My mind wanders to where I’ll head when the coast is clear. There’s no question for me, it’s Thailand.
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Favorite Hotels
Some of my favorite hotels in the world are in Thailand. Most recently, we tried the Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok and loved it. The suite was amazing, but I’d go back solely for the french toast in the mornings and crab fried rice from room service.
My family also loved the Park Hyatt and its incredible infinity pool. The level of service and luxury for a fraction of the cost found elsewhere in the world is a strong force to resist.
On our last visit, we also tried the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit and were very impressed with the level of quality and detail to the property for half the cost of the Park.
But maybe it is time to cross some others off the list. Hyatt’s partnership with SLH has opened the door to utilize Hyatt points at some amazing properties. I have always wanted to stay at the Mandarin Oriental which has been out of our price range and away from the things we like to see and do. However, with the opening of Icon Siam across the water, maybe it is finally time to stay there.
Amazing Food
Arguably some of the best food in the world is in Thailand. I may not be able to eat at Gaggan any more since its closure (though Chef G has opened a new establishment) but the city has plenty of excellent food on offer.
Some of the best food isn’t even in a restaurant but rather from a charcoal-fired wok right on the sidewalk. To that end, even the food courts at the city’s many malls are incredibly impressive. For just a couple of dollars,
Thailand Feels Like Home
There’s something about the oppressive heat that flows into the cabin as soon as the airplane door opens. While that may not sound refreshing to most, it means I am home. People are friendly, the weather is great and my family has such fond memories across Thailand.
Thailand was the destination my daughter first flew to long-haul. It’s where my wife and I chose to move to when we had a chance for a sabbatical. It’s where we have spent most Christmas breaks over the last six years and it was our first destination in Asia.
Conclusion
I am not sure when we will be able to get back to Thailand, though we are hoping for a trip in August. But whenever we are able to venture out again into the world, it will be to Thailand if possible.
What do you think? Where will you travel first when the world re-opens? Will you try someplace new or return to an old favorite?
August…I’ll be on that flight with you but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Thailand is a good choice, but how can you feature that picture of a Thailand hotel clearly misappropriating Native American Culture by using a teepee as a prop? We must do the right thing – boycott that hotel, start a Change.com petition, and call hundreds of thousands of people out to protest. Since protesters in Thailand use whistles, non of the protesters can wear face masks (unless they are burning or looting jewelry stores, car dealerships and fast food restaurants). And don’t forget we have to tear down the sculpture of The Churning of the Milk in the Bangkok Airport because it sanctions animal abuse by depicting a snake used as a rope. Naga Lives Matter! Defund the Thai Tourist Police! (whose priorities include cooperation with foreign nationals and the promotion of their security) Remove the statue of The Great Buddha of Thailand because it makes me feel uncomfortable the way Buddah looks down on everyone from 148 feet. Buddah must take a knee! American insanity must be exported!
Thailand has it’s faults, but I love that they don’t engage in nonsense PC and outrage culture. But sadly they have become so closely aligned with China that I’m not sure I can stomach giving them any more money. They are planning to open up to Chinese tourists before USA. The country the started a this, lied about it(and continues to), tried to cover it up, then profiteered off if it, will get preferential treatment? Sad.
Likewise regarding Thailand for myself as well. August does sound a bit optimistic, but I am hoping for October or November.
It’s so funny the connections one can make with these places. I feel the same way about South Africa (though I’m not South African) there’s something so lovely about going back.
It’s Thailand for me too as an extension of a biz trip to Asia once we are allowed to travel again. I have been going to Thailand since 2005, was put off initially but then simply embraced it and never had a bad trip to TH since then. I know in advance what I can’t change or need to ignore, and then it’s a bliss. Perfect Day in BKK: Early morning jog, breakfast (no more buffets I assume) first 90 min lunchtime massage at Asia Herb(google it and book the 4 hand massage, very professional) , late lunch in a mall, jump in hotel pool, early evening massage, dinner at a whole in wall place, Chinatown or by river, then some bars or cruising around Sukhumvit at night. Add weekend market when it’s open for shopping or indoor market ….Works with kids too just book babysitter for the evening portion !
I love se Asia but it’s very hard to get to with kids. All one stop at least from ord. I’ll save those trips for when I’m back in Australia unfortunately. 🙁
I’ll be right behind you. Love the hotels in BKK
First place I want to go is back to London!! (Hopefully, BA will resume flights to/from PIT!!) Then, I plan on a trip through Europe, visiting new destinations…. Berlin, Budapest, and Prague among others.
You can visit London if you are willing to quarantine yourself upon arrival for 14 days. There isn’t anything open yet culture-wise, so if you are able to work remotely, you could do that during you quarantine and then go about in the UK or even Italy in July.
Rome.
Not a hope in hell for August in Thailand..and even then they’re talking about opening up first for mandatory, extended stays at resorts ( bypassing Bangkok).
They are lifting some restrictions…but some things are open for Thais only, including temples, intercity bus services. It’s the kind of racism for which Thailand is notorious..
My first confirmed flight is Paris for Christmas. I’m not yet convinced it’s going to happen, but live in hope.
It’s raining everyday now. Traffic becomes bad as normal after curfew has been lifted.