Is 25th birthday a huge deal for all of you or is it just us? My friend Nandini was going to turn 25 and we had not planned anything. Our wandering souls bothered us, “But it’s June! Summer is at its peak in India, where can we go” I said. “Who said anything about India?” exclaimed she 😊
That’s how, within a few weeks, we found ourselves on a plane to Thailand.
Phuket was our first destination, the country’s largest island. We were welcomed by a very friendly staff of the Novotel Resort which was recommended to us by DPauls. The first glimpse of the property itself left us in awe.
The resort is spread across the slope of a hill, it is one of those places you really don’t want to leave!
We spent some time swimming and playing volley ball in the pool, however, since we were here to explore, we decided to go to the famous Bangla Road in the evening.
Walking down the beach, I was immediately attracted to the aroma of pancake. A street vendor was selling pancake with various toppings. I chose the mango and Nutella pancake which left me wanting for more.
The sight on Bangla Road is a contrast from this beauty of the beach. The road is closed for vehicle traffic and comes to life when the sun sets. This should be the only place you go to if you’re looking for a fun night out. Most of the pubs are outdoors and the deafening music literally vibrates the entire road.
We chose to go to ‘Monsoon’, away from the seediness. Apart from the light refreshments and drinks that they offer, the Monsoon Bar offers quality house band for its guests every night.
Phi Phi Islands (six in number, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lee being the largest) is a must visit for first timers, which was our next destination. They lie 40 kilometers (25 miles) south-east of Phuket. We took a speed boat to Maya Bay which is one of world’s most beautiful beach and it was love at first sight
We halted at Koh Phi Phi Don for a buffet lunch. Instead of eating Indian, we tried Thai (else, what’s the point) Strolling on the island, we came across various small restaurants and cafes. I am not sure if it was the boat ride, the nice warm weather, or all that stroll on the island, that both of us wanted to just lie down and take a nap. We found a wooden cot under a tree which was facing the sea as if it was destined to be there. 😉 Without any second thoughts, we sat on it and within a few seconds we found ourselves laying on it and fast asleep 😃
On our the trip back to Phuket on the speed boat, we sat swinging our feet from the side rails and watched the beautiful islands
After some time of sightseeing, both of us succumbed to sleep – on the side rails!! The sun shining meekly and the sound of waves dashing against the boat singing a perfect lullaby. We slept sound for about an hour until we were woken up surprised with some shower of water on our face, it was raining 😊 Within moments, the sky had changed its color and the waves of the dark angry sea were now roaring.
It was beautiful to see the two sides of the same place, don’t we all have these two sides of us too? Both are true and both are beautiful.
After an amazing stay at the beautiful Phuket, we were ready for Bangkok 😊
On our first evening in Bangkok, we enjoyed Bangkok nightscape from the porch of The Chaophraya Cruise deck, overlooking the famous Chao Phraya River.
Some historical sites and scenic temples line the banks of the river like the Wat Pratum Khong Ka, Wat Kanlayanamrit, the Royal Thai Navy Headquarter Buildings, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keaw (the Emerald Buddha temple), Phra Sumen Fort and the Rama VIII Bridge.
After a hearty buffet, we went to the Sirocco & Sky Bar Lebua, made even more famous by hosting the Hangover II boys. The multi-hued Bar is situated 64 floors up overlooking the river.
Safari World and Marine Park was booked for the next day. If you’re interested in a safe close encounter with animals you’d rather not have otherwise – this is your chance!
We were in a car and were directed to keep the window shut at all times. Driving around the park stretching kilometers, we saw deer, giraffes, zebras and even tigers! Being so close to the tigers was an experience I will not forget. I was amazed at how calm they looked lazing on that grass!
The giraffes were friendly, we fed them some food and they happily ate it all away.

If you are an animal lover, Safari World should be on your list. The “Marine Park” hosts the dolphin show and the seal show which is captivating to watch – if you are someone like me, you will definitely wonder how the dolphins feel somersaulting in mid-air, tossing balls with their fins and singing in a chorus, or performing dives unrivaled in their gracefulness and swiftness.
Khao San Road a 1km strip takes off at night and the only way to navigate the road is by foot. Decorated by neon lights and music blasting from the street pubs, the road is home to backpackers around the world.

Street vendors selling spring rolls, hamburgers, pizzas and falafel are seen to be all around.
You will also find vendors selling scorpions, cockroaches, spiders, mini-frogs, and grasshoppers. It’s a sight to see people eating these creatures.
A market all unto itself, you will find vendors selling bags, cheap flip flops, sunglasses and really everything you need here.
We sat at one of the clubs that was playing the best music and celebrated Nandini’s birthday dancing through the night.
Our last day in Thailand was booked for a half day city tour. The vacation couldn’t have ended on a better note than this 😊
Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest Buddhist temple is home to more than one thousand Buddha images as well as one of the largest single Buddha images. The temple contains about 90 chedis (stupas)
The Wat Pho temple is guarded by these beautiful Chinese Stone Warriors.
The temple is also known as the Temple of Reclining Buddha. The viharn (Sanskrit for Buddhist monastery) contains the reclining Buddha built in 1832. The image of the reclining Buddha represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations. The right arm of the Buddha supports the head with tight curls, which rests on two box-pillows richly encrusted with glass mosaics. Although the reclining Buddha is not a pilgrimage center, it remains an object of popular piety.
