Chronicles of a Fantastic Thailand Trip with My Daughters

-By: Faten Hamad Al-Sulaiti

I recently had the most incredible experience of travelling to Thailand with my three daughters - and it turned out to be the most memorable trip of our lives. While this 8-day trip was filled with exciting experiences, there’s so much that happened before actually heading for the vacation.

As the holiday season was round the corner, I started planning a trip for my girls but wished to take them to a place that offers more than just a break. I had Thailand on my mind for quite some time, a beautiful country in Southeast Asia. From its dynamic landscapes to culture, food and nightlife, everything about this country is something you will fall in love with, just like we did!

After much pondering over and discussion, we locked Thailand as our next holiday destination. Next, it was time to choose our travel partner. We did quite in-depth research on online travel agencies (OTA) to choose the best, and none but Myholidays fit in best in all the aspects. We quickly reached out to its team to know about what they can offer.

Once we had shared out travel interests and preferences, the team presented several Qatar to Thailand tour packages to help us plan a perfect holiday. Each package came with well-curated itineraries, guided tours, and local experiences. From flights and airport pickups to hotels and meals, every little detail was taken care of by Myholidays. The thoughtful arrangement of everything gave me the freedom to relax and enjoy every moment with my daughters. We can’t be more grateful to the entire team for ensuring us a smooth and stress-free vacation.

Right from the moment we landed in Thailand, we experienced a sense of warmth. Not for a moment did we feel alienated from the locals who welcomed us into their space with beaming faces. No wonder Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles.

While Bangkok showed us the real picture of Thailand’s royal heritage and modern charm, Phuket was filled with wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and beach escapes. Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island simply took us by surprise with their beauty and unlimited adventures. In short, our Thailand trip was everything I had hoped for - a perfect combo of learning, enjoyment, and relaxation.

It did get a little exhausting, but the immersive journey though Thai culture, beauty, and adventure was worth everything. Now, join me as I pen down our perfect travel story from Qatar to Thailand - made extra special by Myholidays. Read on...

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok - The Vibrant Capital of Thailand

Excited for our dream vacation, we boarded a direct flight from Doha to Bangkok, which flew us to our destination in about 7 hours. After a seamless journey, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at the scheduled time. As soon as we landed at the airport, we knew we were going to have an incredible holiday in Thailand. With sparkling eyes and hearts filled with excitement, we collected our luggage and stepped out only to find our tour representative waiting for us already.

Post a warm welcome at the airport, we headed to 5-star Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok (or similar) in a private car. We arrived at the hotel in about 1 hour, tired but exhilarated for the adventure ahead. Check-in formalities at the hotel were done smoothly and then we were assisted to our luxurious room to settle and relax.

Later in the evening, dolled up in our best outfits, we stepped out for an unforgettable night aboard Chao Phraya dinner cruise. And what a magical experience it was! As our cruise sailed across the river waters, we were introduced to the most captivating views of Bangkok’s illuminated skyline and iconic landmarks, such as Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).

Not to forget, the Thai buffet dinner was to die for - with fresh and flavorful dishes combined with drinks. The live music and dance performances during the journey were super entertaining. From food and entertainment to views and vibe - everything about the place was perfect!

Our first day ended on a pleasant note. And with wide smiles on our faces, we returned to the hotel. After freshening up and changing, we went to bed, anticipating for more interesting experiences in the following days.

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour - Discovering Highlights, Culture & More!

The second day our trip began with a scrumptious breakfast at Bangkok hotel, included in the Thailand tour packages from Myholidays. After getting ready, we embarked on half-day city tour to explore Bangkok led by our tour representative.

The tour began from the iconic Golden Buddha (officially known as Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon), featuring the world’s largest gold statue of Lord Buddha weighing about 5.5 tonnes with a height of 9.8 ft. While the architectural beauty, artistic style, and left us admiring it, we were astounded to learn that the statue has withstood the test of time for over 700 years old.

Next, we drove to Wat Benchamabophit, which is fondly called the Marble Temple. It boasts an elegant marble architecture from early 19th century. Inside the temple, we saw a giant golden Buddha statue and 52 other statues of him in different positions. We enjoyed walking around the large courtyard and relaxing in its peaceful ambience.

