By Asia Nail
There are two kinds of vacations in life: the ones you take, and the ones that take you. My trip to Phuket Thailand fit squarely into the second category. It wasn’t just a vacation; it was a vibe, a revelation, and at times, a workout in humidity and humility.
When my niece, the ever-glamorous fashion influencer Lavashiaa Styles, told me she was hosting a Thailand travel experience, I barely asked for details. I just packed my sun hat, trusty lip stain, and sense of adventure. Eleven of us, all shapes, shades, and personalities, set off like a real-life remix of Waiting to Exhale meets Bucket List: The Tropics Edition.
Day 1: Jet Lag & Jasmine Rice
After a long haul from the States, stepping off the plane in Phuket felt like walking into a steam room hot, humid, and somehow sun-kissed in the best way. The air was thick, the streets buzzed with scooters, and the colors? Like someone turned the saturation all the way up.
We checked into The Nap Patong, a upscale, blue-accented resort hotel that looked like serenity had been bottled, chilled, and poured over ice. The welcome dinner that evening at Ban Chom View Restaurant was our first taste of the Thai way — family-style everything. Platters of seafood, rice, and noodles kept appearing like magic. Somewhere between the bok choy and the laughter, I realized how rare it was to be surrounded by this many beautiful, driven humans just vibing in the moment — no kids tugging at us, no deadlines, no drama. Just sunsets and smiles.
As the sun dipped behind the ocean, I thought: This is what freedom smells like: lemongrass and sea breeze with a side of possibility.
Shoutout to Beer
Our tour guide—yes, her name is Beer—was the real MVP. Cool, kind, and endlessly patient, Beer made sure we felt safe, informed, and entertained. She knew every secret beach, every local spot, and even managed to make vans full of jet-lagged Americans laugh before 9 a.m. That’s talent.
Local Life, Thai Style
One of the first things that hit me in Thailand—right after the humidity and the beauty—was the motorbike madness. I saw entire families balanced on one tiny moped like it was an Olympic sport. Four deep—dad driving, mom behind him, baby in her arms, and grandma on the back, cool as can be. Helmets optional, confidence mandatory. It was a moving picture of faith and finesse. I couldn’t decide if I was terrified or impressed, so I just observed and prayed they all made it home safely.
The locals moved with a rhythm that felt effortless. There was no rush, no tight schedules, just living, breathing, being. It made me question every “busy” day back home. Maybe the secret isn’t managing time; maybe it’s mastering peace.
Shop, Smile, Repeat
Shopping in Thailand is a sport, and I’m proud to say I made varsity. From beachside boutiques to night markets, the prices are almost too good to be true, especially with the favorable currency exchange. The Thai baht stretches like yoga pants after brunch, which means you can shop guilt-free and still have cash left for a foot massage.
Pro tip: Bargaining is part of the fun, but do it with a smile. The locals are kind and love a friendly haggle. And if you see something you love, buy it, because chances are, you’ll never find it again once you leave that shop.
Travel Tips from the Tribe
For anyone planning to follow in our sandy footsteps, here are a few nuggets from the tropics:
- Pack light—Thailand’s heat makes minimalism your new best friend.
- Always carry cash; many small vendors don’t accept cards.
- Keep a sarong handy for temples and sudden rain showers.
- Respect the culture; modesty and kindness go a long way here.
- And above all, stay present. Photos fade, but moments don’t.
Day 2: Hiking, Hidden Beaches & Humility
Morning arrived like a tropical cocktail hitting just right, fast, bold, and full of flavor. We laced up our sneakers and headed for what the itinerary called the Phuket Secret Viewpoints Tour. Translation: four hours of pretending we do this hiking thing every weekend.
The Black Rock Viewpoint was worth every drop of sweat. Standing above the island, the turquoise water below looked Photoshopped by God Himself. We snapped pictures that didn’t need filters, just melanin, sunshine, and a good angle.
After the hike, a truck took us to a hidden beach. I swear, Thailand has a way of humbling you. Just when you think you’ve seen beauty, it shows you another layer, softer, quieter, wilder. We lounged on the sand, toes in the water, hair doing whatever it wanted. No Wi-Fi, no worries.
By the time we got back to the hotel, the day had walked a marathon through our shoes. But when you’re surrounded by laughter, fresh coconut water, and the kind of glow money can’t buy, exhaustion feels like luxury.
Food That Finds You
In Thailand, food isn’t a scheduled event, it’s a lifestyle. People eat when they’re hungry, and trust me, there’s no shortage of options. Everywhere you turn, the air smells like garlic, lemongrass, and happiness. Street vendors whip up sizzling skewers, spicy noodles, and mango sticky rice that’ll have you reconsidering every diet you’ve ever started on a Monday.
And don’t get me started on the fresh fruit shakes. My heart officially belongs to Banana. Creamy, cold, and made right in front of you, no preservatives, just perfection. Each sip felt like Thailand itself—sweet, simple, and unforgettable.
Day 3: Elephants, Street Food & Every Emotion
Day three started off soft, breakfast, beachwear, and banter over omelets. Then came the heart of the trip: a visit to the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve.
