My 7-day Thailand itinerary

If you told me I would be flying across a continent with a group of almost strangers a year ago, I wouldn't have believed you. But the exchange strangers-turned-friends is by far my favourite travel trope. You know that moment when you're supposed to be studying for your impending midterms, but instead you decide to go on a 7-day trip to Thailand, that was planned... and booked the week before. That was me, in February. After staying in Hong Kong for a grand total of 41 consecutive days, I decided that I needed to go somewhere warm and beachy, and what better place than Thailand!!

Best. Decision. Ever.

The city lights of Bangkok, the beaches of Phi Phi islands, the night-life of Phuket all in one itinerary. Possibly, my only regret about this trip was that we didn't hit up Chiang Mai to see some elephants and mountains. We at least redeemed the elephants bit by visiting a sanctuary in Phuket and feeding watermelon to some elephants!!

Landing in Bangkok!!

Picture this: me, with my trusty university backpack, standing in the middle of Tokyo Station at rush hour looking like a deer in headlights. Google Maps? Useless. My Japanese? Limited to "arigatou" and "ramen." But somehow, in that beautiful chaos of 10 million people who actually know where they're going, I felt completely alive.

The subway system became my nemesis and my teacher all at once. Getting lost was inevitable – getting found was the adventure.

Day 1: When in Doubt, Follow Your Nose

• 6 AM - Tsukiji Fish Market (because jet lag is a gift)

• 9 AM - Best tuna sashimi breakfast of my life

• 11 AM - Cherry blossoms in Ueno Park (main character moment)

• 2 PM - Getting hopelessly lost in Harajuku

• 6 PM - Accidentally joining a karaoke session in Shibuya

• 11 PM - Robot Restaurant (because why not?)

That first konbini experience at 3 AM was pure magic. There I was, sleep-deprived and slightly overwhelmed, when this tiny 7-Eleven became my sanctuary. Hot coffee, onigiri that tasted like a warm hug, and the most efficient checkout process I've ever witnessed.

The Ramen Revelation

Let me tell you about the best ramen of my life. Picture a tiny alley in Golden Gai – I'm talking so narrow you have to turn sideways. Seven seats. No English menu. Just a 70-year-old master who's been perfecting his craft since before I was born.

I pointed at what the salary man next to me was eating, and for the next 20 minutes, I experienced what I can only describe as broth enlightenment.

The rich tonkotsu, the perfect egg, the way the noodles had just the right bite – this wasn't just food, it was poetry in a bowl. At 2 AM, in a city that doesn't speak my language, sharing counter space with strangers who became temporary family.

Day 2: Sunrise Epiphanies

Here's the thing about Tokyo – it rewards the sleep-deprived. I dragged myself to Tokyo Skytree at 5 AM because why waste those jet lag hours? The city stretched endlessly in every direction, and for a moment, everything made sense.

The sun painted the urban landscape in shades of pink and gold, and I remember thinking: "This is why we take risks. This is why we book flights at 2 AM."

Tokyo's Unexpected Lessons

1. Vending machines are life - Hot coffee at every corner

2. Bowing is contagious - You'll start doing it automatically

3. Quiet trains are sacred - Respect the silence

4. Getting lost is the plan - Best discoveries happen off-route

5. Convenience stores are actually convenient - Who knew?

That afternoon in Akihabara was like stepping into a different dimension. Neon signs, anime figures, and the overwhelming energy of pure passion projects everywhere you look. I bought the most ridiculous Pokémon keychain and regret nothing.

The Kissaten Moment

On my last morning, I found this old-school kissaten – a traditional coffee shop that time forgot. Dark wood, jazz playing softly, and the most methodical coffee ritual I've ever witnessed. The master spent 15 minutes preparing my cup, and honestly? Worth every second.

I sat there writing postcards to friends back in Aberdeen, trying to capture this feeling – this beautiful overwhelm of experiencing something completely new. How do you explain the sensation of being simultaneously lost and exactly where you need to be?

Tokyo taught me that the best adventures happen when you throw caution to the wind and embrace the unknown. Sometimes the most spontaneous decisions lead to the most unforgettable experiences.

The Real Tokyo Highlights

• 🌸 Cherry blossom selfies in Ueno Park (tourist? guilty as charged)

• 🍜 That life-changing ramen at 2 AM in Golden Gai

• 🏢 Sunrise from Tokyo Skytree (worth the early alarm)

• 🎤 Accidental karaoke session with the nicest strangers

• 🛍️ Harajuku fashion chaos (sensory overload in the best way)

• 🤖 Robot Restaurant madness (still processing what I witnessed)

• ☕ Traditional kissaten coffee ceremony (patience is a virtue)

• 🎌 Temple hopping in Asakusa (peaceful chaos)

Those 48 hours flew by in a blur of neon lights, vending machine dinners, and moments of pure magic. I probably should have planned better But honestly? The spontaneity made it perfect.

The next part of this trip was meant to be Vietnam, but after some last-minute visa issues, my lovely friend Adelina and I decided to hit up the lovely city of Kuala Lumpur.

Stay tuned for the next adventure...

P.S. - You can find my Canva Itinerary presentation including where we stayed and what we saw here.