Thailand is ready to welcome tourists after a two year forced hiatus because of the pandemic. The authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the tourists are safe with all the protocols enforced while ensuring that the process is swift and does not cause any inconvenience to anyone. Sharing more about our experiences from our recent trip to the beautiful island nation.
Bangkok
Landing into the capital’s Suvarnabhumi airport is always a delight, we opted for the ‘test and go’ facility hence we headed straight for a drive through test followed by isolation in the hotel room till we tested negative.
Once negative, we were ready to embark on a journey we had been missing for the last couple of years. We had a comfortable stay at the newly renovated Montien Hotel in Surawong, Bangkok. Under the able guidance of the extremely hospitable Pierre-Andre Pelletier, the hotel leaves no stone unturned to give you the feeling of home away from home. We were out to explore the city which is ready to welcome visitors with open arms after a brief gap.
The first halt was at Vertigo, a sky bar in the Banyan Tree hotel. The bar has breathtaking views and leaves you mesmerized with a scenic sunset, delectable cocktails and great music. It was time for a Thai meal that we were craving for so long and we decided to head straight to ‘Baan Kanitha’, the authentic thai restaurant. The quaint restaurant welcomes you with Thai heritage and culture engraved in interiors; the spices and aroma make the food so delectable that you look forward to visit again.
With a fresh day at our hands, we decided to explore the shopping scene in the Thai capital. We stumbled upon ‘Icon Siam’, the jewel of Thai shopping. Icon Siam, is situated on the banks of the river Chao Phraya. One of the largest in Asia, the mall is a one stop destination for all that one can think of shopping.
Any trip to the banks of the river is incomplete without a visit to the lively and bustling, Asiatique. Asiatique is a promenade which houses some of the finest restaurants and bars in the city in addition to local shopping and a gigantic ferris wheel.
Asiatique also serves as a pier to all the boat cruises that take place on the river Chao Phraya. The cruises make you see the most iconic monuments in the Thai capital while you sip on your favourite drink and nibble on a wide spread buffet. The Chaophraya cruise is the one we embarked on and they left no stone unturned in making sure we have a memorable time.
Mesmerized by the beauty of Vertigo, we decided to explore another newly opened sky bar, Tichuca. Located on the 48th to 50th floors, Tichuca offers a stellar view of the city and also leaves you awe struck with its tastefully done interiors and a vibe that is sure to get your feet tapping.
Our last stop before our flight to Phuket was Mega Bangna, a luxury shopping mall which truly lives up to its name ‘Mega’. A huge shopping mall, Mega Bangna houses some of the most luxe fashion, cosmetics, sports and gadget stores. The mall also houses a wide variety of restaurants and cafés to choose from.
Phuket
Landing in Phuket will give you the chills as the landing strip is adjoining the sea. Phuket is a beautiful destination and offers you a variety of leisure activities from water sports, sailing, spa, parties, great and we decided to make the most of our stay here.
We stayed at Amari Phuket, a lavish resort located at the Patong beach making it a stone throw away from the action packed beach and Bangla road. The resort houses two swimming pools and has a private beach which offers to the luxury of literally dining next to the sea other than offering a stimulating view from the rooms.
Patong beach is busy during the day with water sports activities and the Bangla road is bustling in the evening with live music shows, karaoke bars and night clubs. If you still miss the Bangkok vibe, Kee hotel located adjacent to the Bangla road houses a magnificent sky bar.
Island hoping is another luxury that Phuket has to offer with some magnificent islands just a speed boat away. We explored the islands Koh Racha and Koh Hey, the islands boast some of the most pristine beaches we have witnessed so far. Snorkeling in the clear waters will definitely make you fall in love with the aquatic view that the islands have to offer. If you are a sea food lover, Koh Hey will offer you a wide variety of sea food to satiate your taste buds with. The day ended just perfectly as we stopped by at the Oasis Turquoise Cove Spa. Upon entering its Chino-Portuguese archway, you encounter Moroccan furnishings that create a Mediterranean ambiance. Hidden between the waterfalls are ten private treatment villas with terrazzo baths. Along with award winning spa pampering and treatments, one can also enjoy outdoor rain showers, a Thai herbal steam cave and the outdoor swimming pool.
Fresh and wanting for more, we decided to explore the other side of the city which houses some of the most luxurious resorts. We Stopped by at the Marriott Resort and Spa located at Nai Yang Beach for a delectable meal. Well-suited for families, couples and business travelers, the resort inspires effortless relaxation with beachfront rooms and private villas. One can spend the day at the hotel beach and enjoy unrivaled water activities at Yacht Haven and Royal Phuket Marinas. Punctuate a memorable day with a swim in the sparkling lagoon pool, a restorative treatment at the resort spa.
We reached Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket and were taken aback by the beautiful and grand Thai entrance of the resort. Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket combines elegant Thai heritage with gracious hospitality.
Set on the white sands of Bang Tao beach, the hotel is surrounded by lush gardens, overlooking the glittering Andaman Ocean.
From water sports and the 18-hole Laguna Phuket golf course to the tranquil spa and myriad dining experiences, guests enjoy the full-service facilities for which Dusit Thani is renowned.