If you’ve never looked an elephant in the eye, let me tell you, it’s like they see straight into your soul and forgive you for everything. Each elephant had been rescued from harsh conditions, now living in peace among the trees. Feeding them felt sacred. These gentle giants reminded me that strength doesn’t have to be loud, sometimes it just stands tall and sways in silence.
The Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve plays a vital role in protecting and caring for rescued elephants, offering them a safe and natural environment to heal and thrive. Their work helps end harmful practices by promoting ethical tourism and raising awareness about elephant welfare. We learned every visit and donation they receive supports a future where elephants are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.
Lunch was a vegetarian Thai buffet that turned skeptics into believers. I was out here eating fresh spring rolls like they owed me money.
That evening, we dove into Phuket’s street food tour, hopping from temples to night markets like locals. I tried rad na sen krob (Deep-fried crispy egg noodles served with stir-fried vegetables) and the famous shaved ice dessert, Oh Aew. Imagine snow cones went to heaven and came back as Oh Aew.
The night ended at the market under strings of fairy lights and live music. We all danced like nobody had bills due on Wednesday.
Morning Blessings
We were blessed with perfect weather all week—not a single rainy day, just one early morning sprinkle that barely lasted long enough to cool the air. I took it as a sign. It happened right before our floating breakfast, where baskets of fruit and pastries drifted lazily across the pool like a dream. It was one of those moments that makes you pause, grin, and whisper, “God, you did that.”
Day 4: Speedboats & Saltwater Dreams
Next stop: Phi Phi Island.
The kind of place that looks like every desktop wallpaper you’ve ever seen, but real. Getting there by speedboat felt like an action movie. We zipped across turquoise waters so clear, I could see fish darting beneath the waves like animated emojis.
Arriving at Phi Phi Natural Resort, I realized Phuket had been practice — this was paradise. Palm trees leaned like they were flirting, waves whispered secrets, and every sunset felt personally curated.
We had the rest of the day to relax, which in our group meant a mix of photo shoots, laughter, and napping like royalty. Lex (Lavashia Styles), of course, turned the beach into our runway; sun hats, shades, and confidence that could power a city.
I walked alone for a moment, sand between my toes, letting gratitude settle in. It hit me that this was more than a trip. It was a reminder that joy isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Day 5: Longtail Boats & Living Postcards
If heaven has an excursion, it’s a longtail boat ride around Phi Phi’s islands. Picture this: wooden boats with colorful ribbons fluttering on the bow, the smell of saltwater, and a playlist of laughter.
We hit eight stops — Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Shark Point, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, and more. Each one looked like a screensaver you could dive into.
At Maya Bay, where The Beach was filmed, we took photos on the famous sand — no swimming allowed, but honestly, it didn’t matter. Just witnessing it felt cinematic.
Lunch was simple: chicken, rice, fruit, and bottled water. Yet, eaten on a beach surrounded by emerald cliffs, it felt like a five-star meal.
Auntie on Deck
During our Phi Phi Island excursion, we stopped to see wild monkeys swinging through the cliffs. Everyone else jumped out to feed them slices of pineapples. Me? I stayed right on the boat, camera in hand, cheering them on from a safe distance. This Auntie doesn’t do monkey bites, but I happily captured their bravery in 4K.
By the end of the day, we were sun-kissed, salt-dried, and soul-full. Everyone was quiet on the ride back — not from exhaustion, but because no words could compete with what we’d just witnessed.
Massages & Moments
No trip to Thailand is complete without a Thai massage—or three. The masseuses here don’t play; they bend you, twist you, and somehow make you thank them for it. It’s like yoga you don’t have to participate in. I left each session feeling taller, lighter, and dangerously close to believing I could do a split. That night, we all slept like royalty—Thailand edition.
Day 6: Farewells & Full Hearts
Leaving Phi Phi Island felt like breaking up with a vacation you weren’t ready to let go of. The speedboat back to Phuket sliced through the morning mist as we silently took in our last views of paradise.
Back at The Nap Patong, we got dressed for our farewell dinner at Kan Aeng 2 Restaurant, another family-style feast, laughter echoing louder this time, because we knew it was the end. We clinked glasses, reminisced about turquoise waters, and promised to meet again on another continent.
We came from every corner of the U.S., different time zones, accents, and stories but somehow, Thailand synced our spirits. What started as a group trip turned into a sister circle under the sun. By the end, we weren’t just travelers, we were reflections of each other’s light.
Day 7: The Goodbye—Eleven Strangers, One Vibe
Our final lunch felt bittersweet: one last Thai fruit shake, one more sunrise. I looked around at the people who started as travel buddies and ended as family. We’d sweated together, danced together, shared skincare tips and heart-to-hearts over pad thai.
As we hugged goodbye, I felt changed — not in the postcard way, but in the quiet way that stays with you. Like ocean water that lingers on your skin long after you’ve dried off.
Thailand taught us all that beauty isn’t just something you see — it’s something you feel. It’s the laughter echoing through a longtail boat, the sound of waves clapping for you, the way strangers become a tribe under the same sunset.
I came home with souvenirs, yes — but also a reminder: life is short, the world is wide, and joy is always worth the flight.
And somewhere between the temples and the tide, I found a piece of myself I didn’t know I’d left behind.
