Where Do You Go Back When You’ve Been Everywhere? - A Series

In this blog series, we're embracing the authentic stories of travel experts from Brightsun who've explored plenty of nooks and crannies of our beautiful planet, only to find themselves circling back to that one special place.

Brightsun staff member and spirited globetrotter Mala has been around the world and back, but the question is- where does she want to go back when she has been everywhere?

Q1. Where do you find yourself craving to go back when you’ve been to so many destinations?

The simple answer is- Thailand!

Q2. Why is it that after exploring so many destinations, you always find yourself craving to go back to this specific destination? Is it nostalgia, a sense of comfort, familiarity, or something else? What exactly draws you back repeatedly?

Thailand gives me a sense of comfort, peace, relaxation, and vivid memories - as vivid as the aquamarine waters, distinctive lemongrass curry flavours, and intoxicating scents of incense in the Buddhist temples. It offers a remarkable diversity for tourists: a welcoming and friendly culture, peaceful meditative temples, cuisines bursting with flavours and variety, bustling cities alongside beautiful green hills, serene island escapes, and exciting water sports and scuba diving. This is why I love going back.

Q3. In your extensive travels, can you recount a specific moment or experience from this place you often/want to revisit that truly stands out?

There are too many, so here are a few:

• The tiny rickety wooden boats that took me island hopping, surrounded by the incredible beauty of green cliffs, calm ocean waters, and beautiful wildlife, and partying all night at a full moon beach party!
• Going shopping in local food and shopping markets and haggling prices down for knock-off clothes and handbags.
• Lighting incense in the temples and feeling total tranquillity despite the car-honking craziness outside.
• Going on a floating market cruise and gaining insight into local cultures along the waters and their trading systems.

Q4. Over the years, places can evolve and change. How have you witnessed the transformation of this destination? How does this evolution affect your connection to the place?

Thailand was a backpacker's haven 20 years ago, inspired by the movie "The Beach," starring Leonardo DiCaprio. I travelled there wearing my cargos, a T-shirt that I'd bought from a local market, and flip-flops, along with a huge, bulging backpack. We laughed at those trying to wheel a suitcase through the waters after the boat docked just 20 meters from the shore and they had to wade through thigh-high sea waters with their suitcases.

Now, they've built proper docks, piers, and jetties, making suitcases ideal since you can easily walk off the boat onto the beach, which is obviously much more convenient for all ages. A part of me feels sad for the transformation and modernization, losing the chance for those nostalgic experiences of walking barefoot through the sea and balancing your bag so your belongings didn't get drenched. Future generations will have fewer chances to enjoy "off the beaten path" experiences, but, of course, the benefit now is that it's a destination accessible to everyone.

Q5.  With so many new destinations waiting for you to explore, why do you choose/want to revisit this destination?

I haven't yet explored many parts of Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, animal sanctuaries, or numerous islands, so there's still a lot left to discover. The food is guaranteed to be amazing, and the holiday is affordable, with reasonable prices for daily expenses. I haven't visited Thailand with my family, only with friends. When I went 20 years ago, I was on a shoestring budget, staying in the cheapest hostels and getting around using public transport, tuk-tuks, and even hitching rides on the backs of motorbikes. These are memories I will always cherish because of the countless adventures, fun, and laughter I had. Now, I'd love to travel there with my family to share the experience with them, see how the country has developed, and stay in hotels with air conditioning, proper toilets, and, hopefully, no encounters with snakes! (That's another story...)

Q6. Even when you've covered substantial ground, there's often a desire for more exploration. How do you balance returning to a familiar place with your drive to discover new destinations?

There are many new things to see and places to have fun in Bangkok, from the popular bars dotting Khao San Road to the underground, sweaty, and dark Thai Boxing events. Don't miss the Ladyboy shows, where the singing talent is incredible. If you're looking for a relaxing beach vibe, there are so many islands to discover, and you'll never cover them all in just one or two trips. Plus, the weather varies on different islands, so you can visit at different times of the year to enjoy the summer vibes.

Q7. What are your favourite places to eat at (local or popular) whenever you revisit?

In Bangkok, my top pick would be the street food markets at Yeowarat Road. On the beaches, like Koh Phan Ngan, there's nothing better than family-run cafes for fresh coconut pancakes and mango milkshakes for breakfast.

Q8. While well-known places often attract attention, there are hidden gems that hold a special place in our hearts. Could you reveal one such hidden gem you return to or would want to return to when you’re revisiting this destination and explain its allure?

It’s an experience – the massages there, especially reflexology and Thai massages, really rejuvenate and are affordable, allowing you to heal and re-energize your entire physical health without feeling out-of-pocket afterward (which is often the case at home where they can be hit-and-miss).

Q9. What are the specific spots you would want to visit all over again at this destination and why?

I would recommend the islands such as Koh Samui, Ko Phi Phi, and Haad Rin Nai in Ko Pha-Ngan, for the most beautiful beaches in the world. Currently, trending places include Pattaya and Hua Hin, which I'd like to visit.

Q10. What would an ideal itinerary for this destination look like for you?

3 days is too short as that’s just enough to spend in Bangkok, where these would be the highlights .

DAY 1:

• Grand Palace
• Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha
• Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn
• Floating Market Tour

DAY 2

• Chatuchak Weekend Market
• Talad Noi Walking Tour
• Chinatown
• Khao San Road

DAY 3

• Bangkok Jade Market
• Street Food at Yeowarat Road
• Thai Boxing Match
• Thai Massage

And then 5 days at a beach destination such as Phuket or Koh Samui, which offer a variety of hotels to suit any budget.

And there you have it, a little piece of Mala’s incredible journey and her unwavering love affair with Thailand. As we wrap up this interview, we hope you've caught a serious case of the travel bug, itching to revisit your own cherished destinations or to discover new ones that could steal your heart.

Remember, it's not about the miles on your travel odometer, but the moments etched in your heart that truly matter. We've got more thrilling tales from globe-trotters like Mala coming your way in the ‘where do you go back when you've been everywhere?’ series.

So, stay tuned, stay inspired, and keep exploring. The world is your oyster, and adventure is just a plane ticket away. Call or reach out to our travel agents at Brightsun Travel to help plan your next exciting adventure and get special deals and unbeatable prices on your dream destinations.