A Thai Getaway to Remember: Read Dr Bhavana’s Thrillophilia Review
It all started with a gentle hush of waves and the salty scent of the sea, like the ocean itself was welcoming us. A warm breeze brushed past, carrying the aroma of grilled satay from a beachside stall; ahhhhh! I can still feel it.
It was Phuket, where it all began, where the beautiful vacation of two doctors was written.
We landed in Phuket Airport on 24 September 2024, under a sky brushed in pastel blues; I could feel my body exhale. The air was thick with humidity and promise.
No hunting for taxis, no fumbling with maps, just smooth sailing from the start.
Our hotel room was cosy, clean, and ideally located. We spent the next couple of days wandering through colourful markets, sipping chilled coconut water, and dipping our toes into the warm Andaman Sea.
Our mornings started with a WhatsApp ping for our day’s itinerary and pickup times, and a smiley face from our coordinator. It felt personal, almost like we had a travel-savvy friend guiding us.
Island That Took Our Breath Away into the Blue
Next up were the day trips we had been most excited about: the Phi Phi Islands. We took speedboats to this iconic spot, and each moment felt straight out of a movie. The blue-green waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden lagoons were surreal.
But do you know what the exciting highlight was for me? It was snorkelling, and I will never forget my first experience of it. I had never seen coral reefs so close, and I must say the marine life was fascinating.
Healing Rhythm of Peace, Coconuts, and Waterfalls in Ko Samui
After the high energy of Phuket, Ko Samui offered us a calm, tropical escape. We explored hidden waterfalls, drove through coconut plantations, and strolled through quaint night markets. There were no strict schedules; it was just time to breathe and explore.
Our hotel here was my favourite; it had a sea-facing room with a hammock on the balcony. In my mind, it was like I could have stayed there forever, just listening to the waves.
But the real adventure came when we visited Ang Thong Marine National Park near Ko Samui. The trek to the top was no joke; it was steep and challenging, but oh, the view! It was totally worth the climb. We still remember standing there, catching our breath and staring out at the maze of islands below.
Our Lifelong Experience at Krabi – Seven Shades of Sunset
Our next flight from Ko Samui to Krabi was short, but the landscape changed again. This time, Krabi greeted us with towering cliffs and emerald seas. It was the kind of dramatic beauty that not only made us pause but also made us feel small in the best way.
We spent two nights here, but the highlight was, hands down, the most exciting Seven Island Tour.
As our speedboat sliced through the teal water, the coastline flickered past like frames in a dream. Each stop had its own personality: hidden lagoons, coral gardens, and dramatic limestone outcrops. We swam, snorkelled, and watched the sun slowly dip into the sea from a soft, sandy beach—its final rays painting the sky in molten gold.
Then came the BBQ dinner, grilled right on the beach, under the stars. It was the kind of meal you remember for its moment, not just the taste, its laughter in the dark, toes in the sand, and bellies full of spice and smoke.
Pattaya was a Change of Pace for Us, Our Wild Card
Oh my! Pattaya is vibrant, loud, and unapologetically fun. It crackled with energy at everything: its floating markets, neon nights, and more flavours than we thought could fit in one meal. We hopped from cabaret shows to street stalls, tried fruit I would never have seen before, and ended most nights with tired feet and happy hearts.
But, honestly, the Coral Island trip was the true gem
On the morning of 1st October 2024, we were picked up in a comfortable Toyota Commuter, watching Pattaya slowly wake up outside our window. The air was thick with promise and ocean mist as we headed to the pier. Soon, our speedboat cut across the turquoise water, lifting us toward the island like a heartbeat gaining pace.
Coral Island was not just beautiful; it was vibrant. It had white sands, clear waters, parasails soaring above like kites, and the rhythmic splash of waves pulling at your feet. We again snorkelled among rainbow-hued reefs, spotted shy little clownfish, and lazed under beach umbrellas, watching the day unfold in hues of blue and gold.
Our warm and comforting lunch was served at the beachside, with just simple Thai food done right. And somehow, everything tasted better with salty skin, messy hair, and the sound of distant waves in your ear.
Last Days at Bangkok - Our Last Stop
The road from Pattaya to Bangkok felt like the final page of a beautiful book. But just when we thought the adventure had reached its peak, Safari World & Marine Park greeted us like an unexpected plot twist.
Our private sedan sliced through the smooth Thai highways, and en route, we stopped at the park, a world where wildlife meets wonder. It was not just a visit; it felt like stepping into a live-action film. From the elephant show that made us chuckle to the action-packed Spy War stunt and the heartwarming dolphin and sea lion shows, every moment was packed with awe.
But the true Bangkok magic unfolded that evening—on the shimmering waters of the Chao Phraya River. Dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess awaited us as the boat gently sailed past temples lit in golden hues, and the Grand Palace glowed from afar. We dined under the stars, and there was soft music, the clinking of cutlery, Thai delicacies melting on our tongues, and a gentle breeze that felt like a farewell kiss.
This was not just a holiday; it was a soft reset, a soulful recharge for us. Now, I can say just go and breathe in and let Thailand wrap you in its warm, wild, unforgettable embrace.
Read More: Thrillophilia Bangkok Reviews