Spring in this nook of France brings blossom and flowers everywhere. Blue skies and mild days, sunshine and showers. The leaves are coming back on the trees slowly, and we are all happy to be able to go out with a few less layers on…
Wishing everyone a beautiful spring xx
Morocco was one of those places that just kept eluding me. I’d planned to go at least twice before, and it never happened. Third time lucky, and I finally made it, along with Maya and dad, to mystical Marrakesh. A little getaway, in the middle of February, a break from European winter. Just a two hour flight from Toulouse, and we had landed in Africa.
We arrived at midnight so didn’t get to see too much. But when we woke up the next morning in our Airbnb, we knew we’d made a good choice. Colorful and bright, with a large rooftop garden festooned with plants and cacti and multi colored cushions, it was a little oasis in the ochre city. The best part was watching the sun rise each morning from up there, over the Atlas Mountains, and watching life on the streets below. You could hear the call to prayer, hear the clip clopping of horse hooves, and the coo of pigeons flying between the pink colored buildings.
The first day, we explored Marrakech Center. We went first to El Baadi Palace, a large complex of orange trees, mosaic lined pools and ruins that reminded us of the Forum in Rome. From there we walked on the bustling streets, past the souk, avoiding carpet and lamp sellers. We stopped by a hidden garden close to the main Kotubia Mosque, and watched as tourists and locals thronged through the parks and boulevards.
After a few hours to relax at our rooftop garden, we set off in a rental car. We drove toward the mountains, their peaks filling the windscreen. The city gave way to dusty roads and miles of desert. Desert, but not of sand. More of dust and gravel and stone. We chanced upon a large lake which actually was a reservoir, at Lala Takerkoust. And then drove back via the Agafay desert, spotting camel trains and quad bikers. It was a good introduction to the wilderness, because the next day, we had planned to see a lot more of it.
And so, the next day we set off in the trusty car, into the hills. It was a glorious day with a sapphire sky, and we were all in good spirits when we got to our first stop, the Jarjeer mule and donkey refuge. We loved this place; a safe haven for equines rescued from their lives as beasts of burden, each with their own sad story, but safe here now to live out their days in the sunshine. We got a tour of the Center, and got to meet 300 sweet equines. They liked cuddles, and the place was glorious with views of the mountains and groves of citrus trees. There were friendly hounds for company too. Definitely a place to visit, when in the area.
We left reluctantly, but had to keep going. On, into the mountains. The roads got smaller and windier, and we found ourselves going up and up. Rocks of granite towered toward the sky, mountain goats frolicked on the steep faces, and Berber shepherds led their flocks along the dusty roads. We drove through villages suspended in time, dusty reminants of days gone by. We stopped for lunch, and Berber kids practiced their English on us. We stopped at view points, to ooh and aah at the views and the impossibly blue sky. And we felt far from home, in a good way, and more connected to Africa and the continent that lay before us.
On our last day, we went first thing to the famous Jardin Marjorelle, which we were staying only a five minute walk away from. This beautiful curated garden was set up by the partner of designer Yves Saint Laurent after his death, since Marrakech was a special place to him. It is truly beautiful; every plant, cacti and palm carefully chosen and planted and looked after. The dark blue paint is synonymous with the region, and you can’t help but take a thousand photos of everything because it really is that photogenic. Then we explored the neighborhood we were staying in by foot. I could honestly have lived there; every house was a shade of pink or coral and each was festooned with flowers. Cats slept in the shade, and orange trees were everywhere. It was the kind of tropical, sleepy, leafy neighborhood that I always seem to imagine I’ll find myself living in, one day. We also got drinks at a cute pavement cafe right there, and enjoyed the sun with the regulars.
All too soon, our little trip was over, and we were on the way home. Banking over the mountains, saying bye to Africa, and by to Morocco. A place we were all very pleasantly surprised by, and will definitely be back to explore again, one day.
Practical Information
Getting here- Marrakech has a good international airport and has flights from most European and Middle Eastern destinations. From there it is possible to rent a car, or take a taxi to your accommodation.
