Day 9 – The Great Decaf Drought | Thailand Travel Diary
Wednesday, Nov 6 – Day 9, Chiang Mai → Bangkok → Phuket
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Mood: Over-caffeinated and possibly shrimped
Today’s Chiang Mai to Phuket travel day started with caffeine dependency, chaos, and one tour guide who apparently thought “festival hangover” was a valid excuse for missing an airport call.
Decaf? Never heard of her. One thing they definately don’t do here is decaf coffee.
At this point, my bloodstream is roughly 73% caffeine, which probably explains why I’ve been vibrating since 6 a.m. I went off caffeine a little over a year ago, but I love the ritual and taste of coffee so I drink decaf. Here in Thailand, it’s not a thing. In fact, I can’t find it anywhere. No cafes, no restaurants, not in the grocery stores — nowhere. So we’re well-caffienated.
Our Chiang Mai to Phuket travel day started too early, as travel days always do, and honestly, I wish we’d had one more day in Chiang Mai. I wasn’t ready to leave that city — the food, the markets, the quiet mornings with monks collecting alms. Instead, I got Wasa, our guide, showing up late because she “was out late at the festival.” She actually said it like that — all chipper, like we’d respond, “Ohhh, okay! No worries then! Being out late totally trumps catching a flight!” I like her, but it was comedy gold.
Somewhere between loading the van and jamming another boxed breakfast into us (full disclosure: the boxed breakfasts are actually really good and usually full of fresh fruit, some kind of tasty sandwich and pastries), we passed a group of locals doing tai chi in the park. It was one of those small, cinematic moments that you don’t expect — it felt quiet, grounded, and graceful — in sharp contrast to the chaos that is travel mornings.
Airport Chaos (but make it not my problem)
The airport was its usual carnival of confusion, for once, not our circus. A booking agent had spelled my name wrong, so I needed a new ticket, but it got fixed quickly. Meanwhile, the rest of the group rolled in 35 minutes late because everyone checked bags. Rookies.
I swear, carry-on-only travel is my Roman Empire. The plane literally waited for them — thirty-five minutes of delay because no one could live without their third pair of sandals. But hey, the upside of organized tours is that someone else deals with the logistics. The downside? You’re stuck moving at the speed of the slowest suitcase.
We flew Nok Air, a budget airline that should come with a disclaimer: “Abandon all hydration, ye who board here.” Not even a free water. We tried for an upgrade, but the flight was full — though it turns out the “upgraded” seats are identical to the regular ones, just a few rows closer to the door. So, basically, you’re paying for a faster exit.
This was also “that flight,” and we had several people rush the place when we landed, trying to get ahead of everyone else. Because, obviously, their time and their connection is more important than everyone else’s. Rather than my usual passive-aggressive comments under my breath, I actually put my hand on a man’s arm and asked him to step back so we could get out. To which he replied, “We have a connection”. My answer? “Yeah, so do the rest of us”.
Karma, being the sweet, sweet siran she is, comes through, though. Because we later saw that same man being turned around at security for being in the wrong line (after waiting a good long time). Turns out, shoving past us to get off a few people sooner didn’t actually get you ahead, sir. Hope your day gets better 😉
Truthfully, I’m not really a budget-airline girlie. Air Canada Vacations definitely forgot to mention that part of the itinerary. But we made it — sweaty, tired, caffeine-dependent — and to everyone’s shock, the luggage arrived before we did. I guess the travel gods owed us one.
First Impressions of Phuket
Phuket greeted us with damn humid air and a hotel that… let’s just say is fine. Not the best, not the worst. The area feels oddly quiet, like a beach town that forgot to wake up. We’re not near much, but we wandered out and found a little restaurant called Khiang Le Pla Phao. I ordered the Penang curry, and holy hell — it was perfection. Creamy, rich, just enough heat to remind you you’re alive.
The staff were hilarious and warm in that way Thai hospitality always is. We laughed through the language barrier, over a 400-baht carafe of wine, and for a minute, it felt like the long day was worth it.
Shrimp, Shrimp Everywhere
If I die here, it’ll be from shrimp exposure. That’s what my tombstone will read. “She tried her best, but it’s the shrimp that’ll get ya.”
It’s everywhere — not just in the obvious places, but in chips, sauces, soups, snacks. Half the time, we don’t know if our mouths are burning from chili or from a low-level crustacean situation. Anyone with allergies, beware: shrimp powder is stealthier than a pickpocket.
Even the potato chips come with shrimp seasoning. Thailand is a land of many wonders, but “allergy-friendly” is not one of them.
Group Vibes & Travel Fatigue
A few people at our hotel decided to rent their own places because they wanted to be right on the beach. Fair. I get it. This property has a “sister resort” nearby that does have beach access, so we’ll check that out tomorrow. It’s interesting because we all agree that if we weren’t comparing this property to the first three we stayed in, it would be great. The service is fabulous. It’s got lovely spaces, an on-site cafe, restaurant, two pools (one is rooftop), and we’re in little apartment,s which is great for a long stay. But it’s the comparison that’s killing the vibe a little. The first few properties we stayed in were stunning, modern and very high-end. This is a little less so. It’s fine, as I said. We shall see!
It’s been a long day. The kind that leaves you both grateful and mildly unhinged — the travel version of jet lag, caffeine, and too many opinions.
Still, there’s something comforting about it. Everyone’s tired, everyone’s trying, and no matter where you are, travel days are a universal equalizer. You can be in Thailand or Toronto — it’s always a little messy.
📸 Photo of the Day
That damn Penang curry — served in what looked like a dive bar but turned out a bowl of pure, velvety sorcery. Proof that you should always judge a restaurant by its smells, not its signage.
Missed an entry? Catch up here:
Day 1 – The Uber Ride from Hell Day 2 – The Lounge Life & the Struggle Bus Day 3 – Hot, Hotter, & Really F*ing Hot Day 4 – Floating Markets, Boat Noodles & the Great Coke Zero Explosion Day 5 – Heaven, Hell & the Hands at the White Temple Day 6 – Hill Tribes, Hard Truths & a Side of Curry Day 7 – Who Needs Guardrails, Anyway?
Day 8 – Elephant-Sized Morel Hangover
Travel Tip of the Day
Carry-on only. Always. You’ll feel smug while everyone else is still staring at the luggage carousel.
Let’s Talk About It
Seriously though, your turn — what’s your personal “never again” travel rule? (Mine might be “never trust a package that hides a budget airline.”). I’m writing these entries to be a two-way convo, and I love hearing from you. Drop your thoughts, commentary and unhinged opinions in the comments.
