Thailand

Oh Thailand, you were a fresh breeze of rejuvenating holiday amidst the tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic. I will always remember you as a savior and escape during those tough times. My trip to Thailand was one of the most unplanned and impromptu trips of my life. It all started when the travel restrictions were lifted towards the end of 2021. We had just returned to India after almost 2.5 years. And when it was time to head back to the Philippines, omicron variant led to new travel restrictions. Hence, we could not travel directly to Philippines from India. At that time Thailand was still open for tourists, so we decided to spend a week in Thailand before continuing to the Philippines. Keeping the Covid protocols in mind, we decided not to travel to any other islands and cities and made most of this trip by exploring Bangkok and its surroundings while experiencing the magic of Thailand’s rich culture. Bangkok, the bustling capital, is a city that never sleeps. Known for its vibrant street life, cultural landmarks, and luxurious experiences, Bangkok offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking adventure, a family looking for fun activities, or a luxury traveler wanting to indulge, Bangkok has it all. I think Thailand is the perfect place to indulge in some luxury, and we decided to do exactly that by making Marriot as our home for a week in Bangkok. I highly recommend staying in Marriot when in Bangkok for the lovely service, and stunning rooftop views and excellent food. This trip was extra special as it was my first time traveling in business class and of course loved every bit of the pampering! Our trip started by meeting few friends and spending some good time pub-hopping. When in Bangkok visiting and admiring the grandeur of intricate Thai architecture should be on top of your list. You can experience this by exploring the stunning complexes of Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha. You can also cruise through the Chao Phraya river to reach Wat Arun also known as the temple of Dawn. I am in awe of Thai architecture and its rich history! Just two hours from Bangkok, we decided to visit Pattaya because no vacation is complete without some vitamin sea! A day trip to Thailand’s unique floating markets such as Damnoen Saduak and train market gave a glimpse of the local life! Thailand is a shopper’s paradise, so we didn’t miss out on the markets and shopping malls. Icon Siam was one the most amazing malls I visited. We enjoyed our evenings on the rooftops overlooking the Bangkok skyline while sipping on cocktails and savouring my favourite Pad Thai! We all know how relaxing a Thai massage can be, so we absolutely did not miss our spa days. While getting my nails done at a salon and chatting with the staff, they recommended me to visit Muang Boran- The ancient city. This turned out to be one of the most unique things I did on my trip, and I will share more about this in my next blog. With its great hospitality and welcoming locals, Thailand has so much more to offer and lots to explored! I can’t wait to go back and experience its diverse nature, culture, landscapes, islands, beaches and more! But for now, wait for my next blog on how to spend a week in Bangkok.