Thailand - 1st Stop: Phuket

Our Thailand trip started in Phuket. We landed on the most famous island in Thailand on August 30, 2022 after a 27-hour journey with 2 flights and a 21-hour layover in Singapore. Up until this point, our expectations of Thailand were limited to heat, temples, and street food. It was generally quite a culture shock. Everything is different from Germany or Australia. But it was an experience that I will never forget in my life. The biggest difference between the Thailand trip and my previous trips was the cost. Everything was cheaper than what I'm used to. We could suddenly afford the most luxurious hotels and restaurants. Instead of walking or cycling, we used taxis and Grabs (a company similar to Uber). For someone who has been living in a car for the past 7 months and brushing their teeth in public bathrooms, this is a very big step up. After we arrived, we spent the first few hours getting ourselves organized, getting SIM cards, cash, and arranging transportation to a previously booked Airbnb. In Thailand, it is common to pay with cash. Credit cards are rarely used. It didn't take long for us to be bombarded by the warmth, but also the persistence of the locals. We were lucky to find a nice and honest taxi driver who drove us down to the southernmost tip of Phuket. After a pleasant night in an overpriced accommodation for Thailand, we took the time to explore the old town of Phuket. We visited the famous hill Rang Hill, where we saw wild monkeys for the first time. We were also able to personally confirm that Thai food is very popular for a reason. However, we couldn't really get used to the breakfast. My stomach craves coffee or fruit early in the morning, but not hearty noodle or rice dishes. After 2 days in Phuket, we continued to Khao Lak.