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Tybee Island Itinerary: Top 5 Activities

April 14, 2021 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

Are you trying to plan your Tybee Island itinerary but don’t know where to start?

Tybee Island is a small Georgia island with a big personality. Its located less than 20 miles from downtown Savannah and can make for a great day or weekend trip. However, if you are only planning to visit for the day, make sure that you have your own transportation. It is very difficult to find a rideshare or a cab to take you back to Savannah in the evening. Dave and I almost had to sleep on the beach! More on that later!

When planning a visit to Tybee Beach, here are the top 5 activities that you should absolutely include on your itinerary.

#1 on Itinerary- Tybee Beach

I would be remiss if I didn’t list visiting Tybee Beach as the #1 thing to do on your Tybee Island itinerary. After all, that’s why you came! Tybee Beach boasts miles of white sandy beaches with laid back beach rules. You are permitted to bring alcohol on the beach and be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty. When we visited in March, visitors and locals were recruiting beach goers for soccer and volley ball games as well as some impromptu dancing. Everyone was super friendly!

#2 on Itinerary- Eat Fresh Steamed Seafood at Sting Ray’s

Sting Ray’s is a must on any Tybee Island itinerary. It’s a local favorite and located one block from the 14th Street entrance to Tybee Beach. We ordered the Sting Ray Platter with red crab, shrimp, snow crab, clams, mussels, crawfish, sausage, red potatoes, coleslaw and corn on the cob. It was A LOT of food, but was beyond delicious!

Fresh steamed crab, crawfish, mussels, and clams at Sting Ray's in Tybee Island. — Sting Ray’s Signature Platter

#3 on Itinerary- Hang Out with Tybee Beach Locals

While you’re visiting Tybee Island, make sure to stop in some of the local watering holes to hang out with the locals. Everyone that we met was extremely friendly! It’s one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone but they also welcome visitors.

Hanging out with some Tybee Island locals on St. Patrick's Day Weekend 2021. — A few of the locals dressed up for St. Patty’s Day

#4 on Itinerary- Rent a Golf Cart or Bicycle and Explore

Tybee Island is three miles long and one mile wide, so the most convenient way to get around is by golf cart or bicycle. The locals say that the island is one big bike path!

If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one for around $15 per day on the island. Tim’s Bike and Beach Gear and Tybee Island Bike Rentals offer both adult and kids’ bikes as well as tandem bikes, adult trikes, and even pull-behind baby strollers. And both companies will deliver your bikes free of charge anywhere on the island.

For a faster mode of transportation, you can rent a golf cart from Tybee Golf Carts for around $80 per day. Be aware that it is a small island with a limited number of carts available, so plan to make your reservation before you arrive. Also be aware that during the busy season, April through May and September through November, Tybee Golf Carts usually requires a minimum rental of two days.

Golf cart parked on the main street in Tybee Island. It's decorated for St. Patrick's Day. — Golf Cart in Tybee Decorated for St. Patty’s Day

#5 on Itinerary- Visit Tybee Lighthouse

While you’re in Tybee Island, don’t forget to put Tybee Lighthouse on your itinerary! It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the nation, dating back to 1736. The lighthouse is open from 9am – 4:30pm every day except for Tuesday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and include admission to both the Light Station and the Tybee Museum in Battery Garland. The lighthouse has 178 steps to get to the top, but if you’re not in great shape, don’t worry. There is a rest platform every 25 steps!

Tybee Island lighthouse is open for visitors every day with the exception of Tuesday.

Tybee Island Itinerary Advice

One last word of advice. If you plan to only visit Tybee Island for the day, make sure that you have your own transportation back to Savannah. When conducting research before our trip, I read that finding ride shares and/or cabs back to downtown Savannah might involve long wait times.

Dave and I were on our phones for almost two hours trying to get a rideshare or a cab to take us back to our hotel. We finally found one cab company that was willing to take us back for $100 and by then we were willing to pay the steep fair to get home. We considered booking a room for the night but found all of the hotels fully booked. The closest available room was eleven miles away. So don’t be like us. Either plan to stay the night or make sure to bring a car!

That’s a Wrap!

That is my list of the best things to do in Tybee Island during your visit. Make sure to check out some of my other posts including how to plan your trip to Savannah.

Planning the Perfect Itinerary for a Long Weekend in Savannah

Planning a Trip to Key West During COVID

Savannah’s Best Restaurants March 2021

April 13, 2021 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

No visit to Savannah is compete without some down home southern comfort food! If you are planning a trip to Savannah, here are my top choices for Savannah’s best restaurants for dinner, lunch, brunch, pizza, and seafood.

Dave and I visited Savannah, Georgia in March 2021. I could not wait to eat some delicious down home southern cooking. During our visit, we tried everything from alligator to pizza.

Read Planning the Perfect Itinerary for a Long Weekend in Savannah

Savannah’s Best Restaurant for Dinner

Fine Dining in Savannah at Alligator Soul

Alligator Soul in downtown Savannah is a dining experience that you are sure to remember! The chef prepares an exotic game dish every evening like Elk, Antelope, Ostrich, Kangaroo, and Red Deer. One thing to note is that Alligator Soul is only open for dinner and reservations fill up quickly! You should make sure to book your reservation well in advance of your visit.

For dinner we ordered the Crispy Alligator Tempura, Hilbo Spiced Ribeye Steaks, and the Apple Turnover in Bourbon Sauce. Everything that we ordered at Alligator Soul was absolutely delicious and the service was top notch! We will definitely be back on a future visit!

Entrance to Alligator Soul, one of Savannah's best restaurants. It's only open for dinner starting at 5 pm daily. — Entrance

The dining room at Alligator Soul is very intimate and tastefully decorated. Savannah Best Restaurant — View from the Dining Room. You can also book the private wine cellar for special events.

Crispy Fried Alligator Tempura appetizer at Alligator Soul. — Crispy Fried Alligator Tempura

The Hilbo Spiced Ribeyes from Alligator Soul melted in our mouths! — Hilbo Spiced Ribeyes

Bridget Rice and Dave Lesniewski at Alligator Soul in March 2021. — Dave and I are happy campers!

Apple turnover in a bourbon glaze at Alligator Soul in Savannah with sambuca and maker's mark. — Apple Turnover

Savannah’s Best Restaurant for Lunch

Lunch at Savannah’s Old Pink House Restaurant and Tavern

The Old Pink House is one of Savannah’s best restaurants for lunch. It is located in a historic Georgia Mansion which was originally erected in 1771 and is open for lunch Tuesday – Saturday.

We arrived about thirty minutes early for our reservation and the table wasn’t quite ready. The hostess invited us to grab a drink at the bar and explore the historic mansion. We ordered a beer and a Pink Lady from the bar and proceeded to wander downstairs to the tavern and wine cellar. After snapping few photos, we went upstairs to the formal dining room and took some more pictures by the wood burning fireplace.

Lunch at the Old Pink House was worth the wait! The BLT Salad and the Shrimp & Grits are the best items on the menu! The Southern Style Sushi was the only item that we didn’t like.

The front entrance to the Old Pink House Restaurant and Tavern in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah Top Restaurants — The Old Pink House

Exploring the Old Pink House Mansion while we wait for our lunch reservation. — Exploring the House While We Wait for our Table

The main upstairs dining room at the Old Pink House in Savannah Georgia. — Upstairs Dining Area

Real wood burning fireplace in the upstairs formal dining room at the Old Pink House Restaurant and Tavern. — Upstairs Dining Room

Downstairs wine cellar in the tavern at the Old Pink House Restaurant in Savannah. — Downstairs Wine Cellar

Downstairs Tavern dining area at the Old Pink House in Savannah. — Downstairs Tavern Dining Area

Downstairs Tavern Bar at the Old Pink House in Savannah, Georgia. — Downstairs Bar

Blue crab beignets at the Old Pink House Restaurant. — Blue Crab Beignets Served with a Creamy Old Bay & Lemon Dipping Sauce

Southern Style Sushi at the Old Pink House in Savannah. Smoked Shrimp & Grits Rolled in Coconut Crusted Nori. — Southern Style Sushi…This is the Only One That I Would Skip. Smoked Shrimp & Grits Rolled in Coconut Crusted Nori.

