Our First 24 Hours in Krabi, Thailand: Rain, Rice, and Reality!
Trisha and Nikhil
A Fun, Warm Introduction
Hello, everyone! Trisha & Nikhil here, and we’ve finally landed in the Land of Smiles - Thailand (Again)! We had all these grand visions of immediately zipping off to a white-sand beach. But, as all travelers know, plans are often just suggestions that the universe laughs at. Our first day in Krabi was less about sunshine and more about… rain, logistics, and the hilarious reality of figuring things out in a new country. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way!
Destination Overview
Our home base for this leg of the trip is Krabi, a stunning coastal province known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. We chose Krabi as our starting point because we’d heard it was a bit more laid-back than other tourist hubs, and we were craving a mix of adventure and local life. Our first impression? It’s green, it’s lush, and the people are incredibly warm. Even with the rain pouring down, the vibe here is just so peaceful. We're staying in a lovely apartment with a great view, which has quickly become our cozy command center for planning (and recovering from our jet lag!).
Detailed Itinerary
Our first 24 hours were more about "surviving" than "sightseeing," but it was an adventure nonetheless!
Morning: We woke up to the sound of heavy rain, which threw our beach plans right out the window [00:23]. So, we spent the morning sorting out the less glamorous side of travel—managing our finances, trying to get our sleep schedules in sync, and just generally getting our bearings.
Afternoon: The rain finally eased up, and our stomachs were rumbling. We ventured out on foot to find our first authentic Thai meal! We were a little hesitant about renting a scooter right away on unfamiliar roads, so walking it was [02:59]. This led us to a charming local restaurant that became the highlight of our day.
Evening: Our mission for the evening was a classic one: the grocery run. We headed to the Mother Eco Supermarket to stock up on essentials like coffee, water, and detergent [23:55]. Let’s just say carrying a week's worth of supplies back to the apartment was a workout and a half!
Budget & Money-Saving Tips
We’re all about traveling smart, and Thailand seems like a great place for budget-conscious explorers!
Local Eats are a Steal: Our first meal was incredibly delicious and affordable. We had two plates of fried rice with shrimp and egg, plus a complimentary chicken soup, all for just 120 baht (about $3.25 USD) [14:14]! We’ve already decided this will be our go-to breakfast spot.
Grocery Shopping: Our first big grocery haul for essentials came out to 861 baht (around $23 USD) [37:00]. While some imported items can be pricey, sticking to local products is a great way to save.
SIM Card Woes: A quick heads-up! We found that the shops in the tourist-heavy areas were pushing expensive tourist SIM cards (1000 baht). We’re on a mission to find the cheaper local ones (around 49 baht), so our tip is to always look beyond the first option you see [21:28].
Challenges & Funny Moments
Oh, there were definitely a few! The first 24 hours are always a little chaotic. Our biggest challenge was the triple-threat of money, SIM cards, and shopping [39:51]. Our credit card got declined at one ATM, which always causes a mini-heart attack, right? [21:55] And the supermarket, while great, didn’t have everything we needed, so the hunt continues.
The funniest moment had to be us trudging back from the store, arms laden with heavy grocery bags, looking like two pack mules who seriously underestimated the distance. We were tired, but we couldn't stop laughing at ourselves [40:00]. It’s these moments that make the best memories!
Local Food & Cultural Experiences
The food! We can already tell this is going to be a highlight of our trip. Our first meal was simple but perfect: fried rice with shrimp and egg [07:18]. It was packed with flavor and so comforting, especially on a rainy day. The restaurant owner also gave us a complimentary bowl of chicken soup [14:09], which was such a sweet, welcoming gesture. It’s these small acts of kindness that make you fall in love with a place.
Practical Travel Tips
Based on our very eventful first day, here are a few tips for anyone planning a trip to Krabi:
Be Prepared for Rain: If you’re traveling during the off-season, pack a light raincoat. The weather can change quickly!
Transportation: While renting a scooter is popular, give yourself a day to get comfortable with the traffic and roads. Walking is a great way to explore your immediate neighborhood first.
SIM Cards: Do a little research on local SIM card providers before you arrive to avoid paying tourist prices.
Cash is King: While cards are accepted in larger stores, many smaller, local restaurants and shops prefer cash.
Plan Your Trip
Feeling inspired to start your own Thai adventure? We’ve learned that having the right bookings and gear makes all the difference. Here’s what we recommend to get you started:
Find Your Perfect Stay: We love having a comfortable place to come back to after a long day of exploring. Find amazing deals on hotels in Krabi and across Thailand on Trip Hotels.
Book Your Flights: Getting a great deal on flights means more money for delicious Thai food! We always check for the best prices on flights to Thailand on Trip Flights.
Pack Like a Pro: Having the right gear is essential. From the perfect travel backpack to our go-to camera equipment, you can find all our favorites in our Amazon travel store.
Stay Covered: Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s the one thing you hope you never need but are so grateful to have if you do. It gives us peace of mind on every trip.
Book in Advance: We recommend you book your stay in advance especially if you are travelling during the holidays. We use Trip.com for all our hotel bookings.
Thanks for joining us on our chaotic first day in Krabi! We’re so excited to share more of our adventures (hopefully with more sunshine!) with you.
Want to see all these moments come to life? Watch the full vlog on our YouTube channel! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for daily updates from the road.
