5 Days, 5 Smiles with Visitsmiles: My Solo Thai Adventure
There you are! Well, you must have explored various sites & gotten quite valuable insights, but have you had a feeling that you were hearing a genuine trip experience of a friend? If not, stay relaxed; you are in the right place! Welcome to experience my solo Thai adventure.
Now, buckle up for an adventurous trip to Thailand right here. Let’s get started!
My Solo Travel Transformation: The 5-Day Journey That Changed Everything
Five days in Thailand transformed my perspective on solo travel forever. Like many, I once viewed solo travel through the lenses of fear and skepticism.
It wasn’t until I embarked on my Thai adventure with Visitsmiles that I got over the fear of solo travel—actually, it was an eye-opening experience for me—I realized what real freedom and happiness felt like while I traveled by myself. Planning my solo travel Thai journey with them didn’t just ease my fears—it ultimately showed me the extraordinary freedom and joy of solo exploration.
My Honest Feel about Visitsmiles initially
I felt fear and anxiety while solo traveling on the plane, thinking that this agency might be like others—friendly and sweet only for money. But trust me, they proved me wrong. They not only made my trip easier but also gave me confidence and comfort throughout my journey. My shell of fear slowly started to crack as I traveled with this incredible companion
Let the adventure begin!
Standing in Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak Market, haggling over a vibrant silk scarf, I realized something profound: solo travel isn’t just about the places you visit – it’s about those spontaneous moments that elicit a smile.
This is a tale of how five days in Thailand made me learn more about joy than I had in the years before.
Day 1: First Smile: Bangkok’s Embrace
Discovering the huge Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok was surprisingly easy because of the clear signs put up by Visitsmiles. A smile crept up unexpectedly. My airport transfer was pre-arranged by them, which was a welcome relief after being on a plane for so long.
The friendly demeanor of my travel guide, together with a warm smile and the traditional Thai “wai(Thai greeting), set the tone for the whole trip.
My peaceful stay
I was booked, thanks to Visitsmiles’ suggestion, into an adorable boutique hotel for my stay, right downtown for reasons of accessibility and affordability.
My encounter with a stranger: I was traveling in Bangkok’s sky train fun when an old lady caught my eye and beckoned me to sit next to her.
Not sharing a common tongue, she managed to count with me the stops to reach my destination, beaming with pride on hearing my awkward “Khop khun kha, meaning Thank you” That’s when I realized that sometimes you can be more connected with the world when you’re all alone.
Exploring Bangkok’s Cultural Gems
🏯 The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew—The architectural masterpiece and home to the Emerald Buddha
🌅 Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – A stunning temple with a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya River
🍜 Street Food at Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) – I indulged in delicious Pad Thai and mango sticky rice
Chatuchak Weekend Market: Explored the largest market in Thailand power-packed with more than 15,000 stalls and 11,000 vendors, divided into 27 sections. (Well, I could not explore all, however, with my travel guide I purchased many at unbeatable prices)
Visitsmiles had suggested a day trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam- a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As I was new to the city, I was quite unaware, but with a guide allotted by Visitsmiles, there was no room for anxiety and fear of being in unknown places. When explored, trust me, it was like I was stepping back in time.
My guide shared the actual stories and historical events about the rise and fall of the Ayutthaya kingdom, its power, and its eventual destruction.
The crumbling temples and palaces, overgrown with roots and vines, spoke of a glorious past.
Ultimately, this incredible place provided a deeper understanding of Thai history and its rich cultural heritage. Thanks to Visitsmiles for taking me back in time.
Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, formed an indispensable part of my group itinerary. Following is some of the sights I explored:
🚴 Bicycle Tour – The best way to discover the ruins is at your own pace.
🏛️ Wat Mahathat – The famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots.
🏯 Wat Chaiwatthanaram – The most picturesque temple along the riverside.
🥢 Boat Noodles for Lunch – A must-do item in Ayutthaya.
Returning to Bangkok in the evening, I ended my day at Khao San Road, famed for its spirited nightlife and cheap shopping.