Where to stay- I cannot recommend our Airbnb enough (I have linked it below). I really liked the area it was in too, away from the chaos of the medina. But if you’d rather be in the thick of it all, then consider staying in a riad, which looks pretty unique too.
Getting around- you can rent a car and should, to explore the mountains and further afield. Don’t bother driving into the medina though, just take a taxi. And avoid the nasty horse and carriages at all costs!
What to do- in the medina, I would recommend El Baadi Palace, and the souks. Jardin Marjorelle is a must too, make sure you book online in advance and be warned it fills up fast and gets crowded the later in the day you go. Definitely take a drive toward or into the Atlas Mountains. And make sure to visit the darling equines at the mule and donkey sanctuary. Linked all of these below.
When to visit- Morocco and especially Marrakesh has a good climate year round. We visited in February and found it very pleasant to explore. Sunny days and cool nights. The summer can be very hot and less comfortable. Try to avoid the month of Ramadan as many things will be closed.
We had a wonderful time in Marrakech, and it was great to have had a trip with dad again after many years! Thanks to Maya for the beautiful photos xx
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12613413?source_impression_id=p3_1740847478_P39wvVywa6NLg_Ki
https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/best-day-trips-from-marrakech
A new year, a whole 12 months of possibilities. I’ve complied a list of 25 places to visit, probably not all in one year, but maybe some of them will inspire you to make this the year you tick some stuff off your bucket list! I’ve broken them down into different categories, so hopefully you’ll find something that looks good to you.
Epic safaris
A safari in Tanzania. This has to be something everyone does at least once in their life. Tanzania is a good option because the game reserves allow you to see all of the big five, and are easy to access. Plus, you can end your trip with a relaxing stay on the beaches of Zanzibar.
A safari in Zimbabwe. If you’re a bit of a safari veteran, why not skip Tanzania and head to Zimbabwe instead? The parks are wilder and the animals harder to spot, but that adds to the adventure and experience. Chilo Gorge is a fantastic lodge to base yourself at.
Summer adventures
Summer in the French countryside. I mean, you could visit any time of year. But there is something magical about clambering over hay bales, walking through fields of sunflowers and watching the sun set over golden fields here in the summer time. The Loire Valley, the Gers and Normandy are all good options with plenty of cute villages and adorable Gites to stay in.
Learn to surf in Portugal. This is a great place to learn to catch a wave. There are no deadly animals to worry about, and if you wear a wet suit and learn in the summer, the water is not too cold. The instructors are very nice and when you’re not surfing you can explore the beautiful area of Cascais, just an hour from Lisbon.
Visit a Greek island. And which one? I’ll always say Corfu. This mysterious island covered in pine trees and pebbly beaches has so much to see and do, beyond just the beach. Stay at Amalia Complex and enjoy a lovely pool set between the lemon trees.
Step back in time in Rome. Feel history come alive as you explore the Colisseum and Forum and stand in awe in the Pantheon. This beautiful city is easy to explore on foot and is the perfect place to lose yourself in the little roads and alleys on a hot summers evening.
Rent a boat on the Norfolk Broads. The ultimate tranquil summer experience. Renting a boat and spending a week slowly winding your way down the sleepy back waters of Norfolk, stopping each night at a cute village and going for long walks in the countryside is a lovely way to spend the summer.
Paradise islands
Mauritius. Possibly my favourite island ever. If you want to escape to a far flung island with mysterious jungle, crystal clear ocean and lots to do, this is the best place for it. You can swim with wild dolphins, snorkel with rainbow colored fish, and rent a car to explore the banana plantations and windy jungle roads inland.
The Maldives. This one has to be on the list, right? A marine lovers heaven, stay in an over water villa and watch fish and sharks pass beneath you. Go snorkelling over pristine reef, swim with sharks and rays, and soak up the sun while you spot dolphins on a dhoni boat.
The Bahamas. For a laidback holiday, head to tiny Bimini island. Lose your shoes for a week, and spend your time dolphin spotting, and hanging out at little bars and cafes owned by the friendly, chill locals.
