There are vacations, and then there are experiences—the kind that blend adventure, love, food, and a little bit of chaos. Our recent Thailand trip was exactly that: a cocktail of sunsets, sandy toes, temples, tigers, and turquoise waters. From the city lights of Bangkok to the tranquil waves of Phuket, here’s a memory-laden breakdown of our unforgettable escape.
From Pune to Bangkok – The Beginning
Our journey kicked off with a direct flight from Pune to Bangkok—smooth, convenient, and exciting. As soon as we landed, the energy of Thailand wrapped around us like a warm welcome hug.
We checked into ibis Riverside Bangkok, a cozy hotel with views of the Chao Phraya River. With three nights in hand, we had just the right amount of time to blend touristy vibes with laid-back moments.
Exploring Bangkok: Temples, Towers & a Special Cruise Night
Here’s what we explored:
- King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk: One of the highest observation decks in Thailand. The view? Breathtaking. Glass floor? Heart-racing.
- Wat Pho & Wat Arun: These ancient temples are a must-visit. The architecture, the vibes, the peace—they’ll make you pause.
- Shopping & Malls: Bangkok doesn’t disappoint. We shopped a little, explored a lot.
💞 Special Day Highlight – 3rd July
On our special day, we took a romantic cruise from Terminal 21. The city lights, Thai music, and good food made it magical. An anniversary night to remember forever.
Road to Pattaya – The GTA Vibes Begin
We hopped into a cab and left for Pattaya—a 2.5-hour drive that felt long, but the roads were smooth and worth every mile. Pattaya greeted us with breezy winds and a slightly chaotic charm.
Our stay was at Jomtein Palm Beach Hotel, just a walk away from the sea.
Things we did:
- Tiger Park: A thrilling visit, where we saw tigers up close. Mixed feelings, though—the animals looked tamed and caged. Still, quite an experience.
- Floating Market: A lively and colorful market where the boats serve you food, souvenirs, and photo ops.
That evening, we sat by the beach in front of Jomtien Night Market, soaking in a glorious sunset that looked like something out of a video game. On our way back, we walked past 7-Elevens, grabbing snacks and smiles.
Sanctuary of Truth & Big Buddha – Culture Soaked Day
The next day, we let our souls slow down.
- Visited The Sanctuary of Truth – an all-wood marvel with intricate carvings. It’s one of the most gorgeous places in Pattaya.
- Nearby, we checked out Big Buddha Hill, a peaceful spot overlooking the city.
As the evening set in, we walked all the way to Pattaya Night Market, had dinner at an Indian restaurant, and cabbed back using the Grab app—highly recommended for commuting.
Checkout this view from the inside:
Early Beach Walks & Pool Bliss
On our last morning in Pattaya, I walked alone to the nearby beach just after sunrise. Quiet, raw, and beautiful.
Then came the infinity pool session—just wow! The pool at Jomtein Palm was deep, clear, and peaceful. A dip before check-out? Perfect send-off.
We grabbed breakfast and left for Utapao Airport (fun fact: sounds like “vada pav” 😄). We flew to Phuket via Bangkok Airways.
Hello, Phuket – Beaches, Ice Creams & Instagrammable Spots
Our final stop was Phuket. We stayed at the Andaman Beach Hotel – Accor Handwritten Collection. Among all the hotels, this one felt the most luxurious and relaxed.
What we loved:
- Patong Beach: Just a walk away. Clean roads, open sky, beautiful sunset. We spent our evenings walking along the beach and dining at Isha Indian Restaurant—so good, we went twice!
- Old Phuket Town: A quaint, Insta-perfect gem. Ice creams, tea shops, and cute souvenir stores made for a leisurely day.
- Bangla Road Night Market: Loud, vibrant, and full of energy. Think Pattaya but louder. Worth a quick visit.
Phi Phi Islands – Rainy Day, Big Adventure
Our Phi Phi Island tour was booked for the next day. It rained in the morning, but we didn’t back out.
From hotel pickup at 7 AM to riding the waves to Maya Bay, it was wild and wonderful. Here’s the island hop breakdown:
- Koh Naka: Gorgeous and photogenic.
- Monkey Beach: As cheeky as it sounds.
- Snorkeling near Phi Phi: My first time! With the guide’s help, I saw corals, fishes, and even an eel. A bit scared at first, but totally worth it.
- Maya Bay: Honestly? A bit overhyped. Entry is charged at 400 THB/person. Just good for pictures.
