During our week in Thailand, we stayed at incredible hotels booked via Agoda. We were captivated by the vibrant festivals, tantalizing street food, & serene temples. Both of us being water babies found Thailand to be such a calming and beautiful place to just relax and rejuvenate ourselves.
Day 1:
As soon as we landed in Thailand we withdrew some local currency from the ATM and booked a local taxi to our hotel, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn.
After getting freshened up, we stepped out to explore the majestic temples of Wat Pho and Wat Arun, soaking in the rich cultural heritage. Wat Arun is partly made up of colorfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water. After a delightful lunch at a charming local café, we delved into the vibrant atmosphere of the Chatuchak Market, immersing ourselves in its bustling energy before calling it a day. Our personal favorite of the first day in Thailand was Wat Arun. We sat there for a while looking at the absolutely stunning sunset and ended the day.
Day 2:
Our day began with an enchanting visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. We tried some freshly made coconut ice cream that an old local lady was selling and it was delicious. We continued our day and visited the fascinating Maeklong Market, where vendors sell their goods right on the railway tracks.
As avid travelers, we make sure to visit and explore local markets as they show the heart and soul of the destination and reveal the true essence of culture, heritage and people. We then embarked on the unforgettable Amphawa Fireflies Cruise, witnessing the magical spectacle of fireflies illuminating the night. Capping off our day, we indulged in a highly recommended experience—watching the sunset from a rooftop perch 48 stories high, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire city.
After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to our hotel and made our way to the airport, opting for the convenient BTS Metro or consider booking a Grab Taxi for a hassle-free journey. Remember, it’s always wise to leave early due to Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams! We have been to Thailand quite a few times but that was the first time that we were going to Koh Samui. And we thanked god for making this decision as soon as we landed at the Koh Samui airport. It is one of the most beautiful airports that we have seen in the world. Already fascinated with the island, we took a cab to our hotel Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort which is again an amazing property. Once settled in, we couldn’t resist the allure of the pristine beach. Taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, we let the gentle waves and golden sands wash away any lingering travel fatigue, immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of Koh Samui. To end the day, both of us took a long walk on the beach enjoying the winds and the calmness of the sea and calling it a day
Day 4:
We woke up fresh and with the most beautiful view of the ocean in front of us. We spent some quality time in the pool before our breakfast. Post breakfast, we began our adventure by visiting some of the island’s most iconic landmarks, including the serene Wat Plai Laem, the majestic Big Buddha Temple, the panoramic Lad Koh View Point, and the quirky Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks. For traveling we hired a scooter which gave us the freedom to travel wherever we wanted to and explore local cafes and restaurants. As the day drew to a close, we savored the breathtaking sunset on the beach, followed by a delicious dinner back at our hotel.
Day 5:
Embarking on a thrilling adventure, we joined the Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Snorkel Tour from Koh Samui via speedboat. Our first stop was the enchanting Mango Bay, where we dove into the crystal-clear waters and marveled at the vibrant marine life beneath. This was our first dive and both of us were nervous and excited at the same time. But our coach made sure that we gather courage and have an experience of a lifetime. After working up an appetite, we indulged in a sumptuous Thai buffet lunch in Koh Tao before setting off to explore the idyllic Koh Nang Yuan, with its pristine beaches and stunning viewpoints.
Day 6:
Our final day on Koh Samui was filled with excitement and exploration! We started by visiting the Samui Elephant Kingdom. To be honest, we had no idea of what to expect from a visit to an Elephant Kingdom, but we really enjoyed our visit as we prepared food for the elephants and fed them. We were also fascinated by the fact that the elephants were roaming freely around us and they were so friendly. The day continues with a delightful lunch. Seeking more adventure, we embarked on an exhilarating ATV Quad Tour, tearing through rugged terrain and soaking in the island’s natural beauty before bidding farewell to Koh Samui.
With a heart filled with great memories, we bid farewell to Koh Samui to again head back to Bangkok. This time, we stayed in At Hua Lamphong Hotel in a different locality as we wanted to explore places there. After checking in and resting for a bit, we left our hotel in the evening to try some local food at the night market. Yes, being a vegetarian it is difficult to find options to eat at such markets but the vendors are really helpful and they make vegetarian dishes specially for you the way you want. After satisfying our taste buds, we couldn’t resist the allure of shopping at the renowned Platinum Mall, where we browsed through a treasure trove of fashion finds and unique souvenirs. With our bags a little heavier and our hearts full of memories, we retired to our hotel, ready to embark on our journey back to India the next day.
