Destinations Travelled: Singapore & Thailand
Season Travelled in: In Thailand’s winter (as they’re in the Northern Hemisphere), which is the best time to visit as it’s their dry season (November to May). The days are warm, but not humid, and the evenings are cooler.
Our main destination was Thailand where we visited Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, but we did a quick 2-night stopover in Singapore for Christmas where we met our interstate friends to continue the journey.
This isn’t my first time to Singapore or Thailand, but we wanted to go somewhere that wasn’t more than 7-8 hours flight, similar time zones to avoid jetlag, and somewhere my partner hadn’t been before. This made Thailand the perfect fit as it’s somewhere I love and have very fond memories of. It is also only 3 hours’ time difference behind Brisbane (or 2 for Sydney and Melbourne) and I hadn’t been for quite some time (12 years, to be exact).
I like to holiday long enough that I’m able to wind down and forget about work, but not too long where I start longing for the comforts of home. We left Christmas Eve and returned mid-January, travelling for a total of three weeks.
Our quick stopover in Singapore allowed us to meet with our interstate friends who were joining us for the trip, plus we got to experience a Singaporean Christmas. Singapore is great over the Christmas period – the shops are open, and the decorations are extra!! Orchard Road is closed off on Christmas Eve for a street party with live music, food, shopping, decorations and thousands of people.
In addition, my partner (and favourite travelling companion) is an Architect and Interior Designer, so we checked out The Singapore EDITION and The Standard Singapore, both of which are beautifully designed properties.
From Singapore, we flew onto Thailand to check out their many beautiful temples, walk through markets, shop, experience different hotel properties, flounder in pools, and of course, savour all the amazing tastes of Thai food.
Between Brisbane and Singapore, we chose to fly Business Class with Singapore Airlines on one of their A350-900 aircraft, which is one of my favourite aircraft to fly (after the A380, of course!). There are four flights out of Brisbane departing at various times, but I like to fly during the day, so I chose a mid-afternoon departure to arrive in Singapore at around 8.20pm.
Before you fly, Singapore Airlines allow you to choose your seat and select your meal from a vast menu of delicious dishes (I chose the steak, my partner the lobster!). All done through the Manage my Booking section of Singapore Airlines website or App.
Check-in kiosks are readily available upon arrival at the airport in both Brisbane and Singapore. Alternatively, there are dedicated Business Class check-in counters and dedicated lanes for bag drops.
Business Class passengers can enjoy the SilverKris Lounge prior to boarding once clearing Immigration and of course, after you’ve made your way through the Duty-Free shops. There’s a wide selection of complimentary Asian and Western cuisines, beers, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages which can be enjoyed while sitting on comfortable lounge chairs, dining tables, or in the comfort of a more private pod. Brisbane Airport only has one SilverKris Lounge, but you’ll find Singapore Changi Airport has several to choose from, all different in their own way. [Handy tip: ice cream for breakfast isn’t always the best idea after you’ve tried every dish on the buffet!]
With priority boarding for Business Class passengers, once onboard you are greeted by the friendly smiles of the Singapore Airlines crew who offer a personalised service. The A350-900 out of Brisbane comes with lie-flat beds, full-service dining (pre-ordered if you choose but there’s a vast a-la-carte menu available), numerous entertainment options and noise cancelling headphones.
Our shorter flights between Singapore and Thailand, and within Thailand were on Jetstar Asia, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways in Economy Class.
I’ve provided some pics of the food (good and bad) that were on my flights. On one of the shorter flights, I decided to order a fruit platter, guess which one that is. All other pics are of Singapore Airlines (yes, I ordered all the desert on the flight home!) and the relaxing waiting area at Koh Samui departures.
I’ll provide more detail on the hotels in ‘The Trip’ section of this article. Here’s a little bit on the style of accommodation I go for when travelling.
Personally, I prefer a little tradition and the old school class of a luxury hotel – think of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, The Peninsula Hong Kong, or The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, India. A beautiful lobby, well-manicured and mature grounds, stunning crystal-clear pools coupled with exceptional service (but not over the top annoying).
On the other hand, my partner likes properties with great design and architecture – try the Venice Venice (surprisingly in Venice, Italy), Aman Tokyo, or the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. Often these hotels tie in the local traditions and offer amazing service, so it’s not a hard ask of me to stay in these properties either. They too come with great service, as you would expect.
But, as the saying goes, “a happy wife is a happy life”, so I try and do a bit of both when we travel. I won’t go into how I get dragged across cities for food though. I’m also going to get into trouble for writing that. Life is about lessons.
