Episode 1: Budget Travelling in Thailand and Vietnam with Samantha

In our very first episode of Wander Every Day, I’m chatting with my budget-savvy friend Sam, who just wrapped up a 14-day adventure through Thailand and Vietnam with her friend Rich. From partying at Khao San Market to soaking up the sun in Kappa, Sam shares how they made the most of every dollar — and every day. Expect stories from: ✅ Chiang Mai’s Songkran Festival — where the water fights are epic and the budget is minimal ✅ A jungle cooking class that turned into a wild experience ✅ Heartwarming moments at an elephant sanctuary ✅ An authentic homestay in Sa Pa just a hop and a skip away from the renowned rice fields of Vietnam ✅ Hostel life, travel hacks, and unexpected finds along the way Whether you’re planning your own Southeast Asia trip or just want to live vicariously through some unforgettable travel tales, this episode is packed with smart recs, hilarious mishaps, and serious wanderlust inspo. Tune in now! 🌟🎧 Chapters 00:00 Choosing Thailand and Vietnam: The Journey Begins 07:31 General Trip Overview and Itinerary: Thailand and Vietnam 09:43 Cultural Shock in Vietnam: A Different World 11:40 General Overview of Hostel Stays 15:05 Bangkok: Khao San Market, Floating Market, Muay Thai, Street Food + Massages 19:39 Krabi: Reeve Beach Club, Tuktuk Travel + Nomads Hostel Review 22:29 Ko Phi Phi: Longtail Boat Tour + Beaches 25:37: Khao Sok National Park: Jungle Cooking, Elephant Sanctuary + Bamboo River Tour 34:19: Chiang Mai: Songkran Festival + Water Gun Fights 38:34: Other Thoughts and Recommendations for Thailand 40:02 Hanoi: Chaotic Streets + Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine 41:27: Kappa: Cruising, Family Style Meals + Enjoying the Water 43:44 Sa Pa: Homestays + Adventures in the Rice Fields 49:15 Ninh Binh: Motorbike Tours + Mu'a Cave Hike 53:51 Hanoi Part 2: Culinary Adventures and Shopping in Vietnam 56:02 Comparing Thailand and Vietnam 57:11 Future Travel Aspirations 57:59 Rapid Fire Travel Questions 01:00:27 Cultural Etiquette and Customs 01:01:30 Final Travel Tips and Reflections #TravelPodcast #WanderEveryDay #BudgetTravel #SoutheastAsia #ThailandTravel #VietnamAdventures #BackpackingTips #TravelStories #NewEpisode #PodcastLaunch