My Solo Backpacking Adventure in Thailand as a Black Woman
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- Where do I begin? Thailand has quickly become one of my favorite countries. The people, the food, the vibrant energy, and the affordability all contribute to its charm.
Although the majority of the people there don’t speak English, don't let that deter you from visiting. The reason I encountered few English speakers is likely because I spent most of my time around locals, which I actually prefer. This approach allows me to experience the community and culture authentically. For someone who wasn't great at history, traveling this way lets me truly experience the world.
Here are some tips for anyone visiting Thailand for the first time or traveling solo:
When you arrive at the airport, it's best to exchange SOME money, NOT ALL! The airport will ALWAYS charge you a higher fee. There are plenty of ATMs around the city.
I recommend getting a SIM card at the airport for convenience. While you can buy a SIM card at 7/11, I prefer to avoid high roaming charges and get one at the airport, even if it's a bit more expensive. Typically, it costs around $20 USD for 15 days, compared to $10 for a 30-day SIM card from 7/11. The choice is yours.
I’m a big advocate for budget traveling in your 20s and staying in hostels. Many people feel uncomfortable with the idea, but I loved it! If you watched my entire video, you saw how much fun I had. I highly recommend hostels for solo travelers. I used to stay in Airbnbs, but I found them a bit isolating. While there are horror stories about everything, don’t let fear stop you from living your life.
For finding hostels, I suggest using Hostel World. You might find me on there if we're in the same country and I’m looking for people to hang out with. Hostel World allows you to chat with people nearby and find local events. You can also check the ratings for each hostel. I choose my hostels based on cleanliness, FREE BREAKFAST (even if it’s just eggs and bananas, I’m GRATEFUL), location (proximity to bus stops and attractions), and price. I love my $5-$20 per night hostels, but there are fancier options if you prefer a private room.
If you're traveling around Asia and need to get around, I highly recommend the app GRAB. It’s like Uber and Lyft but more affordable. You can also order food on it. They even offer bike rides if you’re up for it.
For bus or train tickets, the app 12Go Asia is great. Book early because seats fill up fast. I missed out on a sleeper bed on a train because I booked too late.
The hostels I stayed at were:
- Jam Hostel Bangkok, located in Bangkok - $17.55 a night.
- 168 Chiangmai Guesthouse, located in Chiang Mai - $7.02 a night.
- Grace Hostel, located in Chiang Rai - $6.39 a night.
Bangkok wasn’t my favorite place because it’s polluted and crowded, but it’s cool for a 2-3 day visit.
I adored Chiang Mai and would definitely stay there again. It’s perfect for relaxing and avoiding the party scene.
Chiang Rai was okay. I mainly went for "Lalitta Café," which was smaller than expected. If you visit when it’s not crowded, it’s ideal. Despite the crowds, it's a cute place with a fairy-tale theme. The food is okay but affordable. Chiang Rai is perfect if you enjoy visiting temples, which Thailand is famous for.
I’m big on being ethical and respectful in everything I do. While I wing most things, I do extensive research on my passions. I love animals and always wanted to see an elephant, so I chose to visit the "Elephant Nature Park Sanctuary" in Chiang Mai. Here’s their website if you want to learn more: [Elephant Nature Park](www.elephantna....
I’m considering volunteering there. I paid $60 for a half-day afternoon visit, but they offer full-day, half-day morning, and overnight options. It's worth it, and the food is delicious even if you’re not vegan.
I hope this was informative! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Put Thailand on your bucket list right now!
Before I end this, be aware of scammers. Towards the end of my trip, a Grab driver tried to overcharge me by asking for cash despite my payment through the app. This happened to me in Bali too. Stay firm and report such incidents. Please be safe and have fun!
This video is long! It was supposed to be two hours, but I cut as much as I could. I didn’t want to bore you.
I am currently heading to my next destination.
Chat with you soon. 💚
💖Follow me on my socials💖
/ yourbigsismel
www.tiktok.com/@yourbigsismel
/ yourbigsismel
& here's a direct link to everything, including my playlist and Amazon shop 🫂
linktr.ee/love...
Thank you for watching!!!
💚💚💚OPEN YOUR HEART AND STAY SOFT💚💚💚
Incase you didn’t read the description box.
Where do I begin? Thailand has quickly become one of my favorite countries. The people, the food, the vibrant energy, and the affordability all contribute to its charm.
Although the majority of the people there don’t speak English, don't let that deter you from visiting. The reason I encountered few English speakers is likely because I spent most of my time around locals, which I actually prefer. This approach allows me to experience the community and culture authentically. For someone who wasn't great at history, traveling this way lets me truly experience the world.
Here are some tips for anyone visiting Thailand for the first time or traveling solo:
When you arrive at the airport, it's best to exchange SOME money, NOT ALL! The airport will ALWAYS charge you a higher fee. There are plenty of ATMs around the city.
I recommend getting a SIM card at the airport for convenience. While you can buy a SIM card at 7/11, I prefer to avoid high roaming charges and get one at the airport, even if it's a bit more expensive. Typically, it costs around $20 USD for 15 days, compared to $10 for a 30-day SIM card from 7/11. The choice is yours.
