Thailand Trip Highlights 2023

The journey to Thailand began with excitement. We had an early start with a 3:35 AM flight from Dubai via Emirates EK 376. After a smooth flight, we touched down in Bangkok at 10:10 AM local time.

By 12:30 PM, we arrived at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Our Thailand Trip Highlights 2023 truly began as we arranged a private transfer to Kanchanaburi. This serene town is rich in history and nature, located about two hours west of Bangkok. The pick-up went smoothly—right from Gate 3 at the airport.

Day two was dedicated to immersing ourselves in Kanchanaburi’s history and stunning landscapes. Our first stop was the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai. This haunting yet beautiful structure symbolizes World War II history. Walking across the bridge reminded us of Thailand’s rich past.

Next, we ventured into the natural beauty of Erawan National Park. The park features lush forest trails and emerald waterfalls. Entry cost just 300 Baht and was well worth it for the peaceful hike and stunning photo opportunities. This experience was a highlight of our Thailand Trip Highlights 2023.

We began the day early with another visit to Erawan National Park. We soaked in the serene beauty of its multi-tiered waterfalls. By 8:30 AM, the park opened. It welcomed us to explore its tranquil paths. This park is a must-visit for nature lovers and is one of the top Thailand Trip Highlights 2023.

In the afternoon, we returned to the River Kwai Bridge. There, we reflected on its historical significance. As the sun set over the Kwai River, we appreciated the freedom and peace we often take for granted. This moment underscored the importance of history in understanding the present.

Our last day of 2022 was unforgettable! First, we visited the Maeklong Railway Market. Here, vendors miraculously pull back their goods as the train rolls through. It was an Instagram-worthy moment that perfectly encapsulated our Thailand Trip Highlights 2023.

Later, we made our way to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Long-tail boats navigate the narrow canals, selling everything from tropical fruits to handmade souvenirs. The colors and aromas were intoxicating. We savored delicious treats and enjoyed the lively atmosphere.

Next, we headed to Icon Siam to catch the riverboat in Bangkok. We rang in the New Year amidst amazing entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. It marked a perfect end to 2022.

On Day 6, we flew to Surat Thani at 9:00 AM, arriving at 10:15 AM. Once we landed, a driver from our hotel was waiting to take us to our accommodation at Riverside Cottages.

After checking in, we enjoyed a thrilling canoe ride along the river. The scenery was breathtaking; we took in all the natural beauty surrounding us. We even stopped for coffee, enjoying a unique experience of having it boiled in bamboo over an open fire.

Later, we returned to the hotel to prepare for the Khao Sok Jungle Tour. Excitement filled the air as we geared up for a night safari to observe the nocturnal wildlife in the nature reserve. It was a thrilling way to immerse ourselves in the jungle’s nighttime wonders.

Day 7 continued our adventure with an overnight trip to Cheow Larn Lake. We joined a guide and 8-10 other guests for the journey. The boat ride offered incredible scenery as we made our way to a raft house for lunch.

In the afternoon, we had options to swim in the emerald waters, tour the jungle, or spend some time kayaking. The refreshing dip was a perfect way to cool off, and exploring the jungle was an exciting adventure.

After enjoying a fresh dinner that was included in our package, we settled into a floating bamboo bungalow for the night. Later, we embarked on another night safari, where we hiked up a waterfall in the jungle. It was a magical experience, immersing ourselves in the sounds and sights of the nocturnal environment.

On Day 8, we woke up early for a morning mist safari. As the sun began to rise, we kept an eye out for giant hornbills, monkeys, and gibbons feeding in the trees. It was a magical experience to see these creatures in their natural habitat.

After the safari, we returned to the raft house for breakfast. Once we checked out of our room, we had some free time to relax. We chose to swim and kayak in the tranquil waters, soaking in every moment of this beautiful location.

After lunch, we began our journey back to Riverside Cottages in the afternoon, filled with wonderful memories from our incredible stay at Cheow Larn Lake.

On Day 9, we traveled to Phuket, eager to explore the island. Our accommodation for the night was the Hotel Clover in Patong. After checking in and settling into our rooms, we took some time to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

In the evening, we attended the famous Simon Cabaret show. The dazzling performances and colorful costumes captivated us, making for a memorable night out in Phuket.

Day 11 started with an early morning ride on our scooters as we made our way to the iconic Big Buddha to catch the sunrise. The tranquil atmosphere at that hour was simply magical, and witnessing the first light of day illuminating the statue was a highlight of the trip.

On our journey, we passed by a field where some elephants were grazing, which was a beautiful sight. After soaking in the morning views of the Big Buddha, we continued our adventure to Wat Chai Thararam, also known as the temple of the reclining Buddha. The intricate architecture and serene ambiance truly took our breath away.

Next, we headed over to Phuket Old Town, a charming area filled with colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings and vibrant street art. We explored the local shops, cafes, and markets, immersing ourselves in the culture and history of the area. It was a day filled with exploration and discovery, making memories that we’ll cherish forever.

On Day 12, we set out on our scooters once again, this time driving to Mai Khao Beach. This beach is famous for its unique charm, especially as we watched planes flying low overhead while landing at Phuket Airport. It was an exhilarating experience to see the aircraft so close!

After enjoying the beach, we took some time to explore the local area and admired the stunning landscapes surrounding us. The natural beauty of Phuket continued to amaze us at every turn.

