🌴 Thailand’s Triple Threat – Bangkok, Khao Lak & Phuket 🌴

Spoiler alert: Thailand didn’t just live up to the hype, it snatched the hype, bedazzled it, and served it back with a side of mango sticky rice and a sunset you’ll never emotionally recover from.

We picked this Southeast Asian stunner to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary (because basic beach holidays just weren’t going to cut it). And let me tell you, Thailand delivered drama, decadence, and divine memories in three distinct acts: Bangkok, Khao Lak, and Phuket. Buckle up, jetsetters. This is your no-holds-barred guide to doing Thailand the Nothing Ventured way.

✈️ Arrival: Touchdown & Take-off

After a long-haul flight with EVA Air (which, by the way, was smoother than my post-spa skin), we landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Private transfer? Ready. Vibes? Immaculate. Jet lag? Irrelevant, we were too excited to care.

🏙️ Bangkok – Buzz, Bling & Buddha

Bangkok is like a glitter bomb of culture and chaos, equal parts sensory overload and spiritual serenity. We had two nights and one full day, which is basically like trying to binge-watch a whole season in one sitting. Worth it.

Stay: 4★ Rembrandt Hotel (B&B) Spacious room, skyline views, and a rooftop pool that practically begged for a frozen margarita toast. So, we obliged.

Highlights:

• Temple Tour Extravaganza: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Our guide Cho? A walking encyclopaedia with charm all organised by the hotel concierge.

• Grand Palace & Reclining Buddha: Jaw-dropping. Regal. Instagram gold.

• Transport Roulette: Tuk-tuks, boats, taxis, and scooters stacked like Jenga, each one a mini adventure.

Nothing Ventured Bangkok Tips:

✔ BYO handheld fan unless you enjoy melting.

✔ Go early or get cozy with crowds.

✔ Slip-on shoes = temple MVP.

✔ Shoulders covered, and don’t step on the red thresholds unless you want bad karma.

Final Night: Dinner at Red Sky Bar, 52 floors up. Bangkok twinkled below us like a city-sized disco ball. Romance? Check. Altitude? Check. Skyline? Check, Check, Check!

You know what they say about big feet.......BIG Shoes! 👠

🌊 Khao Lak – Zen, Zest & Anniversary Goals

After a quick hop to Phuket, we transferred to Devasom Resort in Khao Lak—and folks, this place didn’t just raise the bar, it pole-vaulted over it.

Why Devasom was a fever dream of perfection:

• Michelin-starred meals that made us question every past dining decision.

• Staff who knew our names and made us feel like royalty (without the paparazzi).

• Petal-strewn rooms, balcony hot tubs, and purple flower tea that tasted like serenity.

• Activities galore: vinyl nights, fire shows, sound baths, spa bliss, beach picnics, and krathong crafting like pros.

Loy Krathong Festival: Floating our kratongs under the moonlight after street food and traditional dance? Actual magic. Like, Disney-wish-upon-a-star levels of magic. Very spiritual and thought provoking.

Exploration Highlights:

• Hidden temple with just us not even the monks. So Peaceful.

• Waterfalls and elephants (yes, actual elephants).

• Tsunami Museum—small but deeply moving.

• Khao Lak Night Market: street food heaven. We skipped the insect bar, because crunchy crickets weren’t on our anniversary menu and although a good price, we decided against the Cat!

Khao Lak was the soul-soothing, heart-hugging chapter we didn’t know we needed and the best place to spend our actual anniversary.

Thanks, but No Thanks- Meow! 🐈

🌅 Phuket – Sunsets, Sass & Scooters

Our final stop: 5 nights at Amari Phuket. Let’s be real—it was the weakest link in our hotel lineup. Steep hills, scattered rooms, and a dated vibe. But hey, they tried. Anniversary cake and sunset cocktails helped soften the blow.

Phuket Highlights:

• Siam Niramit Show: Cultural razzle-dazzle with a blessing bracelet that clung to me like destiny.

• Green Elephant Sanctuary: Ethical, emotional, and elephantastic. Free pro photos? Yes please.

• Phi Phi Island Tour: Our crew (Late, Cappuccino, Espresso, Chocolate) gave us comedy, caves, and canoeing. James Bond Island? Iconic. Floating football pitch? Unexpected.

• Bangla Road: Neon, chaos, and ping pong! Mr Lee had to hold my dress, so I didn’t end up table-dancing. True story.

Hidden Gem: No. 6 on the Hill A shuttle from Bangla Road takes you to this culinary treasure. Views that made us gasp, and food that made us weep with joy. Michelin who?

Vibrant, Colourful, Cultural and just Beautiful 🦋

💕 Final Thoughts – Thailand, You Saucy Minx

This wasn’t just a trip, it was a full-blown love affair with a country that knows how to treat its guests. Thailand gave us culture, adventure, indulgence, and connection. We’re already booked to go back next year, because once you’ve tasted the magic, you’ll never settle for ordinary again.

What truly stole our hearts?   The people. Thai hospitality is next-level, warm, genuine, and unforgettable. We left with memories, full hearts, and new friends.

✨ Thailand wasn’t just a destination. It was a transformation. And Nothing Ventured is here to make sure you experience it with all the sass, sparkle, and soul it deserves.

Just a couple more from our trip 😍

All images © Suzi Lee, Nothing Ventured Travel. Please do not use without permission.