Visitsmiles arranged for a night train to Chiang Mai, keeping me a night’s stay.
🏠 The Common Hostel—A neither-too-expensive nor-too-crowded place for solo backpackers to meet.
Throughout this journey, I never felt LOST. Kudos to this incredible team- Visitsmiles.
🛕 Doi Suthep Temple—The most sacred highland temple in Northern Thailand, providing a great sweeping overview.
🎨 Sunday Night Market—The ultimate place to pick up souvenirs, handcrafted trinkets, and yummy street cuisine.
🐘 Elephant Nature Park—A humane elephant sanctuary—cogitations for one of my best afternoons.
Visitsmiles had arranged a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket, making the journey seamless.
🏝️ Lub D Phuket Patong—A very modern budget-friendly hostel and just a 3-minute walk to the beach located in the heart of Patong Entertainment District.
The Most Budget-Friendly Activities in Phuket
Upon arrival, I was greeted by the breathtaking scenery. The sand was pristine and the views were absolutely stunning.
🌊 Patong Beach—a lounge on the soft golden sands of Phuket’s famous beach (there’s no entrance fee!).
🗿 Big Buddha—an obligatory visit for any spiritual and scenic landmark.
🛍️ Phuket Weekend Market—great for cheap food and souvenirs.
The last day in Thailand was an exploration of the nearby islands. I joined a boat tour that darted through several islands, each with its flavor of charm.
I snorkeled in the crystal-clear water, marveling at lovely coral reefs and the abundance of marine life. We were on secluded beaches surrounded by gigantic limestone cliffs and thick green vegetation.
The islands were beautiful. It was astonishingly clear water, and I could see the fish swimming around my feet. It was pristine white sand beaches and postcard-perfect scenery—a real treat.
As the sun went down, I returned to Krabi, satisfied and grateful knowing I had pretty girl things after a five-day independence tour in Thailand. I had been to prominent cities and ancient ruins while also sampling island life. I enjoyed delicious food, friendly people, and a rich, vibrant landscape.
🏝️ Railay Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand (Free!).
🏞️ Emerald Pool and Hot Springs, pure nature retreat.
🚤 Budget island-hopping tour: four islands in total with crystal-clear waters.
Looking back, I realized that the ‘5 smiles’ in the Title weren’t just a tagline. They stood for the warmth and hospitality of the Thai people, the beauty of the landscapes, the thrill of discovery, the joy of solo travel, and lastly, the happiness culminated together into an experience.
Visitsmiles made it a priority that this dream trip turned into reality, designing a personalized itinerary that matched my budget and interests perfectly. They completed me by starting with everything that could have been considered a hassle: airport transfers, hotel bookings, and tours, while I relished every moment of my travel in Thailand.
On leaving Thailand, I bear with me in my heart not just gifts but also a memory to last a lifetime.
The land of smiles had truly captured my heart. I left with a longing to return to experience more of its secret places and mingle with its people so warm and kind.
This trip to Thailand alone was a multiyear self-discovery journey, illustrating how traveling can expand horizons and form enduring memories.
What made this journey special was not just the destinations but the thoughtful and tailored planning by Visitsmiles. Their local insights and 24/7 support gave an extra cushion of safety while not constraining that freedom that makes solo travel a wise whim.
“Got onto my plane to head home and realized, I went in alone but left with many friends.” And perhaps that’s the biggest smile of them all. Thanks to Visitsmiles to have given me such a spine-chilling journey and have made me travel confidently alone, something I never thought I could do.
The itinerary they planned for my Thailand trip was personal. What I mean by saying that is they designed the itinerary that resonated with my preferences and it was nothing short of magical. That is when I realized that they just didn’t note down my preferences but decoded them.
Every day was well planned and carefully executed & there was never a moment I missed any timing of the respective places.
The reason why I strongly suggest you have your trip with Visitsmiles is because of the personal touch. As mentioned earlier, you will feel more like traveling with your trusted buddy than a tour guide.
About the Author: A first-time solo traveler who learned that some of the greatest adventures start by taking that first step alone.
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