Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui!

Tripoto
6th Apr 2016

Pavilion Magic :)

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Pretty little pastry place

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Gorgeous Malls

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Shopper's Paradise

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Authentic Thai Food!

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

The Grand Palace

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

The Grand Palace

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

The Grand Palace

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

More food @ the streets

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

The famous Night Market

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

:)

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Tattoo Love :)

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Bangkok!

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Rocky'S

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Rocky'S

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Basa Fish :)

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Lovely bar @ Rocky'S

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Hydro Pool Villa @The Pavilion Villas and Resorts

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

:D

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

The Cliff Bar & Grill

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Scrumptious food @ The Cliff Bar & Grill

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

The view from The Cliff Bar & Grill

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

The Pavilion Villas and Resorts

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

The Pavilion Villas and Resorts

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Yummy @ The Pavilion Villas and Resorts

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Beach please!

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Moree food!

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

Busy streets bustling with logjams, couples, singles, laughter and lights, a perfect movie shot that I spot on my first day in Bangkok. A place where there is no end to luxury and comfort and like a coin has 2 sides, so does Bangkok. While one witnesses the vibrant street life along with the notorious red light areas, there also is the high end dine and wine full of Prada & Bottega Veneta around you. Heart of Capital and Heights of Luxury by all means describes Bangkok to its very core.

Our Bangkok trip started with Siam Center. Swanky area packed with super gorgeous malls nicely showing off their architectural curves and design, is set in the bosom of the city. The Central Embassy is paradise for shopaholics who don’t mind splurging on the best that money can buy. On that note, if self-pampering is on your list then there is nothing stopping you. Home to brands like Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Louboutin, Prada and Louis Vuitton you will want to buy it all. Despite not wanting to step out of the Mini Palace, I was dragged right into the next mall, ͞The Siam Paragon. As grumpy as I looked, my smile and sparkle was back in no time. It was an experience on its own.

Most of us love shopping and exploring the street life and that’s exactly what I was there for too. Well Bangkok is mostly known for that, isn’t it? Much to our surprise, the main central hub of Bangkok has got to be on your “Not to be Missed List”. One would be amazed to find how aesthetically these buildings are done up and the chance of dining in one of their alluring and elegant restaurants surely cannot be missed. Hence, even if your passport says that you have visited the fashion capital Paris or the malls in New York you haven’t seen everything yet.

Our first food stop was Nara that served our favorite Thai cuisine. The spices, herbs and flavors made for a happy lunch and two glasses of wine, which thereafter definitely called for a long walk leading us to The Palladium World where one of the most talked about “Night Market” was located. Transport options to travel around the city are quite a few, like the tuk-tuks for an experience - quite big and spacious as compared to our little auto-rickshaws back in India or of course the air-conditioned taxis, both almost charging about 5 $ - 10$ after a definite bit of bargaining. 

All geared up on our first night, we decided to open up the city map and march our way to the shopping center. Few bridges and 20 minutes later, we arrived at a spot where I felt absolutely at home. From clothes to bags to custom made phone covers, wallets and diaries to temporary tattoos, yummy street food to jewelry and tones of souvenirs, there is absolutely nothing a travel shopaholic wouldn’t find there. 

The Night Market is a long stretch of little shops that are open almost throughout the night swarming with people busy bargaining their way out of everything. Lively music, lights and a happy aura around it will make you fall in love with the whole concept. My shopping bag consisted of almost all of the above and well like Marilyn Monroe said “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world”, so how could I say no to those cute ballerinas and sexy stilettos in just under 30 $.

Hungry much… we were guided to Somboondee Seafood Market, one of the oldest Thai Restaurants in the city and like our own little version of The Indian Coffee House, old yet serving the best. Since I simply love Thai food, my lunch and dinner were ditto, though it tasted different but equally succulent. The damage here was a bare 8$ for 2 of us.

