On July 20, 2015, I led my whole family and a friend with her son on an adventure to Thailand. Although it wasn't my first time abroad, it was my first experience with independent travel. Therefore, I did a lot of preparatory work before departure, reading many travelogues on Mafengwo, so the entire journey was quite smooth and enjoyable.
Preparations:
1. About Flights. I live in an eighth-tier city in the northeastern border region, where travel is inconvenient. However, for this trip, I managed to buy discounted tickets. The round-trip flight from my hometown to Shenzhen and then to Bangkok cost less than 3000 RMB per person, and even less for my child, only 2700 RMB—excellent value for money. Of course, the layover was quite long; we stayed one night in Shenzhen, but nearby hotels offered complimentary airport shuttle services, so it was still very convenient and comfortable.
2. About Visa. I used Baicheng on Taobao for the visa, costing less than 300 RMB, without additional insurance (I bought insurance separately from Allianz, which was cheaper). I received SMS updates throughout the process, and the visa was issued in about a week—convenient and fast.
3. About Hotels. Except for the budget hotel in Shenzhen, all other hotels were four-star, booked through Ctrip without any issues. The most expensive night was less than 300 RMB—truly良心 pricing! All hotels had swimming pools and included breakfast. For children, they only charged a symbolic fee of a few dozen Thai Baht. In Bangkok, we stayed at the Bangkok Asia Hotel, an established hotel usually costing around 350 RMB (off-season). I booked early, so it was much cheaper. It's connected directly to the BTS station—exit the BTS and you're right at the hotel, incredibly convenient. The first hotel in Phuket was in Patong: Phuket Patong Resort. It's a large hotel on the main Patong street, a 5-minute walk to Jungceylon, and the back gate is 1 minute from Patong Beach. The hotel is large, has access control, Chinese-speaking front desk staff, rooms with balconies—very comfortable. Room rate was 200 RMB, including breakfast—super high value for money. The second hotel in Phuket was at Kata Beach: Phuket Kata Palm Resort & Spa. The location is a bit further from the beach, but about a ten-minute walk. The hotel is garden-style, surrounded by swimming pools, quite beautiful, a great place for a vacation. While we adults went for massages, the kids played directly at the hotel—safe and worry-free. The rooms were smaller, service attitude was average, and check-in was slow.
4. About Carrying Cash. We weren't spot-checked, but credit card skimming is rampant in Southeast Asia, so carrying some cash is necessary. Visa cards can be used in many places, but UnionPay isn't widely accepted. Don't exchange money at the airport; there are plenty of exchange places after leaving the airport. Check the rates and exchange where it's highest. When we arrived in Phuket, the exchange rate was over 5.7, very划算. Bought the SIM card on Taobao, booked tours with Lazy Cat, airport transfers mostly via Taobao. So you don't need too much cash; we brought 8000 RMB for 12 days and didn't even use it all. Shopping at duty-free shops is best done by card, any card works.
Thailand, here we come!
We took the Airport Rail Link directly from the airport, then transferred to the BTS to reach the hotel. The hotel is in a bustling area, with many food stalls and a 7-Eleven downstairs—super convenient. It's only one MRT stop away from the commercial center.
At the food court in the commercial center, opposite Big C, there's a wide variety of delicious food. The taste is also great. Various fried noodles and fried rice noodles were our favorites. Mango sticky rice was also delicious. In short, Thai food really suited our taste.
This is a famous university in Thailand called Chulalongkorn University. The buildings inside are very beautiful, and there are many Chinese students. It's said to be a very good school. Located in the commercial center, it's quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, with a distinctive style.
That day we also went to the Grand Palace, taking a tourist boat. I heard taking the public ferry is cheaper. The tourist boat had a guide providing commentary, but it was in English, so for us English novices, it was as good as having none.
PS: Don't worry about the language barrier in Thailand. Hotels and airports have Chinese services, menus have pictures, knowing basic everyday phrases is enough. You can download a travel English app.
This is the hotel we stayed at in Phuket. My son and my friend's son learned to swim here. The location is convenient, and every room has a large balcony. Nice.
Patong Beach in Phuket. The water quality is similar to Dadonghai in Sanya. Parasailing cost 200 RMB, plus an additional tip was required. But for my son, it was a brave experience.
This is Racha Island (Koh Racha). We stayed in Phuket for 5 days this time but only went to Racha Island. We booked a one-day pirate ship tour with Lazy Cat on Taobao. We didn't choose a speedboat, fearing it might be unsafe. The pirate ship was twice as expensive as the speedboat, but it was very stable and the rest area was good. So if you're bringing elderly or children, I recommend choosing this method. We were truly amazed by Racha Island—clear water, fine sand, fish swimming right beside us. The震撼 and the feeling of beauty received at that time were indescribable. For an island lover like me, this is the best. If I have the chance, I must stay here for a few days.
The hotel in Kata is very suitable for vacation. The kids played at the hotel while we went for massages nearby. So relaxing!
Kata Beach is not as lively as Patong, but the sunset is very beautiful.
Finally, these are the various modes of transport we used in Thailand.
The 12-day journey was very short, but it brought us so much surprise and courage. No tour guide, no rushed itinerary, so much more spontaneity, so much more freedom. There was also anxiety and apprehension, but the companionship and trust of my loved one, friends, and children made us so brave and so happy. So I want to say, be a little braver; your journeys and your life will become more and more wonderful.
