Enchanting Landscapes and Cultural Richness
Written by: Liselotte Graaf (Product Manager)
A wonderfully relaxing journey, infused with the authentic Thai experiences we were seeking for our holiday. Away from everyday worries, our goal was to fully immerse ourselves in the atmosphere, sounds, landscapes, and culture of Thailand. Staying in the most beautiful accommodations, where we were warmly and hospitably welcomed with the famous Thai smile, we truly experienced the incredible diversity of this surprising country. The vibrancy around us, constantly paying homage to religion and amidst a celebration of its rich history, stole our hearts. We are delighted to share our special discovery journey with you.
VIBRANT BANGKOK, CITY OF ANGELS
Upon arriving in the capital, the first impression was overwhelming—a sea of skyscrapers and a tangle of highways weaving their way through the city. Suddenly, the atmosphere felt different, with older buildings, tree-lined avenues, and stately houses. The charm of the royal Dusit district blended with the hustle and bustle of everyday street life, with food stalls, workshops, flower shops, and temples. We arrived at our hotel, The Siam, and literally stepped into an Art Deco dream location. What a beautiful and surprising accommodation, featuring a modern black-and-white decor, complemented by a wide variety of traditional Thai details and vintage artworks. But the most striking feature was the green oasis we entered—a lush, natural interior of ferns, palms, and lilies. We spent our first afternoon by the stunning pool next to the Chao Phraya River. Surrounded by an atmosphere of complete tranquility, we watched the activity on the water with wonder—water taxis, elegant dinner boats, truly spectacular to behold.
The next day, our guide was ready and took us on a tour through the city. We had chosen to explore as much as possible by public transportation, and our guide emphasized that water taxis were highly recommended. Soon after, we found ourselves aboard a local vessel heading to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which was very high on our list. The ornate tiles and imposing towers of the temple were truly magnificent, but I think we were even more impressed by the stream of Thai people lighting fragrant incense at various spots, silently making wishes for the health, happiness, and harmony of their families. With the next water taxi, we crossed the river to visit the enormous Grand Palace, an overwhelming complex of buildings, temples, and people. It was bustling, but our guide always managed to lead us to a quiet spot where he could tell us more. Since we were so close, we also visited the massive Golden Reclining Buddha at Wat Po. Tired but satisfied, we then relaxed at a waterside restaurant with a view of Wat Arun. We enjoyed a deliciously spicy green curry and a cold beer.
CHIANG MAI, CHARMING AND COZY SURROUNDED BY LUSH GREENERY
Our next stop was the city of Chiang Mai in the north, where a visit to the old town was high on our list. We had once again chosen a beautiful hotel, where we could peacefully enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, but still had the opportunity to visit the city center. The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai was much more than just a hotel. Built in the style of a local village and completely surrounded by rice fields, we felt transported to another world. From our lovely terrace, we looked out over a blanket of exotic greenery, heard the chirping of birds, and felt a cool breeze around us. We almost forgot why we had traveled to Chiang Mai.
The center of Chiang Mai fully met our expectations. The city walls still stood proudly and embraced a maze of streets bustling with activity. We entered through one of the stately gates and then had the city all to ourselves. We strolled past boutiques, local supermarkets, restaurants with terraces, and various shops. The closer we got to the heart of the city, the more temples appeared in the narrow streets, and we even found a small bookstore. Casually and without a schedule, we alternated between exploring the tiny temples and enjoying a cool drink at one of the cozy bars.
The next morning, we got up early for one of the most unique experiences we have ever had: a hot air balloon ride over Chiang Mai at sunrise. We floated over misty hills that stretched to the horizon and gradually took on an orange glow. What a magical sight. Back at the hotel, a delicious breakfast was waiting for us, and we leisurely enjoyed the moment afterwards.
IDYLLIC RELAXATION ON KOH SAMUI
From the cool north, we flew to the tropical Koh Samui. It was time for a week of sun, sea, and sand, and Koh Samui seemed to us the perfect destination because there was so much variety to experience on the island itself. Although we were really looking forward to a few days of rest and lounging, we also knew that we wanted to go out and explore the island further. At Six Senses Samui, we found our paradise, entirely surrounded by lush tropical foliage, with a truly idyllic stretch of beach. Our villa had a wonderfully spacious outdoor area, and we could enjoy the breathtaking sea view from our pool while floating. Thanks to the tropical trees between the villas, we felt like we were alone in the world. The fantastic part was that we discovered many beautiful and serene spots throughout the resort, alternating with a lively atmosphere at the pool and the restaurants. Pure enjoyment.
After a few days, our journey of discovery on Koh Samui truly began. During a delightful boat trip through Phang Nga Bay, our eyes widened with amazement. Majestic limestone cliffs rose from the sea, covered in lush tropical vegetation. This was followed by small islands with charming bays and pristine white beaches, where we disembarked with our picnic lunch. Snorkeling around the islands, we explored the colorful underwater world, with countless fish species we had never seen before. The wind cooled our hair as we made our way back to the resort.
Time for a bit more action. For the next day, we had reserved bicycles at the reception, and we decided to follow the coastal road spontaneously. We cycled through villages, past plantations, and along quiet beaches. Upon arriving at a small local market, we decided to take a break. The friendly vendor smiled and skillfully chopped off the top of a green coconut, allowing us to immediately enjoy the refreshing, sweet coconut water. It tasted divine and gave us the energy to complete our ride. Back at the resort, we relaxed at the pool lounge, where we toasted our trip with a freshly mixed cocktail, and the relaxing music in the background signaled the start of a peaceful evening. The perfect way to end a fantastic journey.
Written by: