Two Girls in Thailand

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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The giraffes were friendly, we fed them some food and they happily ate it all away.

Captured by my friend: Nandini

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.

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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.

The famous – TukTuk ride

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?

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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!

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