Thailand

December 02, 2024

Thailand

Krabi

After nearly three months of exploring the world, we arrived in Krabi, a destination that offers two wildly different experiences. On one side, it’s a loud, chaotic Fuengirola knockoff with party hostels and neon lights. On the other, it’s a peaceful paradise without tourists. Naturally, we decided to sample both, because why not?

Krabi

Stop 1: K-Bunk Party Hostel

Our first stop was K-Bunk, a party hostel that promised social vibes and late night adventures. It did almost deliver! This side of Krabi was basically Fuengirola 2.0, packed streets, bars with neon signs aggressively advertising happy hours, and tourists trying to out stupid each other.

The hostel was great if you like bunk beds that shake every time someone breathes and music so loud you feel like the bass is massaging your organs. Sleep? Who needs that? We can sleep at the beach.. Right? Without sunscreen.. Right!?

Monkeys again

If you're in Krabi and looking for a little adventure mixed with comedy and chaos, let me introduce you to the Monkey Trail. It’s not your average hiking trail, it’s a shaky wooden path that tests your balance, patience, and your ability to take unforgettable photos of your wife.

The trail itself is an adventure. Wooden steps and railings lead you up and over a lush, jungle-covered hill. It’s a short hike, but the uneven planks and occasional steep sections make it just challenging enough to keep things interesting.

And of course. There are monkeys in the monkey trail. Who would have thought? They sure are cute, but once again they look at you from head to toes and if you show anything they might have an interest for. They will squad up, surround you and attack.

Finally a resort!

After K-Bunk and the monkey debacle, we decided we’d earned a little luxury. So, we moved to a stunning resort on the other side of Krabi, far from the neon lights and hungover crowds.

This place was next level. Gorgeous pool, sunsets that belonged in a movie, and air-conditioning that was cold as an ice bath. The staff greeted us like royalty, probably wondering how we, two Finns wandered in from the chaos of tourism. The owner named Sue, was really nice and wanted to take photos of us. She had just visited Finland a year ago.

Happy honemoon

Krabi in a Nutshell

Krabi gave us two very different worlds: the sweaty, chaotic charm and the peaceful luxury of the resort. It was a week we won’t forget anytime soon.

If you’re heading to Krabi, take our advice: embrace the chaos, but save a little energy (and dignity) for the paradise waiting on the other side. And maybe bring an extra water bottle everywhere.

From Krabi we took a night bus to Bangkok. While waiting for the bus at the station, we decided to read some reviews about our upcoming bus ride. Turns out that it is pretty common for the night bus drivers to consume some illegal substances during the long trip so that they won't fall asleep... Well, we weighted our lives and took the risk anyway.

Bangkok: Big City, Bigger Adventures

After surviving a 13-hour night bus from Krabi (a.k.a. the world's least comfortable way of travelling), we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. This city is massive, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining, a place where ancient temples sit next to ultra-modern malls, and where the food is so cheap and delicious, you’ll seriously consider extending your trip just to eat more.

Halfway point

Hostels and First Impressions

We spent a week in Bangkok, splitting our time between two hostels, both surprisingly nice. One even had hot showers that didn’t feel like a trickle from a leaky faucet. Bangkok may be wild, but at least it knows how to pamper its budget travelers.

The city itself? A sensory overload in the best way. There’s something happening everywhere, motorbikes weaving through traffic, street vendors flipping noodles like crazy, and tuk-tuk drivers trying to convince you their overpriced tour is "special price, just for you."

Tuk-Tuk

Temples, Malls, and a River Adventure

We dove straight into Bangkok’s treasures, visiting a few temple. Each one was more stunning than the last, dripping in gold and oozing serenity, if you could block out the crowd of selfie sticks, of course. Crossing the river was an adventure of its own, as we hopped on a ferry that seemed held together by duct tape and prayers.

Temple of whatever it was

Then there were the malls. Bangkok malls aren’t just for shopping; they’re like entire cities. One had a giant waterfall falling from the ceiling.

Hands down the nicest mall

The Buffet We Couldn’t Quit

Bangkok’s food scene deserves its own fan club. The street food was unbeatable, pad Thai for the price of a soda back home, but the highlight was a buffet so good we went twice. It was a magical place where you could eat everything! Sushi, dumplings, western food and desserts. It had different sections labelled as Japanese, Western, Asian, Chinese and teppanyaki. Our stomachs left happy, our pants were less thrilled.

Best buffet

The Biggest Market (and Probably the Most Confusing)

We also braved the world’s largest outdoor market, Chatuchak. Calling it “huge” doesn’t do it justice—this place is a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to knockoff designer bags. It’s the kind of place where you go looking for a souvenir and end up buying a backpack full of stuff you didn’t know you needed. Pro tip: wear comfy shoes and carry a map, or just embrace getting lost.

One word, overwhelming

Lizards, Paddle Boats, and the Sweaty Reality of Lumphini Park

Ah, Lumphini Park: Bangkok's attempt to convince you that concrete isn't the only thing the city has to offer. It's a slice of green in a metropolis that, frankly, is so hot it feels like the sun is giving you a personal bear hug. But hey, who can resist a park with giant lizards casually lurking around like they own the place? Spoiler alert, they do.

Dragons do exist

First time trying a paddle boat. The first ten minutes were fun. We were laughing, pedaling, enjoying the gentle splash of water. Then reality hit, paddle boats are evil. They are deceptively cute torture devices that require you to summon the leg strength of an Olympic athlete while steering with a handle that only works when it feels like it.

Our boat was a duck

This park is in truth, one of the coolest things we've experienced so far.

It was super hot though

A Night on Khao San Road

No trip to Bangkok is complete without experiencing Khao San Road, the city’s infamous party street. Think loud music, neon lights, and dancing men with animal outfits. It’s chaotic, it’s wild, and it’s a little trashy, but in the most entertaining way possible. We had a blast dodging drunk tourists and dancing under fairy lights strung across the street.

Yummy

Final Thoughts

Bangkok is the kind of place that has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring temples, eating your way through street food stalls, or navigating the insanity of Khao San Road, it’s impossible to be bored here. The city is big, bold, and unapologetically chaotic, and we loved every second of it.

Definitely coming back

And if you’re wondering whether you should take that 13-hour night bus to get here… well, let’s just say Bangkok makes it worth it. Just don’t expect to enjoy the bus ride.

And of course. Photos from Thailand