Thailand Adventure Secrets

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, Bill sits down with Alison Gieschen, a lifelong sailor and author who is in the middle of a full sailing circumnavigation with her husband Dan.

After selling everything they owned to chase a dream, Alison and Dan have traveled to 47 countries, crossed the Panama Canal, and are now bound for the remote islands of French Polynesia. Alison shares what it was like to leave land life behind, the moments at sea that shaped her, and how long ocean passages continue to influence her writing.

The conversation explores the...

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, Bill shares six of his favorite shore excursions along the Siam Spice Route. These are the trips that consistently amaze charter guests, offering a mix of river journeys, wildlife encounters, sunrise hikes, hidden caves, glowing seas, and quiet jungle waterfalls. Each excursion is easy to pair with a yacht charter itinerary and adds depth and variety to any sailing adventure in Southern Thailand.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why bamboo rafting in Khao Sok and boating on Cheow Lan Lake feels like traveling back in time

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, Bill sits down with Paul Baker, senior instructor at the Island Spirit Sailing School and one of the most respected sailing teachers in Thailand. Known to a few as the "Yoda of Sailing," Paul has spent decades on the water and has guided hundreds of students through their first steps as sailors.

Together they explore Paul’s early days of learning to sail, the lessons he has carried across a lifetime at sea, and the turning points that shaped his approach to seamanship. Paul shares stories from his time teaching on...

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, Bill takes you beyond the day-trip crowds to uncover the eternal beauty and living history of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. From cruising the river in a vintage Chris-Craft-style boat to sipping sundowners beside temple reflections, this journey reveals how to experience Ayutthaya with depth, flavor, and a sense of wonder.

Bill’s six featured experiences include dressing up in traditional Thai clothing for photos at Wat Mahathat, watching the sunset from Wat Chaiwatthanaram, gliding along the canals by wooden boat, relaxing at Sala Ayutthaya for evening drinks, exploring th...

In this episode, Bill shares his personal six best experiences in Bangkok, the city that never stops surprising even the most seasoned travelers. From royal grandeur to street-side grilling, he takes you through a full day that reveals every side of Thailand’s capital.

You’ll start with the spiritual heart of the kingdom at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, then dive into the neon and flavor of Chinatown at night.

Next, drift up the Chao Phraya River on a teak rice barge with Manohra Cruises to explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya. You’...

This week, Bill heads north to Chiang Mai for the magical Yee Ping Lantern Festival, where thousands of glowing lanterns rise into the night sky. That journey inspired him to create something special — The Thailand Bucket List Episode: six extraordinary experiences that capture the heart, spirit, and pure wonder of this incredible country.

These aren’t anything close to being tourist traps. They’re the secret, soulful, and ultra-luxurious adventures that make Thailand unforgettable — from sailing the Andaman Sea aboard a private catamaran, chasing whale sharks, to walking beside elephants in the misty jungles of the Golden Triangle...

A couple flew to Chiang Mai for the famous Yee-Ping Lantern Festival and missed it completely. In this episode, Bill reveals what really happened, where the true lantern release takes place, and how to make sure you never miss Thailand’s most magical night.

#ThailandAdventureSecrets #ChiangMai #LanternFestival #YeePingFestival #LoyKrathong #TravelThailand #Thailandlanternfestival #CulturalTravel #BucketListThailand #WatDoiSaket #NorthernThailand #TravelChiangMai

Set your sails and drop anchor along one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting cruising routes, the Siam Spice Route, from Phuket, Thailand to Langkawi, Malaysia. In this episode, Skipper Bill our own Blue Water Nomad and host of Thailand Adventure Secrets, shares his six favorite anchorages you’ll never want to leave.

From the peaceful curve of Ao Yon Bay in Phuket to the island charm of Koh Bulone Lea, and the sophisticated comfort of Telaga Harbor in Langkawi, each stop tells its own story, of turquoise water, local culture, and those unforgettable sunset moments that make...

Just a few hours from Bangkok, the province of Kanchanaburi offers one of the most powerful combinations of wild jungle, living Thai culture, and WWII history found anywhere in Southeast Asia. In this episode, host Bill Mullen takes you through the 6 must-experience highlights, not the tourist traps, but the real places worth your time.

You’ll discover:

1) An ethical elephant sanctuary where you help care for rescued elephants, not ride them.

2) Thailand’s most photogenic waterfall, the 7-tier Erawan Falls, deep in emerald jungle.

3) A temple with a hilltop Buddha overlooking endl...

Sail with me down Thailand’s Andaman coast as I reveal the six most unforgettable beaches along the legendary Siam Spice Route - from the world’s #1 ranked beach (2023) to the hidden shores only locals and sailors ever find.

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, I’m taking you with me, virtuously of course, down the legendary Siam Spice Route, exploring the six beaches that define the magic of the Andaman Sea.

We start on Koh Kradan, which is home to the recently voted the #1 best beach in the world, then sail on to secret...

When the sun sets over the Andaman Sea, a different kind of magic awakens along Thailand’s southern coast. In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, host Bill Mullen, The Blue Water Nomad & author of the upcoming book "Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand; Island Hopping Down the Siam Spice Route," takes you beyond the beaches and into the glowing heart of Thailand after dark.