City breaks with a difference
Istanbul. The east meets west thing is true, it really is a melting pot of cultures and places. It’s modern but traditional, and full of colorful houses and waterways to explore. Plus, you can take a day trip to the Princes islands, just an hour away by boat, and feel like you’ve been transported to a tiny Greek island.
Monaco. Arrive in style, with a helicopter ride from Nice. Then spend your time strolling around this tiny country, gawking at the super yachts, and having coffee at one of the many waterside cafes in the sun.
Miami. Walk down South Beach, iced drink in hand. Watch the sun rise over the board walk. Rent a bike and pass by boulevards and power yachts. And head off to one of the many malls for cheap things to take back home.
Farflung escapes
Thailand. There’s just so much to do here. Bangkok is where you’ll probably start. Take a river boat, get lost in China Town, spot monitor lizards in Lumpini Park. Head north to Chiang Mai, visit an elephant sanctuary, temple hop, watch the sun rise through the mist. Then head to an island. Phuket for ease and lots to do. Koh Samui for beautiful clear water to snorkel in. Koh Samet for a laidback, no shoes vibe and the whitest beaches.
Japan. Base yourself in Tokyo, and explore Harajuku and the infamous crossing. Then take day trips by bullet train to towns like Kamikura, with the shrines and beach views, and catch glimpses of Mount Fuji, rising above the clouds. Everything is an experience in Japan, it’s a place like no other.
Indian rail trip. For first timers, take the two hour ride from Bangalore to Mysore. Explore the palaces and gardens and enjoy a slower pace of life. For an overnight train experience, take the sleeper from Bangalore to Chennai. Check out the beach and sari shops and haggle for bangles. Then back to Bangalore for glitz and chaos and city life.
Malaysia. Something for everyone here. KL has manicured parks and AC mega malls to explore. Head to Penang and rent a car, drive around the island, exploring the jungles and beaches. Fly to Langkawi for some relaxation on beautiful beaches.
Laos. Head north to Vang Vieng. Hike up one of the steep karsts for epic views. Take a long tail boat along the river, dodging water buffalo. Look at the rice paddies and hot air balloons rising above the mountains at sunrise.
Cambodia. Base yourself in Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat and all its temples. There are many to see, and each is unique, so go with a driver who can guide you to see all the best bits.
Western Australia. Perth is a chill city of beaches and riverside runs. Go whale watching, take a boat to nearby Rottenest island for pictures perfect beaches, spot kangaroos in the parks. Rent a bike and explore the whole of the riverside.
Winter wonderlands
Finland. The cheats way to get to Lapland. Helsinki is beautiful in winter, with plenty of shops and museums to warm up in. Take a taxi to Espoo, just half an hour away, to walk in a winter wonderland and visit a reindeer sanctuary.
Norway. Tromso, deep in the Arctic circle is your base for a week of winter fun. Feed reindeers, meet huskies, go whale watching and spot the Northern lights dancing in the sky each night.
Skiing in Austria. Seefeld has always been our go to, with a good mix of slopes and a cute town to stroll through. Plus nice accommodation and a friendly vibe.
Desert adventures
Qatar. If you have a stopover here, make full use of it, and head out of the city into the desert. Go with a driver who will take you dune bashing, and try your hand at dune surfing and holding a falcon.
Morocco. Explore beautiful Marrakech, and rent a car to head out into the desert and the Atlas Mountains. Visit the donkey sanctuary, the lake, and explore the surrounding epic foothills of the mountains.
RAK and Dubai. A best of both worlds trip. Stay in RAK and enjoy a beautiful beach and sea, and take a day trip to Dubai to explore the malls and epic architecture of this special Emirate.
And there you have it, twenty five epic ideas for this year and beyond. Hope there’s something there that calls to you. Have a beautiful year of adventure, whatever you choose to do x
Into the Arctic! My first time in the Arctic circle, at winter time. Tromso in Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern lights, and in general to experience the Arctic and Arctic nights in the winter. I was definitely not sure what to expect; would it really be dark all day and very cold? And would we actually get to see those green lights dance across the sky?
