Thailand has always been high on my bucket list. I’ve been intrigued by the culture, food and landscapes for as long as I can remember… I mean, c’mon, who doesn’t love a good Pad Thai dish!?! When the opportunity presented itself for me to explore this awesome region of the world, I hopped on it! I was so excited to experience the beaches, the temples and the rainforest - all things I think of when I think Thailand.

But despite the obvious landscape, one of the things I loved most when traveling to Southeast Asia was learning about the Buddhist culture. I admittingly don’t identify myself as being super religious, but this religion was much more that just that; it was a lifestyle that taught respect, self control and family values. These virtues are ones that were deep in the Thai people and so cool to witness.

While in Thailand, I went to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket/Yao Noi. Each spot was so different but the perfect puzzle pieces to make up a well rounded experience in this dynamic country.

Bangkok

I didn’t know what to expect when I went to Bangkok. I thought it would be filled with street food markets and tons of people, which it was, but it also had an incredible river running through the city with access to many temples, markets, restaurants and hotels. Aside from the attractions accessible by the water, we also ventured further into the city to see historical spots like the Jim Thompson House, the Chinatown area in Bangkok, the flower markets and the arts district. Having a guide to navigate you through this busy city is key or else you can easily feel overwhelmed which can easily happen in this bustling city!! & of course BPK Travel knows the best guides in the city to make sure your stay is smooth sailing!!

While there, I also stayed at and toured a few hotels!…

The Siam

I had the pleasure of staying at The Siam hotel for two nights and absolutely loved it. While it’s not in the heart of Bangkok, I actually liked that feature of it. The Siam is located about a 30 minute boat ride (boat schedule provided by the hotel) or a 30 minute taxi into the heart of Bangkok. I personally preferred the boat ride because you get a great breeze and views of temples along the way!

The Siam is COOL. The black and white décor with the greenery in the common spaces makes it super zen. I also loved the outdoor dining spot for breakfast for cocktails before a night out. It’s just a great, peaceful place in the middle of a big city, and arguably one of my favorite “city hotels”!

Peninsula Bangkok

The Peninsula Bangkok is right at the water’s edge in the heart of Bangkok. This property is big and well located to the action. From the second you walk up, you can’t help but notice its stature. The rooms have river views and range in sizes making them work for any type of traveler. My favorite feature was its Thai restaurant which was intimate and cozy and located on the water.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

I walked through the Mandarin Oriental which is currently undergoing a renovation. While I didn't see any rooms, I did see the new lobby area which is awesome. This hotel is located across the river from the Peninsula and feels more discreet and intimate. The newly designed lobby was chic but still paired well with the traditional spaces where many guests were enjoying afternoon tea. This is a great spot if you want to be in the middle of the action but want some privacy as well.

Chiang Mai

To be honest, when planning my trip to Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai was the place I was most excited to visit. I just envisioned it to be this jungle with like elephants running rampant and street food vendors set up along the dirt road streets. A big generalization, right? But what I found was that Chiang Mai was an extremely developed, sophisticated city. A smaller, cleaner version of Bangkok, in my opinion, but still with access to the jungle experiences I had imagined.

While there, I took a tour of the city and ventured out to the Hmong villages (villages of people who are incentivized by the government to grow organic fruits and vegetables in exchange for stipends). While I wish I went out more in the jungle to hike and explore nature, I talked to our guide thoroughly about the outdoorsy possibilities in this region that my clients can experience.

While there, I toured two hotels and stayed in two hotels…

Anantara Chiang Mai

The Anantara Chiang Mai was very well located in Chiang Mai and walking distance to many popular food markets (the important things, right!?!). This hotel had a sleek and modern design that was clean and exactly what I thought of when imagining an Asian city hotel. One thing I LOVED about this hotel is that when booking with BPK, you receive a complimentary 60 minute massage for two!! I definitely took advantage of the amenity which was the perfect welcome to the busy city. I think this property is a great anchor to those who want to be out and about during their time in Chiang Mai.

