Thailand Trip Highlights 2022:

Our 2022 odyssey began as we touched down at Bangkok (BKK) International Airport. After navigating the necessary health protocols and showing our Thai Passes, we were whisked away to the Nouvo City Hotel. We completed our arrival PCR tests promptly and spent the evening in quiet anticipation of the adventures ahead.

With PCR results confirmed as negative by mid-morning, we stepped out to explore our local neighbourhood. We wandered through the vibrant streets for two hours, soaking in the tropical heat and local atmosphere before returning to the hotel to join our group for a relaxing afternoon by the pool.

We took to the streets by bike to discover the city’s hidden pulse. This cycling tour led us through narrow backstreets, secret alleyways, and along ancient canals. The intricate beauty of the local wats (temples) provided a serene contrast to the energetic chaos that defines this incredible metropolis.

An early start brought us to the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors expertly retract their stalls to allow active trains to pass through. We then explored the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, often called the “Venice of the East,” where we witnessed a labyrinth of boats laden with fresh produce and local crafts.

We travelled to the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, home to a spectacular seven-level waterfall. Swimming in the glacial blue pools was a refreshing highlight of our Thai journey, offering a moment of pure tranquillity amidst the emerald jungle.

We transferred to the historic city of Ayutthaya, the second capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Exploring the majestic ruins of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Phanan Cheong offered a profound look into the architectural grandeur and spiritual history of the region.

Our journey took an unexpected turn when a member of our group tested positive, requiring a ten-day isolation period. Though we were restricted to the hotel, we made the most of our forty-five minutes of daily fresh air on the roof terrace. This period became a challenging but reflective part of our midlife adventure.

Once cleared for travel, we flew south to Krabi and checked into the COSI in Ao Nang. We celebrated our freedom with a refreshing dip in the pool and a walk to the beach. Watching our first Andaman sunset with a cold Chang in hand was a blissful moment of pure relaxation.

We embarked on a boat expedition across the turquoise sea. Our journey took us to the pristine sands of Bamboo Island and the world-famous Maya Bay. Snorkelling amongst the vibrant marine life of the Phi Phi Islands showcased the breathtaking natural beauty that defines the Thai coast.

We embarked on a boat expedition across the turquoise sea. Our journey took us to the pristine sands of Bamboo Island and the world-famous Maya Bay. Snorkelling amongst the vibrant marine life of the Phi Phi Islands showcased the breathtaking natural beauty that defines the Thai coast.

After a morning exploring the island, we caught the boat back to Ao Nang. We spent a quiet afternoon by the pool before heading to the Yesterday Bar to toast another beautiful sunset over the Andaman Sea.

A traditional longtail boat whisked us away to the vertical cliffs of Railay Beach. We spent the day lounging on the white sands and exploring the mysterious depths of the Bat Cave. We returned to Ao Nang just as the sun began its final descent.

We flew back to the capital for a spectacular conclusion to our journey. Visiting the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, we stood on the revolving view deck 83 floors above the city. The shimmering skyline offered a perfect vantage point to reflect on our unforgettable 2022 journey before our flight home to London.

Our 2023 odyssey began at the airport, where a private van whisked us away to the Royal River Kwai Resort in Kanchanaburi. Settling in beside the gentle flow of the water, we spent our first evening absorbing the tropical heat and preparing for a journey through Thailand’s historic heart. The resort provided a serene sanctuary to recover from the long flight before our exploration began in earnest.

We paid our respects at the world-famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a site of profound historical weight and architectural significance. For a more modern perspective, we ventured onto the Kanchanaburi Skywalk, a spectacular glass bridge perched high above the riverbank. Walking across the transparent floor offered a thrilling, panoramic view over the confluence of the Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi rivers. As evening fell, we immersed ourselves in the local rhythm at the Kanchanaburi night market, a vibrant sensory introduction to the trip’s culinary delights, where the air was thick with the scent of sizzling street food and local spices.

We spent the day amongst the lush, emerald landscapes of Erawan National Park. Climbing the seven-tiered waterfall required effort, but we found sanctuary in the glacial blue pools at every level. Swimming in these natural basins, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle, remains a refreshing highlight of our time in the central highlands and a true testament to Thailand’s raw natural beauty.

Day 4 began at the Damnoen Saduak floating market, where we navigated the labyrinth of boats laden with fruit and local crafts. After transferring to Bangkok, we prepared for a milestone celebration. We ushered in the new year in spectacular style, watching the city’s massive skyline ignite with fireworks from the deck of an Alangka River Cruise, toast to our midlife adventures.

We spent New Year’s Day exploring the architectural wonders of the Erawan Museum, with its giant three-headed elephant, and the vast grounds of the Ancient City. These sites offered a quiet, reflective start to the year, allowing us to wander through replicas of Thailand’s most beautiful temples and historic monuments in a single, peaceful afternoon.

Flying south to Surat Thani, we transferred to the Riverside Cottages in Khao Sok. We took to the water in a canoe to spot river wildlife as the sun filtered through the canopy. As darkness fell, we ventured into the jungle on a guided night safari. Using only our torches, we witnessed the forest’s nocturnal pulse, spotting spiders, civets, and the hidden life of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

We joined a small expedition to the prehistoric beauty of Cheow Lan Lake. After a longtail boat ride through towering limestone karsts, we trekked to a hidden waterfall and explored the prehistoric landscape. We watched a breathtaking sunset from our floating bamboo bungalow, where the silence was broken only by the water lapping at our doorstep.

A morning mist safari at dawn offered glimpses of giant hornbills and monkeys feeding in the treetops before we returned to the mainland. We concluded our wilderness immersion with a hike through the national park and a soak in the therapeutic, warm waters of the local hot springs, a perfect way to soothe our muscles after two days of jungle exploration.

Before leaving Khao Sok, we visited the local Elephant Sanctuary for a moving, ethical encounter that prioritised the welfare of these majestic creatures. We then travelled toward Phuket, stopping at further hot springs along the way. Our evening ended with a complete change of pace—the glamour and high-energy performance of the world-famous Simon Cabaret in Patong.

Hiring bikes, we navigated the winding coastal roads of Phuket to visit the Big Buddha and the pastel-hued, historic streets of Old Town. On Day 11, we headed to the unique “Plane Beach” at Mai Khao. Standing on the sand as the heavy metal of arriving aircraft skimmed just metres above our heads was an exhilarating experience that provided some of the most dramatic photos of the trip.