Destinations: Bangkok and Krabi
Time of year traveled: February
Weather: Hot and lovely
Visa: Not required (for South
Africans)
How to get there from
Johannesburg: Via Dubai with Emirates
Day 1: Arriving in Bangkok, we
were greeted by thousands of people queuing up and passport control. The lines
looked they carried on forever. Luckily, the security guards move parents with
little kids to the priority line and we were soon on our way to the hotel. If
you thought the airport queues were busy, the traffic is on another level. We
stayed at the LiT Bangkok, which is an excellent hotel close to the MBK and
Siam malls. We spent our first day at the said malls looking for bargains on
clothing!
Day 2: We started our day with a
foot massage at the hotel spa, whilst my daughter played in the lovely hotel
pool. I explored the local streets on my way to the Friday prayers. After
prayers, we tried our nerves on the local tuk tuk, before walking the length of
2 football fields across the various malls.
Day 3: Today’s theme was all
about fun fun fun. Ww visited the local Kidzania entertainment centre which was
a highlight for my daughter. She loved “working”, earning money and then
blasting it at all the cool spots at Kidzania. Check out their website to find
out more about this unique concept! That evening, we visited Asiatique, an
upmarket waterfront with loads of quaint stores and a giant wheel.
Day 4: We say goodbye to Bangkok
(for now) and catch a short flight to the island of Krabi. We stayed at the
Holiday Inn in Ao Nang, which is a good place to explore the numerous islands
of the province. The hotel itself is great for kids, with slides and water
showers.
Day 5: We head out to Reiligh
beach, which is about 30 minutes from Ao Nang. You can easily book your return
tickets at any of the boat stations on the beach. The beach was awesome, with
enough places to get a tan, relax and enjoy the calm waters. The island is
quite small so we took an adventure walk right around. The other side of the
island has an amazing cave where swimming is an absolute must.
Day 6: This was relaxation day,
sipping mocktails at the pools and enjoying the sun and water. We took a taxi
into town, where you can find halaal food and loads of place to shop.
Day 7: We decided to catch
another boat ride to another postcard perfect island – this time PODA Island. Turquoise
waters, white sand and slightly bigger waves, this island is a must for anyone
who appreciates Gods beauty.
Day 8: We moved to another hotel
on the quieter side of the island. The Sheraton Krabi is built on a large
estate with ample space to relax and have fun. Surrounded by lush greenery and
direct access to a semi private beach, this place is perfect to just get away
from it all. Sadly, the hotel was closed just after we left, but I believe a
new group bought it over.
Day 9: My daughter spent most of
the day at the hotel’s kids club whilst we enjoyed the amazing pool at the
hotel.
Day 10: We hired a private boat
to take us to a few islands – we visited Hong Island and many untouched beaches
… a perfect beach day out for us!
Day 11: We say farewell to Krabi
and head back for 1 night in Bangkok before returning home.
Thailand is an amazing destination
that I would not hesitate returning to soon!
…Me
