Tantalising Thailand
From experience I know getting into Bangkok City can be horrrendous with all the traffic, so decided to take the BTS skyrail which leaves the airport and takes you to the city centre, which was really easy and efficient (even with your suitcases) and great views of the countryside along the way.
The train took about an hour to arrive at Sukhumuit Road where our hotel was then a short walk away.
Three nights staying at The Rembrandt Hotel, very central to everything. A beautiful hotel with a rooftop pool and bar with amazing views over the city - great way to spend an evening with a cocktail in hand...
With only 3 nights i had a lot to pack in so the following morning it was off to the Grand Palace and reclining buddha. I did this in the morning and so pleased as when we were leaving the queues were huge and standing around in the heat would of been unbearable. Thailand were still mourning the death of the King who died in October 2016 and at the Grand Palace they are building a crematorium where the King will be cremated.
A visit to the markets whilst in Bangkok is a must especially if you are into designer gear but without the price tag. With lots of clothes stores to food stalls the day markets then turn into night markets, and if you like to shop, then boy can you shop in Bangkok! The Central Embassy which houses top end brands such as Ferrari, Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabanna, Harrods - this place is lethal to the credit cards!
After our three nights I then flew from Bangkok to Phuket and stayed 5 nights at The Andaman Seaview Hotel which is at the furthest end of Karon Beach so lovely and quiet. The beach was across the road from the hotel and plenty of bars and restaurants to walk to. During my stay here was Songkran Festival which is Thai New Year and if you have never experienced this then it is crazy. Basically this holiday is also known for its water festival which is mainly celebrated by the young people. This festival is just one huge water fight in the streets with everyone walking around with water pistols and trucks driving past with barrels of water being thrown at anyone in sight - so if you don't want to get wet dont leave your hotel! Great fun and the kids loved it. The beach is lovely here, nice and shallow and calm.
Then for my final stop I was off to Khao Lak which was approximately a two hour drive from Karon Beach. Khao Lak was devasted in the 2004 tsunami but you wouldnt know it now as the town and hotels have all been completely re-built.
I stayed at The Sands Khao Lak which was beautiful, right on the beach. You could walk out to a few bars and restaurants or along the beach there were a few different restaurants and massage parlours otherwise the main town was only 10 mins drive away where it was more hustle and bustle.
The Hotel had two swimming pools and a few different bars around the resort with one main restaurant and there was a childrens club too.
You can book different excursions like to Phi Phi Island but we booked a day trip snorkelling that also took us to Mu Ko Surin Natonal Park.
Food is very cheap in Thailand especially if you eat Thai food and remember to haggle for goods politely as they do expect this. The Thai people I also found very friendly, and can't do enough to help you.
There is so much more to explore in Thailand but if this is somewhere that has been on your wish list then give me a call and I can talk more about where I visited or put together an itinerary for you. I visited the South of Thailand but there is also northern Thailand, as well as lots of islands.