Follow the Siam Spice Route from Khao Sok and Phuket to Koh Lipe as the night markets come alive, fire dancers ignite the sand, and the ocean itself begins to sparkle wi...

Most people come to Thailand for the beaches, temples, and food. But if you want your trip to be truly unforgettable, Thailand is one of the best places in the world to learn something new. From ancient traditions to modern adventure, this country offers world-class instruction at a fraction of the price you’d pay back home.

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, host Bill Mullen, author of the upcoming book "Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand; Island Hopping Down the Siam Spice Route", takes you through six powerful experiences travelers come here to master:

In this special scuba diving edition of Thailand Adventure Secrets, I take you beneath the surface of Thailand’s most legendary dive sites while researching my upcoming book, Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand: Island Hopping down the Siam Spice Route.

Join me as we explore three unforgettable underwater adventures: the Similan Islands, where Richelieu Rock bursts with soft corals and the chance to meet a whale shark; Koh Phi Phi’s Bida Nok, where blacktip reef sharks glide along coral walls; and Koh Lipe’s 8 Mile Rock, a wild offshore pinnacle alive with big fish action...

What do a kidnapped queen, a ten-faced demon, and a trickster monkey have in common? The greatest story in Thai mythology and you can still see it come alive in Thailand today.

Discover Thailand’s most legendary tale — the battle between the ten-faced Demon King, Totsakan and the fearless Monkey King, Hanuman. From fiery escapes to temple murals, this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets brings myth to life and shows travelers where to experience it across Thailand today.

#ThailandAdventure #TravelThailand #ThaiMythology #Ramakien #Hanuman #ThaiCulture #GettingLostThailand #travelThailand

Amazing Phuket Adventures You Can’t Miss: Your Fantasea, a Floating Beach Club & Catamaran Cruising

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, Bill takes you right into the heart of Phuket’s most exciting experiences. First up is Phuket Fantasea, a dazzling cultural show that mixes Thai mythology with jaw-dropping stage production. Then we set sail - well, sort of - out to the Yona Floating Beach Club, the world’s first floating club anchored in Patong Bay, where the music, cocktails, and infinity pool vibes never stop. Finally, we jump aboard Nikorn Marine’s half-day catamaran cruise...

In this episode, I sit down with Richard Sims from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to explore the magic of cruising through Asia. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok and Koh Samui to the tranquil islands of Japan, and beyond, we discuss why Asia is one of the most exciting regions to discover by sea. Richard shares insider tips on what makes NCL stand out—from world-class dining and entertainment to the freedom and flexibility that allow travelers to experience destinations their own way and only unpack once!

We also dive into why Norwegian Cruise Line is the pe...

In this episode, I take you to Kanchanaburi, Thailand, where the past is never far away. We begin with the powerful story of Hellfire Pass, part of the infamous “Death Railway” carved through rock by prisoners of war and civilian laborers during World War II.

From there, we travel to Sangkhlaburi, home of the legendary Mon Bridge—Thailand’s longest wooden footbridge and a living symbol of cultural unity. Alongside the bridge’s daily rituals, we dive into the timeless Thai epic of Khun Chang Khun Phaen, where myth, magic, and memory still cling to the hills of Kanchan...

Bangkok’s temples are more than beautiful—they hold the legends that shaped Thailand. In this episode, uncover the hidden journey of the Emerald Buddha, once concealed from invading armies and carried by a sacred white elephant. Climb the Golden Mount, a temple born from a king’s collapsed dream and rebuilt as a shining symbol of resilience. And follow the dramatic rise and mysterious downfall of King Taksin, the warrior who rebuilt Siam from ashes.

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#BangkokTemples #ThailandHistory #EmeraldBuddha #GoldenMount #KingTaksin #TravelPodca...

Drop anchor in paradise! In this episode, we set sail to Koh Mook, a tiny island in Thailand’s southern Andaman Sea that holds some of the region’s best-kept secrets. You’ll discover the perfect anchorage spot, learn why sailors return here again and again, and step inside the legendary Emerald Cave, where sunlight turns the lagoon into a glowing emerald world.

But Koh Mook isn’t just about natural wonders—it’s about culture and flavor, too. We wander through the island village to taste street-side chicken satay and warm, flaky roti, a reminder of the island’s...

Every November, Chiang Mai lights up with one of the most magical festivals in the world — Yi-Peng, the Sky Lantern Festival. But here’s the secret no one tells you: there’s a smarter, cheaper, and far more adventurous way to experience it.

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, I’ll share the real story behind Yi-Peng — its deep Buddhist roots, the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of glowing lanterns rising into the night sky, and what it feels like to be in the middle of it all. I’ll also reveal my personal travel hack: skipping overpriced C...

In this powerful episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, recorded in Khao Lak on Thailand’s stunning Andaman coast, we dive into two incredible true stories of survival, memory, and resilience.

