Hi babies! I’m back and what a vacay I had. It was amazing and wish I was still there. If you've been following my Instagram, you know that I've spent the last 11 days celebrating my Birthday in Thailand. It's my first time to Thailand and I've completely fallen in love. The people, the food, the greenery, pools and resorts - after several months or perhaps, year of exhausting travel, but no true vacation, coming to Thailand was exactly what the doctor ordered.
I travelled all over I didn’t stay in one place. Though I loved everywhere Im going to tell you some of my fave places. Thailand has many region hidden treasures. I was blessed to have my college best friend whose a Thai native and she basically planned everything. She took us to the best known Thai restaurants, best massages, beaches, and shopping. But I'm going to admit, my time in Thailand was so amazing I barely wanted to ll. So here are some ideas for when going to Thailand. Stay at Twin Palms then go from there. And if you do take my advice, I've added a list of activities, all within a few minutes of the resort. Hint: take the time to swim in your private pool!
OMG Moment
Must eat the best damn Thai dessert on the fucking planet which is mango and sticky rice every chance you get. I love Thai food and the ever since I tried mango and sticky rice I fell in love. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it is.
Memorable dining experiences
Before, I begin to talk about some of the restaurants, and lounges, bars, and street food. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel has 9 different restaurants within and 4 different bars and 2 different lounges. Lastly, the street food is superb and reasonable. I will talk about a few places where went to get street foods
Fine Dinning
Le Normandie
French fine dining in Thailand, a connoisseur’s dream of the finest cuisine, impeccable service and elegant ambiance. Awarded two Michelin stars every year. Chef Arnaud Dunand-Sauthier’s contemporary French cuisine and its outstanding wine collection. Situated on the top floor of the hotel’s Chao Phraya Wing, through its floor-to-ceiling windows they offers breathtaking views over the magical river. On the plate, exquisite produce and pure, precise flavours conjure stunning dishes that make for a unique haute cuisine dining experience. They’re very sophisticated and has a comfortable atmosphere, ladies, gentlemen and children over seven years of age are asked to wear elegant attire and footwear. A jacket is compulsory for men during dinner and may be provided upon request.
All Day Dining
Terrace Rim Naam
Located directly opposite the hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Terrace Rim Naam offers an incomparable al fresco dining experience. The à la carte menu features a selection of authentic Thai dishes where award-winning Chef de Cuisine Pom weaves in her own unique twists, creating remarkable and distinctive Thai dishes. Her mastery of technique and approach result in distinctive and rarely-seen Thai dishes that use only the finest seasonal ingredients.
After 6:30pm, guests are kindly asked to wear elegant attire and proper footwear, while gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers and closed shoes.
Lounges
Afternoon Tea
The Authors’ Lounge
The Authors’ Lounge is located on the ground floor of the original Oriental Hotel and exudes old world charm reminiscent of the early 1900s. Turn-of-the-century style wicker furniture and hand-painted fabrics provide the perfect accompaniment to framed photographs of many of the famous writers who have stayed at the hotel since the late nineteenth century. Renowned for its traditional afternoon tea of delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, freshly-baked scones and home-made jams, The Authors’ Lounge is a truly unique setting and one of the most photographed locations in Bangkok, if not Thailand. Those looking for a small, intimate gathering may do so in one of the four private adjoining lounges. The Authors’ Lounge adheres to a smart dress code for all guests, including children. Ladies are kindly asked to wear elegant attire and proper footwear, while gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers and closed shoes.
Bar
The Bamboo Bar
From its humble beginnings in 1953, the Bamboo Bar has grown in status and reputation to become a beloved Bangkok institution frequented by jazz lovers from around the world. The iconic spot was Bangkok's first jazz venue and retains a sensual, ambience. Drinks and cocktails are crafted by Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning mixologist team, including their signature cocktails alongside a ‘Compass’ cocktail menu which draws inspiration from Thailand’s five regions. Live bands and internationally-renowned singers perform nightly from 9pm (except Sunday).