Old Pink House's Famous BLT Salad. A Must Try! Fried Green Tomatoes, Brown Sugar Bacon, Black Pepper Thyme Buttermilk Dressing. — BLT Salad…A Must Try! Fried Green Tomatoes, Brown Sugar Bacon, Black Pepper Thyme Buttermilk Dressing.

Old Pink House's Famous Shrimp & Grits, one of Savannah's Top Restaurants. Another Must Try! Country Ham Gravy & Cheddar Grits Cakes. — Shrimp & Grits…Another Must Try! Country Ham Gravy & Cheddar Grits Cakes

Savannah’s Best Restaurant for Brunch

Belford’s Steakhouse in Savannah City Square

Belford’s gets my vote for the best brunch in Savannah! The $15 bottomless mimosa and bellini special is easy on your wallet and the food is top notch. The fried chicken sandwich with applewood smoked bacon, swiss cheese, and black pepper Parmesan aioli is out of this world delicious! And don’t get me started on the crispy fried potatoes!

Belford is located in the City Square in downtown Savannah. I recommend grabbing a seat on the patio for some great people watching!

Belford's Steakhouse Bottomless Champagne Brunch makes this one of Savannah's Top Restaurants. Located in City Center Square. — Belford’s in City Center Square. Go for Bottomless Mimosa Brunch!

Belford's Steakhouse in Savannah. Fried Chicken Sandwich. Applewood smoked bacon, Swiss, avocado, lettuce, tomato, black pepper Parmesan aioli, & crispy fried potatoes. — Fried Chicken Sandwich. Applewood smoked bacon, Swiss, avocado, lettuce, tomato, black pepper Parmesan aioli, & crispy fried potatoes.

Best Pizza in Savannah

Kay’s Pizza on Congress Street in Savannah

After you have had your fill of southern cuisine, visit Kay’s for one of the most enormous pizzas that you’ve ever seen! It’s large enough to easily feed a family of four and gives a whole new meaning to large pepperoni!

Kay's Pizza is one of Savannah's top restaurants. The largest pizza in Savannah at Kay's Pizza. — The largest pizza that we’ve ever ordered!

Best Restaurant for Fresh Seafood

Sting Ray’s Tybee Beach Georgia

When you visit Tybee Island, plan a stop at Sting Ray’s for some fabulous fresh seafood! Sting Ray’s is located one block from the 14th Street entrance to Tybee Beach. And it’s famous for it’s steamed seafood platters which are definitely enough to feed two people! We ordered the Sting Ray Platter with red crab, shrimp, snow crab, clams, mussels, crawfish, sausage, red potatoes, coleslaw and corn on the cob. Everything was beyond delicious!

Sting Ray's is one of Savannah's top restaurants. Sting Ray Platter with red crab, shrimp, snow crab, clams, mussels, crawfish, sausage, red potatoes, coleslaw and corn on the cob. Tybee Beach near Savannah, Georgia. — Sting Ray’s Platter

My Top Choices for Savannah’s Best Restaurants

That’s a wrap! Those are my top choices for the best lunch, brunch, dinner, pizza, and seafood in Savannah! Make sure to pack your stretchy pants!

Read How to Plan a Long Weekend in Savannah, Georgia

Planning Your Florida Keys Road Trip

Planning the Perfect Itinerary for a Long Weekend in Savannah Georgia

April 11, 2021 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

Let’s face it, while some travel restrictions due to COVID 19 are starting to subside, it’s still difficult to travel internationally. Not to fear, there are still plenty of amazing places to visit in the United States and Savannah should be at the top of your list! Here are the top things to do when planning your Savannah itinerary.

I have visited Savannah multiple times over the years and always had a fantastic time! It’s also one of the top three places in the United States for St. Patrick’s Day, which is one of my favorite holidays. While many of the celebrations were cancelled this year due to COVID, there was still plenty to do during our recent visit in March 2021. All of the curfews have been lifted and there are no longer capacity restrictions at bars and restaurants.

Top Things to Do in Savannah

Eat Amazing Food on your Savannah Itinerary!

There are so many fantastic restaurants in Savannah! After all, who doesn’t love some down home southern cooking? Make sure to pack your stretchy pants and put an extra notch in your belt for this trip!

Here are my top picks for the best places to eat in Savannah

The Old Pink House Restaurant and Tavern on Savannah Itinerary — The Old Pink House

The Old Pink House's famous shrimp and grits with sauteed asparagus. — Old Pink’s Famous Shrimp & Grits

River Street

No visit to Savannah is complete without a trip to River Street. Stroll down the cobblestone streets and visit the many shops, restaurants and bars along the water. The cobblestone gives River Street it’s charm, but for clumsy people like me, it can also be hard to walk without tripping. Ladies, be warned, leave your heels at home!

Riding in style down river street in Savannah with dog all dressed up for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. — Riding in Style

Beautiful Street art on River Street, Savannah, Georgia. — Gorgeous Street Art

One of the many bustling shopping markets along River Street in Savannah, Georgia. — Shopping Along River Street

Zoltar machine in a shop on River Street. — Make a Wish With Zoltar Anyone?

Star Wars character wearing a COVID mask in a window on River Street in Savannah March 2021. — Mask Up!

Visit Tybee Island Georgia

Tybee Island is located 30 minutes from downtown Savannah. While it’s relatively easy to find a rideshare to take you from downtown Savannah to Tybee Island, it is extremely difficult to find an Uber or Lyft to take you back to Savannah in the evening. Dave and I almost got stuck sleeping on the beach. After about an hour of trying to order a ride share home and begging cab companies to take us back, we were finally able to convince one company to take us back for $100. Did I also mention that the closest available hotel room was 12 miles away! While Tybee Island is definitely worth the visit, make sure you either book a room for the night or have your own transportation so you don’t get stuck.

Top 5 Things to do on Tybee Island

Tybee Island Beach outside of Savannah, Georgia. Perfect day outing on a weekend Savannah itinerary. — Tybee Island Beach

Bridget Rice and David Lesniewski on Tybee Island beach in Georgia.

Fresh seafood at Sting Ray's in Tybee Island. — Fresh Seafood Yum!

A golf cart all decorated for St. Patrick's day in Tybee Island. — Riding in Style

Some of the Tybee Island locals all dressed up in kilts for St Patrick's Day March 2021. — St. Patty’s Day Celebrations in Tybee Island!

Shop Broughton Street

Broughton Street in Savannah offers an eclectic mix of boutique shops and restaurants. It’s also great people watching!

Meade made from honey along Broughton Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah loves its honey and its art! A giant metal bee on the ceiling of a building on Broughton Street.

A famous Savannah pug having a drink on Broughton Street.

The Capital Bee Company of Savannah

Make sure that you visit the Honey Bar at Capital Bee Company. It’s located at the far end of East Broughton Street and not only has delicious honey that you can sample, but also has some great art and unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Captial Bee Company is a must see activity on any Savannah itinerary. Visit their honey bar to try before you buy. — Capital Bee Company

Capital Bee Company's honey bar sampling. — Try Before You Buy!

