Tuesday, 3 January 2017

Can’t get enough of Thailand

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 

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