Holly’s Thai Adventure: Beaches, Temples, and Unforgettable Experiences

Due to the early flight, I took the train from Newcastle to Birmingham. I stayed overnight at the Ibis at Birmingham Airport, a 2-minute walk from the terminal.

We met at the Turkish Airlines check-in desk at 8 am for prompt check-in. On the way out, they kindly upgraded half of our group to business class and the other half to business class on the way back.

We flew Via Istanbul to Bangkok. On the way out, I was in economy and very comfortable on both legs. We received an amenity kit that included headphones for our TVs and lip and face cream.

The meals on board were outstanding and plentiful.

We arrived at Bangkok Airport around 8 am, breezed through luggage collection and passport control, and headed to our private transfer for a one-night stay at the 4* Century Park Hotel. The hotel features a rooftop pool and an early breakfast from 6 am. While central, the surrounding area felt slightly run down.

In the afternoon, we explored Bangkok by Tuk Tuk, visiting stunning temples and Chinatown for street food. Bangkok's nightly markets offer diverse street food (even spiders!), but we opted for a delicious Thai banquet. We also visited the flower market, where blooms play a significant role in the local culture.

After a full day, we returned to the hotel to rest for our early start the next morning.

We were picked up at 6 am for our flight from Bangkok to Krabi, which arrived at 12:10 pm. After breezing through baggage collection, our private transfer took us to the 4* Krabi La Playa Resort for an overnight stay. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the beach, shops, bars, and restaurants.

With free time until 7 pm, some of the group took a boat trip. At the same time, I visited an ethical elephant sanctuary that cares for retired and rescued elephants. For around £16, we spent an hour feeding and photographing these incredible animals.

Later, we walked to the beautiful Monkey Beach for a stunning sunset. Be sure to arrive early if you want a beachfront bar seat, as they fill up quickly.

At 7 pm, we regrouped to explore the lively Ao Nang area. We enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant offering a variety of cuisines. A three-course meal with cocktails costs under £10! Amazing value!

We ended the night at the bustling local market, enjoying street performers like fire shows, before heading to the vibrant bars and clubs for drinks and entertainment.

We checked out at 10 am for our transfer to the port, catching a high-speed catamaran to Koh Samui. The journey involved a coach transfer, which was hectic but manageable. Pre-booking a taxi on arrival is recommended, though plenty are available at the port. The 3.5-hour coach ride to the port and 45-minute crossing was straightforward but not ideal for those prone to travel sickness. Snacks and drinks were available onboard.

Arriving in rainy monsoon weather, we quickly caught a taxi to the 5* Antara Lawana Resort for a hotel inspection. This stunning jungle-like resort features private, secluded rooms with pools or sea-view villas with jacuzzi baths. Even at full capacity, it feels intimate. The bar and restaurant have gorgeous sunset views and are open to non-guests—pre-booking is advisable.

Next, we stayed at the 4* Paradise Beach Resort Samui for two nights. The beachfront property is close to Fisherman's Village and Chaweng Beach. My spacious ground-floor deluxe room had a large terrace with a bed, hammock, and seating. The hotel provides torches, umbrellas, and bug repellents—essential during monsoon season.

We dined at Fisherman's Village in the evening, a lively spot perfect for all travellers. Restaurants are back on the beach and feature entertainment like fire shows. The area is more expensive than Krabi but still offers excellent value, with plenty of shops, bars, and dining options.

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Paradise Beach, with various hot and cold options, fresh fruit, and yoghurt, all with a beautiful sea view. Then, we visited the 5* Six Senses, an eco-friendly resort perfect for couples. It features on-site farming, with chickens for fresh eggs and goats maintaining the gardens. The villas are luxurious, with private pools and sea views. You can also request a private BBQ hosted at your villa.

Next, we visited the NH Collection Samui Resort (formerly The Peace Resort), which is ideal for families and couples. It offers many amenities, including a games room, outdoor playground, and on-site cinema. It's just a 5-minute walk from Fisherman's Village. We enjoyed a seaside lunch at the restaurant overlooking a secluded beach.

Our next stop was the 5* Avani Samui Chaeng Hotel and Beach Club. While it's not authentic and has an American beach club vibe, it's great for its target audience. The Beach Club has live violinists and affordable drinks, with pints priced at £5 and cocktails at £8.

We returned to Fisherman's Village in the evening for a local market. Food stalls offered fresh dishes like tempura prawns and chicken kebabs for just £2.50. Drinks were also affordable, with cocktails costing around £2.50!

On our last day before travelling home, we inspected the 5* Centara Reserve site. Again, it was beachfront and set out like one big hotel building rather than separate villa-type rooms. However, they do have beachfront villas and private pools on site.

All rooms have a complimentary minibar, which includes cocktail-making and general beers and spirits. Lunch here was similar to that at the Nh; the restaurant is beachfront again.

Our transfer to Koh Samui Airport arrived to take us to our flight home.

On the return flight, I was upgraded to business class, and wow! I managed to get some well-needed rest, and again, the food was plentiful.

WHO WOULD THIS TYPE OF TRIP BE SUITED TO?

Confident travellers who like authentic experiences and food. Couples and families alike, depending on the area.

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

I tried out all the local food and the markets. It was my first time experiencing a connecting flight and Island hopping.

Favourite Hotel Visited

NH Collection is perfect for families and couples. It offers plenty to do and exceptional service. It is a beautiful property in an ideal location.

Favourite Restaurant Visited:

Nikkei was 100% my favourite restaurant. The experience was amazing, from the staff who explained each dish to us to how it was presented. There was something for everyone here.