After 6:30pm, guests are kindly asked to wear elegant attire and proper footwear, while gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers and closed shoes. The seating at the Bamboo Bar is first come first served basis
Beaches
Every one of the beaches that we visited had beautiful sunsets. I going to just give you the list of all of different islands I went to and you can read more about them. If I continue to write about the beaches, this post will become a novel.
Railay Beach – Krabi
Railay Beach in Krabi.
One of my absolute favorite places in Thailand. Railay is accessible only by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi. There are no vehicles in the town so very quiet and perfect for kids. Several great beaches are within easy reach of the town. Recommended Hotels: Railay Bay Resort & Spa (moderate) • Sunrise Tropical Resort (moderate) • Railay Garden View Resort (budget)
Phra Nang Beach – Krabi
Best beaches in Krabi.
Phra Nang is a short walk from Railay – or rent a kayak and go by sea. Rock climbing near-by and some fun caves to explore. Recommended Hotels: Rayavadee (luxury)
Karon Beach – Phuket
Karon Beach near Patong Beach in Phuket.
A great beach with lots of restaurants and nightlife – though not as wild (or seedy) as Patong. Recommended Hotels: Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa (luxury) • Andaman Seaview Hotel (luxury) • Moevenpick Resort & Spa (moderate) • Golden Sand Inn (budget)
Kata Beach – Phuket
Kata beach during Christmas and New Years Holidays.
A wonderful beach and town. Phuket can have choppy water but Kata is protected and often calm (and thus one of the most kid-friendly beaches on Phuket). Good quality restaurants are a short walk from the beach. Recommended Hotels: The Shore At Katathani (luxury) • Mom Tri’s Villa Royale (luxury)
Khao Lak
Khuek Khak beach near Khao Lak.
Khao Lak is an hour north of Phuket. A great mix of small town charm and beautiful beaches. Recommended Hotels: The Sarojin (luxury) • Le Meridien (luxury) • Baan Krating Khao Lak Resort (moderate) • Khaolak Banana Bungalow (budget)
Kantiang Beach – Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta Beaches
Great beach for those wanting solitude and sand. Just a hanful of hotels and restaurants – enough to have some choices but not so many as to attract the crowds. Recommended Hotels: Pimalai Resort & Spa (luxury)
Phi Phi Don – Koh Phi Phi
View of Koh Phi Phi Beach.
Phi Phi Don is very touristy but is still close to idyllic. The island is dotted with great stretches of sand away from busy Tonsai beach. Rooms are in short supply on Phi Phi so book well in advance. Recommended Hotels: Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa (luxury) • Zeavola (luxury) • Holiday Inn Resort (luxury) • Mama Beach Residence (moderate) • PP Ingphu Viewpoint (budget)
Chaweng – Koh Samui
Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui.
Chaweng is Koh Samui’s largest town and where you’ll find the most nightlife (and a Starbucks). The beach is great too. Recommended Hotels: Amari Palm Reef (luxury) • Centara Grand (luxury) • Baan Chaweng (moderate) • Poppies (moderate) • Ark Bar (budget)
Bophut – Koh Samui
Bophut Beach on Koh Samui.
Evening dining is popular on many beaches and Bophut does it as well as any beach. Some consider the sand at Bophut to be a little too coarse but it’s still one of my very favorite beaches. Recommended Hotels: Anantara Resort & Spa (luxury) • Hansar Samui Resort & Spa (luxury) • Zazen (boutique) • Peace Resort (moderate) • Smile House (moderate) • World Resort (budget)
Thongtakian Beach – Koh Samui
Silver and Coral Beach on Koh Samui.
Thong Takian Beach (also Silver Beach) is a small cove between Lamai and Chaweng on Koh Samui. Secluded yet an easy taxi ride to nightlife and restaurants. Recommended Hotels: Promtsuk Buri (moderate) • Crystal Bay Beach Resort (budget)
Bottle Beach – Koh Phangan
Bottle Beach on Koh Pha Ngan island.