Wat Traimit is the temple of the Golden Buddha.
This beautiful 700 years old Sukhothai Traimit Golden Buddha is the largest Golden Buddha image in the world made of pure gold.. The statue is 3 metres (9.8 ft) tall and weighs 5.5 tonnes
For a follower of Buddhism, this day was more special to me than any other.
Once all the places we wanted to see were checked off, we decided to splurge on shopping at the end – not every girl looks at shopping as a priority 😊
Chatuchak Market – This is among the largest markets in the world. There is plenty to see, do and buy here. Once you enter the market, you will feel like there is no order or escape, but the market is arranged into sections.
The first is the antiques, handicrafts and souvenirs. This is where we picked up presents for folks back home and some magnets to adorn our fridge 😊
Second section is for clothing and accessories. From Thai youth culture, to punks, cowboys to sophisticated independent labels.
Third section caters to eating and drinking.
We chose to eat the coconut ice cream served in coconut shell, where else would you find this?
The fourth section is for house decor which specializes in all manner of housewares, from plastic buckets to brass lamps.
The last section is for plants and gardening. It features a large variety of potted plants, flowers and accessories for the garden. If, like me, you’re not interested in flowers, you can take one of these home 😉
Thailand is one of the most thrilling places in the world and whether you’re here for a week or a month, it is sure to leave you with some great experiences.
Have you been to Thailand? Do let me know of more places I could visit the next time I am there!
Thanks for stopping by
I’m stopping off in Bangkok for three nights, on my way to Bali in a couple of months.
I’ve never been before, and my wife was there over 20 years ago.
I’m looking forward to seeing it, and my wife is looking forward to seeing how it’s changed.
Love your pictures.
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What a great time for me to have written this 🙂 Do write about your visit to Bali and Bangkok both.
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I definitely will. Not going till mid April, so you’ll have to wait till then 🙂
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I shall 🙂
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lovely post.. i am still trying to learn how to post instagram videos on wordpress..
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Thank you. You just have to copy paste the URL of the Instagram post that you want to include there.
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nice.. ill try that the next time 🙂
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Some great pictures of Bangkok’s temples!
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Thank you 🙂
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Thanks for visiting my blog. Great post and great pictures 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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The resort looks really awesome! And your photos of the temples are so cool! Wished we could have visited much of their temples though but we we’re mostly interested with beach activities.
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The temples are beautiful! Next time I will go for the water sports too 😊
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Wow, you were able to tour the whole Phuket and Bangkok. I haven’t done that but I guess if ever I come back here I will definitely go to Phi Phi Island haha xD
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Haha. Yes Phi Phi islands are beautiful – a must visit for sure
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Wow!! Cool captures of this wonderful place. I enjoyed my visit. 🙂
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Might visit the Floating market the next time Im there 🙂
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Nice one! Love the temple photos 😉
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😊
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Thanks 🙂
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I still remember the smell of those pancakes. I kept buying them for my evening snacks 😃😃
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I’ve been planning to make them myself at home – hopefully soon 🙂
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You’ve made me fall in love with Thailand all over again! I’ve visited both Phuket and Bangkok a few times and have never really been a “tourist” there so I’ve decided that I’m going to do so with my family in April! Love the photos, such attention to detail! 💕
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Thanks. I love it there too, Thailand is magical – you just need to go to the right places 🙂
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Looks like you had a good time! The photos really remind me why I love living in Thailand!
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I did. Some places are beautiful.
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Lovely post! Brought back memories from my Thailand trip!
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Thank you.
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That was great, thanks for sharing! I love your photos – I know how hard it is with some of those places, to represent it the way you want others to see it. I do have many more photos to share of our time in Bangkok (and elsewhere), but it is finding the time to upload and share… Keep in touch!
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Yes. It does take a lot to show others what we see and want them to see. The perspectives are always different. I loved my time in Thailand.
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Beautiful post! Guess I will go back to Thailand.. there is so much more to experience there! Thanks 🙂
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Thank you 🙂 It is an amazing country, if you know the right places to be. I still have to see a few more places there, may be next time.
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Based on the pictures, you had an amazing experience. Thailand is the place to be, Himadri!
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It sure is 😊
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Looks like you had an amazing time! What a beautiful place!
Yes 25 is deffo a big one for us too; I’ve planned an amazing surprise trip for my fiancé for his 25th this year and he has no idea… Your post just got me excited 😀
http://www.locomotewithmeblog.wordpress.com
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We loved it there!! I’m looking forward to read yours!
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Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you I cannot wait ❤️🙊
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Ah, I went to Thailand skipping one of the trimester exam for MBA and not telling my parents about the trip, back in 2015. Then onwards, I started adore Thailand like noplace else in the world. Relived all my memory through your spectacular photos. Read my Blog ar Orangewayfarer.wordpress.com You will see some similar pics from Maya bay and james Bond etc, and since it is a WIP ( ni am a newbee in the world of blogging), I have volumes to write about Thailand again! And the food, my taste buds, oh My My. Much love lady for writing this beautiful blog!
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Just read yours. I did like Thailand too.. I am not a fan of visiting the place more than once unless I am in love with it. Rishikesh is the only place that keeps calling me back. Hopefully there’ll be more places on that list soon.
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Haha, I get it. Like kolkata is for me.
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I haven’t been to Kolkata yet. Maybe someday
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Lemme know, I will show you the city around! 🙂
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Sure 🙂
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