Lazily strolling after our sumptuous meal, we decided to explore the area around our hotel. We were booked at iCheck Inn, centrally located in Sukhumvit Soi 2, one of the prettiest boutique hotels I had checked into in a long time. Swamped with hotels standing right next to each other, one can be booked either online or be carefree enough to walk in and book yourself a fancy room on the spot. The cherry on the pie being the fact that despite their hot cake location they do not burn a hole in your pocket, the room rent ranging from 30 - 40 $ a night. The market here is packed with spas and massages and yes, before we forget, a very friendly reminder to all those lovely ladies walking out with their men - do not leave him alone even for a second or consider him taken. Now that comes from personal experience and well I had my guard on, on all nights after. The pubs, lounges and restaurants are never far from sight in Bangkok, to say the least, a very reverberating and booming place to hang around.

Day 2

Day 2 began with a scrumptious breakfast at our hotel followed by an exotic massage at the Sabaidee Massage center. Another word of caution, choose your massage parlors carefully and look for “Massage Only” on their rate cards. Less than 10 $ and there I was, feeling completely rejuvenated and ready to enjoy much much more of this megalopolis. Enjoying our tuk-tuk ride to our next destination, The Grand Palace, our driver complaint of the never-ending traffic jams the city had begun to see. Staring at the landscapes with the high-rise buildings glaring back at me, I was absolutely stunned by how pretty and massive this city has turned out to be.

Once we got there and bought our passes at about 15 $ each, the first sight of The Grand Palace definitely satisfied our lust for exotic. Remarkable maze of buildings constructed in oriental Thai style, mounting roofs with colors ranging from white to glamorous gold is definitely a unforgettable sight. The venue was packed with tourists and all of us were left breathless by the beautiful paintings and intricate drawings across walls. Pausing for a bit and offering our prayers to Lord Buddha was definitely nothing but the most peaceful few moments of the day.

Back into the burg, we visited one of the go - go bars on the streets of Bangkok, which was a first for me. The touts at the door shoved us inside and soon a waitress dressed in a sexy schoolgirl outfit got us our drinks. The bar was lit with glimmering red and orange lights and throbbing with loud music. As the girls clung on their poles dancing away, I noticed the individuals present in the room were a mix of tourists and a few couples like us who could not leave Bangkok without experiencing it’s night life. Few beers and a hell ova time later we headed back to our hotel as we had an early bird flight to catch.

Hoping on to a Thai airway flight we landed right into the land of playas, Koh Samui in about an hour. At the airport, opt for buses and not taxis to get to your hotel, as they are pocket friendly at 10 $ for two and one gets a sight seeing ride by default as well. Half an hour later we arrived at The Pavilion Villas and Resorts, located at Lamai beach. This resort offers various kinds of villas each better than the other along with a library, being my personal highlight and the much-needed Internet of course. 

Their in-house spas and bars should undoubtedly be checked off the list. The staff here is very hospitable and can assist you plan your stay at the beach. After the chivalrous greetings, we checked into our Hydro pool villa with French windows, lavishly opening up to a private pool. The sight was nothing less than an alluring dream. Off went our shoes and we jumped straight into the pool. Soon, hunger took over, driving us to one of the beach side restaurants where we gorged our way through prawns and fish enjoying the first sunset in the city.

The following day, to add to our romance, we hired a bike. It sure did save us a lot of bucks as well. 6$ a day and you can explore the whole island at your own pace and will. Riding our way through, our next destination was Chaweng beach. Chaweng is certainly livelier than Lamai, so if you are looking for a pure relaxing holiday, opt for Lamai. But if you are in the mood to groove & shop, then Chaweng is your beach. We spent our afternoon at Eat Sense Beach Restaurant, sipping on our margaritas and riding on the Jet Skis.

We exited Chaweng by twilight to explore this wee land of beaches on our own. Riding through the town, we came across tiny shops selling sexy beachwear from bikinis to hats and sarongs. And just like that, our encounter to get to know Samui better, landed us into our next destination - Rocky’s. One of the most ideal resorts I have been to so far. Situated in Lamai beach and spread over some classy acres of land, this resort has its own exclusive private beach as well. It gives one a wild feeling amidst the seas, with two mesmerizing swimming pools and a bountiful number of bars and restaurants around. We eventually plotted our way to their restaurant where we were greeted with captivating live music and a lot of laughter. The basa fish on their menu was inevitably delicious, smooth as silk and full of flavors. We were in for a yummy treat.