Art for sale at Capital Bee Company on Broughton Street. — Hand Painted Artwork

Pre-spiced drink mixes at Captial Bee Company in Savannah. — Just add the alcohol!

Funny towels at Capital Bee Company in Savannah. — Hilarious!

Outside of Capital Bee Company on East Broughton Street.

The Paris Market

Another great place for one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations is the Paris Market. It’s full of incredible vintage clothes, unique furniture, and accent pieces. While you’re there, try some delicious macaroons!

Vintage clothes hanging at the Paris Market on East Broughton Street in Savannah.

Unique household items at the Paris Market on East Broughton Street.

Authentic French accent pieces at the Paris Market in Savannah, Georgia.

French decorative accent couch at the Paris Market in Savannah.

Fresh macaroons at the Paris Market in Savannah. — Homemade Macaroons at the Paris Market

Leopold’s Ice Cream

While you’re out shopping on Broughton Street, don’t forget to get ice cream at Leopold’s. They have been serving up award-winning ice-cream since 1919. Make sure that you get there early as there is always a long line! If you don’t get a chance to visit the original location on Broughton Street, there is also a Leopold’s at the Savannah airport.

Haunted Pub Crawl

Learn about the darker side of Savannah history on a haunted pub crawl or ghost tour. This is a must on any Savannah itinerary!

We had a fantastic time on our Haunted Pub Crawl with Ghost City Tours! Our guide took us on a two-hour waking tour to some of Savannah’s most haunted bars and pubs as well as a few other famous haunted landmarks. It was highly educational and entertaining!

Part of your Savannah itinerary should include a Haunted Pub Crawl with Ghost City Tours. — Colonial Park Cemetery

Abe's on Lincoln is haunted and has thousands of napkins on the wall with pictures of Honest Abe! — Abe’s On Lincoln

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Tired of walking? Take a one-hour narrated tour through the streets of Savannah on a horse drawn carriage. This tour departs from the City Market on Jefferson Street and is a great way to see the sights!

The Savannah City Market

After your horse drawn carriage ride, enjoy the art galleries, shopping, dining, and live music at the City Market.

Did I mention more great people watching!

People watching at the Savannah City Market. — Shaved hair made to look like six-pack abs…now that’s a new one!

Savannah Museum of Prohibition

Take a cocktail making class or sign up for one of the many tastings at the Museum of Prohibition’s Speakeasy on Congress Street or visit the Museum of Prohibition to learn all about the dry error in America!

Put the Museum of Prohibition on your Savannah itinerary.

Club One Cabaret Show

If you’re looking to be entertained, consider attending one of the nightly cabaret show performances at Club One. The queens put on an awesome and memorable performance!

Consider attending a cabaret show when planning your Savannah itinerary.

Savannah Smiles

Another can’t miss spot for your Savannah itinerary is Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar. Located just above River Street, this lively nightlife spot is always hopping. Sing the night away to classics like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Neil Diamond, and Garth Brooks!

Savannah Smile's Dueling Piano bar stage with customers rocking it out to Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer. — Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar

That’s a Wrap!

I Hope you Enjoyed My Suggested Savannah Itinerary!

There you have it, my suggestions for planning your Savannah itinerary so that you have a memorable extended weekend in Savannah, Georgia. Enjoy you’re stay and remember to bring your stretchy pants so that you can enjoy all of that down home southern cooking!

Also check out:

Planning the Perfect Road Trip to the Florida Keys

How to Plan a Trip to Key West, Florida During COVID

Florida Keys: Planning Your Road Trip

Plan a Trip to Key West Florida During COVID

Florida Keys: Planning Your Road Trip

April 11, 2021 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

Getting to the Keys

Craving a vacation to a warm tropical oasis but not ready to book that first international trip yet? Then the Florida Keys might be the perfect choice. The Keys are now completely open with little to no COVID restrictions in place. And what better way to explore the variety of islands then with a Florida Keys road trip?

You’ll start your journey by flying into either Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports. If you’re anxious to get on the road, you can start your road trip right away, or choose to stay a night or two in either city.

Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports are only 20 minutes apart so either one works for renting a car and starting your drive to the Florida Keys. Currently, Fort Lauderdale is much less restricted from a COVID perspective with lots of choices for live music and no curfew restrictions in place. Miami bars and restaurants are limited to midnight. For more information about Miami travel restrictions: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/travelguidelines

Miami

Miami has beautiful beaches and a ton of great choices for dining, especially if you are craving some fantastic Cuban cuisine. Please note though that most of the late night bars and clubs are still closed due to COVID so the nightlife scene is not back in full swing just yet. While Miami’s hotel rates due to tend to be a little cheaper than hotel rates in Fort Lauderdale, prices for food and entertainment are higher.

Fort Lauderdale

While Miami has it’s charms and is slightly closer to the entrance to the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale is my pick for starting your road trip. In addition to many beautiful beaches, For Lauderdale has a wide variety of bars and restaurants, so there is something for everyone. One of my favorite live music spot is the Elbow Room at Fort Lauderdale Beach. They have live music every day of the week, with the weekends starting as early as noon. Make sure to bring cash though because they don’t take credit cards.

Starting Your Road Trip

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the beautiful Fort Lauderdale or Miami beach scene, it’s time to start your journey to the Keys!

Key Largo

Your first stop will be Key Largo which is about an hour from Miami and 1.5 hours from Fort Lauderdale. Key Largo is best known for great scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s definitely worth spending one to two nights here or in it’s neighboring key, Islamorado, especially if you’re planning to book a snorkeling or diving tour.

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

During your stay in Key Largo, don’t forget to visit Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. This little diner offers up some of the best breakfast around, so much so, that they had to open a second location. While both offer the same great food, I recommend visiting the original location located at 99336 Overseas Hwy. Get the hash brown casserole! You won’t be disappointed!

Scuba Dive

Key Largo is world renown for great scuba diving! We went diving with Rainbow Reef and highly recommend them. They have a lot of daily dive options, the staff are very professional, and it’s very easy to book a trip online. The visibility was great and were even able to see a nurse shark!

Scuba diving trip with Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo, Florida. — Getting Ready to Head Out on Our Dive Trip with Rainbow Reef!

Heading out on the dive boat with Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo, Florida.

Islamorado Key

Islamorado is the next Florida Key that deserves a stop! It’s only 17 miles from Key Largo, so you can combine this key with your stay in Key Largo or book another night here. We booked one night at the Postcard Inn, which due to COVID at the time, was pretty empty. The property was absolutely gorgeous and if you book a room, you also have access to their sister resorts, Amara Cay, Pelican Cove, and La Siesta Resort.

Private beach at the Postcard Inn Resort in Islamorada Key in Florida. — The Private Beach at the Postcard Inn

The Rain Barrel Village

The Rain Barrel Village is an art gallery combined with a collection of quirky shops. It’s definitely worth a quick stop. And if you’re staying, they also serve great wine slushies! You can’t miss this place, as there is a giant lobster out front!

The shops at Rain Barrel Village in Islamorada Key. — Rain Barrel Village

The giant lobster at Rain Barrel Village shops in Islamorada Key. — The Giant Lobster…Hard to Miss This Stop!

Robbie’s: Feed the Tarpon

After a quick stop at the Rain Barrel Village, travel another 15 minutes and have appetizers or lunch at Robbie’s. Try the conch fritters! And after lunch buy a bucket of fish and hand feed the famous tarpon. Also watch out for the pelicans that try to steel the Tarpon’s fish! They can be pretty aggressive!

Eating lunch at Robbie's by the water in Islamorada key in Florida. — Lunch at Robbie’s

Feed the tarpon at Robbie's in Islamorada. — Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s

Hog Heaven

If you’re in the mood for some great BBQ, another great place to stop for lunch in Islamorada is Hog Heaven. Make sure to grab a table on the outside deck for a great view of the water. It’s also a great late night and weekend spot that offers a variety of live music.

