Thailand

Our first stop in this exotic land was Phuket. An island located south of Thailand which houses some of the most iconic beaches in Thailand. It is characterized by its mountainous landscape and scenic shores. Even thought I was really excited to explore this part of Thailand we visited during monsoon season which ruined a few days our stay. We also wanted to visit famous Maya Bay at Phi Phi islands but the islands were closed for conservancy, and from what I've read they plan to keep the islands closed indefinitely. However, we were still able to explore and see some of the must do attractions on this side of the country. Phuket town, Big Buddha, Patong Beach.

The last stop in our Thai adventure was its capital, Bangkok, and boy are we proud we survived it haha. Unlike Phuket and Chiang Mai, Bangkok is a very high paced city but just like the rest of the country it has some of the most beautiful temples and attractions, however unlike Phuket and Chiang Mai entrance to must temples have a stricter dress code for men. In all of the temples in Thailand women need to have their shoulders and legs covered, but in Bangkok both women AND men need to follow this rule, so make sure to bring pants or invest in a couple of elephant pants. Jona and I bought a couple right outside of the Grand Palace, they are really affordable and super comfy!

On our first day in Bangkok we visited most of the must see temples, like Temple of the Emerald Buddha where you will also find the Grand Palace, next to it is Wat Pho which is famous for housing the reclining Buddha. The last temple we visited we needed to take a 5min ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River. You can find the Pier right behind Wat Pho near the Tha Tien market, you will know you have arrived when you a line of tourists. The ferry drops you off right in front of the entrance to Wat Arun, another must see temple. On the way back you can take the same ferry back or you can take a boat to go see the famous floating market. Jona and I decided to go see the famous floating market and it was super disappointing, maybe we went on the wrong time or day of the week because we only saw one merchant, ONE! so it ended up being just a boat tour around the river, however, the boat does not drop you off on the same pier as the ferry, they drop you off on private piers which you have to pay extra for "unloading," so beware. If you like views then we recommend heading to The Golden Mount Temple, where you have to climb quite a few stairs, but once up you will be rewarded by great views of the city.

Thailand is sooo rich in their gastronomy from mouthwatering dishes like Khao Soi and Pad Thai, to desserts like sticky rice mango (we couldn't get enough of this) and coconut ice cream, to delicacies such as alligator meat and Scorpion on a stick (which we couldn't get around to trying it). Whatever you decide to eat you will be welcomed by an explosion of flavors that your palate will enjoy.

Thailand is a very popular attraction for tourist, and just like any other popular destination you will most likely encounter people that will try to scam you. Out of the 23 countries we visited Thailand and Cairo were the two countries that we encountered scammers the most. Although there are tens of different popular scams in Thailand we, thankfully, just encountered 3. 1.The temple is closed scam - As we where walking towards the Grand Palace we were stopped by a man wearing tourist police uniform. I had my phone out looking at the map and he told me to be careful with my phone as a girl just had hers stolen. He then took the opportunity to ask us where were we from and where were we heading. He told us the temple has closed and it opened at 3pm. (The temple actually closes at 3pm) I immediately knew he was a scammer, so we just left. On the next block, we were trying to cross a busy intersection and another man with tourist police uniform stopped the traffic for us, and once again took the opportunity to ask us where were we from and where were we headed. Again he asserted that the temple was closed. We thanked him and left. On the next block, we were stopped AGAIN! this time by a lady. We were waiting to cross the street, when we were about to cross she extended her arm stopping me. She then said "the pedestrian light is red, we cannot cross yet". She then asked us the same questions, and again she said the temple was closed because of some special buddhist holiday and that it opened until 3pm and that instead we should visit the floating market, and once we were done with the tour that we could go to the temple when it opened at 3pm. We told her no, but out of no where a tuk tuk appeared and she negotiated the price with the driver to take us to the floating market. We left. We arrived at the temple which was on the following block and just like we already knew, it was open and it closed at 3pm!

2.Tuk Tuk drivers offers cheap price to give you a tour of the city scam - they will approach you asking if you need a ride, when you decline they will tell you that he hasn't had a coustumer all day and that he is willing to give you a tour of the city for a very affoardable price. The offer sounds tempting, but beware! they will take you to a jewelry store where they will try to sell you merchandise!

3. Bird Poop scam - When we read this scam we thought it was ridiculous but I think we were targeted while in Phuket. We were walking and Jona got what we believed to be bird poop on his shirt, but it looked like mustard. I immediately got a tissue and cleaned it. So what type of scam can this be you ask? well apparently, when this happens a stranger approaches you with a tissue to clean it up, and while you are cleaning he or some else near by robs you.

It doesn't matter where you are always be cautions, when you travel don't be flashy or draw attention to your self and most importantly be aware of your surroundings.