I cannot believe it’s been a whole decade of love, laughter, and growth between the hubs and me! We decided to head over to Thailand to celebrate this milestone anniversary. We started out in Bangkok and then went on to Phuket (you can read all about that leg of the trip here). Oh what an unforgettable journey to the Land of Smiles. Steeped in rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, Bangkok and Phuket proved to be the perfect destinations for an anniversary trip of a lifetime. Let’s jump into it…
Getting to Bangkok
We decided to fly Japan Airlines First Class from Dallas to Tokyo to Bangkok. We wanted to make sure we arrived in Thailand well rested. Japan Airlines delivered above and beyond; the customer service in First Class was Top Notch. I cannot overstate that enough. We felt completely catered to. Before you book, know what kind of aircraft you’ll be traveling on. It makes a difference when it comes to the First Class accommodations. The lay-flat suites are on Boeing 787, which was our aircraft from Dallas to Tokyo. However, we were on a different plane for the Tokyo to Bangkok flight and first class is more of a pod than a bed. Huge bummer, but it was still better than going straight economy.
Despite the second leg of the flight, it was a great time on JAL; From the food service (definitely choose the Japanese cuisine each time), to the customer service, to the entertainment options, to the warm towels, to the gel spa eye masks, to the cardigans and slippers, everything was done so tastefully and with the pickiest traveler in mind!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
There are so many beautiful options throughout the bustling city of Bangkok, but when we came across The Siam we knew we had to stay there! It exudes Thai opulence! After landing and getting our bags, we decided to take the train into the City and then grab a cab the rest of the way to the Hotel.
When you get to the Siam property you feel like you’ve escaped into a luxury urban oasis. The property is completely updated and the customer service is beyond top notch. Seriously, unmatched service compared to everywhere we’ve been around the world. You’ll be assigned a personal butler who will be available for all of your needs (reservations, directions, transportation, etc.). One of the unexpected amenities were the cell phones provided by the butler. They will give you a phone, with their numbers programmed, for you to take with you off property. This comes in especially handy if you don’t have an international phone plan, or want to ensure connection with local services.
Sitting right on the Chao Phraya River, adjoining Bangkok’s must-see historical and cultural attractions, you’ll be able to get to everything easily, by land or river boat. The hotel offers complimentary cruise boat rides to stops along the river, and there are plenty of stops to enjoy.
The actual accommodations are gorgeous. The curated art throughout the property gives colonial Thai museum vibes. The rooms are all suites, villas, or cottages.
Lastly, I highly recommend exploring the property. As our private butler was showing us around, he brought us to a Record Room. It’s absolutely gorgeous! There is a beautiful grand piano and records from every genre of music. On one of the nights when it was raining terribly, we decided to stay in and go to the record room. We wore our robe and took a bottle of wine and found our very rare wedding song to dance to. It was perfection.
Enjoying the Vibrant Hustle and Bustle of Bangkok
Our adventure began in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, a city that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. From the moment we landed, we were captivated by the city’s vibrant energy and warm hospitality. Here is a list of what we did…steal our itinerary and have a blast:
1. Exploring Ancient Wonders: No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and at least three other temples. The intricate architecture and mesmerizing details of these ancient wonders left us in awe. The gigantic Gold Buddha was a mesmerizing sight to behold and a reminder of Thailand’s deep-rooted spirituality.
2. A Feast for the Senses: Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary, and we eagerly indulged in mouthwatering dishes from local vendors. From savory Pad Thai to sweet mango sticky rice, every bite was a delight. A particular highlight was the evening spent at a bustling night market, where we savored aromatic dishes while immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere. My tip on the food is to definitely overindulge! Eat it all…you won’t regret it. And, best of all the prices are unbelievable. On our first night in the city, my husband and I caught the river cruise a few stops from the hotel and walked the streets until we felt like stopping. We stumbled upon a little café for dinner. After appetizers, drink, and plenty of food we got out of there spending less than $20USD. We were flabbergasted and delighted at the same time.
3. Golden Mount We headed off to The Golden Mount to conquer the climb we’d heard so much about. I wanted the panoramic views of the city, but I was dreading the climb. No worries…it ended up being a breeze!
Fun Facts about Golden Mount:
- It’s located on the only hill in Bangkok
- It is 77 meters high
- You will have to climb 329 steps to get to the big payoff of the panoramic views.
- Golden Mount dates back to the Ayutthaya period (14th – 18th centuries)
Fun Fact: Right across the street from the entrance is a delightful little café with the best pad thai.
4. Unforgettable Tuk-Tuk Adventure: To truly experience the city like locals, we hopped on a Tuk-Tuk—a three-wheeled open-air taxi. The exhilarating ride took us through narrow alleyways, vibrant markets, and historical sites. The wind in our hair and the laughter in our hearts made it an adventure to remember.
5. Shopping There are several malls and small shops to enjoy. On one of our walks, we came upon a custom suite maker, so we decided to get several suits tailor made for my husband. The turn around time was only 3 days, and everything came out so awesome.
6. Scavenger Hunt – My husband knows I love a good scavenger hunt, so he surprised me with a self guided hunt. This is such an amazing way to explore the city while learning all about its history and fun facts. We used Go Adventure and I would highly recommend.
Our 10-year anniversary trip to Bangkok will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The blend of culture, adventure, and romance made it a celebration of love and life, as well as an opportunity to cherish the memories we’ve created over the past decade. Thailand, with its warm and welcoming spirit, provided the perfect backdrop for this milestone journey. After this stellar trip, now we can’t wait to go back and take the kids next time.
Whatever you decided to do when you arrive, rest assured you will have a blast!
Make sure to check out our time in Phuket after we left Bangkok, here.
Happy Travels!
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