The BBQ sampler platter at Hog Heaven in Islamorada, Florida. — BBQ Platter…Yummy!

Big Pine Key

No Name Pub

Before you get to Key West plan to make a stop at No Name Pub in Big Pine Key. This iconic dive bar was founded in 1936 and offers some of the most delicious pizza around! From here, it’s only 45 minutes to your last stop, Key West!

An interesting fact about No Name Pub is that in the early days, the top room of the building was converted to a brothel in an attempt to bring in more revenue. After a few years, the brothel venture failed, but the pub continues to be successful.

Standing outside of No Name Pub in Big Pine Key on our Florida Keys Road Trip. — Time to Mask Up Before Heading In to No Name Pub!

Dollar bills covering the wall on the inside of No Name Pub in Big Pine Key, Florida. — No Name Pub

Key West

The final stop on your Florida Keys Road trip is Key West! If you have limited time, make sure to plan the majority of your days here. Key West is full of quirky shops, great nightlife, and bustling beaches. We planned four separate trips to Key West during 2020/2021 and will definitely be heading back again at some point this year. The best part of Key West is that there really isn’t a bad place to stay. The island is four miles long and two miles wide so it’s all very walkable! And there is so much to see and do from scuba diving, to partying on Duval Street, to taking a sunset cruise. You can read more about what to do during your time in Key West here.

Sadly, now it’s time to start your journey back home. It will take you about 3.5-4 hours to get back to Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports to catch your flight home. If you’re like me, you had such a great time, that you’ll be planning your next trip to Key West during your drive home!

Plan a Trip to Key West Florida During COVID

January 18, 2021 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

Tired of being stuck in the house? Plan a trip to Key West Florida.

Key West is the perfect spot to visit during this COVID Pandemic. Over the past six months, I’ve visited Key West twice and liked it so much that I’m planning a third trip in February. Masks are required when entering shops, bars, and restaurants but there are no longer any dining restrictions or curfew enforcement.

Let’s face it, it will likely be a while before international travel opens back up. In the meantime, why not explore the United States. Most of Florida is open for business. If you’re looking for a place with great weather and lots of activities, look no further than Key West. You can either fly into Key West airport or you can fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami and drive the 3-4 hours to Key West.

Read all about what to see and do on your Florida Keys Road Trip.

Plan a Trip with Tropical Weather

On average, you can expect the high temperature in Key West to be in the 70s to 80s year round with low temperatures in winter dipping into the 60s and sometimes 50s. The weather is picture perfect and there really isn’t a bad time of the year to visit.

Plan Activities for Your Key West Florida Vacation

There is no shortage of activities in Key West. Keep reading to find out more about what to see and do during your visit.

Mallory Square Market

Key West is famous for its sunset. Every evening a crowd gathers in Mallory Square to watch the street performers and musicians celebrate the sunset.

Live Music Entertainment

There is no shortage of live music in Key West. My top choices include Hogs Breath, Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Two Friends Bar, and Irish Kevin’s. Most of the bars stay open until 4am seven days’ per week.

Live music at the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West Florida in January 2021. — Live Music at the Famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar

Visit Key West Beaches

Simonton Beach

When you plan your trip to Key West Florida know that beaches are tiny. My favorite is Simonton Beach at the North end of Duval Street. I prefer this beach over the Southernmost Beach because the water is much calmer and the scene is a little more lively.

Southernmost Beach

If you’re looking for a quieter beach than South Beach might be a better choice. It’s on the opposite end very close to the Southernmost Bowie.

Explore Downtown Key West

There is so much to see in Key West from the quirky decorations, to street art, to adorable mail boxes. You could spend an entire day, walking around and taking pictures. Below are a few of my favorites from my time in Key West.

Colorful flags and roads along Duval Street in downtown Key West Florida. — Duval Street

Pink Flamingos adorn the doors of this bed and breakfast along Duval Street in Key West Florida. — Bed & Breakfast on Duval

Adorable walrus mailbox in Key West Florida. — Key West Mailbox

Penguin wearing a mask outside of the Conch Cuban Cafe near South Beach in Key West. — Wear Your Mask!

Classic car outside of the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West. — Classic Car Rolls Down Duval Street

Some of the colorful street art along Duval street in Key West Florida. — Street Art on Duval Street

Dinner on Sunset Pier

Enjoy waterfront dining and drinks while watching Key West’s famous sunset. Sunset Pier is part of the Ocean Key Resort and Spa where Duval Street meets the Gulf of Mexico. Stay entertained while you dine with live music and dancing.

The famous sunset pier which is part of Ocean Key Resort and Spa where Duval Street meets the gulf of Mexico. — Sunset Pier

Book Tickets to a Cabaret Show

Book tickets in advance to see the cabaret show at La Te Da on Duval Street. It will be a night to remember!

La Te Da Cabaret show with live entertainment Tuesday and Friday nights. — La Te Da

Walking Tropical Drinks

There are no open container laws in Key West so you are free to purchase alcohol and walk around. Stop into Flying Monkey or Fat Tuesday’s for some delicious cocktails. Bring your cups back to get a discount on refills.

Tropical frozen drinks at the Flying Monkeys Saloon on Duval Street in Key West. — Flying Monkeys Saloon

Conch Train Tour

Tour Key West on the Conch Train. The tour is 90 minutes, departing from Front Street. It makes one full loop through Old Town Key West, ending at Mallory Square. You’ll learn about Key West’s colorful history and about the many famous writers, authors and musicians that have called Key West home.

Conch train getting ready for a tour of downtown Key West. — Conch Train Tour

Photos at the Southernmost Point

Key West is the most southern point in the contiguous United States. It’s actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. You can find the famous Southern Most Point Bowie at the very end of Whitehead Street. Plan to get there early as lines to take pictures can be very long mid day.

Southernmost Point Bowie in Downtown Key West Florida. — Southernmost Point Bowie

Enjoy Bottomless Mimosas

Ocean’s Grill has a bottomless mimosa special for $7.99 per person and they keep the champagne flowing. If you are planning to go on the weekend, make sure to make a reservation in advance. They are typically booked solid with reservations on Saturday and Sunday. Try the lobster mac & cheese and the brisket sliders!

Bottomless mimosas, lobster mac & cheese, and brisket sliders at Ocean's Grill on Duval Street in Key West. — Ocean’s Grill

Take a Sunset Sail Excursion

One of the best things to do in Key West is take a sunset cruise on a catamaran or schooner. We chose the Wind and Wine Sunset Sail with Danger Charters and had a fantastic time. The food and wine were delicious and the staff were knowledgeable and funny. Make sure to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket as it gets cold and windy on the water.

Getting ready to sail on our Wine and Wind schooner with Danger Charters where we sampled wines from around the world. — Wine and Wind Sunset Sail

Tour Hemingway’s House

Visit the house that Ernest Hemingway called home for more than 10 years. The museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year and is also home to over 40 six-toed cats which are said to be decedents of Hemingway’s cat, Snow White.

Outside the home of world renown author Ernest Hemingway in Key West Florida which is home to over 50 six-toed cats who are decedents of Snow White, Hemingway's cat. — Hemingway’s House

Visit the Butterfly Nature Conservatory

The Butterfly Nature Conservatory in Key West is home to over 50 species of butterflies from around the world along with 20 exotic bird species.

Giant orange monarch butterfly outside of the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory which is home to over 50 species of butterflies as well as 20 exotic bird species. — Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Bike Rental

Key West only four miles long and relatively flat. If bikes aren’t your thing, you can also rent a golf cart or scooter or just walk everywhere.

