Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket): Top 10 Highlights
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country at the center of the Southeast Asian Indochinese Peninsula. Tourism makes up about 6% of the Thailand’s economy. Thailand was the most visited country in Southeast Asia in 2013, according to the World Tourism Organisation.
Asian tourists primarily visit Thailand for Bangkok and the historical, natural, and cultural sights in its vicinity. Western tourists visit Bangkok and the many southern beaches and islands. The north is the chief destination for trekking and adventure travel with its diverse ethnic minority groups and forested mountains. Thailand’s attractions include diving, sandy beaches, hundreds of tropical islands, nightlife, archaeological sites, museums, hill tribes, flora and bird life, palaces, Buddhist temples and several World Heritage sites. According to Wikipedia, many tourists follow courses during their stay in Thailand. Popular are classes in Thai cooking, Buddhism and traditional Thai massage.
My interest in Thailand came in childhood after watching the movie, the King and I. I was fascinated by the splendor of Thai culture depicted in the 1956 film. This trip was a childhood dream come true.
So here they are, the top 10 highlights of my trip to Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket):
- Bangkok Temples and Monuments: We hired a private (air-conditioned) van and tour guide and just explored this truly magnificent city. The majestic architecture and intricately gilded structures are truly awe-inspiring. Thai temples are sacred places of worship—you must dress appropriately or you will not be allowed in (no shorts, revealing tops, mini-skirts or dresses). Also note that you will have to take your shoes off to enter the temples. Click here to learn more about Bangkok temples.
Wat Traimit: The Golden Buddha @chichichicmd
Wat Traimit: The Golden Buddha @chichichicmd
Wat Pho: Temple of the Reclining Buddha @chichichicmd
Wat Pho: Temple of the Reclining Buddha @chichichicmd
Cemeteries where some of the Thai kings were buried @chichichicmd
Wat Benjamabhopit: The Marble Temple @chichichicmd
Our tour guide was excellent and knows so much about the city, the country really. Here is her contact info: Sonia +66 88 914 9464 (WhatsApp).
- The Grand Palace: The Grand Palace is a set of buildings that had been the official residence of the kings of Siam (later Thailand) since 1782. There is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (the Emerald Buddha dates back to the 14th century), the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court, and the Siwalai Gardens Quarter.
The Grand Palace Thailand Photocredit: viator.com
In front of the entrance to the Grand Palace @chichichicmd
The Grand Palace Photocredit vietravel.com
The Grand Palace is only partially open to the public as a museum but still houses several royal offices. Click here for more details.
- The Infiniti Pool and Rooftop Bar at the Marriott Bangkok Surawongse: This is literally one of the best views of the Bangkok skyline—a luxurious oasis in the heart of a truly hectic, fast-paced city. We had such an amazing time.
Infinity Pool Marriott Bangkok Surangwose @chichichicmd
Rooftop bar Marriott Bangkok Surangwose @chichichicmd
Rooftop bar Marriott Bangkok Surangwose @chichichicmd
- The Floating Market: Bangkok’s most popular floating market, Damnoen Saduok gained a lot of the its popularity as a result of it’s use as a setting in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. You have to experience this at least once in your life. Such a thrilling ride and the most adventurous shopping experience. Click here to learn more about Bangkok’s 6 floating markets.
Bangkok Floating Market: Damnoen Saduak @chichichicmd
Bangkok Floating Market: Damnoen Saduak @chichichicmd
Floating Market Damnoen Saduak Photocredit: trip.com
- Ayutthaya: A city in Thailand (about 50 miles/80 km North of Bangkok) that used to be the capital of the kingdom of Siam. It was a major prosperous international trading post from 1350 to 1767 when it was attacked and destroyed by the Burmese. There is so much rich history—it is like you are transported back in time. Ayutthaya has its own floating market as well.
