Does turning 25 feel like a major milestone to you, or is it just us? My friend Nandini was approaching her 25th birthday, and we hadn’t made any plans. Our restless spirits nagged at us, “But it’s June! Summer is in full swing in India. Where should we go?” I pondered. “Who said anything about staying in India?” she countered with a smile.
And so, within a matter of weeks, we found ourselves boarding a plane bound for Thailand.
Our first stop was Phuket, the largest island in the country. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the staff at the Novotel Resort, a recommendation from DPauls. The mere sight of the property left us speechless with wonder.
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGFrwaWKGbf/?taken-by=himadrieee
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.
Preferring to steer clear of the bustling atmosphere, we opted for ‘Monsoon,’ a haven of tranquility. Beyond its offerings of light refreshments and beverages, the Monsoon Bar treats its patrons to nightly performances by a top-notch house band.
Our next adventure took us to the Phi Phi Islands, an archipelago comprising six pristine gems, with Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lee reigning as the largest. Nestled 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Phuket, these islands are a veritable paradise for first-time visitors. Boarding a speedboat bound for Maya Bay, renowned as one of the world’s most enchanting beaches, we were instantly captivated by its allure.
During our journey, we made a stop at Koh Phi Phi Don for a delightful buffet lunch. Opting for Thai cuisine instead of our usual Indian fare, we explored the island, stumbling upon quaint eateries and cafes along the way. Perhaps it was the boat ride, the balmy weather, or simply the leisurely stroll, but both of us felt an overwhelming urge to nap. Serendipitously, we discovered a wooden cot nestled under a tree, perfectly positioned to face the sea. Without hesitation, we settled onto it and swiftly drifted into a peaceful slumber.
As we journeyed back to Phuket aboard the speedboat, we perched on the side rails, dangling our feet and marveling at the scenic islands. Eventually, the mesmerizing scenery lulled us into a deep sleep, our heads gently swaying with the motion of the boat. Awaking to the sensation of water droplets on our faces, we were greeted by a sudden shower, swiftly followed by a dramatic change in the sky’s hue and the sea’s temperament.
It was a poignant reminder of the duality inherent in all things, akin to the contrasting facets of our own beings—both genuine and exquisite in their own right. After a blissful stay in Phuket, we eagerly anticipated our next destination: Bangkok.
On our inaugural evening in Bangkok, we relished the captivating nightscape from the deck of The Chaophraya Cruise, soaking in the panoramic views of the renowned 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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGQj6Z7qGcR/?taken-by=himadrieee
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, often referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is also known as a Viharn, a term from Sanskrit that denotes a Buddhist monastery. Within its confines lies the magnificent reclining Buddha, constructed in 1832. This colossal image symbolizes the moment of Buddha’s entry into Nirvana, signifying the culmination of all reincarnations.
In this depiction, the Buddha’s right arm cradles his head, adorned with tightly coiled curls, resting upon two box-pillows lavishly adorned with glass mosaics. While the reclining Buddha may not serve as a focal point for pilgrimage, it holds significant reverence among devotees and remains a cherished 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 me, as a follower of Buddhism, this day held a deeper significance than any other.
After exploring all the places on our list, we decided to indulge in some shopping—a priority not shared by every girl 😊
Our destination: Chatuchak Market—a behemoth among markets worldwide. Here, there’s an abundance of sights, activities, and merchandise to explore. Stepping into the market, you might initially feel overwhelmed by the seeming lack of order, but fear not—the market is neatly divided into sections.
Our first stop was the section dedicated to antiques, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Here, we found presents for our loved ones back home and picked up some magnets to decorate 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?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGRHr2uKGQG/?taken-by=himadrieee
The fourth section is for house decor which specializes in all manner of housewares, from plastic buckets to brass lamps.
In the final section, you’ll find an array of potted plants, flowers, and gardening accessories. Even if you’re not particularly fond of flowers like myself, you’re bound to find something intriguing to take home from this selection.😉
Thailand ranks among the most exhilarating destinations globally, promising unforgettable experiences whether you’re visiting for a week or a month.
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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