Blue bicycle outside one of the many conch style houses in Key West. — Bike Around Key West

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Key West is home to the third largest barrier coral reef in the world. It extends 150 miles north towards Miami and 70 miles west to the Dry Tortugas. It’s the largest in North America and the third largest in the world behind Belize and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Dive Key West, Inc. is the largest full-service dive facility in the Florida Keys, offering scuba diving and snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, including inner reefs, outer reefs, wreck, and night dives.

Headed out to scuba dive the largest reef in North America; the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. — Scuba Diving

Shopping Vacation

Shop until you drop at the stores along Duval Street. You can find everything from souvenirs to fine art. Key West is full of small businesses selling unique and memorable items. I mean who wouldn’t want a life sized transformer?

One of the many eclectic art shops along Duval street in downtown Key West. — Shop Until You Drop on Duval Street

Large colorful metal roosters outside of the Funky Flamingo shop on Duval Street. — The Funky Flamingo

Planning a Trip to Key West Florida During COVID

After New Years, Key West lifted dining and curfew restrictions. So whether you want to just kick back and relax or party until you drop, Key West offers something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Key West Florida now!

The Beginner’s Guide to the Full Moon, Jungle, and Waterfall Parties in Thailand

July 27, 2020 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

Koh Phangan is most famous for its monthly Full Moon, Half Moon, Jungle Experience, and Waterfall parties. This post breaks down the cost and what to expect when you attend.

Full Moon & Half Moon Parties

Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Kho Phangan Thailand. — Full Moon Party March 2020

The Full Moon and Half Moon Parties take place every month on Haad Rin Beach. The party starts when the sun goes down and lasts well into the next afternoon. There is a $3 (100 baht) entrance fee per person. All the bars along the beach participate and temporary stages are erected on the beach for the many DJs that play everything from techno to hip hop.

David Lesniewski with skeleton body paint for the March 2020 Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Beach. — Dave’s skeleton body paint

There is no shortage of entertainment. We even saw tourists jumping a rope of fire. I wouldn’t recommend that anyone do this. We actually saw a group of 4 get seriously burned after one of them tripped and knocked the others down on the rope.

Vendors selling body paint along Haad Rin Beach during the March 2020 Full Moon Party. — Vendors Selling Body Paint

There are no shortage of vendors selling food, drinks, body paint, and party gear so if you didn’t bring it, you can buy it!

Drink stand selling buckets of alcohol at the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan Thailand March 2020. — One of the Many Drink Stands on Haad Rin Beach

Drinks range from 100-200 baht ($3-$6) for a single drink to 200-500 baht ($6 – $15) for a bucket. You can negotiate with vendors for better rates, but be aware that many of the lower priced bucket vendors pour their liquor from open bottles versus the closed bottles that you see in the buckets. The liquor they pour may not always be what you ordered and in many cases, won’t be the same amount. We found that we were better off paying a little more for vendors that poured the closed bottles into the bucket. Also, the vendors on the streets are slightly cheaper than the vendors that sell along the beach area.

Party goers on Haad Rin Beach the night of the March 2020 Full Moon Party. — Full Moon Party March 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak happened while we were on vacation in Thailand. As a result, the government decided to cancel the March Full Moon Party. We were bummed, at least until we learned that even though the party was officially “cancelled”, it would still happen.

Now please remember that at this point of the outbreak, the media was still comparing the Coronavirus to the seasonal flu so Dave and I weren’t too concerned. If we knew then what we know now, we probably wouldn’t have gone to the party. All that said, it was epic!

Bridget Rice and David Lesniewski all painted up for the March 2020 Full Moon Party in Thailand. — Dave and I Painted for the Party!

For more information on the Full Moon and Half Moon Parties Click Here

Jungle Experience

The Jungle Experience takes place one day before the Full Moon Party in the Baan Tai Jungle. The venue is an open air, outdoor pavilion that’s wildly decorated with fluorescent artwork, sculptures, and black lights.

Tickets are 600 baht ($20) per person. VIP tickets are also available for 1000 baht per person, but in our opinion didn’t offer much more than the standard entry ticket so save your money.

Oversized pink and black spider at the Jungle Experience Party in Koh Phangan, Thailand in March 2020. — Giant Jungle Creatures Decorate the Venue

You’ll find multiple DJs spinning techno and house music into the early hours of the morning while performers dressed in quirky costumes dance and spin fire.

Performers dancing with fire at the Jungle Experience Party in March 2020. — Fire Dancers

Drinks range from 100-200 baht ($3-$6) for a single drink to 200-500 baht ($6 – $15) for a bucket. In order to buy drinks, you must buy coupons with cash. There are ATMs available. Drink prices are regulated by the venue and are not negotiable.

Drink stands lit up with black lights at the Jungle Experience Party in Koh Phangan March 2020. — Drink Stands

Doors open at 10pm but the party doesn’t get going until well after midnight, so don’t go early. And there is no outfit too crazy for this party, so come dressed up!

For more information on dates for the Jungle Experience Click Here

Waterfall Party

The Waterfall Party takes place twice a month; two days before and two days after the Full Moon Party. The gates open at 8pm but the party doesn’t get going until well after midnight and finishes at 8am the next day.

Bridget Rice with glow in the dark face paint at the Waterfall Party in Koh Phangan Thailand. — Painted up and Ready to Dance!

The venue consists of a dance stage next to a waterfall with DJs spinning all different types of music from techno to rap.

David Lesniewski striking a pose at the Waterfall Party in Koh Phang — Dave Striking a Pose

The entrance fee is 600 baht ($20) per person. VIP access costs a few dollars more and gets you access to the VIP bar above the dance stage as well as transportation through the woods to the party. Otherwise you have about a 1/2 mile walk through the woods stepping over ravines and mud puddles. In my opinion, it was worth a few extra dollars to get the VIP ticket.

Bridget Rice and David Lesniewski posing for a picture with the Waterfall Party fire sign in Koh Phangan Thailand in March 2020. — VIP Lounge Deck View of Waterfall Party

A view of the dance floor from the VIP Lounge at the Waterfall Party in Koh Phangan, Thailand. — View of Dance Floor from VIP Lounge

For More Information on the Waterfall Party Click Here

Whether you choose to attend one, two, or all three of these parties when you visit Koh Phangan, hopefully this post will give you a better idea of what to expect!

Koh Tao: 4 Days of Scuba Diving, Fire Dancing, Beaches, and More

July 17, 2020 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

The streets of Koh Tao lit up at night with colorful blue, orange, purple, red, and green lanterns next to retail shops and street food stands. — The main street through Sairee Beach

Koh Tao is world renown for scuba diving and Dave and I originally added Koh Tao to our Thailand itinerary because we planned to get our PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Certification. But after spending four days here, we fell in love. Not only was the under water world incredible, but there was so much to see and do in Koh Tao.

Sairee Beach

When you visit, book your stay in Sairee Beach area. Every night the beach bars offer free fire shows and live music. And the best part is that it’s all completely walk able. There is one main road through town, so it’s impossible to get lost.

We stayed in the poolside villas at Sairee Cottage ($67 per night) which was very convenient because it was in the middle of all of the bars and restaurants and we didn’t have to walk far to meet up with our scuba class since it was held only a few steps from our room.

We met multiple people during our visit that came to vacation and never left. Our scuba instructor was one of them. He came for an overnight stay fourteen years earlier and decided that he liked it so much that he didn’t want to go back to Australia, where he was living at the time. Now that we’ve visited Koh Tao, it’s easy to understand why so many people decide to stay!

Scuba Diving

Koh Tao is world renown for scuba diving. There are over 50 five star diving resorts on the island that offer everything from introductory fun dives to more advanced certifications. We booked our Open Water Certification course with Sairee Cottage and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice.

