Thailand, you were a dream! My husband, my three brothers, and I spent five unforgettable days exploring this beautiful country during the second week of October 2025. The weather was surprisingly kind to us — mostly clear skies, a bit of cloud here and there, and the occasional one-hour afternoon rain that cooled everything down just in time for evening strolls.
Thailand is only one hour behind Philippine time, so there was zero jet lag, and it felt like the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure from the moment we landed.
💰 Money Exchange Tip
Before you start swapping pesos for baht, here’s a pro tip: use your GoTyme card! Instead of hunting for money changers, we withdrew cash straight from ATMs at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and it couldn’t have been easier. There’s an English translation option, so no guessing games, and the exchange rate matches the Google rate — way better than airport counters.
At that time, ₱10,000 was around 5,400 Baht, and there were ATMs everywhere. GoTyme truly made the money part stress-free!
🚐 Our Private Van Adventure
Our itinerary was split between Khao Yai (2 days, 1 night) and Bangkok for the rest of the trip. You can get to Khao Yai in several ways, but we chose to go all out with a private van tour — and bestie, it was worth every baht.
The ride takes about 3–4 hours depending on traffic. We booked ours a month ahead through Sir Joven Pineda of Pinoy Balot, who organized everything like a pro. He asked for our itinerary, and that’s exactly what we followed. Some spots we skipped because it was a long weekend in Thailand, so the crowds were wild — but overall, it was smooth and fun!
Our driver, Ms. Kook, was super nice and accommodating. She took care of us from start to finish, and I honestly can’t recommend Pinoy Balot enough. Reliable, Filipino-friendly, and hassle-free!
🏡 Our Khao Yai Stay
Khao Yai has some of the prettiest stays ever — from European-style villas to chic modern homes, and even glamping spots with mountain views. We booked an Airbnb in Che Elpend, and OMG, it looked like something straight out of Pinterest!
The place had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and even a tennis court we could use for free for an hour! Of course, we didn’t waste the chance to play — serve and rally time! 🎾 My husband loved the house so much he said he wants to build something similar back home. Cozy, bright, and surrounded by greenery — just dreamy.
🌿 Things to Do in Khao Yai
Khao Yai is all about slow living, fresh air, and stunning nature views. Here are some of the must-dos:
-
Take photos at Toscana Valley, it’s a total Instagram paradise
-
Go café hopping and try local Thai cuisine
-
Swim or kayak at Ban Tha Chang Spring
-
Play golf or tennis
-
Or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside vibes
One night, we had dinner at a local Michelin-rated restaurant — we tried stir-fried frog, Tom Yum, and other authentic Thai dishes. It was delicious! Definitely one of those meals that make a trip memorable.
🏨 Hotel Ordinary — Our Bangkok Base
In Bangkok, we stayed at Hotel Ordinary, and spoiler alert — it was anything but ordinary! We booked the Family Junior Suite, which came with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one king bed, and two bunk beds — just the right size for our group.
The rooms weren’t huge, but they were comfy and practical. Bonus points for having two TVs and two mini-fridges, because, you know, priorities 😂 Check-in was smooth, and we just left a ₱2,000 deposit upon arrival.
The hotel had a mini pool, a smoking area, and the absolute star of the show — a 24/7 pantry! We could make free instant noodles anytime, and they also offered free eggs, bread, and cereals for breakfast. Plus, biscuits, coffee, and noodles were available all day long.
And since most restaurants in Bangkok don’t serve service water, the hotel’s free bottled water was a total life saver. We grabbed a bottle every time we went out. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
🚗 Bolt vs. Grab — Which One Wins?
We tested both Bolt and Grab, and hands down — Bolt takes the win. It’s cheaper, offers new-user discounts, and we all downloaded the app to enjoy the promos. Even though our hotel was near the MTR, we often opted for Bolt for the convenience (and comfort, especially after a long day). Bangkok traffic is no joke, but at least we were sitting in cool air while stuck in it.
🌈 Khao San Road — From Chill to Chaos
Khao San Road is exactly how everyone describes it: chill by day, wild by night. During the day, you can explore shops and food stalls, but come 6 or 7 PM, the entire street turns into a massive party. Music, lights, bars, and people dancing everywhere — pure energy!
We couldn’t leave without trying the edible insects, and surprisingly, they tasted like crispy chicharon with MSG 😂 Not bad at all!
But fair warning — if you can’t stand the smell of weed, maybe skip this street. Since it’s legal in Thailand, you’ll smell it everywhere.
They also sell crocodile skewers, which made us laugh — like, are we avenging the Philippines from crocs? Who’s the apex predator now? HAHA.
Khao San Road is chaotic, loud, and full of life — an absolute must-experience when in Bangkok.
🥊 Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium
Watching a Muay Thai match at Rajadamnern Stadium was easily the highlight of our trip. Even as someone who knew nothing about the sport, I was instantly hooked. The crowd, the music, the intensity — it was electric!
The matches were thrilling, and every kick and punch made you feel the passion behind the sport. Ticket prices depend on your seat, but honestly, any view is worth it for the experience. This one’s a must when you visit Bangkok!
🛍️ Shopping & Temple Hopping
Of course, Bangkok wouldn’t be Bangkok without temple hopping and shopping sprees! We checked out a few temples and spent time exploring Platinum Market — which was pure chaos, in the best way.
It’s packed, colorful, and full of great finds if you know how to haggle… which I don’t 😂 I realized that some things might even be cheaper in the Philippines or on shopping apps, but walking through those stalls and seeing all the action was still so fun. Bangkok’s energy is unmatched — loud, vibrant, and beautifully chaotic.
✨ Final Thoughts
Five days and four nights in Thailand definitely didn’t feel enough — there’s still so much to see and do! We didn’t even get to visit Pattaya, but honestly, every moment of this trip was already so memorable. From Khao Yai’s peaceful countryside views to Bangkok’s busy streets, Thailand truly gave us the best of both worlds.
If you’re planning your own Thailand getaway and want a copy of our itinerary and budget breakdown, feel free to send us a message — I’d be happy to share and help you plan your own adventure! 💛
