Earlier this September, I returned to Thailand for another visit, and despite it being the rainy season, I was lucky to enjoy great weather throughout my stay. I flew from London Heathrow to Bangkok, where I spent a few days exploring the city before heading to Pattaya for a short two-night getaway.
In Pattaya, a city known for its party scene, I was a bit hesitant at first. However, I stayed at the Amber Hotel, a nice 4-star spot with a free shuttle service to key areas in town, which was super helpful. I also used Grab motorbike taxis to get around—an experience that’s always a fun mix of excitement and a little fear! It’s such a surreal way to travel in Asia, but it’s cheap and often faster than cars in busy cities.
One of the highlights of Pattaya was a full-day island-hopping boat trip. We snorkeled, swam, and even saw some monkeys—though cute at first glance, they’re actually pretty vicious! The catamaran ride was a great opportunity to meet new people, including a couple from Dubai. Hearing their stories about life in Dubai has made me add it to my future travel list. The boat trip was a fantastic day out, but it did come with a hefty price tag of nearly £90 per person. That said, the weather was perfect, and the views were beautiful, especially during sunset walks on the beach—though I did notice a fair bit of litter in the sand.
After Pattaya, I returned to Bangkok, where I checked into the famous Lebua Tower Club. My partner joined me from Vietnam, and we stayed on the 62nd floor with a stunning view of the river from our balcony. Although Lebua is a 5-star hotel, I’d say it felt more like a solid 3-star experience. The room was spacious but incredibly dated, as was much of the hotel. The service was excellent, though, and the rooftop bar was a great place to unwind. While the hotel has Michelin-star restaurants, we opted for more affordable street food and local restaurants instead.
A highlight of the Lebua stay was the breakfast, which was fantastic, and we also had access to the lounge on the 62nd floor. The lounge offered light snacks and drinks, but again, the environment felt a bit outdated. However, drinks from the room’s minibar were included, which was a nice touch.
In Bangkok, we explored some of the city’s most famous spots. We went to the Mahanakhon Skywalk, which offers amazing 360-degree views from 314 meters above the city. We also visited the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the impressive Reclining Buddha—these temples are always such a stunning display of Thai culture and artistry. Tickets for these attractions were reasonably priced, which was a bonus.
We also ventured outside the city to the Ancient City, an outdoor museum with replicas of Thailand’s key temples and landmarks. We rented a golf buggy and spent about three hours exploring. It was a hot day, but totally worth the trip. To get there, we took the BTS from Bangkok and then a quick ride on a songthaew.
Shopping in Bangkok is always a must! We visited the iconic Icon Siam shopping center on the riverfront, as well as Terminal 21 and MBK. At MBK, I had a couple of suits custom-made for me, which was a fun experience. We also indulged in several massage sessions throughout our trip—one of the best things about visiting Thailand.
All in all, I really love Thailand and can’t wait to return. It’s not only a beautiful destination in itself but also a great base for exploring the rest of Southeast Asia.