Reachable only by boat and thus very quiet. A beautiful beach surrounded by mountains is perfect for those looking for some solitude. It’s very popular with long-term travelers. Recommended Hotels: Bottle Beach 1 Resort (moderate) • Smile Bungalow Bottle Beach (budget)
Bang Bao – Koh Chang
Koh Chang island's best beaches.
Koh Chang is in the far east of the country. An off the beaten track island with fantastic beaches. Recommended Hotels: Emerald Cove (luxury) • Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort (luxury) • Centara Tropicana Resort (moderate) • KC Grande Resort & Spa (moderate) • Garden Resort (moderate) • Siam Beach Resort (budget)
Koh Samet
Koh Samet beach near Pattaya and Bangkok.
The nicest beaches near Bangkok. Koh Samet is a 4 hour bus and ferry trip from Bangkok. An added bonus: during the wet season Koh Samet has some of the country’s driest weather. Recommended Hotels: Paradee Resort (luxury) • Ao Prao Resort (luxury) • Samed Grand View Resort (moderate)
Private Sessions
Fitness and Wellness
Stay active with the pools, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, range of classes and sporting facilities
The Fitness Centre is the perfect place for health-conscious people who appreciate professional service and a highly personalized approach to fitness. The centre is located across the river, just past our lotus pond.
Fitness Centre
They have a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre that has everything you need for a total body workout with aerobic machines, weight training facilities, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.They also offer personal training sessions.
Swimming
They have a choice of two swimming pools reserved exclusively for the relaxation and recreation of hotel guests its opened from 6am to 8pm. A wadding pool surrounded by cabanas for relaxing dips and a 25-metre long pool, ideal for swimming laps.
Complimentary Classes
They offer free fitness classes for guests and members. Choose from Muay Thai (Thai boxing), meditative yoga, HIIT Training, Fit Ball Workout and a variety of Fitness & Wellness sessions. They also offer a range of healthy activities designed exclusively for children from 8 to 16 years of age, including kids exercise, kids yoga and kids Muay Thai.
Treat Yourself
The Oriental Spa
Treat your mind, body and soul. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok's exquisite spa boasts a serene design and a range of unique treatments blending contemporary and ancient techniques. The Oriental Spa, which opened as the first city spa in Bangkok, has received numerous awards including being the only spa in Bangkok to have been awarded 5-star by Forbes. A temple of wellbeing, set in a restored century-old teakwood house, The Oriental Spa is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. You'll discover a range of unique treatments blending traditional Thai and modern Western techniques in private rooms and suites. You'll begin experience with a short boat ride to the Spa, which is located across the river from the hotel. They are welcomed with a cooling tea and then enjoy a private consultation that allows the therapist to tailor treatments to guests’ individual needs. The facilities include ten treatment rooms with private shower and steam facilities, three treatment rooms dedicated to facial therapy, five speciality suites – including four with private vitality pools, Moroccan Rhassoul, relaxation lounge, and spa boutique to extend your experience at home.
Click the link up above to see more of what there is to offer.
Sunsets
Every one of the beaches that we visited had beautiful sunsets. I going to just give you the list of all of different islands I went to and you can read more about them. If I continue to write about the beaches, this post will become a novel.
Railay Beach – Krabi
Railay Beach in Krabi.
One of my absolute favorite places in Thailand. Railay is accessible only by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi. There are no vehicles in the town so very quiet and perfect for kids. Several great beaches are within easy reach of the town. Recommended Hotels: Railay Bay Resort & Spa (moderate) • Sunrise Tropical Resort (moderate) • Railay Garden View Resort (budget)
Phra Nang Beach – Krabi
Best beaches in Krabi.
Phra Nang is a short walk from Railay – or rent a kayak and go by sea. Rock climbing near-by and some fun caves to explore. Recommended Hotels: Rayavadee (luxury)
Karon Beach – Phuket
Karon Beach near Patong Beach in Phuket.