We touched down to a snowy evening in Tromso, and made our way to our accommodation, TA Stakkevollevegen, a self catering apartment. It was a bit small, but cosy and clean and easy to get a bus into town. The next morning we were off early, to meet some reindeer. We organized the tour with Tromso Arctic Reindeer and were taken by coach. The ride there was beautiful, just as it started to get light (around 10am), through the Arctic landscape.
It was a lovely day; we got to meet over 200 free roaming reindeer, feed them, and we even went snowshoeing and got to see even more of the beautiful landscape, complete with snowy peaks, rivers and of course those adorable reindeer. It was lovely weather; the three or four hours of light were glorious, kind of like a long sunrise and sunset and twilight all put together. And blue hour, just before the darkness was surreal, especially when we walked among the herd just us.
That evening we set off again, in search of those lights. We couldn’t have picked a better night. Just a short way from the light pollution of Tromso, and we had already found the aurora. Getting out of the bus, the whole sky seemed to come alive in green. It is hard really, to describe. The thousands of galaxies above were bathed in this green light that seemed to grow and spread around, until the whole sky was green and purple and even blue. And then it danced, as if alive. It brought tears to my eyes. We stayed there for ages, barely feeling the bitter cold, mesmerised by nature’s show. But we were lucky, and got to see one more show, almost at midnight, and this time there was red too in the sky. Truly something everyone should see once in their life.
By the time we got back, it was well past midnight. And we only had a few hours to sleep because soon it was time to get going for the next day’s activity. We made our way early to the harbour, and boarded the Brim Explorer, a large boat that was going to take us deep into the fjords in search of whales and orcas. The way there took about four hours, but it passed fast going out on deck to admire the view of the fjords and the little red cabins on the banks, and the moon suspended in a lavender sky. So surreal, so peaceful. By the time we got to the whale grounds, we were super excited. And didn’t have to wait long to see our first pods of orcas. It was like a nature documentary; seeing those long dark dorsal fins, and their white spots as they came up for air near the boat. We saw a few pods, and even got to see a humpback family. And, to top it all off, a lone sperm whale, as the sun set. Magical. Our journey back was quieter, but we did get to see the northern lights from the deck as we neared Tromso. Unforgettable.
Our last full day, and it was for the huskies. We were driven to the husky camp, again through stunning scenery. We got dressed in warm clothes and got our snowshoes, and then finally got to meet the huskies! We had five dogs joining us for our walk. They were all so sweet! We got to take it in turns to walk them. My girl was just desperate to run! She was only young and will make a great lead sled dog one day. Floyd, whom Maya walked, was an older chap who looked after the puppies. They were all so sweet, and it was such fun being out in the snow with them. Back at the camp, we got to meet the whole pack who all wanted hugs. And we got to help train the puppies! They were so cute and we even got to pick them up! And of course, like the other activities, at the end you get to warm up in a Sami hut with a warm drink. It was another amazing day and experience.
We spent the evening enjoying the little shops of the town as Christmas music played, and exploring some of the neighbourhoods full of cute houses and Christmas lights, just as a light snow started up again. Flying home the next day, the view as we left Tromso was like flying through a snow globe. Visiting the Arctic circle had been an incredible experience- we had been super lucky to see so much and have wonderful weather. The lights, the whales, the huskies and reindeer, the scenery… our hearts were full.
Practical Information
Getting here- Tromso airport has connections to many European cities. You can also connect there via Oslo, or Stockholm (like we did).
Where to stay- as I mentioned, we stayed in an apart hotel part of the Total Apartments chain. It had a good location and we could cook our own meals. There also some hotels in the Center of town that looked nice.
Getting around- the number 42 bus is easy to use and runs every half an hour. Most of the tours out of Tromso include transportation by coach. Driving is not recommended because of the wintery conditions.
What to do- definitely go looking for those lights! You can join a group which will have a better chance of finding the lights. We booked through Get your guide. You can also book the husky experience on there, as well as the reindeers. For whale watching, Brim Explorer is a reputable company to use with real researchers on board. I’ve linked all of these tours and companies at the bottom.