Our class had 3 instructors for a group of 4 students (including us). We elected to take the course material online in advance so that we could spend our mornings relaxing on the beach and exploring Koh Tao. The course consisted of one day of pool training followed by two days of open water dives. The cost was $383 per person, inclusive of the online course materials.

If I would have known how much we liked scuba diving, I would have booked one more night which would have allowed us get our Advanced Open Water Certification also (additional two days of diving). But now we have a reason to go back!

Helpful Hint: The prices for the dive classes are the same at all of the dive shops. A few years ago, there was so much price competition that Koh Tao decided to set prices for all of the classes to prevent the dive shops from having to cut corners to stay afloat. It’s still one of the cheapest places in the world to get your scuba certification!

Fire Dancing

Three incredibly talented fire dancers twirling sticks made of fire while standing on each other's shoulders at a beach bar in Koh Tao Thailand. — Free Fire Show on the Beach in Koh Tao

Every night on the beach you can find super talented fire dancers putting on free shows outside many of the popular beach bars. The shows were some of the best that I’ve ever seen in my travels, including French Polynesia and Hawaii. After seeing a few shows, Dave and I actually got brave and decided to try it ourselves. Let’s just say that neither of us will be quitting our day jobs anytime soon!

Read all about our trip to French Polynesia

David Lesniewski learning to dance with fire at Lotus Beach Bar in Sairee Beach Koh Tao. — Dave learning to Fire Dance at the Lotus Beach Bar

Watch the Sunset

Picture of one of the many beautiful sunsets in Koh Tao Island in Thailand. — Sunset View from Sairee Cottage

The sunsets over Sairee Beach are out of this world. Every day, after we completed our dives, we grabbed a drink at one of the many beach bars and watched the sunset. I just couldn’t get enough of the way the sky lit up with color as the palm trees swayed in the breeze. Our two favorite spots to watch the sunset were Fizz Beach Lounge (shown below) and the restaurant next to Sairee Cottage (shown above).

Watching the sunset over long tail boats while drinking Chang Beer at happy hour at Fizz Beach Lounge in Koh Tao Thailand. — View from Fizz Beach Lounge

Try Barbecue Barracuda

Our seafood dinner at Barracuda Rooftop Restaurant in Koh Tao Thailand. Picture of the “All In” Seafood Platter ($30 for 2 people) which consisted of market fresh barracuda, steamed whole snapper, garlic pan fried prawns, baked green lip mussels, barracuda cakes, steamed prawns & calamari. — Barracuda Rooftop Restaurant

We had so many great meals in Thailand that its really hard to pick favorites. However, if I had to do it, it would be Barracuda Rooftop Restaurant. We ordered the Barracuda “All In” Seafood Platter ($30 for 2 people) which consisted of market fresh barracuda, steamed whole snapper, garlic pan fried prawns, baked green lip mussels, barracuda cakes, steamed prawns & calamari. Our friends got another special to share that consisted of different Indian dishes ($24 for 2 people) that was equally as good.

Attend a Cabaret Show with Lady Boys

Seven lady boy cabaret dancers performing at Queen's Cabaret in Koh Tao, Thailand. — Queen’s Cabaret

The Queen’s Cabaret is located right off the main street in Sairee Beach and they put on a free show every night at 10:30pm. It’s something that everyone should see once. If I’m being honest, the singing wasn’t the best, but some of the performances were entertaining. Have a drink before you go and you’ll have a good time!

Visit Koh Nang Yuan

The look out point at Koh Nang Yuan Island in Thailand with Bridget Rice. — The Look Out Point

Koh Nang Yuan is a set of three island connected by an enormous sandbar. It’s privately owned by the same guy that makes Chang Beer and located about 10 minutes by long tail boat from Sairee Beach.

Long tail boat taxi picking us up from Koh Nang Yuan after a day of white sand beaches, snorkeling, and hiking to the look out point. — Long Tail Boat Taxi to/from Koh Nang Yuan

The price is typically by boat, not per person and costs $6-$12 (200-400 baht) round trip. The island opens each day at 10am and there is a small entrance fee of $3 (100 baht) per person to enter from the pier. You should definitely plan to go early as it gets extremely busy later in the day.

White sand beaches surrounded by turquoise tropical waters in a picturesque setting in Koh Nang Yuan island in Thailand. — Koh Nang Yuan Island

The white sand beaches and turquoise waters are gorgeous so it’s definitely worth spending 2-4 hours here. We went for 2 hours which gave us enough time to take pictures at the look out point and snorkel before heading back to complete our PADI Open Water Certification.

Nightlife

Bridget Rice and David Lesniewski painted up a the Lotus Beach Bar party in Koh Tao. — Lotus Beach Bar

The nightlife in Koh Tao was top notch! We would typically start the night with cocktails at Fizz Beach Lounge and then head next door to the Lotus Bar which offered live DJs and fire dancing until 2am. To finish the night, we walked down to the other end of Sairee Beach to the Beach Bar which played music until 4am. With so many late nights, we were glad that we had done all of our classroom training for our scuba class before our trip to Thailand!

Fire dancer performing under a palm tree decorated with Christmas lights at the Lotus Beach Bar in Koh Tao. — Fire Dancing at Lotus Beach Bar

Fizz Beach Lounge all set up at night with comfy bean bag lounge chairs lined along the beach and candles that lit the way. — Fizz Beach Lounge

After four fantastic days it was time to leave Koh Tao and head to Kho Phangan for the world famous Full Moon, Jungle Experience, and Waterfall parties!

Glow in the dark Koh Tao sign in the water at one of the many beach bars on the island.

Hiring a Private Tour Guide in Bangkok: What to Expect

July 13, 2020 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

On our last day in Thailand, we hired a private tour guide to show us around Bangkok. If you have the time, I highly recommend this private tour experience. We learned more about the history of this beautiful city than we would have ever learned on our own. She also taught how to take the different forms of public transportation (which definitely can be overwhelming for first time visitors) and introduced us to some incredibly yummy street foods at a local floating market.

Cost Breakdown for Private Tour

We paid $110 for our tour guide for 8 hours plus another $80 in transportation (cab, express ferry, bus, & tuk tuk); $30 for 2 tickets for the Grand Palace; and $128 for our dinner cruise for a grand total of $348. The tour is completely customizable, so you decide what you want to do and your guide takes care of everything else. We booked our guide with Your Thai Guide in advance using a credit card and then everything else had to be paid in cash on the day of our tour.

Our Itinerary

The morning of our tour we caught a flight from Krabi airport near Railay Beach to Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok. We decided to book a hotel close to the airport so that after our tour we could shower, rest, and get ready for our long journey back to Maryland. Below is the itinerary that we chose for our tour with a Bangkok local.

1) Local Floating Market
2) The Grand Palace
3) China Town
4) Dinner Cruise

Stop 1: Local Floating Market

Floating market about an hour outside of Bangkok Thailand.

The first stop on our tour of Bangkok was a local floating market which was located about an hour outside of the city. Our guide introduced us to all sorts of street food that we probably would have never tried on our own. In fact, without her, I don’t think we would have been able to find the floating market!

The Floating Market

The market was lined with colorful boats and decor. I snapped a couple of quick photos as we made our way along the canal pathway, over the bridge to where all the vendors were set up with delicious food, drinks, and other merchandise.

The canal along the floating market outside of Bangkok, Thailand.

Cute ornaments hanging from a tree along the canal by the floating market in Bangkok Thailand.