I’m a big advocate for budget traveling in your 20s and staying in hostels. Many people feel uncomfortable with the idea, but I loved it! If you watched my entire video, you saw how much fun I had. I highly recommend hostels for solo travelers. I used to stay in Airbnbs, but I found them a bit isolating. While there are horror stories about everything, don’t let fear stop you from living your life.
For finding hostels, I suggest using Hostel World. You might find me on there if we're in the same country and I’m looking for people to hang out with. Hostel World allows you to chat with people nearby and find local events. You can also check the ratings for each hostel. I choose my hostels based on cleanliness, FREE BREAKFAST (even if it’s just eggs and bananas, I’m GRATEFUL), location (proximity to bus stops and attractions), and price. I love my $5-$20 per night hostels, but there are fancier options if you prefer a private room.
If you're traveling around Asia and need to get around, I highly recommend the app GRAB. It’s like Uber and Lyft but more affordable. You can also order food on it. They even offer bike rides if you’re up for it.
For bus or train tickets, the app 12Go Asia is great. Book early because seats fill up fast. I missed out on a sleeper bed on a train because I booked too late.
The hostels I stayed at were:
- Jam Hostel Bangkok, located in Bangkok - $17.55 a night.
- 168 Chiangmai Guesthouse, located in Chiang Mai - $7.02 a night.
- Grace Hostel, located in Chiang Rai - $6.39 a night.
Bangkok wasn’t my favorite place because it’s polluted and crowded, but it’s cool for a 2-3 day visit.
I adored Chiang Mai and would definitely stay there again. It’s perfect for relaxing and avoiding the party scene.
Chiang Rai was okay. I mainly went for "Lalitta Café," which was smaller than expected. If you visit when it’s not crowded, it’s ideal. Despite the crowds, it's a cute place with a fairy-tale theme. The food is okay but affordable. Chiang Rai is perfect if you enjoy visiting temples, which Thailand is famous for.
I’m big on being ethical and respectful in everything I do. While I wing most things, I do extensive research on my passions. I love animals and always wanted to see an elephant, so I chose to visit the "Elephant Nature Park Sanctuary" in Chiang Mai. Here’s their website if you want to learn more: [Elephant Nature Park](www.elephantnaturepark.org/enp/visit-volunteer).
I’m considering volunteering there. I paid $60 for a half-day afternoon visit, but they offer full-day, half-day morning, and overnight options. It's worth it, and the food is delicious even if you’re not vegan.
I hope this was informative! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Put Thailand on your bucket list right now!
Before I end this, be aware of scammers. Towards the end of my trip, a Grab driver tried to overcharge me by asking for cash despite my payment through the app. This happened to me in Bali too. Stay firm and report such incidents. Please be safe and have fun!
This video is long! It was supposed to be two hours, but I cut as much as I could. I didn’t want to bore you.
I am currently heading to my next destination.
Chat with you soon. 💚
I’m traveling to Hawaii & Samoa to meet the other side of my family and to experience Samoan culture for the first time. I honestly can’t wait. I’m happy you’re doing well though, Mel. ⭐️
Same here I’m traveling to Hawaii this month for the first time I can’t wait! I hope you enjoy it though and have a great time 😊
mel you’re too cute 😭 watching you interact with people (strangers!!) made my heart flutter & gave me chills for the sheer fact that i can feel your energy through the mf screen & i just hope one i actually meet you because i live for such energy from people 🥹
32:38 as someone with ADHD as well i feel this so heavily. now that i have been medicated for about 5 months now (non-stimulant) & going through the trial of different doses, i can now tell the difference when i’m off the meds/when they aren’t working as well vs. when i’m on them & they’re working good. it’s definitely frustrating & still coming to terms with the fact that just because i am medicated doesn’t mean that i am cured. i still have ADHD on & off meds so i just have to learn how to handle life through both parts of me.
i am not hear to tell ANYONE what they should do with their ADHD let alone their overall health, however if you have the resources i definitely recommend you try medication :) there are more options than people know about ! good luck with it all
54:36 & last but not least happy belated 26th birthday !!! 🥳
🥷 You are a GREAT vlogger. You're naturally good at telling a story. I can tell you enjoy documenting your Life. You have a dope style of creating and talking to people. Very RAW. Human. I Love it. I Love everything about what you're doing. It's brave. It's fun. It's vulnerable. It's educational. It's YOU. You're dope. Thanks for being alive and sharing the journey. ❤
Love you mel, continue to be yourself, and you're aesthetically please :>
you have no Idea how much I enjoy your content Mel!!
I’m doing some solo traveling this year and this was so inspiring and candid. So glad you’ve been doing everything you want and going everywhere you heart leads you. Thank you for sharing 🧡
I've been wanting to go to Thailand for so long, hopefully next summer I can finally make this goal come true !!! This video was beautiful, and inspiring. I love seeing you happy and accomplished.
SHE US A HOUR VID!!??? GIRLIESSS ITS TIME TO EATTT!!!😋
SZA? 😍
I just love your beautiful energy. Be you forever Mel, nothing less. Love love love you! 🤍✨
🥹🥹🥹🥹💕💕💕
actually you are very ascetically pleasing don’t be talking about my friend like that girl🫶🏽