Thailand

Thailand hits different.

From mango sticky rice to passport runs in the Golden Triangle, I backpacked, beach-hopped, and birthday-raged my way through the Land of Smiles. I spent three months in Thailand and lost a ton of photos (RIP, SD card), but here’s what made it out alive—a few memories, meals, and a few grainy shots that still smell like fish sauce and sunscreen.

Ko Samui

Where the nights were humid and the pad thai was hot. Samui was my soft landing—beach massages, moped rides, and the first taste of sticky rice that made me believe in dessert for breakfast.

Ko Pha Ngan (Full Moon Party for my birthday)

I rang in my birthday barefoot and smothered in body paint. I lost my iPhone to the Indian Ocean, somewhere between a bucket of rum and a bad idea. I didn’t dare bring my Nikon either, so all that’s left is the scent of slightly singed leg hair and a crinkled ferry ticket. Happy birthday to me.

Chiang Mai (the northern capital)

Temples in the morning, tofu khao soi by night. Chiang Mai was all slow mornings, iced lattes, and cafes with jungle views. Every alley had a food stall. Every food stall had a grandma. Every grandma served something better than the trendy hipster spots that were still awesome.

Pai

Motorbikes, misty hills, and barefoot mornings. Pai felt like a place you dreamt up once and then accidentally found on a map. The roads were winding, the people kind, and the vibes… very much “same same but different.”

Koh Phi Phi (The Beach)

Yes, that beach. Yes, that view. But beyond the DiCaprio lore was turquoise water so clear it felt edited. I swam with fishies, climbed slippery rocks, and added “live on an island” to my five-year plan.

Bangkok

A chaos symphony of tuk tuks, temples, and rooftop bars. Bangkok was a fever dream of alleyway noodles and surprise luxury malls. One moment you’re haggling over knockoff Nikes, the next you’re sipping cocktails 50 floors up.

Krabi

Cliffs like dragon spines and longtail boats that belong on postcards. Krabi was for climbing, kayaking, and accidentally sunburning only one arm. Worth it for the sunsets alone. It’s also where I swiped right on my baby mama.

Chiang Rai

White Temple by day, border run by bus. I crossed into Myanmar for a passport stamp and came back with dried shrimp snacks and a very different understanding of it's just a “two-hour trip.”