A view from the bridge at the floating market in Thailand. — A view from the bridge

Inside the Floating Market

All of the food and shopping was located inside the market versus on a boat in the canal. Our guide told us that the market where you buy goods out of the boat is a lot more touristy and crowded and that this market offered much better local food. The inside was creatively decorated with posters from old movie and interesting antiques.

There must have been 100 different vendors selling food. You could order everything from coffee to squid to fried insects!

Hundreds of vendors selling everything from insects, to fried potato dumplings, to boat noodle soup, and fresh seafood at the floating market in Thailand.

Coffee bar at the floating market in Bangkok, Thailand. — Dave was ready for a cup of coffee!

Trying the Street Food

Vendor selling fresh pad thai that's made to order at the floating market in Bangkok, Thailand.

All of the food that we tried was absolutely delicious. Our guide introduced us to boat noodle soup, fried potato dumplings, and pork satay. We wanted to try so many other things, but we had a dinner cruise planned that evening and our guide warned us to save room because dinner was going to be filling and boy was she right!

Traditional boat noodle soup. — Boat Noodle Soup

Traditional pork satay made to order. — Stand that makes pork satay to order

Hot pork satay at the floating market along the canal near Bangkok. — Pork Satay

Other Food at the Floating Market

Here are a few more dishes that I took pictures of as we walked through the market to give you an idea of the different types of typical Thai street food.

Fried fish at the market in Thailand. — Fried Fish

Grilled squid at the market in Thailand. — Grilled Squid

Vendor roasting fish cakes over a grill at the floating market. — Fish Cakes

Fresh steamed prawns at a food stand in Thailand. — Steamed Prawns

Now off to our 2nd stop, the Grand Palace. We took a cab, which cost us somewhere between $30-$40.

Stop 2: The Grand Palace

David Lesniewski and Bridget Rice at the Grand Palace temples in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2020. — Dave and I at one of the many temples at the Grand Palace

We arrived a little after 3pm, which was shortly before they stopped selling tickets. Our guide walked us around the grounds for about an hour and half, explaining the history and all of the ancient stories.

Helpful Hint: The Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30-3:30pm and it’s much less crowded if you go later in the afternoon. Even though they stop selling tickets at 3:30, they stay open until 5:30-6 pm so if you go later, you don’t have to deal with the crowds. Also make sure to wear a shirt with sleeves (just having a scarf won’t work here) and no flip flops. You must either wear sandals or shoes.

Ornate Decorations & Landscaping

Grand Palace Buildings

Ornately designed colorful hand painted and crafted temple buildings at the Grand Palace in Thailand. — Ornately designed temples at the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Each temple building is it’s own work of art, containing beautiful hand painted and sculpted mosaics.

Grand Palace Landscaping

Exquisite landscaping surrounds the temples at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The grounds of the Grand Palace are also impeccably designed and maintained.

Beautifully landscaping surrounds the temples at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.

Thailand: Stories & History

Grand Palace Murals

Ramakien Mural at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand depicting the story of King Rama and his wife's kidnapping. — Ramakien Mural

As you walk around the wall that surrounds the palace, there are numerous beautifully designed murals that tell the story of King Rama, who’s wife, Sita, is abducted by the Demon King Ravana. Rama and his brother rescue her with the help of monkey warriors. Each mural depicts a different part of the story and there are plaques on each pillar next to the mural that contain the written version.

Text on the pillars near the Ramakien murals depicting the written story of King Rama at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. — Written Story of Ramakien

Now off to our third stop, China Town! We took a city bus from the Grand Palace and it cost us 10 baht each, so much cheaper than a taxi or Tuk Tuk.

Helpful Hint: Buses in Bangkok only come to a rolling stop. You need to jump on quick and sit down. Someone will come around to take your money and give you a bus ticket. Be prepared with cash, as they don’t take credit cards.

Chao Phraya River Express boat in Bangkok, Thailand. — Chao Phraya River Express Boat in Bangkok

You can also get to China Town by boat (Chao Phraya River Express). Get off at the Ratchawong Pier, and walk up from Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road. The price is about 20 baht per person. Please be aware, that much like the bus, the boat only comes to a rolling stop, so jump on, sit down, and someone will come around to collect your money.

Make sure to have cash, as they do not take credit cards. When you are ready to get off, head to the back of the boat and wait for it to slow down for your stop.

Stop 3: China Town

Large red sign at the entrance to China Town in Bangkok, Thailand which is one of the largest China Towns in the World today.

Bangkok has one of the largest China Towns in the world and is definitely worth a visit. On our next trip to Thailand, we really want to spend at least a half a day here, trying all of the delicious and exotic food.

We were still stuffed from our earlier trip to the floating market and had a dinner cruise planned for later in the evening, so we didn’t get to try any of the food. However, I did get quite a few pictures which I posted below to give you an idea of what to expect.

Bridget Rice and David Lesniewski posing for a picture at a display that said LOVE in big letters outside China Town in Bangkok, Thailand. — Dave and I posing for a quick picture

Our guide was also wonderful about taking photos of us together, something that can be challenging when it’s just the two of us traveling.

China Town Street Food

The variety of food in China Town was astounding. You could buy everything from chicken & duck, to insects, to seafood, to fruits & veggies.

Poultry

Roasted whole duck and chicken along with necks, wings, and thighs for sale in China Town in Bangkok. — Roasted Chicken & Duck

Insects

Fried insects anyone? The most popular insects are silkworms, grasshoppers, bamboo worms, water beetles, and crickets but it is also common to see cockroaches, spiders, and scorpions. Our guide told us that she routinely eats silkworms. We were not adventurous enough to try any of the insects…maybe next time or maybe not!

Fried Scorpions, Grasshoppers, Silkworms, Spiders, and Cockroaches for sale at a food stand in China Town in Bangkok, Thailand. — Fried Scorpions, Grasshoppers, Silkworms, Spiders, and Cockroaches.

If insects aren’t on your cup of tea, you can stuff yourself on all of the different varieties of seafood in China Town. Numerous street vendors sell everything from crab to fish to lobster.

Seafood

Colorful dish of 2 hard shell crabs with Thai vegetables and spices for sale at one of the many street food vendor stands in China Town in Bangkok. — Tasty crab dish at one of the street vendor stands in China Town

There is no shortage of seafood in China Town! Vendors line the street with crab, squid, shrimp, and clams.

Crab, squid, shrimp, and clams for sale at the China Town market in Bangkok. — Crab, squid, shrimp, and clams

Fish, squid and lobster are caught fresh daily!

Fresh fish, squid, prawns and lobster for sale at the China Town Market in Bangkok. — Fresh fish, squid, prawns, and lobster

Jumbo lobster caught fresh daily cooked to order at one of the China Town restaurants. — Jumbo lobster cooked to order

Produce

There were also tons of different varieties of fruits and vegetables to try!

Durian: The Stinky Fruit

All over Asia, you will find a fruit called Durian, which smells so bad that it’s been banned from the mass transit system in Singapore. Our guide told us that it smells similar to an onion but tastes savory, sweet, and creamy all at once. Some describe it as tasting like diced garlic and caramel poured into whipped cream. We did not try Durian on our trip to Thailand, but when we go back, it’s definitely on our list!

Table full of Durian fruit in Southeast Asia which tastes like diced garlic and caramel poured into whipped cream. — Durian

Our final stop of the day was a river boat dinner cruise with Loy Nava along the canal in Bangkok which offered a four course dinner accompanied by traditional Thai music and dancing. It was amazing! The cruise was 2,000 baht ($64) per person, so expensive for Thailand, but worth every penny.