Our final day at Samui went by in a flash. The island has so much to offer and everything leaves you hoping for more. It pampers and caters for every whim and fancy that one would dream off. With the crystal blue waters overlooking our next stop, The Cliff Bar & Grill, was a matchless choice to spend our afternoon. Sitting on top of a cliff, this beauty gives you an overview of the entire island. Post our scrumptious lunch of Fresh Lime Fish and Gambas con Caril, we took a small walk down the cliff and enjoyed the silence amidst the water and the rocks. Just two words describe that moment perfectly - serene and peaceful. P.S: best spot for las fotos!

Giving my lovey-dovey heart one last chance to experience the ideal dinner date while vacationing on an island, I was in for an exceptionally romantic dinner by the beach with my partner. Far far away from the crowd, in a little hut constructed on the shore, with candles & orchids, with the violin playing in the background and the waves touching our feet while we sipped on our glass of wine, this was how we spent our last night in Samui. Pavilion did a perfect job and made this a memory that we would cherish forever.

Every age group and no matter whom you go with, you’ll have an experience waiting to enrapture you. Catch a bunch of friends and you end up spending your trip shopping and pub hopping with booming late nights or choose your better half and you’ll relish the romantic dates, beach beds, massages, spas, wines and more. Flawless and sublime, exemplary and idyllic, Bangkok and Koh Samui have got to feature on your travel diaries for you to witness all these moments and create beautiful and “sanuk” memories.

Centrally located in Sukhumvit Soi 2, one of the prettiest boutique hotels I have checked into in a long time. The cherry on the pie being the fact that despite the hot cake location they do not burn a hole in your pocket, the room rent ranging from 1200-1500 baht a night.

First sight of The Grand Palace definitely satisfied our lust for exotic. A remarkable maze of buildings constructed in oriental Thai style, mounting roofs with colors ranging from white to glamorous gold is a beautiful and unforgettable sight. The venue being packed with tourists and all of us were left breathless by the beautiful paintings and intricate drawings across walls.

Photo of Ko Samui Surat Thani Thailand by preeti talwar
Photo of Ko Samui Surat Thani Thailand by preeti talwar
Photo of Ko Samui Surat Thani Thailand by preeti talwar

From clothes to bags to custom made phone covers, wallets and diaries to temporary tattoos, yummy street food to jewelry and tones of souvenirs, there is absolutely nothing a travel shopaholic wouldn’t find here. The Night Market is a long stretch of little shops that are open almost throughout the night swarming with people busy bargaining their way out of everything. Lively music, lights and a happy aura around it will make you fall in love with the whole concept.

Photo of The Night Market ถนน ช้างคลาน Chiang Mai Thailand by preeti talwar
Photo of The Night Market ถนน ช้างคลาน Chiang Mai Thailand by preeti talwar
Photo of The Night Market ถนน ช้างคลาน Chiang Mai Thailand by preeti talwar
Photo of The Night Market ถนน ช้างคลาน Chiang Mai Thailand by preeti talwar

Located at Lamai beach, this resort offers various kinds of villas each better than the other along with a library, being my personal highlight and the much-needed Internet of course. Their in-house spas and bars should undoubtedly be checked off the list. The staff here is very hospitable and can assist you plan your stay at the beach.

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

One of the most ideal resorts I have been to so far. Situated in Lamai beach and spread over some classy acres of land, this resort has its own exclusive private beach as well. It gives one a wild feeling amidst the seas, with two mesmerizing swimming pools and a bountiful number of bars and restaurants around.

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar

With the crystal blue waters overlooking The Cliff Bar & Grill, it is a matchless choice to spend an afternoon. Sitting on top of a cliff, this beauty gives you an overview of the entire island.

Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar
Photo of Beaches, Sand and Brands!! Bangkok & Samui! by preeti talwar