Thailand has been a choice for short rejuvenation trips for Asians and long vacation stays for many others due to its warm tropical climate and the energetic vibe of the country. I'm back to corporate-life, this time, working for my passion in adventure travel. I clearly miss those days when I was slow traveling in Himachal Pradesh after quitting my job, but I certainly don't miss out on any opportunity to travel. Travel brings an everlasting smile on my face and keeps me forever young. A quick rejuvenating getaway to Thailand from Mumbai was most welcome to take a break from my work. Thailand welcomed me with enough warmth for that smile! ?
Rejuvenating in the Thai way
The first thing that attracted me after I landed in Thailand was the famous Thai massage. The glow on my skin after being pampered with a massage followed by a luxurious time in the jacuzzi was unmatchable. I was rejuvenated to enjoy my trip ahead.
Jacuzzi with swimming pool at Grand Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok
Vibrant nightlife in Bangkok
Bangkok exactly matched my expectations of vibrant city coming out alive in the night. The entire city is lit up to give a memorable night life experience to everyone who visits the city. Taking a cruise ride in the night on Chao Phraya river gives a beautiful view of the city's sky line and the historical landmarks along the river. Needless to say, hop on the bar streets for a few Chang or Singha beers.
Night cruise on river Chao Phraya
Wat hopping in Bangkok
Wat hopping in Bangkok is the best way to feel the vibe of the kingdom of Thailand. It was a calming morning for the early riser when I went Wat hopping in Bangkok. Taking a boat ride on Chao Phraya river is also an exciting way to hop on to the historic landmarks of the city.
Shop till you drop in Bangkok
Having lived minimalistic in the mountains, I hadn't updated my wardrobe in last 3 years. The huge shopping malls in Bangkok offered me wide range of trendy clothes, footwear, bags for my selection. Bangkok would be every girl's delight for shopping therapies. This is the first time I went shopping on my travels and I don't regret spending my time in the malls there.
Shopping at Pratunam mall, Bangkok
Exploring local life at Floating Markets in Bangkok
The floating markets of Thailand have were traditional market setups for locals where water transport was an important part of the daily life. People living on the river side used boats to barter and trade goods. Now, they have become popular tourist attractions, where the outsiders can take a ride in the boat, buy goods and food made by the locals and experience the traditional way of life. These markets sell creative handicrafts, souvenirs, traditional clothes and accessories, food items on their boats. On one of the early mornings, I visited the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, 100 kms away from Bangkok. The long tail boat took me through narrow canals with traditional houses on the sides. I love to explore and learn about the local life at different places I travel to and this was clearly my best experience in Bangkok.
Damnoen Saduak Floating market, Bangkok
Tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok
Tuk-tuk ride was one of the most fascinating experiences I had in Bangkok. Here, high speed bikes are converted into tuk-tuks. I could sit back in the comfortable seats with my legs stretched while the tuk-tuk rider took me around the city. Hiring tuk-tuks in Bangkok is quite expensive, but, highly recommended as it is one of an experience. I enjoyed the ride so much that I kept taking rounds in the tuk-tuk till midnight before I hit the bar streets. Bangkok is absolutely safe for women travellers.
Tuk Tuk Ride in Bangkok
Pampering with luxury in Phuket
After the shopping, tuk-tuk rides, vibrant night life of Bangkok, I needed my "me" time. I flew to Phuket for few days to pamper myself with luxury. Phuket welcomed me with luxury resorts overlooking the tranquil beaches. I could freely walk around this peaceful island as opposed to the busy city of Bangkok.
Amari Patong Resort
Street food in Thailand
I would love exploring the local food served by the locals at any new place I visit. While strolling around in Patong, I chanced upon some fresh street food at the Banzaan market. You would choose your own lobster or king prawns and get it cooked in front of you as per your taste. This place is a delight to sea-food lovers.
Street Food at Banzaan Market
Apart from the quirky food, you can try some pad thai, muslim style pancakes, khao pad, salad, noodle soup, grilled chicken and pork, shrimps and a huge variety of thai steamed dumplings. I found my favourite muslim pancakes cooked by one of the sweetest women I found in Thailand. This is exactly what I travel for!
Muslim pancake at Banzaan Market
Beautiful sunsets at Phuket
The beaches of Phuket turn into fairylands in the evening when the sun sets down leaving behind a riot of deep soothing colours in the sky. Just when you are winding up your day at the beaches after swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving, nature gives you more reasons for admiration. I could feel life unfold as I sat on the soothing white sand beaches during the evenings and enamoured the changing shades of the sky.
Sunset at Patong Beach, Phuket
Sunset at Kata Beach, Phuket
White sand beaches at Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Islands look glamorous with its myriad shades of turquoise blue waters and pretty white sand beaches. The limestone cliffs and the flamboyant long tails boats in the Andaman Sea adds on to the glamour.
Limestone cliffs and long tailed boats at Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands have wide range of luxury resorts on the beach and is a very popular party destination among the youngsters. I wish I had more time to spend at this island! Nevertheless, I bid adieu to Thailand with beautiful memories, only wanting to come back again for Scuba Diving to explore the underwater life in this part of the globe.
Thailand offered me a perfect rejuvenating holiday with shopping therapy, relaxing spa sessions, soothing beaches, Thai luxury and hospitality, vibrant nightlife, delicious sea-food and lovely people.
Thailand offered me a perfect rejuvenating holiday with shopping therapy, relaxing spa sessions, soothing beaches, Thai luxury and hospitality, vibrant nightlife, delicious sea-food and lovely people.
White sand beaches at Phi Phi Islands
P.S. My trip was organised by Getaway Goddess in association with Tourism Authority of Thailand.
My pictures have been clicked by Mohit Khushlani
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