Resuming our journey, we headed to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of Thailand’s largest floating markets. The market was bustling with large crowds of visitors and vendors selling goods in boats floating along the canal. We took casual walk across the market and nearby areas, got hands on some traditional souvenirs, and enjoyed the opportunity to witness the local lifestyle.

In the evening, our city tour came to an end, leaving us familiar to the rich history, culture, and cuisine of Thailand. Delighted with experiences of the day, we transferred back to our hotel in Bangkok for a comfortable night stay.

Day 3: Self-exploration of Bangkok - Explore, Shop & Eat!

We started the third day of our Thailand tour with a scrumptious breakfast buffet to fuel ourselves for the day’s exploration. Then, we got ready, packed our essentials, and moved out to explore Bangkok city on our own.

Chinatown (officially Yaowarat) was our first stop, where we spent time wandering through the streets. Sampeng Lane Market is the best spot for shopping, which is lined with gold shops and stores selling clothes, accessories, antiques and local handicrafts. My little ones liked a few gifts while we browsed through the market. I tried bargaining and it worked!

The market is also popular for its culinary scene, with several street food stalls and restaurants serving delicious options. Since we wanted a more of traditional experience, we tried the street food from the vendors, including stir-fried noodles and dim sum. And it was as delicious as we expected it to be - actually more.

Next, we headed to Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world’s largest markets of its kind. The market is home to as many as 15,000 stalls selling almost everything you need, from clothes and fashion accessories to electronics, cosmetics, and food items. Due to the shortage of time, we could only explore a part of the market but managed to get some unique handmade craft pieces and art prints.

Before returning to the hotel, we decided to have dinner at a local restaurant that serves traditional Thai food. The driver drove us back to our hotel in Bangkok. Although the day was over, my daughters and I were high on spirits and happy with the amazing day spend exploring a mix of culture, shopping, and culinary delights at our own pace.

Day 4: Journey from Bangkok to Phuket & Explore

On the fourth day of our Thailand tour, we had breakfast and checked out of the hotel in Bangkok. Our driver transferred us to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in a private vehicle as per the schedule of our flight to Phuket from Bangkok. The domestic flight from Bangkok took 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Phuket International Airport (HKT), which was a short journey but comfortable one.

Upon arrival at the airport, we enjoyed a private transfer to our prebooked hotel, 5-star Fishermen's Harbour Urban Resort in Phuket. We completed our check-in formalities and proceeded to settle in our accommodation. After relaxing for a while, we freshened up and got ready to explore Phuket.

Our guide escorted us to Phuket FantaSea for an evening filled with myth, magic, and mystery. We watched the famous Phuket FantaSea Show based on Thai mythology, legends, and cultural traditions, which was both a delightful and learning experience for me and my daughters. Energetic traditional music and dance performances with special effects showcasing the Thai culture kept us hooked till the end.

Additionally, we explored many carnival-like games and handicraft demonstrations at the park. Elephant rides are also available inside the theme park to allow you to explore Thai heritage in more exciting way.

After an incredible cultural immersion session, we returned to our luxurious hotel in Phuket, wherein we enjoyed a comfortable and cozy night stay.

Day 5: Unveiling Cultural and Natural Highlights of Phuket

After breakfast, we got ready for a half-day Phuket city tour combined with a visit to the Tiger Kingdom. Our guide was waiting for us in the hotel lobby and took us to our first destination in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour began from the magnificent Wat Chalong, also known as Chalong Temple of Wat Chaiyathararam. Located on the outskirts of the city, Wat Chalong is the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket, and a significant symbol of spirituality and cultural heritage. It features a stunning 19th-century architecture with Grand Pagoda (Phra Mahathat Chedi) being the main highlight. We took a walk in the gardens around the temple complex for a while and took pictures with the temple in the background for a memory.

