Teaching and traveling in Thailand offer far more than time spent in the classroom. It creates space for exploration, shared experiences, and meaningful moments with the people who matter most.
As the semester came to a close at Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School, the break provided a welcome pause from routine — an opportunity to welcome my family to Thailand and rediscover the places that have shaped my journey of living and teaching in the Land of Smiles.
Welcoming Family to Thailand After Over Three Years Abroad
“Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
As the semester at Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School absolutely flew by, and although my colleagues and I were as busy as always and the semester had largely been a great success, I think we were all glad that the end-of-semester break was here, which meant some much-deserved and anticipated downtime was in store.
I had planned to fly out and travel in Thailand to one of the easily accessible countries from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Still, after 3+ years spent in Thailand, my immediate family was keen to visit and get a taste of the country that had captured my imagination. My plan had thus changed, and I would now meet them at said airport and invite them to enjoy the riches my adopted home has to offer.
Traveling from Buriram to Bangkok by Bus
To begin, I had to leave Buriram and make my way down to Bangkok, which I did via Nakhonchai Air’s excellent bus service. A one-way VIP ticket (air-con and a small meal provided on the bus) would cost me approximately 370 Thai Baht, but I also purchased my return ticket, so I paid about 780 Thai Baht in total.
The bus I was on stopped several times and took longer than I expected, at about 6 hours, but the journey was comfortable with ample leg room and phone charge facilities, and I was very happy with my choice.
Staying in Old Bangkok: Prince Palace Hotel
Upon arrival in Bangkok, I headed to my accommodation, the aptly named Prince Palace Hotel in Old Bangkok. In the past, I have travelled quite extensively and stayed in many hotels, both here and in many other countries, but I must say that the Prince Palace Hotel blew me away.
Its rooms are exquisite, and the level of comfort is matched only by the truly exceptional breakfast available each morning from 6 am to 10 am. The hotel is very large with four towers (A, B, C, and D). During my 4-night stay, I discovered the main swimming pool in Tower A and a more hidden pool for the residents of Tower D. The hotel is stunning and ideally situated for the trips we had planned during our time there.
Exploring Chinatown: Street Food and City Energy
The first of those trips would be a high-tempo walk through bustling Chinatown to experience the sights, sounds, and smells this most wonderful area of the metropolis has to offer. Because of its mix of vendors hawking their wares and food vendors offering a variety of food, it truly is a treat for the senses.
A hive of activity that moves at a mile a minute, it was a good first stop, and when we caught our breath, we were able to pull up some seats and enjoy the plethora of street food on offer, which was the order of the day while here.
Visiting The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha
The following morning, it was decided we would head to The Grand Palace, conveniently located about 2 km from our base. The complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The royal government was based in the palace until as recently as 1925.
It’s a must-see attraction, full of incredible, awe-inspiring architecture. Though I am not a religious man, one cannot help but be moved by the tranquility felt when one sets eyes on the famous Emerald Buddha, located on the Grand Palace grounds.
The entrance fee is 500 Thai Baht per adult, and you must wear modest clothing. I have seen people being turned away at the entrance for wearing clothing deemed unsuitable. I have included above the information on what is and is not allowed.
Seeing Bangkok from Above at Mahanakhon Skywalk
Bangkok’s Mahanakhon Skywalk is Thailand’s highest observation deck at 314 metres and offers 360-degree panoramic views from both inside and outside viewing areas. It was our next stop in the capital, and although it is a bit pricey at 1,080 Thai Baht (there are different options, but this is the basic price), it offers views that take your breath away.
Over-60s get a great discount price of just 350 Thai Baht. It’s very well run by attentive staff, and if heights are your thing, it’s a must-see.
A Night on Khao San Road
Before leaving Bangkok, we spent a night on Khao San Road, and I thought it had cleaned itself up somewhat from the last time I had visited, many years earlier. It still remains a party street that can be wild and raucous, but it also has many market stalls offering food and bracelets, clothing, and other wares. A long night can certainly be had here, but that was something I did not engage in.
Pattaya Adventures and the Golden Big Buddha
The next morning, we set off for Pattaya, which would be my first visit to the coastal city. We had booked a private van to take all 5 of us and our luggage for 2,200 Thai Baht. Between 5 people, I thought this was a good deal for a 2-hour journey, given the comfort provided.
We had booked a stay at Viking Resorts, which is a 15-minute walk to Pattaya Beach and its infamous Walking Street. We only had a 2-night stop in Pattaya and took the opportunity here to check out its big golden Buddha statue, just a 10-minute drive from Walking Street.
It is a hillside religious site with a staircase flanked by huge dragons leading up to the golden Buddha statue itself. Pattaya beach provided a pleasant backdrop to my time here, and a walk through the streets at night offered ample examples of why the city has the reputation for hedonism it does.
Island Escape to Koh Samet and Sai Kaew Beach
I had visited some of Thailand’s many islands before. Still, I had never been to Koh Samet, a 90-minute drive from Pattaya, taking us to the pier from which we would board a boat to the island. Lying in the Gulf of Thailand off the coastline of the province of Rayong, it is popular with both tourists and Thais alike due to its relative proximity to Bangkok (about 220 km southeast).
Access to the island can be by speedboat, which fits about 12 people and costs 200 Thai Baht one-way, or by a larger, slower boat, which takes about 45 minutes. We opted for the speedboat, which was plain sailing and got us there in less than 15 minutes. Please be aware that there is a 200 Thai Baht fee to enter the island.
Staying close to Sai Kaew Beach was an excellent opportunity to unwind after the madness of big-city Bangkok and fast-paced Pattaya. The usual beach activities in Thailand are, of course, available, along with night fire shows and beachside barbecues. A dip in the water was like lowering yourself into a warm bath after a hectic day.
“True Love” and Reflections by the Sea
The “True Love” statue represents the unconditional love between the mermaid and her child which is based from the famous epic “Phra Aphai Mani” written by Sunthorn Phu, Thai legendary poet who is also honored a world poet by UNESCO.
Not only does it embody a mother’s love, but it also symbolizes the beginning of a new life, as Samet signifies the splendor and beauty of the pearl of the Thai Gulf. This is the inscription at the base of the mermaid and child statue that you will come across as you take a walk on Sai Kaew beach.
Returning to Buriram with Renewed Energy
After a few peaceful nights here, it was time for my family to depart Thailand, so we journeyed back to Bangkok, where they would catch their flights home. It had been an eye-opening experience for my family, who thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the ‘Land of Smiles’ and left with a promise to return.
Once again, Thailand had not disappointed, and I returned to Buriram with a renewed vigour to take on another semester and to make the rest of the school year memorable for myself and my students alike.
I’d love to hear about other people’s travel stories, so feel free to reach out. I’m always contactable anytime.
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