In the evening, we headed back to Bangla Road, eager to experience its lively nightlife once more. The vibrant atmosphere, with music and entertainment filling the air, made for a fun way to end the day. We soaked in the energy of the crowd, making it a memorable night in Phuket.

On Day 13, we took a fast boat to the stunning Koh Phi Phi. The ride was exhilarating, and we were filled with excitement to explore this beautiful island. Once we arrived, we wandered through the vibrant streets, taking in the picturesque scenery and relaxed island vibe.

After a day of exploration, we settled down on the beach in the evening to watch an amazing fire show. The performers captivated us with their incredible skills, twirling flaming batons and creating mesmerizing patterns against the night sky. It was a thrilling way to end our day, making our experience on Koh Phi Phi truly unforgettable.

On Day 14, we embarked on an unforgettable boat trip to explore some of the most beautiful spots in the area. Our adventure took us to Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, Maya Bay, and Loh Samah. Each location offered stunning views and unique experiences that left us in awe of the natural beauty surrounding us.

During the trip, we enjoyed swimming and relaxing at the various beaches. One of the highlights was diving into the sea at a secluded bay to witness the magical bioluminescent plankton. The glowing water created a surreal and enchanting experience that we’ll never forget.

As the day came to an end, we watched the sunset from the boat. The vibrant colors painting the sky were a perfect conclusion to an incredible day out. This was truly one of our favorite days of the trip!

On Day 16, we hired kayaks and set off to explore the stunning coves and bays around Railay. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters was exhilarating, and we reveled in the beauty of our surroundings. Each cove offered unique views and opportunities for discovery, making our excursion truly memorable.

After our kayak adventure, we enjoyed a relaxing beach day. We soaked up the sun, swam, and unwound by the shore. The highlight of the day came in the evening when we watched yet another spectacular sunset. The sky was painted in vibrant shades of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon, creating a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation.

Day 16 was an ideal blend of adventure and tranquility, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty of Railay.

We woke up early on Day 17, eager to experience Railay’s beauty from a different perspective. The hike to the East Railay viewpoint was rewarding, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The sunrise painted the sky in hues of gold and rose, a fitting prelude to the day. After savoring the vista, we continued our exploration, hiking down to the famous bat cave. This unique experience added another layer to our Railay adventure.

The remainder of the day was dedicated to relaxation on the beach, soaking up the final rays of Railay’s sun. We watched our final sunset over Railay, a perfect ending to our stay at this stunning location.

On Day 18, we traveled to Ao Nang, the final destination of our trip. After settling into our hotel, we ventured down to the beach to catch the stunning sunset. The golden hues reflecting on the water created a beautiful backdrop, marking a memorable end to our travels.

Later in the evening, we explored the local night market. The vibrant atmosphere was filled with the enticing aromas of street food from various vendors. We indulged in delicious local dishes, savoring the flavors that Thailand is known for. As we enjoyed our dinner, we also took in the lively entertainment, which included traditional music and dance performances.

The night was a perfect way to celebrate our journey and soak in the local culture before concluding our trip.

On Day 19, we hired more scooters and set off to explore the enchanting Emerald and Blue Pools. The ride was filled with excitement as we navigated through the scenic roads, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful landscapes.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by the mesmerizing colors of the pools. The stunning emerald waters of the Emerald Pool were inviting, and we couldn’t resist taking a dip. The vibrant blue hues of the nearby Blue Pool added to the magical atmosphere, making it feel like a hidden paradise.

We spent the day swimming, relaxing, and marveling at the natural beauty around us. The tranquility of the pools offered a serene escape and created lasting memories of our time in Thailand.

On Day 21, we prepared for our journey back to Bangkok. After an unforgettable trip filled with adventure, exploration, and beautiful memories, we checked out of our hotel in Ao Nang and made our way to the airport.

The flight back to Bangkok was smooth, and as we ascended into the sky, we took one last look at the stunning landscapes of southern Thailand. Arriving in Bangkok, we felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement, knowing we had experienced so much during our time in the country.

Once in Bangkok, we had the opportunity to explore a bit of the vibrant city that we hadn’t seen at the beginning of our trip. We wandered through lively streets, admired the eclectic mix of modern and traditional architecture, and savored delicious street food one last time.

Day 21 was a perfect conclusion to our journey—an opportunity to reflect on the incredible moments we shared and the beautiful places we visited throughout Thailand.

On Day 22, we dedicated our day to visiting the iconic Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. Arriving at the palace complex, we were immediately captivated by its stunning architecture and intricate details. The grandeur of the buildings, adorned with colorful tiles and golden spires, was a sight to behold.

As we explored the grounds, we learned about the rich history and cultural significance of the palace. The Emerald Buddha Temple, housed within the complex, was a highlight for us, with its serene atmosphere and beautiful craftsmanship. We took our time to soak in the beauty and history of this revered site.

After touring the palace, we headed to the Mahanakhon Sky Walk to catch the sunset over Bangkok. Ascending to this breathtaking viewpoint, we were treated to panoramic views of the sprawling city as the sun dipped below the horizon. The vibrant colors painted across the sky created an unforgettable backdrop, making it a perfect moment to capture.

To conclude our day, we made our way to the Tichuca Rooftop Bar for drinks. Sipping on refreshing cocktails while enjoying the stunning skyline view was a fantastic way to unwind and reflect on our incredible journey.

Day 22 was a wonderful blend of history, breathtaking views, and a vibrant atmosphere, leaving us with lasting memories of Bangkok.