Thailand Trip Highlights 2023
Returning to Thailand in 2023 felt like a conversation with an old friend. While we revisited the familiar energy of Bangkok and the moving history of Kanchanaburi, this journey was defined by a deeper immersion into the kingdom’s natural soul. From the ancient, emerald rainforests of Khao Sok to the vertical limestone cliffs of Railay Beach, this adventure served as a testament to the rewards of returning to a place you love and finding it entirely new.
Day 1: Arrival and The River Kwai
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.
Day 3: The Tiers of Erawan
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 5: Ancient Cities and Museums
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.
Day 7: Sunset over Cheow Lan Lake
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.
Day 9: Ethical Encounters and Showlights
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.
Day 12: Bound for Koh Phi Phi
eaving the mainland behind, we caught the ferry to the legendary island of Koh Phi Phi. Checking into the ChaoKoh Hotel, we immediately felt the shift in energy. The island’s car-free streets and turquoise bays promised a chapter defined by crystalline waters, coastal charm, and a slower pace of life under the tropical sun.
Day 14: The Vertical Cliffs of Railay
Moving on to Railay Beach, we settled into the Railay Resort and Spa. Accessible only by boat, this peninsula provided the perfect backdrop for a quiet evening watching the sun dip behind the limestone karsts.
Day 16: The Markets of Ao Nang
We transferred to Ao Nang, staying at the Ava Sea Krabi Resort. The evening was spent navigating the stalls and flavours of the local night market.
Day 18: Monkey Trails and Secret Sands
We navigated the steep Monkey Trail to find the secluded Pai Plong beach. Later that day, we travelled back to the capital, checking into the Sukosol Hotel for our final urban chapter.
Day 20: A Final Cultural Immersion
We returned to the Ancient City museum to revisit our favourite architectural marvels, savouring the quiet beauty of the grounds one last time.
Day 2: Skywalks, Bridges, and Night Markets
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.
Day 4: Floating Markets and a Riverside New Year
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.
Day 6: Rainforest Rhythms and Night Safaris
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.
Day 8: Mist Safaris and Hot Springs
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.
Day 10-11: Phuket Exploration and Plane Beach
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.
Day 13: Bioluminescence and Iconic Bays
Our boat trip through the archipelago took us to Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, and the legendary sands of Maya Bay. After watching the sunset on the open ocean, we waited for total darkness to swim amongst bioluminescent plankton. Seeing the water ignite with blue sparks at every movement was a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience that defied description.
Day 15: Sunrises and Cave Secrets
A dawn hike to the Railay viewpoint rewarded us with a spectacular sunrise. We spent the day exploring the mysterious Phra Nang (Penis) Cave and the Bat Cave, concluding with another vivid Andaman sunset.
Day 17: Crystal Waters and Blue Lakes
On hired bikes, we sought out the inland beauty of the Crystal and Blue Lakes. These hidden freshwater pools offered a tranquil alternative to the salty shores of the coast.
Day 19: Skywalks and Tarantulas
We walked the Makkasan Skywalk at sunset, witnessing the city's transformation from gold to neon, before enjoying a drink at the Tarantula Rooftop Bar overlooking the Bangkok sprawl.
Day 21: The Journey Home
Our 2023 adventure concluded as we departed Bangkok for the flight back to London, carrying with us the vibrant spirit of the Land of Smiles.
Relive the Adventure: Our 2023 Thailand Highlights
From the historic rivers of Kanchanaburi to the shimmering horizons of the Andaman Sea, we have gathered our favourite moments into this two-part series. Join us as we navigate the vibrant chaos and serene sanctuaries of the Land of Smiles.