When to visit- every season has its charms in the Arctic, but to really experience Arctic nights, it has to be between December and January. This is an unforgettable experience, but not total darkness, so there is still time to see things, and lots of time to look for the northern lights! The lights are visible on clear nights between September and March, you just have to get a bit lucky! The summer brings near 24 hour light, which would be another cool experience! If coming in winter, bring warm clothes, like ski clothes, shoes with good grip, and you’ll be fine! It doesn’t get as cold here as other parts of the Arctic.
All in all, this was a trip like no other. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks to Maya for all the laughs, photos and silly memories x
https://www.visittromso.no/book-activities
https://www.tromsoarcticreindeer.com
So I unexpectedly found myself back in France, at the start of November. Turning a new leaf (get it) after my Thailand adventure. And this is my favourite season, especially when the weather cooperates as it has all month here down south. The red and orange leaves, the golden morning light, the pink streaked skies at sunrise, the deer running through fallow fields. Back to all our old haunts, popping into cathedrals, lighting candles, strolls on quiet country lanes and into the village after dark.
It’s good to be home.
Can’t believe it’s almost the end of this crazy year. Last post of 2024 next month! Stay cosy! Much love x
It feels like just yesterday I was first arriving in Thailand, choosing a place to live and figuring out how to survive driving on those roads. And now, here I am, thousands of miles away, both literally and metaphorically. Back home, watching the leaves fall and feeling the silence of the empty fields and sky, I have finally had the time and space to reflect.
It was a mix of exciting, scary, overwhelming, exhilarating, lonely, intense, fun and filled with experiences I will never forget. I was lucky to have been able to travel to so many places I’ve always wanted to go, from finally exploring Angkor Wat in Cambodia, to riding on the back of a motorbike through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, to travelling by bullet train in Japan. I will never forget the views from the top of the rocks I climbed in Laos, swimming with sharks in the Maldives, or sliding down a sand dune in the Qatari desert. I was so lucky to have explored so much of Asia. And in Thailand itself- swimming in the sea at sunset, watching monks collect alms on my way to work, swinging between coconut trees, snorkelling with rainbow colored fish, kayaking to paradise beaches, watching elephants from my room… there have been so many beautiful moments and memories here.
And some of my favourite moments were those with the people I met. Laughing with my hairdresser and patting her chihuahua. The two guys who gave me a lift back to my hotel after a night ocean swim on the back of their motorbike. The people at the restaurants who knew what I’d always order- plain rice and watermelon smoothie. And the friends I met- our beach walks and hiding from thunderstorms under the tables of restaurants, getting our boat stuck in the lillies and going to hundreds of temples.
There have been plenty of scary moments too. Just getting on the road each day, to start with, leave alone trying to negotiate the millions of motorbikes and crazy drivers in a huge pick up. And then, the inevitable car accidents. There were the hair raising motor bike rides and running away from a pack of dogs. There was getting lost and getting sick, far away from home. Which leads me on to say, I was surprisingly lonely. Not always, but often. I felt the distance, and the time difference.
From crazy disco tuk tuks and rooftop bar Bangkok nights, to bargaining for bananas and google translating plain rice, to the quiet sunsets from my balcony and myna birds who chirped while I swam in the pool. To the elephants and the sweet dogs and puppies and the cat that slept on the end of my bed. To the storms I’ve watched and been soaked in, to the blazing hot, blue skied days. To the mosquito bites and the tears and the laughs and the oh-my-god moments. I’ve lived more than I ever have, in this past year and a half. And for better or worse, I’ve learned so much.
And for that alone, thank you, Thailand.
Finally made it to my fifth continent! As soon as I landed in Perth, I knew I was going to like it. It is like a mix of Europe, America and a little bit of Asia (there are a lot of Asians here who bring their culture with them) and of course, the weather is amazing. When I was there, it was their spring time, and we had pleasant days with sun and not yet too warm, perfect for exploring.