Either way, the hotel or resort I choose is usually not too far from the local sights with clean rooms and great service. On this trip I was also travelling with two friends from interstate so had to keep this in mind (okay, okay! They didn’t always stay at the same property, but mostly. No judgement here.)
Singapore for Christmas!!! I could write another entire article on Singapore, so I’ll try and keep this part short!
Being my third trip to Singapore in under 6 months, and only a quick two-night stop over this time around, I decided the ideal location would be right in the heart of Orchard Road. The voco Orchard Singapore boasts a rooftop pool, restaurant and bar, and is in a great location – an easy 5-minute walk to Tang Plaza and the surrounding shopping districts.
As we arrived, Orchard Road was chaos with “Christmas on a Great Street”, their annual Christmas Eve Street Party about to begin. Thousands of people had packed the streets to take in the decorations, live music, street food, rides, and various entertainment, oh, and the shops were still open. And it was only 10.00pm. The street party went into the early hours of Christmas morning, but after a quick stroll around we decided to head back to the hotel for some shut eye.
I must say, Christmas Day in Singapore is heaven! Singapore does not close for Christmas. It’s business as usual. Yippee!!!
I’m forever grateful that I was not subjected to The Sound of Music for the umpteenth time, nor did I witness my Aunty chasing my cousin around with a wooden spoon. I did miss the laughs and giggles of my nieces though as they excitedly unwrapped (or ripped open) their gifts.
Instead, our morning started early with a quick visit to The Singapore EDITION, a stunning property with its calming marble neutral tones with pops of lush green scattered throughout the lobby. Not to mention Orchard Road’s largest rooftop pool at 43m in length.
I can hear you asking… “Why are we looking at hotels?!” Well… it’s only eight o’clock and the shops don’t open until ten!
This followed by a short walk to The Standard, Singapore. Another beautifully designed hotel shaking things up at one of the city’s most coveted addresses, Orange Grove Road. Vivid crossroads of East and West where cultures exchange, captivating artwork, lush landscapes and of course a stunning pool sets an iconic scene brimming with tunes and treats.
The rest of the day was spent hitting the shops (we were first in the door when they opened at ten!), lunch at a local hawker hall (or food court) beneath Tang Plaza, followed by a lazy afternoon at the voco Orchard Singapore rooftop pool.
An early morning departure on Boxing Day saw us flying out of Terminal 4 at Singapore Changi Airport just after 7.00am – bound for Bangkok, Thailand.
Have you ever heard the lyrics “One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster”? Great song! Sums up Bangkok very well. Also known as the City of Angels, Bangkok is known for its vibrant street life, dazzling temples, and delicious food.
Firstly, there are two very different airports in Bangkok so be mindful which airport you choose so you don’t find yourself at the wrong one.
We landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), pronounced “soo-vuh-nuh-boom”, which opened in 2006. BKK handles most long-haul international flights with most major airlines, plus a scattering of low-cost carriers including Jetstar Asia (our airline of choice). Taxis are readily available along with transfer or limousine companies in the arrivals hall. Expect to pay anywhere between THB 600 to THB 800 from the airport to the city centre. If you’re on a budget, there’s a more cost-effective option with public transportation too, and often quicker when it avoids the peak hour traffic.
The original airport of Bangkok is considered one of the oldest airports in the world. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) opened in 1914 before closing its doors for renovations in 2006 and reopened in 2007. DMK now serves as the World’s largest low-cost carrier airport.
My hotel of choice in Bangkok is The Athenee, A Luxury Collection. Modern on the outside, a grand lobby with contemporary interior décor, traditional guest comforts with old-school charm and sophistication coupled with exceptional service. There’s also nothing quite like retreating to the luxurious haven of the sun-kissed pool high above the bustling and thriving metropolis of Bangkok.
On our first day we ventured to the area around the BTS Skytrain station of Siam. If you didn’t think shopping was big in Thailand, think again! This area of Bangkok has shopping mall after shopping mall after shopping mall – from Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Centralworld, Siam Square One, and importantly the MBK Centre (a mecca of stalls offering cheap clothing, bags, souvenirs, shoes – you name it they have it). The best time to visit is first thing in the morning, by lunch time you can expect to be one of thousands of people marching the walkways from one shop to another.
Our second day saw us catch a BTS Skytrain to the river’s edge. The Chao Phraya River is huge! And dirty. And busy. A mixture of public ferries, long tail boats, fishing boats, tourist sightseeing and restaurant boats keeps this river choppy in the best of conditions. We boarded a public ferry and headed up the river to explore Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan followed by The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Phra. By now, it’s hot, it’s busy, I’m hungry, and I can hear the sound of the rippling water of the hotel pool calling my name. Back we trek for an afternoon of RnR.