The ancient city of Ayutthaya @chichichicmd
Ayutthaya: Unesco World Heritage Site @chichichicmd
- Phuket Beaches: I am definitely all about the beach life and I am so grateful to have had the chance to experience many stunning beaches all around the world. If you are a beach lover like me, you must get thyself to Phuket and experience some of the most breathtaking beaches on earth. Phuket offers you unparalleled luxurious beach life at quite a great price point too.
Mai Khao Beach Phuket @chichichicmd
Strike a pose: Mai Khao Beach Phuket @chichichicmd
Anantara Mai Khao Villas: Private Beach @chichichicmd
Kamala Beach Phuket @chichichicmd
Beach life but make it fashion (LOL!) Kamala Beach Phuket @chichichicmd
Karon Beach Phuket @chichichicmd
The Great Buddha of Phuket in Karon Phuket, Thailand @chichichicmd
- Anantara Hotel Brand: Anantara was founded in 2001 with the first luxury property in Thailand’s seaside town of Hua Hin. Today, the operational portfolio includes 39 properties globally in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia, UAE, Vietnam and Zambia. My inner self-proclaimed connoisseur of luxury hotels and resorts was on cloud 10 at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas that lie on a long stretch of golden beach fringed by lush national park. The pool villas are clustered around a lagoon in Southern Thai Village style offering luxurious private oases for guests. We had a private pool, a full kitchen, luxurious amenities in our villa; the property had a world class spa, many swimming pools, private (stunning) beach, ah-mazing attentive staff, so many bespoke services and experiences, the best breakfast buffet ever, and a village shopping center for non-resort food cravings. It was truly magical. To learn more about the Anantara hotels/resorts/spas click here.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket 2 Bedroom Villa Photocredit: anantara.com
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villa: Private Pool @chichichicmd
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas: Resort Life @chichichicmd
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas: Resort Life @chichichicmd
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas: Shopping @chichichicmd
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas: Just looking @chichichicmd
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket: Afternoon Tea at the Treehouse Bar @chichichicmd
- Thai massage: Massage is big business in Thailand. It is regulated by the Public Health Ministry. The Commerce and Tourism and Sports Ministries have set a target of 20 billion baht per year to be generated by the spa business, but only 500 of the 2,000 spas nationwide are legally registered with the authorities. While I did not get the traditional Thai Yoga massage, the Westernized version I got left me feeling relaxed and stress-free.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas: Spa @chichichicmd
- Thai Silk: The finest silk fabric in the world is woven in Northern Thailand. There are four types of Thai Silk: Plain Weave, Brocaded, Dupioni, and Mudmee. Traditional Thai Silk is handwoven and is a nod to the splendor of the old Kingdom of Siam. Please check out this amazing, informative blogpost to learn more about Thai Silk (there are many counterfeits out there). Click here.
Thai Silk: The intricate details
Traditional Thai Silk
Thai Silk Sample
- Thai Food: I saved the best for last. Thailand is world famous for its mouthwatering and flavorful cuisine. I ate so much fresh fish—grilled, fried, you name it, drank a lot of Roselle (Hibiscus Tea). This vacation was just one of the best culinary experience as a whole!
Thai Cuisine: The Spread @chichichicmd
Thai Cuisine: Fish every day @chichichicmd
Roselle Hibiscus Iced Tea Photocredit: whatscookingatrays.com
This was truly such a magical trip. I can’t wait to visit Thailand again: Chiang Mai and Koh Samui are still beckoning me. Please share your thoughts about my highlights as well as your highlights/recommendations for Thailand in the comment section down below. See you in the new decade!
Bangkok Thailand @chichichicmd
Love,
Chichi
Love it! Koh Samui and Chiangmai here we come 😍😍😍
Yesssoooo!!! Thank you so much Ngozi 🙂
Lovely photos, Chichi! Looks like you had an amazing time there. Love the silk swatches you shared.
Thank you so so so much dear. Yes, it was a truly fabulous time. Thai silk is so so beautiful. Thank you for reading the post and for taking the time to leave me such a sweet comment.