I was staying in the middle of Perth, close to the Swan River. I would go for a run along the boulevard every morning, watching parakeets in the palm tree and boats on the water, along with lots of others out before work. It was a good place to start the day, and also to end it; watching the sun set over the river was an evening ritual, too. On my first day, I already managed to spot kangaroos. Perth is full of parks, and Heirisson Island is actually a kangaroo sanctuary, so as you stroll around, you can spot the Roos lying under the shade of the trees. They don’t really bother you, just kind of look at you curiously. It is very cool to see them hop about!
The next day, I went whale watching. October is right in the middle of the humpback whale migration, when they travel with their babies from Northern Australia to Antarctica. I went with Whale watch Western Australia and found them to be a very professional company. Their boat was nice and spacious, and they knew loads about the whales. So I learned a lot, too. We didn’t even need to go far before we were already getting whale sightings. It was truly incredible to see these massive creatures for real. And watching the baby throw itself out of the water many times, and then swim right up next to the boat with its mum were things I will never forget. You depart from Fremantle, about half an hour from Perth. So since I was there anyway I wandered around, enjoyed the beaches, lighthouses and cafes. And also explored a nearby beach, Coogee beach, which was the stereotypical Australian dream; long white sand, and almost empty.
The day after that I booked a trip to Rottnest Island. This is one of the must dos here, and I went with Rottnest Express who I also found very professional. You depart right from Perth, and the first part of the ride you are along the Swam River, so it is interesting to see the city from that angle, and all the fancy houses by the water. Then you go out into the sea, and it gets choppy! But luckily it is not for too long before you arrive at the island. The best way to get around here is to bike, so I rented one, and set off to explore. It was a hot day, and going up and down the hills was hard work. But the views of hidden beaches with the whitest sand and bluest water around every bend was well worth it. I could stop whenever I wanted to enjoy the views, and to meet quokas, the tiny marsupial that call this island home. They’re adorable! After a few hours of that I was pretty tired, so enjoyed some fries by the sea. And a treat to get home: a sea plane! The same company can organise it. It was incredible flying over the clearest and bluest water, and then landing right on the Swan River was bizarre, but amazing!
Of course, I still hadn’t seen koalas. So I took a trip the next day to Caversham Wildlife Park. Also about half an hour away, the drive here was interesting. I even saw more kangaroos just chilling along the side of the road! The park has lots of native animals, many of them rescued. And their biggest stars are the koalas, who are every bit as adorable as I had imagined. You can stroke them and get close to them, but I also enjoyed just watching them go about their day, which was mainly eating and sleeping. But they really are so cute. There were also kangaroos, other marsupials, penguins… lots to see. And it is set in Whitman Park, a huge reserve. I had a walk through afterwards and spotted more wild kangaroos!
On my final day, I rented a bike to explore more of Perth itself, along the Swan River. You can bike or walk for miles, and enjoy the view of marinas and parks and the river. I stopped at the famous Blue Boat House, and the Matilda Reserve, and enjoyed a picnic lunch on the banks of the river. And wished Australia was not so incredibly far away from everything, because I could see myself living there. Either way, I am sure I’ll be back again, one day…
Practical Information
Getting here- Perth has a large and quiet airport, with most flights arriving from SEAsia. You will most likely have to transfer through there on your way from Europe. I was lucky that I could fly direct from Bangkok.
Where to stay- I stayed at Mont Claire Boutique Apartments, serviced apartments in the city centre. My room was large and well equipped, if a bit dated and tired, but it did the job. You can walk from there to the river, shops and bike rental. The road it is on can be a bit seedy the further up you go, but it is fine around the hotel itself.
Getting around- Uber is easy to use here, and what I mostly did. Otherwise you can rent a car to explore further afield.
What to do- I enjoyed all the stuff I did. I will link the websites of the companies I used, for whale watching and to visit Rottnest, as well as the wildlife park. If you are out on a boat, keep in mind that it gets pretty choppy, even on a nice day, so if you are someone who gets seasick, make sure you are prepared! Also keep some warmer clothes for when you’re at sea. Perth is well built for biking so definitely do rent one both in and around the city and on Rottnest.