Day three, already! The holiday will be over before it’s even begun. I mentioned the MBK Centre earlier which has many indoor stalls in the comfort of air conditioning. Now it’s time to roam the alleyways of the outdoor Chatuchak Weekend Market. There’s no air conditioning comfort found here! The largest market in Thailand is home to 15,000 stalls offering an eclectic variety of goods, from antiques, art, furniture, ceramics to pets. Whatever you’re looking for, you are bound to find it here! Over 200,000 people visit this market every weekend. Bartering is very must still a practice in Thailand which makes this a bargain hunters paradise. As a guide, start by offering one third of their first asking price and meet in the middle.
Every day we pulled ourselves away from the relaxation of the hotel pool. Our final day in Bangkok consisted of bathing in Siam’s rays, swimming, and some last-minute shopping before heading to a few bars for the last night. You may not know that Bangkok is home to some wicked rooftop bars and restaurants, including the world’s highest alfresco restaurant, Sirocco Restaurant at Tower Club at lebua.
This time, we only went to the Sky, a small bar nestled next to Sirocco Restaurant at Tower Club at lebua. Famous from the Hangover 2 movie, Sky suspends 250 metres above street level beneath a dazzling gold dome overlooking the vast skyline and Chao Phraya River. Come prepared to spend some serious coin with a ‘Hangovertini’ costing THB 1,500++ which is approximately $80.00 Australian Dollars. Yikes!
At those prices, one drink is enough. A short walk from Sky you’ll find a majestic white peacock adorning the inner sanctum of Stella at Capella Bangkok. No, it’s not a temple, but a bar. Although not rooftop, here you can explore Bangkok’s rich history through “The Journey of Old Siam” cocktail ride while listening to a room filled with soulful voices and groovy tunes nestled next to the Chao Phraya River.
Last, but not least, our final bar stop was Moon Bar which adjourns the rooftop of the Banyan Tree Bangkok. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 10 rooftop bars, Moon Bar offers an unmatched vantage point to Bangkok’s stunning skyline. And it’s popular!
One last thing, Bangkok is full of many restaurants, street food vendors, food courts and cafes – of all different cuisines. There’s so much to choose from but if you’re looking for something fun and delicious try Cabbages and Condoms which is a few minutes’ walk from Asok BTS station where you’ll dine on some of Thailand’s famous dishes in a unique atmosphere. Why not stop at APT 101 for a drink on the way – a cool, retro, funky bar nearby.
I love Bangkok and everything it has to offer. But, after four nights my senses are overloaded so it’s time head for the hills, so to speak. In the morning (I need to stop booking early morning flights!!) we make our way back to BKK to hop on Thai Airways for a quick one-hour flight into the mountainous region of Northern Thailand and the city of Chiang Mai.
Grab Taxi’s were the most economical and quickest way to travel longer distances around Bangkok for a group of people.
BTS Skytrain is one of the many public transport options Bangkok has to offer. During peak times you can expect to have your face squished against the window as hundreds of commuters pile on.
Tuk Tuk’s have long been part of Bangkok’s flair. They are few and far between when compared to 10-15 years ago. Has modernism caught up or is it simply that the drivers have opted to converted to air-conditioned taxis? Nowadays, they simply lure tourists for an expensive ride for the thrill of it. For example, we were offered a Tuk Tuk fare of THB 400, and the driver would not budge on his price. After checking the Grab app, a taxi for the same distance was THB 100 in air conditioning comfort. Guess which one we chose…?!
Chiang Mai is my favourite place to visit in Thailand. Hands down. I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled to the region twice before, this being my third time. And for New Years Eve *squeal*.
Chiang Mai has an incredible mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique charm. It’s the perfect blend of traditional temples and lush landscapes.
We are now in Thailand’s second largest city. Chiang Mai is a mere speck of dust when compared to its southern big sister (Bangkok). Instantly I notice the difference. I can almost hear the sigh of relief from all passengers onboard. There’s a calming sensation which flushes over me. We’re here, time to relax!
We initially stayed at the InterContinental Chiang Mai, The Mae Ping where mornings were spent relaxing in the pool cabanas, and afternoons allowed us to easily walk to all of Chiang Mai’s restaurants, markets and elegant temples.
