Written by Donna Perkins
Food, adventure, and Guinness World Record-setting culture abound in Thailand. Here’s why I keep returning to the Land of Smiles.
This wonderful trip to Thailand took us to the “Thai Riviera” or Hua Hin, which is located in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. It is a resort town with stunning beach and mountain vistas for all to enjoy. And I was thrilled to have my dear friend, Carlton Wilborn, join me. Carlton is an actor, dancer, life coach, and award-winning author. Frivolity is on the menu whenever we travel together.
The opulence in Thailand is unmatched, and Thai hotels are some of the most luxurious in the world. The V Villas Hua Hin did not disappoint. Who wouldn’t love a first-class accommodations on the tranquil white sand Hua Hin beach? We enjoyed sumptuous amenities in our ultra-luxe, expansive, private pool villas complete with 24-hour private butler service. The terraced design allows for maximum privacy. In addition, the wellness spa was heaven. I experienced an herbal compress that consisted of plai, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass wrapped in muslin and steamed to create a therapeutic compress. It was just what I needed after a long flight. And the Villazzo Restaurant was picturesque and served delectable cuisine.
One of the reasons we traveled to Thailand was to experience the Amazing Muay Thai Festival, which promotes the Thai boxing style as national heritage and celebrates the sport as a world-famous element of Thai culture. There were local and international competitions, training lessons from famous boxers, seminars, an exhibition on famous boxers, and presentations on the history of Muay Thai. The added bonus was witnessing 4,000 boxers perform the world’s largest Wai Kru ceremony, or greeting ceremony, and set a Guinness World Record. It was truly exhilarating!
There is always so much to do in Thailand. Carlton and I golfed at Banyan Golf; traversed 300 steps to visit the awe-inspiring Kailone Cave; and found ourselves amidst the monkeys at Takiab Monkey Mountain, where we hiked to the temple while negotiating all the monkeys onsite. We also prepared our own Thai cuisine during an outdoor cooking class staged between the glorious pool area and the beach at the V Villas. And, of course, we couldn’t pass up shopping at the Hua Hin night market.
After enjoying Hua Hin, we were off to Bangkok. We stayed at the 137 Pillars Suites & Residences, which is a very modern and luxurious resort hotel. My suite made me feel as if I were in an elegant and lavish apartment. We also had a truly unique dining experience at the Signature Restaurant at the Vie Hotel. The Michelin-starred fare was artistically presented in ways that I’ve never experienced, and it was equally delicious.
Travel along to Hua Hin and Bangkok with andiamo! UPTOWN with Donna Perkins, with Carlton Wilborn as a special guest, on GoTraveler.
