatown for our first taste of Singapore's multicultural food scene. The hawker centers were overwhelming with choices - we tried Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and satay. In the evening, we walked along the Singapore River and visited the Merlion statue.

Spent the morning exploring Gardens by the Bay - the Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest were absolutely stunning. The futuristic architecture contrasted beautifully with the tropical plants. In the afternoon, we took a budget airline flight to Krabi, Thailand. The flight was only about an hour, and we arrived just in time for sunset at Ao Nang Beach.

The main event! We attended the Women's Volleyball World Championship match featuring the Chinese team. The atmosphere was electric - the Thai crowd was incredibly enthusiastic and supportive. After the match, we explored Ao Nang town, trying local street food and enjoying the beach atmosphere. The sunset from Ao Nang Beach was spectacular.

Took a longtail boat tour to the nearby islands - Hong Island, Chicken Island, and Poda Island. The limestone cliffs rising from the emerald waters were breathtaking. We snorkeled in crystal-clear waters and relaxed on pristine beaches. The highlight was the hidden lagoon at Hong Island, accessible only through a narrow cave at low tide.

Morning flight to Bangkok (about 1.5 hours). After checking into our hotel near Siam Square, we explored the shopping districts - Siam Paragon, Central World, and MBK Center. The contrast between Krabi's natural beauty and Bangkok's urban energy was striking. In the evening, we visited the famous Khao San Road for street food and people-watching.

Visited the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) in the morning. The intricate details and golden decorations were overwhelming. In the afternoon, we took a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River, seeing traditional riverside communities and modern skyscrapers. The evening was dedicated to shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market - the variety of goods was incredible.

Our last day was spent souvenir shopping and enjoying a final Thai meal. We took the MRT and Airport Rail Link to Don Mueang Airport. The journey was smooth, and we were worried about AirAsia's strict carry-on weight limits, but no one checked our bags. The flight home was comfortable, and we landed safely despite concerns about typhoon weather.

Attending the Women's Volleyball World Championship was the highlight of our trip. The Thai crowd's enthusiasm was infectious - they cheered for all teams with equal passion. The Chinese team performed well, and we felt proud to support them from the stands. The venue was well-organized, and the atmosphere was electric throughout the matches.

Hainanese Chicken Rice: The national dish, perfectly cooked chicken with fragrant rice
Laksa: Spicy coconut curry noodle soup
Chili Crab: Messy but absolutely delicious
Kaya Toast: Traditional breakfast with coconut jam

Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles with tamarind sauce
Tom Yum Goong: Spicy and sour shrimp soup
Green Curry: Aromatic coconut curry with chicken or beef
Mango Sticky Rice: Perfect dessert combination

Orchard Road for luxury shopping, Bugis Street for bargains, and Chinatown for traditional items. We bought kaya jam, bak kwa (barbecued pork), and some designer items at duty-free prices.

Chatuchak Weekend Market for everything imaginable, MBK Center for electronics and clothes, and local markets for handicrafts. We stocked up on Thai silk, coconut oil products, and various snacks.

The MRT system is efficient and affordable. Purchase an EZ-Link card for convenience. Taxis are metered and generally honest. Walking is pleasant in the compact city center.

Bangkok: BTS Skytrain and MRT are modern and efficient. Tuk-tuks are fun but negotiate the price first. Grab (ride-hailing app) is reliable and reasonably priced.
Krabi: Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are the main public transport. Negotiate prices for private transfers to beaches and attractions.

Flights: 2,500 CNY per person
Accommodation: 1,800 CNY per person (6 nights)
Food: 1,200 CNY per person
Transportation: 800 CNY per person
Activities and Shopping: 1,700 CNY per person
Total: Approximately 8,000 CNY per person

Singapore's multicultural society was fascinating - Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences creating a unique blend. The cleanliness and efficiency were impressive, but the strict rules (no chewing gum, heavy fines for littering) were noticeable.

Thailand's "Land of Smiles" reputation was well-deserved. The Thai people's friendliness and hospitality made every interaction pleasant. The Buddhist influence was evident in daily life, from morning alms-giving to temple visits.

This was my fifth trip to Thailand over six years, and prices have definitely increased - especially for beer and metro fares. However, compared to Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia, Thailand remains relatively affordable.

There's frequent online discussion about Thailand requiring tourists to carry at least 5,000 baht per person for entry checks, but when we entered from Singapore, no one checked our cash.

When asked where to go next, my companions joked: "Doesn't it depend on where the women's volleyball team plays next?" This trip perfectly combined our love for sports with our passion for travel, creating memories that will last a lifetime.