Chiang Mai comes alive at night, especially on New Years Eve. Crowds gather at Tha Phae Gate and Monks light candles surrounding Wat Chedi Luang. Bars and restaurants are buzzing, Christmas decorations still adorn the lamp posts, live singers and performers line the streets, and the night markets burst open as dusk approaches.
As the countdown to midnight looms, although illegal for NYE, large lanterns can be seen floating gently up towards the evening sky. It starts with one or two. Then another, closely followed by another. And another. Soon there are hundreds of lanterns floating high above the Chiang Mai skyline.
As the clock strikes midnight, a display of fireworks can be seen across the city. I joyfully watched from the safety of the InterContinental hotel’s rooftop bar.
Note: Excluding some special events, the practice of launching floating lanterns has been banned in Chiang Mai for several years due to the high potential of causing a fire when they fall to the ground, and the impact they have on flight paths. I recommend visiting Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival (Yee Peng) in early November to fully experience the floating lanterns.
Now that’s out of the way, what else is there to see and do in Chiang Mai…? Well… If you’re more adventurous, like me, there are plenty of motorbike/scooter/car hire companies readily available. Take a drive up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, experience breathtaking views while soaking in the peaceful energy of the site. The golden chedi and intricate murals are unlike anything else.
Or head out to Mae Sa Waterfall and Samoeng Forest. Take a tour up to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. Or visit a more traditional Longneck Karen Village followed by a not so traditional Jungle Zipline.
Note 1: Personally, and without drawing attention to it, I do not support the exploitation of animals. Make no mistake, in my younger and non-wiser years I have ridden an elephant, and I have been to zoos and to the now closed Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi. I now know better! Please limit your attendance and be wary of the treatment of animals at the elephant sanctuaries and Tiger Kingdom. It may not always be what it seems. By paying any entrance fees, feeding an animal, or tipping a handler, enables this to continue. By joining together, we can help stop the exploitation of such beautiful creatures.
Note 2: Before hiring a scooter, motorcycle, or car, I always ensure I have the appropriate travel insurance policy and driver’s licence prior to my departure from Australia. I would hate to receive a hefty medical bill or other any other expenses should something go wrong, and I wasn’t covered by insurance. I have a motorcycle licence in Australia and to ensure we were adequately covered on this trip I obtained an International Driving Permit through RACQ plus I chose a CoverMore Travel Insurance policy including the motorcycle upgrade option.
Our final two nights in Chiang Mai were spent at the Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai – MGallery. A stunning boutique mountain retreat blending with the beautiful natural landscape with a tree top infinity pool and ultimate Zen experience overlooking rice fields to the Loha Prasat Sri Mueang Pong which was a quick climb of over 1,000 steps to reach the top. Fun. Said no one ever. Even more fun coming back down, and straight back to the infinity pool.
Like Bangkok, there’s only so much I can take. After a total of six nights in and around Chiang Mai, it’s time to bid farewell to our interstate friends as they head back to Bangkok and onto Sydney, while my partner and I jump on Bangkok Airways for a quick one hour and forty-five-minute flight to Koh Samui. Enjoyable.
If you haven’t been to Koh Samui, my first impression was it must be small. Why? As the plane pulled up to the ‘gate’ we were horded onto a small golf buggy type vehicle to drive us the short 100 metres to the terminal. The open-air terminal. We’re in the islands now, Toto!
Our prebooked transfer through Koh Samui Taxis greeted us in the arrivals area and quickly ushered us into the waiting air-conditioned vehicle.
Within 20 minutes we had arrived at our first resort of the week, the Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui, a luxury all-suite resort nestled within the private bay at the island’s northern tip. A former coconut plantation, the Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui features a variety of suites and private pool villas that suit every guest’s needs. Featuring two secluded private beaches, a beachfront infinity swimming pool, a swim reef with over 50 species of marine fish, water sports, multiple bars and restaurants, a fitness centre, and a kid’s programme, this resort has you covered.
For the final four nights we transferred to the Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection which is frequently the highest traveller rated hotel in Koh Samui on various ratings websites. The Vana Belle offers a boutique resort experience in a lush hillside forest on Chaweng Noi Beach. All suites and villas come with their own private swimming pool, plus there’s two restaurants, a beachside swimming pool and bar.
Koh Samui is very much for the ‘drop and flop’ kind of holiday. In both resorts we enjoyed mornings and early afternoons lazing around the pool before jumping on our hired scooter from Samui Scooters to explore the islands numerous sunset bars and restaurants.