137 Pillars House

Wow, I loved this property. 137 Pillars House is located to the best restaurants and bars in Chiang Mai while still being in the city center. The design of this property was A+, and even the entry level room was huge. I thought it was such a cute and well thought out property with interesting architecture and history everywhere you looked. This was definitely a favorite of mine!

Raya Heritage

So if you don't want to be in the busy city but don't want to be soooo far away, Raya Heritage is your place! This property is located about 20 minutes from the heart of Chiang Mai and has a shuttle that runs to and from the city. But on the flip side, this property is only about 30 minutes from the activities in Chiang Mai (versus being in a city hotel and having to drive an hour), so it’s a great anchor for people who want to be very active but not terribly far from the city for dinner. Plus the design was just soooooo chic. I absolutely loved it!!!

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

I was most excited to stay at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai because I envisioned this serene, beautiful escape in my head. When I arrived, I didn't realize that it was over an hour away from Chiang Mai and fairly isolated. This means that if you stay here, you will likely be staying put and eating at the restaurants at the resort. This property was also bigger than I imagined, too. While everything was perfectly manicured and the service was great, it felt a bit like you could plop this hotel anywhere in the world. Don’t get me wrong, out of everywhere in Chiang Mai, this has the most “resort feel” where you can escape it all. That is perfect for clients wanting that type of experience. But if you're wanting a beautiful accommodation but not too far from the action, this is likely not the place for you.

Phuket/Yao Noi

And to conclude my trip in Southeast Asia, I headed to the beach (aka my happy place!!). I had heard so many rumblings about Phuket that is was crazy and busy and dirty and the beaches weren't that beautiful, but I knew I had to see it for myself. And to be honest, the beach’s topography changed along the coastline, so it’s important to pick a hotel that is farther from the action and from where non-hotel residents won’t crash your beach party. Yes, it is busy and there is a lot of traffic, but you can avoid that if you want to. I stayed at and toured a few gorgeous hotels, and had a lovely time.

Trisara

I loved this hotel so much. I stayed in the ENTRY LEVEL ROOM at Trisara, and it still had a plunge pool with sweeping sea views. You had such a sense of privacy at this property, but it still had a great vibe in the common spaces at night. The multiple dining outlets (Michelin star, outdoor dining and indoor but more relaxed) are huddled together in a space overlooking the beach. It’s the perfect gathering place to watch the sunset and have whatever kind of evening you'd like.

Six Senses Yao Noi

I had the pleasure of traveling to Yao Noi and staying at the Six Senses. In order to get here, you drive about 20 minutes from the Phuket airport then take a 45 minute boat ride to the island. It’s not terrible, especially considering that it could take over an hour to drive from the airport to the south part of Phuket! And once you get on the island, the views are out. of. this. WORLD! The rooms at Six Senses were very rustic and expansive with plunge pools and outdoor spaces. The main pool was super iconic with views of various island in the distance. There were a few dining outlets, too, with my favorite food related experience being fetching eggs from the chickens to eat for breakfast. This destination is total barefoot luxury, so leave your heels at home!

Rosewood Phuket

I toured this new property in the southern part of Phuket, and loved it. The overall aesthetic at the Rosewood Phuket was light and bright, trendy and chic. The pool scene was buzzing, and the common spaces were filled with guests. BUT if you wanted some space away from the crowds, you could totally hang out in your private plunge pool that comes with every room. This property was the perfect blend of Asian and Western design.

Banyan Tree Phuket

When I arrived to the Banyan Tree Phuket, I was given one of the BEST rooms on property (thanks to my amazing partners!). My two bedroom villa had one of the biggest private pools I’ve seen and was overlooking a lake. The Banyan Tree Phuket felt the least “beachy” of the properties I visited and was very big. If you don't mind riding bikes around a property (which is actually a PRO in my opinion, not a con), then this would be a good fit for you. But while the property is expansive, it has many dining outlets and different places to explore. Plus, if you like golf, there is a golf course right on property. I think the Banyan Tree is well rounded but less intimate than other options; however, it prices super well and