We returned, changed, and visited the beach one last time. Grabbed some 7-Eleven drinks, enjoyed a beach massage, and ended the trip on a peaceful, relaxing note.
Heading Home – Memories Packed, Hearts Full
We booked a Grab cab from Patong to Phuket International Airport (fair warning: it cost us 846 Baht). Then came our connecting flight to Bangalore, and finally home to Pune.
Where We Stayed
- Bangkok: ibis Riverside Bangkok – 3 Nights
- Pattaya: Jomtein Palm Beach Hotel – 2 Nights
- Phuket: Andaman Beach Hotel – Accor Handwritten Collection – 3 Nights (Our Favorite!)
Travel Tips for Thailand
- Use the Grab App for local rides—safe and convenient.
- Always carry your swimwear—you never know when you’ll find that perfect pool or beach.
- Buy SIM cards at the airport for instant connectivity. We used the ORoaming feature on our One Plus 11 Pro.
- Keep small cash handy for markets, taxis, and island fees.
- Don’t miss the Thai massages—affordable and relaxing.
What We Learned from Bangkok
Every city teaches you something if you’re open to noticing it, and Bangkok didn’t disappoint. Amidst the golden temples and sky-high towers, here are a few things we quietly took back with us:
1. Tradition and Modernity Can Coexist Beautifully
From the peaceful chants of Wat Pho to the ultra-modern Mahanakhon Skywalk, Bangkok showed us that age-old traditions and futuristic lifestyles don’t have to be in conflict—they can thrive side by side.
2. Riverfront Living Has a Charm of Its Own
Staying near the Chao Phraya River felt different. It was a calm escape from the city buzz, and made our evenings serene. Slow boats drifting by, breezy walks—it reminded us how water always brings peace.
3. The City Never Sleeps, but You Don’t Have to Keep Up
There’s always something to do in Bangkok. But we learned to choose quality over quantity. A slow evening at the river or a well-timed cruise meant more than ticking off 10 spots in a day.
4. Street Food Isn’t Just Food, It’s Culture
Even though we stuck to Indian meals mostly, the aroma of Bangkok’s street food stalls told stories. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a world of flavors waiting right outside every 7-Eleven.
5. Malls Can Be Tourist Attractions Too
In Bangkok, Terminal 21 and ICONSIAM aren’t just shopping malls—they’re experiences. Beautifully designed floors, global food courts, and cultural sections make them worth a visit even if you’re not shopping.
What We Learned from Pattaya
Pattaya was a mix of beach life, city lights, and culture. While it often carries a reputation for its nightlife, here’s what stood out to us beyond the surface:
1. It’s Okay to Just Slow Down
Pattaya taught us the joy of not rushing—whether it was sitting by the beach watching the sun go down or strolling through floating markets without an agenda.
2. Beauty Lies in the Unexpected
The Sanctuary of Truth came out of nowhere and completely surprised us with its beauty and craftsmanship. It reminded us that some of the best experiences aren’t always on the top of a tourist list.
3. Walk More, Explore More
Walking from the hotel to night markets or temples showed us more of the real Pattaya—its tiny cafés, 7-Elevens, smiling locals, and peaceful beach corners you’d never see from a cab.
4. Even Tourist Cities Have Soul
Beyond the neon lights and beach parties, Pattaya has a spiritual and artistic side that’s often overlooked. You just need to look a little deeper.
What We Learned from Phuket
Phuket felt like the gentle hug at the end of a long, adventurous day. Calm yet full of life, the island had its own way of speaking to us.
1. Sunsets are a Ritual Here
Every evening, no matter where we were, we found ourselves drifting toward the beach. Watching the sky change colors felt like a daily ritual—one that helped us stay present.
2. Island Time is a Real Thing
There’s something about Phuket that slows you down—in the best way. Whether it was sipping coconut ice cream or strolling down Old Phuket Town, we truly felt the art of “doing nothing.”
3. The Sea Teaches You Courage
Snorkeling in choppy waters was intimidating, but it reminded us how stepping out of your comfort zone brings the most unforgettable moments.
4. It’s Okay to Revisit What You Love
We kept going back to Patong Beach and the same Indian restaurant—not because there weren’t other places, but because repeating simple joys is sometimes the best way to travel.
Final Thoughts
Thailand gave us memories that’ll glow in our hearts forever—beaches, temples, street food, sunsets, and that freeing feeling of just being away. Whether you’re looking for romance, fun, or just a fresh escape, Thailand has it all.
Goodbye, until next time. This is Suman signing off, guys!
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