Next, we proceeded to the Great Buddha of Phuket, officially named Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri and fondly called the Phuket Big Buddha. Located atop Nakkerd Hills, the 148-feet tall statue of Lord Buddha in a sitting position is made of beautiful white marble. The view from the top is worth everything. After spending some moments in the peaceful environment at Phuket Big Buddha, we experienced a different kind of solace and contentment.

Later, we climbed up the Karon Viewpoint, which is locally known as Khao Sam Haad, translating to ‘Hill of Three Beaches. We took the stairs to get to the top of the hill, and it was all worth it. The panoramic views of the ocean, lush mountains, and three sparkling beaches are something you will not get to witness anywhere else.

We also grabbed some quick bites from one of the restaurants nearby while walking around the summit and taking in picturesque views of the scenery.

Then, we were transported to the Tiger Kingdom, located right at the base of Patong Hill. Surrounded by lush forest trees, the sanctuary provides habitat to different species of tigers. There we had the opportunity to see and interact with tigers and other exotic animals. The tour was both thrilling and an educational experience as we not only got to meet the majestic animals but also learn about their conservation efforts. The most fun part of the tour was the photo session.

As the day came to an end, we found a fancy restaurant to dine at. After dinner, we were moved back to our hotel in Phuket for the night. We went off to sleep early that night, since each one of us was tired and exhausted after an exciting day of cultural exploration and wildlife encounters.

Day 6: Phi Phi Islands Discovery

No Thailand trip can be complete without visiting the legendary Phi Phi Islands! And right after a delicious breakfast, we embarked on a day trip to Phi Phi Islands via a ferry that got us there in about 2 hours.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Phi Phi Islands is truly a paradise on earth. It is a group of six islands with white sands, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise waters with exotic marine life - a sight that literally took our breath way!

Upon arriving on Phi Phi Islands, our tour guide first took us to Maya Bay, an iconic attraction where Leonardo DiCaprio’s famous movie ‘The Beach’ was shot. We took a boat tour across the crystal-clear waters, soaked in the serenity of the surroundings, and took pictures in this heavenly location.

After some exploration, it was time for lunch and what an experience it was! We had authentic Thai cuisine with the most breathtaking backdrop and a peaceful ambience, which we had never experienced before. Next, we went hiking through the towering cliffs up to the Viewpoint, which was very tiring, but the view after the climb made it all worthwhile.

We enjoyed casually strolling on the soft white sands of the beach and indulged in a refreshing swim session in its turquoise waters. Snorkelling with my daughters was an exhilarating experience, where we got to witness the fascinating underwater world unfold right before our eyes. There were vibrant coral reefs and marine animals, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks.

Since the water was crystal clear, I was relaxed about the safety of my daughters while swimming. While at the beach, we took a lot of pictures in the scenic location with towering limestone cliffs that add to its beauty.

In the evening, we a ferry back to our hotel in Phuket where we had a traditional diner with view. Soon after, I put my daughters to bed, scrolled through the photos of the day, and went to sleep.

Day 7: Leisure Day in Phuket

We began the seventh day of our Thailand trip with a traditional Thai breakfast at the hotel. Since it was a leisure day, we spent most of the morning in our room itself, resting and getting our belongings together.

In the afternoon, we stepped out to explore the nearby areas. As we wandered through the streets, we experienced the vibrant culture of Phuket and realized how different people across different countries live.

Later in the evening, we browsed through the local shops and got hands on some trendy and unique souvenirs to take back as memoirs of this enchanting destination in Southeast Asia.

The day ended on a delightful note, with a comfortable return journey to our hotel, delicious dinner, and a whole lot of memories. Our Thailand holiday was almost over, but we were grateful for the incredible experiences we had with the help of Myholidays.

Day 8: Departure Day

On the final day of our vacation in Thailand, we relished a traditional breakfast at the hotel. Later, we spent some time to reflect on experiences in Thailand and soak in the beauty of this incredible destination.

After gathering our luggage, we checked out of our 5-star hotel and departed for Phuket International Airport (HKT). The journey from the hotel to the airport was full of beautiful views and delightful conversations. Post boarding formalities, we flew back to our hometown by a direct flight from Phuket to Doha and bid farewell to Thailand - until next time!