When to visit- in the southern hemisphere of course the seasons are the opposite, so it was spring in October when I was there. I found the weather very pleasant; mid 20s, gentle sun, cool evenings, perfect for exploring. Their summer can be very hot, and their winter cool and rainy. Spring or fall would be my recommendation.
I really liked Perth and Australia in general. Would love to come back to explore more of this giant country, but glad I got to see a lot of what Western Australia has to offer!
By chance I came across this place; researching where I could stay for a long weekend. About a two hour drive from Bangkok, Thailand’s biggest and oldest wildlife rescue Center, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand has recently opened rooms too, so that you can stay right at the park. I didn’t really know what to expect, but this place was simply amazing.
As soon as you arrive, you see the elephants. They live in a huge reserve, and from the dining area and main lodge you have an excellent view of them doing their elephant things. There are also gibbons swinging and calling, especially in the morning, their haunting cries an interesting alarm clock!
My room was set away from the main area, down a jungly path. And I had my very own elephant pair for company. These two girls share a separate large area because they don’t get on well with others (all the Ellies were rescued from horrible situations), and I could see them from my room, bed, balcony… so magical. Especially at dusk when they would walk quietly, like giant grey ghosts, their silhouettes under the moonlight.
So my room was great, besides the elephants outside. Large, clean and the downstairs is open on the sides with lots of comfy chairs and tables. And I had a darling cat for company the whole time, who of course, I called Ellie. She loved sitting with me all day! I also loved spending time at the quiet pool from where you could watch the main elephant herd all day, which was amazing, and it was so peaceful, just surrounded by birdsong.
I also did a tour of the rescue Center. This was an informative experience, at times difficult, hearing the heartbreaking stories of all the animals. There are over 800 animals here, and I got to see gibbons, deer, macaques, bears, tigers, otters and more. It is amazing that this place does so much for them, and they have a safe place now to call home. We also had Sausage the dog keep us company, jumping on the cart to come along on the tour! All the dogs at the Center were really sweet too.
The weekend flew by. I had some unforgettable experiences, and magical moments. I highly recommend visiting this place if you’re in Thailand. Not only will you enjoy it, but all the money goes toward helping more of these sweet animals have a second chance.
Practical Information
Getting here- it is about two hours from Bangkok and they can organise transport to and from the city, as well as from Hua Hin, the largest city in the area. From Pattaya I arranged a private taxi.
Staying- you can do day trips, but I highly recommend staying at least one night to enjoy the magic of the place. The name of their lodge is I love phants and you can book it via their website which I’ll add at the bottom. My room was the best!
What to do- definitely join their full day tour, and you get to end by feeding watermelons to the elephants. Then enjoy the pool, the views and the utter peace. You can also volunteer here, if you have more time.
When to visit- I came in October in rainy season but we didn’t have any rain and the temperatures were pleasant.
The Wildlife Friends foundation Thailand is an amazing NGO and they have lots of things you can support them with even if you can’t visit, including adopting an animal or donating. You can see that all on their website, as well as booking a tour or a stay at the Center.
BKK, one of my favourite cities. And I’ve been here so many times, I feel I could really do with sharing the best things to see, do and where to stay. Whether you’re just here for a stopover en route to somewhere else, or you are spending a good few days, there’s a lot to squeeze in.
River boats
The Chaophraya river that flows through the city is Bangkok’s lifeblood, and no visit here is complete without chugging along the river. There are many boat tours that will take you along the river, from where you can see the famous temples, floating market and stilted houses. You can also take a hop-on-hop-off boat ride and get off to explore the temples and sights. And, if you’re clever, stay at a hotel that has a free shuttle boat, and do it all for free! The best time is after dark, when the whole city is lit up- it is really magical!
Temples
There are a lot of large temples in Bangkok. You could try visiting them all, but you will likely just exhaust yourself in the heat. If you’re going to see just one, make it Wat Arun the beautiful temple of the dawn. The whole thing is covered in intricate designs and it truly is a beautiful place to spend a few hours admiring the architecture. The rest of the temples, just enjoy them from a boat ride.