Chaweng Beach is where there are more markets, plenty of restaurants and bars including Divas Cabaret where you’ll experience beautiful costumes and great performances, so I’ve heard. If you want to be in the heart of everything, Chaweng Beach is the place to stay with numerous beachfront resorts. But that’s not for me. I enjoy being a short drive away, so the Ritz-Carlton and Vana Belle were perfect for us.
On a side note, you may have heard that The White Lotus, Season 3 has been filmed in Koh Samui. So, I thought why not go and check out the hotel, right?! The Four Seasons Koh Samui is located on the far side of the island. We jumped on our scooter, we finally got caught in the rain, but we made it to the lobby of the hotel which overlooked the entire resort in the valley and hillsides below. I’d pre-arranged an inspection, so we experienced the magnificent Residence Villas along with the restaurant, beachfront infinity swimming pool and bar, and fitness centre. The resort is stunning! Great for a romantic getaway, not so great for me where I can’t sit still for more than 5 minutes. That’s what I keep getting told, anyway.
Coming to the end of our eight nights in Koh Samui I was ready to head home. Just a quick two hour hop on Bangkok Airways back to Singapore we go.
I chose to overnight one more time in Singapore on the way home as I prefer day flights over night flights. PLUS, it gave me one more excuse to hit the shops at the Jewel Changi before heading home. The world’s tallest indoor waterfall is the rain vortex, a spectacular show of cascading water within a surrounding rainforest. A must visit for anyone passing through Singapore.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is easily accessible from Terminal 3 located on the same level as the departures check-in. Or it’s an easy walk from the Jewel Changi, by Skytrain from Terminals 1 or 2, or shuttle bus from Terminal 4.
The hotel boasts different room types including runway view, or pool view. I was in the newer Jewel Wing in a Runway View Room. The following morning was an easy Express Check-Out, down the lift and out into Terminal 3 for the flight home.
So just like that, our trip is coming to an end. My skin is sun kissed, my heart is full, my wallet is empty.
I board our Singapore Airlines flight, look out the window, and it’s raining. Time to go home.
If it’s your first time to Thailand, you’re in for an amazing adventure! Thailand is full of rich culture, good shopping, beautiful hotels with fantastic service, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible food. Here’s what I’d recommend to get the most out of your trip:
Thailand’s islands are some of the most beautiful in the world, so it’s definitely worth visiting one or two. Whether you’re into relaxing on white sandy beaches, snorkelling in crystal clear waters, or exploring hidden caves, Thailand’s islands have something for everyone.
To avoid disappointment, some activities should be booked in advance through your travel agent. For example, tours, airport transfers, cooking classes, or major attractions.
Thailand does not have Uber. Download the Grab Taxi App in advance which will allow you to easily book taxis like how you would in Australia with Uber. They’re inexpensive, reliable, clean and on time. This will save you waiting endlessly for a taxi to drive by. Don’t worry, the app is safe! Grab is used widely over Asia and is also available in Singapore. You’ll need to change your location settings in the app if it doesn’t automatically change.
A fun way to travel around Bangkok, but don’t be fooled by the Tuk Tuk drivers offering you a tour of Bangkok around The Grand Palace in Bangkok. You’ll end up on a wild goose chase across town, I once walked through someone’s house following a driver on a “tour”. You’ll also find taxis are less expensive than a Tuk Tuk.
While exploring, it’s important to be respectful of local traditions. For example, always dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered), and remember to show respect to Buddha. Some temples are also for men only. Thailand is known for its friendly and warm people, so being considerate will help make your trip even more memorable. Don’t be that tourist giving the rest of us a bad name.
In Thailand it is considered a crime to offend the Thai royalty, as per Article 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the “lèse-majesté” law. It states that defaming, insulting or threatening the King, Queen, heir apparent, or regent is punishable by imprisonment ranging from three to fifteen years.
Bartering in Thailand refers to the practice of negotiating or haggling over prices when buying goods at a market. It’s a common way to shop in Thailand markets and I would recommend starting at 1/3 of the initial price offered, then meet in the middle. If you are way off the mark or if the vendor thinks you’re being unreasonable, he/she will often just tell you “No thank you” and walk away without continuing the exchange.
Thailand offers 30 days Visa on Arrival for Australian and New Zealand passport holders. Always check with your travel agent if a Visa is required prior to your departure from Australia.
If you stopover in Singapore, ensure you complete the Singapore SG Arrival Card within 3 days of your arrival into Singapore. This speeds up your immigration clearance (which is now all done electronically, by the way).
Brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with tap water is considered safe but it’s recommended to use bottled water for drinking when out and about exploring the sights. Some hotels may provide complimentary bottled water in the room, and ice in restaurants is also considered safe.
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