My Thai
In order to maximise our time there, we had booked a 3 hour trip for that first evening and were shown around the Hindu shrine at Erewan, the fragrant flower market at Pak Khlong Talat and then the vibrant night market at Patpong, not just a market but the red-light area with some rather interesting shows, to which we gave a wide berth!
The following day was my birthday, so we had pre-arranged a relaxing, pampering afternoon at Treasure Spa which we reached by metro, Skytrain and tuk-tuk. Treasure Spa is a beautiful, calming spa in the suburbs and we left feeling completely chilled and spoilt. Jean treated me to a sumptuous meal in the evening at the popular Thai restaurant Baan Khanitha where we had some amazing cocktails and delicious food.
An early start the next morning as we headed for Maeklong Railway Market. The market covers the tracks at Maeklong and is stashed away at speed as the train approaches, to reappear seconds after the train has passed. Thankfully, the train approaches at a snail’s pace into the station! On our way to Damnoen Saduak we called in at a coconut farm where nothing goes to waste and there are many items for sale, from beautifying products to kitchen utensils and more.
Damnoen Saduak is the floating market we visited and enjoyed the long boat ride there before having a wander around the myriad long-tail boats stalls selling everything from fresh produce, hot food and clothing, lots of tourist ‘tat’ of course, but a great atmosphere.
The following day, our last in Bangkok, we headed out to the ancient capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya, long ago destroyed by invading Burmese. On the way we had a short visit to the modern-day summer palace owned by the present Chakri Dynasty. With its breath-taking temples, monasteries, palaces and ruined Buddhist statues this is a must-see trip from Bangkok. The boat trip down the Chao Phraya River back to Bangkok was a charming end to the day.
Our next stop was the delightful Six Senses Samui on the island of Koh Samui. A little slice of heaven, our hideaway pool villa was a stunning haven not too far from Chaweng and Fisherman’s Village where we ventured one evening for a bit of retail therapy, a few cocktails and dinner overlooking the beach. With our own pool it was easy to kick back and relax after our busy days in Bangkok but all too soon it was over and time to fly over to Phuket.
In Phuket we stayed at the lively Cassia Phuket in Bang Tao Bay, a beautiful lagoon area with a long stretch of beach, easily accessed by foot, or the courtesy boat across the lagoon. Our apartment had two bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen, lounge and balcony. This is a very funky and modern hotel, popular with families and in an up-and-coming area with plenty of shops and eateries within 10 – 15 minutes’ walk.
We definitely saved the best until last! After a short taxi ride to Ao Po Marina we were whisked by speedboat to the stunning Six Senses Yao Noi on the island of Ko Yao Noi. Similar in style to its sister property in Koh Samui, in a verdant jungle-style setting, with all private pool villas, Six Senses Yao Noi is in a different league. There was something undefinable that set it apart although, as with everywhere in Thailand, the staff were super-friendly, keen for you to have the best experience without ever being intrusive. Our GEM, Tabtim, was always available and everything was done to ensure perfection by her and the whole team at Six Senses Yao Noi. There’s enough to do to keep anyone busy but blissful solitude if that’s what you’re after.
This was my first visit to Thailand and it won’t be my last as we only saw a few of the fascinating parts of this amazing country. As the hot sun set over the limestone karsts as the speedboat took us back to Phuket for our flight home, we knew we had been truly blessed.
I’d really love to help you plan your own terrific Thailand experience, do please get in touch!