Malls
Trust me, you will need the AC breaks. For bargains, try MBK Center. For glamour, Siam Paragon or Icon Siam. For something in between, Central World is a good option.
Parks
Lumpini park is easy to access with the BTS Skytrain, and is the city’s green lung. Spend a couple of hours strolling in the shade, watching old timers do tai chi and look out for monitor lizards swimming in the water or resting in the shade of the trees. One visit we saw thirty of them! They let you get quite close, too.
Rooftop bars
The Lubela tower was where The Hangover was filmed, and their rooftop bar is free to enter, you just pay for drinks. The views from the 64th floor are epic at night. We had a great time there and it is not too busy, so dress nice and take a lot of photos!
Khao San Road
That infamous road. If you really want to visit, go around sunset, and walk first along the large street that leads to the Grand Palace and the emerald Buddha, to glimpse these buildings from outside. There are a lot of decent restaurants here, so you don’t have to go wild, if you don’t want to.
China Town
Bangkok’s China town is a must visit, for the chaos and color, and the old school houses and restaurants. Wander through, laugh at the names (Yoo Fishball, anyone) and then find yourself at Mother Roasters a hidden away cafe with great coffee and adorable cats. If you visit the area around Chinese New Year, you’ll get to see dragon dances, and everyone decked out in red and gold.
Bang Kachow
Just half an hour away, this cute suburb is the perfect place to rent a bike, and spend a sunny day pedalling past the old colonial style houses, over little bridges, and past palm plantations, reminding yourself how things would have been, back in the day. Stop at any of the cute cafes for a drink, and explore hidden paths to waterfalls and temples.
Wat Sam Phran
An hour out of the city, this is the famous bubblegum pink dragon temple which looks like something out of a movie. You can climb through the dragon to the very top, not for those with claustrophobia, but a cool experience, and the grounds are huge so you can easily spend a few hours there.
Disco tuk tuks
Tuk tuks are a fun and handy way to get around, any time of day, but are funnest at night, when the drivers put on rainbow lights and blast crappy pop music from their speakers. A uniquely Bangkok thing to do, get a ride back to your hotel in one of those.
Asiatique
This outdoor shopping area comes alive in the evening, with hundreds of stalls and shops selling everything you can imagine. There are loads of places to eat, places to get your nails done, and board a dinner boat cruise, if you want to. Or just sit and watch the chaos, and the lights along the river.
Further afield- Ayuttheya
About an hour north of the city is the ancient city of Ayuttheya, which is like a mini Angkor Wat. You can visit as a day trip, or stay a night, which is what I did. There are tons of temples and stupas to explore, and there is the famous fallen Buddha head. It is well worth spending a couple of days here; the town is also nice and not at all touristy, with a huge night market and hawkers.
The best hotel
I think I’ve stayed around six times. But I love Chatrium Riverside Hotel. Huge (and I mean huge) rooms which even have a kitchen, huge balconies, a beautiful pool area that you can easily lose a day to, a free shuttle boat, gym, a restaurant with lovely breakfast buffet by the river, what more do you want?
Getting around
Boats, the sky train, Grab taxis, tuk tuks, many options. You can walk too, just be prepared to sweat, a lot.
When to visit
I have literally visited at all times of year, and the weather is more or less the same; very hot, very humid. Rainy season brings epic thunderstorms in the afternoon that are fun to watch from your balcony. Chinese New year is a vibe but very busy. Spring is probably the quietest, but Bangkok is never very quiet. Long story short, any time of year is fine!
I hope you enjoyed this guide! Let me know if I missed anything, or have any recommendations. I did write in-depth about a Bangkok stopover a few years ago, just type Bangkok into the search on this site and you’ll find it 🙂 much love x
Nothing quite like Europe in the summer, and after completing a year in Thailand, it felt so good to be heading home. It was a peaceful summer; catching up with family, lots of time and hugs for Suzi, boating, biking, long walks in the countryside, and we managed to squeeze in the Olympics, too.
Miss it and you guys so much 🥲
