Travel Blog: Thailand
Duration: 8 Days
Getting Around: Ride share apps Bolt and Grab. Others included Taxi, Motorbike and Scooter (always wear a helmet)
Currency: Thai Baht
Dates: October 2023
Welcome to Active By Archana!
I wanted to share a few tips and tricks from one of my favourite trips, where I felt so free and light hearted.
I zipped through security clearances and in transit that it just felt really good moving about from the airport, taxi, resorts and just hanging out in Thailand and returning back home to Melbourne with a care-free spirit.
Flying is one of the most carbon intensive activities but it not as high up there as production of some foods.
Generally speaking, the heavier your bags are the more fuel is required for take off and landing which results in higher carbon emissions.
Try this as an experiment and if you are incredibly miserable for missing a few things then I am completely apologetic for the unhappiness.
The concept of one-bag travel significantly reduces carbon footprint on the planet.
Packing light is good for the soul, the environment and encourages sustainable products and supporting eco-tourism.
If you love cliff jumping as much as I do, let's dive in shall we?
For this trip I decided to have a rest and relaxation holiday and packed the following items in my sports backpack:
Bikini
Make Up
Bathroom Essentials
Laptop
Extra Outfit - T-shirts, shorts and a dress
Village Resort and Spa Lounge, Karon Beach, Thailand
I knew that most of my trip I would be at the resort and they would provide things like towels, robe and slippers, bathroom gels.
I travelled light and it made things so much easier travelling through the airport and during transit between hotels and sightseeing locations.
Things I checked out
Lip and Eyebrow tattoo
I really like JayJay Studio - the prices were much better than Melbourne however I was not able to book an appointment because the day I went the studio was closed.
I highly recommend reaching out on IG or calling and planning this into your holiday.
Check them out here.
IG: @jayjay_studio
Phuket Island
Phuket is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand.
It consists of the island of Phuket, the country's largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast.
Phuket Old Town
I really enjoyed walking around Phuket Old Town and I got a massage at Kim's Massage No.9 and No. 12.
I bought a few beautiful dresses and shirts as well.
I also bought some essentials at the shopping centre.
Cannabis
Recreational cannabis is popular so you can lie on the beach and have a joint.
It's not something that I enjoy but the option is there and varies in the quality across the island.
I did check out some of the more upmarket stores in Phuket Old Town and also on Karon Beach they had different types for different emotional effects like happy and chill.
Getting Around
I did a lot of walking which I enjoyed.
I used the ride share apps to get around for more long distance things. Like going to the Horse Riding Centre and also moving in between hotels and going to the shopping centres.
Really cool driver on a scooter, Phuket
Horse Riding
I booked through Klook and wanted to swim with the horses however that option was not available.
I attended the Phuket Horse Riding Club and enjoyed the walk along the beach. The guide took lots of videos and photos for me and were super friendly. We did get drenched in sporadic rain but it was worth it. Nature is so amazing and beautiful.
Phuket International Horse Club, Choeng Thale, Thailand
Resort and Hotel
Village Resort and Spa Reception Area at the evening, Karon Beach, Thailand
For this holiday I chose to have more of a rest and relaxation trip.
I spent more time hanging out in my room and reading and catching up on movies, ordering room service and doing some life planning.
I stayed at the Village Resort and Spa which I booked through www.booking.com
It's only short walk down to the beach and there is a running and walking circuit that I did in the mornings before I started my day.
Both the swim up bar, restaurant and food service to the room was high quality and all the dishes were amazing.
Village Resort and Spa Pool and Swim Up Bar, Karon Beach, Thailand
Muay Thai
Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen
I bought my tickets from a tour operator that was next to my hotel. They gave me a discount and provided pick up and drop off from the hotel.
Patong Boxing Stadium, Phuket, Thailand
The matches were really impressive and energy and vibe was exciting.
This is something I recommend because it's quite international and matches are across a broad age group as well.
Vegan Food
The Thai cuisine caters so well to vegans, often at the restaurants I had my meals tailored so there's no onions and garlic as well.
Happy Cow has a great directory of vegan cafe and restaurants as well - just in case you are new to the vegan community.
Chocolate Ice Cream in a Wafer Cone at Soul Vegan Restaurant
Travelling light in Phuket allowed me to easily experience and explore the island's beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and cultural sites without being weighed down by excess luggage.
By packing just the essentials, you can enjoy a more flexible and stress-free journey, making it easier to navigate through the bustling streets and serene landscapes of this tropical paradise.
The art of eco-friendly travel is difficult to balance but you will be surprised if you take a minimalist approach and try to purchase and support local and community based entrepreneurs and businesses at your destination.
There are lots of worlds to explore and to get to know people.
Hope some of these insights have helped you prepare your next adventure.
Travel well, travel thoughtfully
Love Archana xx
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