My love for beaches and sand drove me to the Land of Smiles Thailand. Yes, Thailand which has got exquisite beaches of all shades & sands, adventure sports and of course the romantic vibes and super awesome nightlife. All this with budget-friendly hotels and restaurants, Thailand is always the first choice for Indians. Let me take you to my memory lane of 10 days that we spent in Thailand.
Flashback: I was sitting with my Travel Consultant, going through many options of Honeymoon Packages. My priorities were clear. I wanted to go Outside India, at a peaceful space, but did not wanted to spend much time in flight. So yes, something near to India which would be peaceful as well as exciting. My eyes went on to the Thailand Holiday Catalogue, where I saw pictures of mesmerizing beaches, nightlife, great food, market places, and many more. The cherry on the cake was the expense. Yes, the hotels, flight tickets, food all under my budget. I finalized my bookings after glancing at many itineraries on Thailand, to choose the best one.
The bags were all set (keeping in mind the restricted weight that we could carry in flight), the camera was fully charged, passport ready, currency was already exchanged, I was super excited to head towards the airport. I choose Air-India flight, as it serves meal inclusive of flight cost. The flight journey was good without any hassle. Reaching the Bangkok Airport, the first striking feature which every Indian notice is this huge sculpture of ‘Samudra Manthan’, a sheer symbol of Thailand and Indian Cultural ties. Moving further for Visa, well Thailand offers you the option for Visa on arrival for 15 days with minimal costing.
After coming out of the airport our first concern was to get a taxi and head towards our hotel. The taxis are easily available and rates are also not much high. We straightaway headed to our luxurious stay in Marriot Hotel, Bangkok as we decided to spend 2 days here. Bangkok has got high rising offices and apartments but at the same time it preserves its beauty with traditional houses and mansions. You can also see sky train all over the city. My bucket list was already ready, and I know where to head first. Shopping…nooo before that I wanted to buy a local sim which we got by showing our passports so that I could make calls. Take more internet pack so that you can do video callings to your family. We then headed to the prominent shopping malls of Bangkok (which I googled) Platinum Mall, China town, Chatuchak (weekend market), Bangna Centre Mall, Siam Square and lastly Asiatque riverfront, where I choose to dine. All the mall in Bangkok have great varieties and good food. Electronics and make up lovers get immense options at good price. We booked our table in a cruise for dinner (Bangkok has got many cruises running on the long river) with great music and food. I completely enjoyed it. On the second day I covered the Jungle Safari, Skywalk and Sea World, but before heading to these places, you need to check the timing and tickets. Bangkok has got great varieties of Sea Food but if you are a vegetarian, don’t worry, you have options of many Veg Thai food or you can even get Indian foods at some places. The Challenge comes when you have to order your food as most locals don’t speak English or even understand. So, I downloaded a google translator for at least I could communicate with the locals.
Next day morning, we decided to leave for Hua Hin, around 5 hrs. drive from Bangkok city. City buses and local trains are cheap options but since I wanted to enjoy my drive and have little privacy, we choose to book a taxi. We stayed at an amazing beachfront resort perfect for peace and relaxation. It’s ideal for a long romantic walk by the sea or more adventuresome water activities if you like; along with the golf courses that are renowned across the world. While returning from Hua Hin (after staying there for two days), our plan was move to Pattaya. Pattaya is famous for the lively lanes jammed with beer bars, buffet eateries, evening markets, street food, massage parlor and the boardwalk vendors, it is an exhilarating experience, to begin with. Famously known as the “Las Vegas of Asia” Pattaya has numerous things to do that was a punch to my trip, such as the underwater museum, sriracha tiger zoo and the famous floating market.
I was very much enjoying at Pattaya but I had to rush back to Bangkok to catch my flight to Krabi Known for Opulent Rendezvous. Beautiful white sandy seashores, cerulean lagoons, isolated caves, coral beaches, waterfalls and more than 130 islands – this one is my ultimate get away from the world and to find a peaceful little heaven of my own. The sunset view from Krabi will make you fall in love all over again.
My Last stoppage was Phuket, known for the Wild Parties and a famous destination for modern young couples. Exotic white sand beach, South of Thailand has got all-natural beauties. I covered Big Buddha, Snake Show, Siam Niramit Cultural Village and ended up partying hard at the famous Bangla Road in Patong. For the last day I decided to simply rest at the beach and enjoy the world-famous Thai relaxing massage. I never wanted to come back but good things always come in small packages and it was time for me to come back home. My bag was full with gifts for my family and my mind with beautiful memories.
Thailand was easy on the pocket and it certainly packed many honeymoon ideas that were complete joyful. Surely a sensible and reasonable decision!!!