Stop 4: River Boat Dinner Cruise

Traditional Thai dancing on our riverboat dinner cruise in Bangkok, Thailand. — Loy Nava Dinner Cruise

Loy Nava has been operating dinner cruises in Thailand for over 40 years and its the only operator to use an original antique rice barge. There was also traditional Thai music and dancing. Other than one other couple, we pretty much had the boat to ourselves due to some of the travel restrictions that went into effect due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Dinner on the River Boat

Fresh fish, coconut shrimp, lobster, chicken & pork curry were just some of the dishes we ate aboard the antique rice river barge on our dinner cruise down the canal in Bangkok, Thailand. — Our River Boat Dinner

Fresh fish, coconut shrimp, lobster, chicken & pork curry were just some of the many delicious dishes that we ate aboard our dinner cruise. Our chef also prepared a selection of traditional Thai desserts.

Assortment of traditional Thai desserts aboard our river boat cruise in Bangkok aboard Loy Nava's antique rice barge. — Assortment of Traditional Thai Desserts

Sights Along the River

As we ate, we floated past many of the famous sites in Bangkok including Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

View of Wat Pho Temple from the canal on our Dinner Riverboat tour. — Wat Pho Temple of the Reclining Buddha

View of a local temple all lit up at night from our Riverboat Dinner Cruise in Bangkok, Thailand. — Another Local Temple

Views along the canal on our riverboat dinner cruise.

The day of the tour was my 40th birthday. The chef created a cake out of watermelon and the crew sung happy birthday. It was a night to remember!

My watermelon birthday cake in Bangkok, Thailand. — My watermelon birthday cake!

Time to Head Home

After dinner, our guide brought us back to our hotel by the airport where we had time for a quick shower and nap before catching our 1am flight home to Maryland! We had such an amazing day with our guide and will definitely book with Your Thai Guide again on our next visit to Thailand.

Bridget Rice and David Lesniewski posing with our Bangkok tour guide on our last day in Thailand. — Dave and I with our Private Bangkok Guide, Charinee
https://yourthaiguide.com/

A Wild Night on Khao San Road

July 12, 2020 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

Wondering what a night out on Khao San Road is like? Khao San Road is like the Bourbon Street of Thailand, without the beads. It’s known as the backpacker party street with plenty of places that sell cheap drinks and have dance music.

Dave and I visited Khao San Road as our last stop on our first night in Bangkok and it didn’t disappoint. It was a night full of people watching, exotic foods, and dancing until the early morning.

People Watching

Halloween? Nope! We visited Khao San Road in March and saw people dressed up as religious figures, exotic animals, witches, you name it! I guess it’s a great way to get a second use out of your Halloween costume! And don’t worry, there were plenty of people who weren’t in costume, so don’t feel pressured to dress up.

A few of the people that we meant on Khao San Road in Thailand. — One of the costumes we saw on Khao San Road

Exotic Foods

Khao San Road was lined with food vendors selling everything from insects to alligators. And don’t worry, if you’re actually hungry and don’t prefer to eat bugs, they have chicken, pork, and fish too.

Food stand on Khao San Road roasting an alligator on a spit. — Yes, that is an alligator on a spit!

Scorpions, crickets, spiders, and other bugs for sale as food on Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand. — Spiders, worms, or scorpions anyone?

Dancing

Dave and I stopped in quite a few of the bars along Khao San Road. The One Streetbar was probably our favorite. It was an outdoor bar with three levels, a DJ, and decently priced drinks. The crowd here seemed to be a little older (late 20’s, 30’s and 40’s) vs. some of the other bars that seemed to cater to a younger crowd.

Picture of The One Streetbar on Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand — The One Streetbar Khao San Road

Although we were tired from our 20+ hour journey from Maryland to Bangkok, we managed to stay out until about 3am dancing on Khao San Road. That afternoon nap really came in handy! Now, a few hours of sleep, and then off to catch our morning flight to Koh Tao to get our scuba certification!

Tuk Tuk Tour of Bangkok

April 20, 2020 by CreateMyWanderlist.com

Bangkok can be a little overwhelming for first time visitors. Taking a Tuk Tuk Tour was a great way to get acquainted with the city. We opted for the evening tour so that we could see the temples lit up at night. It’s a whole different experience at night then it is during the day time.

Line of green tuk tuk heading down the road in Bangkok to start the night tour. — Heading off in our Tuk Tuk

Local Market

Our first stop was a local market where our guide introduced us to some typical Thai street food snacks. We sampled Issan sausage which is a mixture of ground pork meat combined with garlic, sticky rice, salt, and pepper. We also tried Thai Roti which is bananas, cinnamon, and condensed milk.

Our local Thai guide explaining the local street food at one of the local Bangkok markets. — Our Tuk Tuk Guide Explaining the Local Street Food

At the market, our guide gave us an introduction to the Spirit Houses that are found throughout Southeast Asia. Spirit Houses are shrines to the spirits that protect the specific neighborhoods and/or places. People leave flowers, drinks, clothing, etc. to the spirits as daily offerings.

Our tuk tuk guide explaining all about Spirit Houses.

Temples

Viewing the temples at night is a much different vibe then seeing them during the day. During our tour, we visited Wat Pho, Wat Prayun, the Old Big Gun Museum (sometimes called Museum of the Lost Cannons), the City Pillar Shrine, the Giant Swing, as well as many other local temples.

Bridget Rice and David Lesniewski riding in a tuk tuk at night by Wat Prayun. — Temples at night by Tuk Tuk at Wat Prayun

Wat Pho all lit up at night. — Wat Pho at Night

Dave squatting with Buddha. — Dave squatting like the statue:)

Old Big Gun Museum in Bangkok, Thailand. — Old Big Gun Museum

Bangkok's city pillar shrine (also known as san lak muang) is one of the most ancient, sacred, and magnificent city pillar shrines in Thailand. — Bangkok’s City Pillar Shrine

The Giant Swing at night in Bangkok, Thailand. — The Giant Swing

Pad Thai Dinner

After zipping around town on our tuk tuk visiting all of the temples, our next stop was dinner at one of the most famous Pad Thai restaurants in Bangkok.

The line to the restaurant was wrapped around the block when we arrived, but luckily we go to jump to the front.

Line of people wrapped around the block waiting to get into one of the most famous pad thai restaurants in bangkok, Thailand. — Line to get into famous Pad Thai Restaurant

Chefs working to prepare our pad thai dinner which we visited on our night tuk tuk tour. — Preparing the Pad Thai

Picture of sign out front famous pad thai restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand. — A better picture of the sign in front of the restaurant

Flower Market

After dinner, our next stop was the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market. The market gets really busy late at night and early in the morning as the various restaurants, hotels, and temples pick up their orders.

Piles of orange, purple, yellow, and white long stemmed flowers at the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market in Bangkok.

Flower market worker preparing flower arrangements at the downtown Bangkok flower market.

Hundreds of flower bouquets of red, yellow, and pink carnations at the flower market in downtown Bangkok.

Tall bamboo stalks at the downtown Bangkok flower market.

Worker at the the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market preparing floral arrangements for sale.

Flower Making & Dessert

The last stop on our tour was a flower folding lesson and dessert at the Market Experience located above the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market.

They had a table all set up for us with plates of fresh mango and sticky rice along with an assortment of local ice cream as well as a selection of hot and cold herbal teas.

Fresh mango and sticky rice with coconut sauce at the Market Experience in Bangkok. — Mango & Sticky Rice…yum!

After dessert, our guide showed us one of the simplest methods of folding lotus flowers. People take these flowers to the temple to leave as offerings.

Dual lotus blossom flowers that Dave and I learned to fold in Thailand. — Lotus Blossom Folding

We had a great time on our night time Tuk Tuk tour of Bangkok. Next, we’re off to have drinks at one of Bangkok’s most famous roof top bars!

Bridget Rice and David Lesniewski at the Market Experience in Bangkok, Thailand.

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