First, we visit the village of Ban Nam Khem, one of the hardest-hit communities during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Instead of falling apart, the people came together—rebuilding not only homes but a stronger, more connected community.

Then, we travel further out to the islands, where the Moken sea nomads—known for their deep connection with the ocean—escaped the deadly wave by remembering a centurie...

🎧 Episode 13: The Surf Spirit of Khao Lak – with Pat from Dare to Surf Club

Ready to ride your first wave in Thailand? In this episode, we travel to the peaceful shores of Khao Lak to meet Pat, the head instructor at Dare to Surf Club, one of Thailand’s most welcoming and beginner-friendly surf schools.

Pat shares the story of how Dare to Surf began, what makes Khao Lak a hidden gem for surfing, and how his calm, Thai approach to teaching helps students stand up with confidence — often on their very first lesson. You’ll also lea...

Ready to get off the beaten path? In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, we journey to Koh Lanta, the slow-vibe island paradise that most travelers overlook—but never forget.

You’ll discover:

✅ A secret lighthouse hike with twin-beach views inside Mu Ko Lanta National Park

✅ The incredible underwater world of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang—and what it’s really like to swim with manta rays and whale sharks

✅ A jungle trek to Klong Chak Waterfall, where the reward is a refreshing dip in a hidden forest pool

✅ The Green Passpo...

Koh Phi Phi isn’t just about neon buckets and beach bars — in this episode, we dive deeper into the island’s soul.

Join me as I hike to epic viewpoints, snorkel with reef sharks, and get unexpected life advice from a local Buddhist monk. I’ll take you to a hidden gem hotel with million-dollar views (for less than you’d think), introduce you to a street dish you’ve probably never heard of — Lat Na with crispy noodles — and show you why the real magic of Phi Phi happens far beyond the party scene.

🌴 Whether you...

In this episode, we drop anchor on the tranquil shores of Koh Yao Yai—an island that trades crowds and chaos for quiet beaches, slow adventures, and a deep breath of peace.

Join me as I explore hidden beaches like Loh Pared and Son Bay, paddle through lush mangrove tunnels, and uncover one of the island’s best-kept secrets: a beachfront fire show under the stars. We’ll ride motorbikes to secret sunset spots, get a taste of island-style Thai BBQ, and wrap the night with our feet in the sand and the glow of the Andaman sky ab...

In this episode of Thailand Adventure Secrets, I sit down with Craig Verrall from Island Spirit Yacht Charters—my top recommendation for sailing adventures in Thailand. We dive into what makes Thailand a world-class yacht charter destination, from dreamy anchorages and warm island hospitality to the unbeatable freedom of exploring by sail. Craig shares insider tips, local knowledge, and what sets Island Spirit apart in the charter world. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or dreaming of your first tropical cruise, this episode will inspire you to hoist the sails and explore the Land of Smiles by sea.

A candid conversation with the owner of Lily's Elephant Camp in Phuket. Learn with you should make this a bucket list adventure.

Cliff climbing, reef diving, glowing plankton, and night squid fishing—Krabi, Thailand is full of adventure. Discover hidden resorts, local desserts, and must-do experiences on Day 5 of Sailing the Siam Spice Route.

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#ThailandAdventureSecrets #KrabiThailand #SailingThailand #RailayBeach #NightSquidFishing #BioluminescentPlankton #AdventureTravel #ThailandPodcast #SiamSpiceRoute #BackpackingThailand #HiddenThailand #BlueWaterNomad

This episode covers day 4 in the "Sailing the Spice Route; Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand" Guidebook. The first place we visit should be on everyone's bucket list but very few tourist ever make it there. Tune in and find out where.

Day 3 of our Siam Spice Route journey drops anchor in wild, intoxicating Phuket — where jungle silence gives way to beach bars, squid shots, secret cafés with sky-high swings, and the electric pulse of coastal Thai city life. In this episode, I trade river canoes for motorbikes and explore the island's hidden gems, backpacker haunts, and barefoot-luxury stays. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to dive into the real Phuket — beyond the brochures and away from Bangla Road — this is your ticket.

Watch the official Thailand Adventure Secrets podcast trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Tucked just an hour north of the hustle of Phuket, Khao Lak is where time slows down, and the natural world takes center stage. There are no high-rise towers here. No neon chaos. Just golden sand, swaying palms, and the quiet rhythm of waves rolling onto shore.

We go surfing and hike up a waterfall in a place that feels like the Thailand of 30 years ago.

Alex Miller, Key Account Manager for Celebrity Cruise Line, joins our host, Bill Mullen, to share some insider tips and secrets on cruising you just won't get elsewhere. Look for a few announcements from our partnership with Celebrity Cruise Line. - we want to deliver epic vacations, right?!

The first in our series of episodes that mirror the destinations in the upcoming guidebook, "Sailing the Siam Spice Route; How to Get Lost in the Magic of Exotic Thailand." In this episode, we travel to the jungle lake of Khao Sok, Thailand.

Today's guest is the Founder and CEO of the New York publishing firm, Morgan James Publishing Inc., David Hancock.

I share the story about the inspiration for the new guidebook, and a few other stories from Thailand as well.

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