A great beach with lots of restaurants and nightlife – though not as wild (or seedy) as Patong. Recommended Hotels: Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa (luxury) • Andaman Seaview Hotel (luxury) • Moevenpick Resort & Spa (moderate) • Golden Sand Inn (budget)
Kata Beach – Phuket
Kata beach during Christmas and New Years Holidays.
A wonderful beach and town. Phuket can have choppy water but Kata is protected and often calm (and thus one of the most kid-friendly beaches on Phuket). Good quality restaurants are a short walk from the beach. Recommended Hotels: The Shore At Katathani (luxury) • Mom Tri’s Villa Royale (luxury)
Khao Lak
Khuek Khak beach near Khao Lak.
Khao Lak is an hour north of Phuket. A great mix of small town charm and beautiful beaches. Recommended Hotels: The Sarojin (luxury) • Le Meridien (luxury) • Baan Krating Khao Lak Resort (moderate) • Khaolak Banana Bungalow (budget)
Kantiang Beach – Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta Beaches
Great beach for those wanting solitude and sand. Just a hanful of hotels and restaurants – enough to have some choices but not so many as to attract the crowds. Recommended Hotels: Pimalai Resort & Spa (luxury)
Phi Phi Don – Koh Phi Phi
View of Koh Phi Phi Beach.
Phi Phi Don is very touristy but is still close to idyllic. The island is dotted with great stretches of sand away from busy Tonsai beach. Rooms are in short supply on Phi Phi so book well in advance. Recommended Hotels: Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa (luxury) • Zeavola (luxury) • Holiday Inn Resort (luxury) • Mama Beach Residence (moderate) • PP Ingphu Viewpoint (budget)
Chaweng – Koh Samui
Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui.
Chaweng is Koh Samui’s largest town and where you’ll find the most nightlife (and a Starbucks). The beach is great too. Recommended Hotels: Amari Palm Reef (luxury) • Centara Grand (luxury) • Baan Chaweng (moderate) • Poppies (moderate) • Ark Bar (budget)
Bophut – Koh Samui
Bophut Beach on Koh Samui.
Evening dining is popular on many beaches and Bophut does it as well as any beach. Some consider the sand at Bophut to be a little too coarse but it’s still one of my very favorite beaches. Recommended Hotels: Anantara Resort & Spa (luxury) • Hansar Samui Resort & Spa (luxury) • Zazen (boutique) • Peace Resort (moderate) • Smile House (moderate) • World Resort (budget)
Thongtakian Beach – Koh Samui
Silver and Coral Beach on Koh Samui.
Thong Takian Beach (also Silver Beach) is a small cove between Lamai and Chaweng on Koh Samui. Secluded yet an easy taxi ride to nightlife and restaurants. Recommended Hotels: Promtsuk Buri (moderate) • Crystal Bay Beach Resort (budget)
Bottle Beach – Koh Phangan
Bottle Beach on Koh Pha Ngan island.
Reachable only by boat and thus very quiet. A beautiful beach surrounded by mountains is perfect for those looking for some solitude. It’s very popular with long-term travelers. Recommended Hotels: Bottle Beach 1 Resort (moderate) • Smile Bungalow Bottle Beach (budget)
Bang Bao – Koh Chang
Koh Chang island's best beaches.
Koh Chang is in the far east of the country. An off the beaten track island with fantastic beaches. Recommended Hotels: Emerald Cove (luxury) • Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort (luxury) • Centara Tropicana Resort (moderate) • KC Grande Resort & Spa (moderate) • Garden Resort (moderate) • Siam Beach Resort (budget)
Koh Samet
Koh Samet beach near Pattaya and Bangkok.
The nicest beaches near Bangkok. Koh Samet is a 4 hour bus and ferry trip from Bangkok. An added bonus: during the wet season Koh Samet has some of the country’s driest weather. Recommended Hotels: Paradee Resort (luxury) • Ao Prao Resort (luxury) • Samed Grand View Resort (moderate)
No comments
Post a Comment