Thailand: Summer memories
- hummblylife
- Aug 27
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Thailand is everything I imagined, with lots of tourists!
From arriving at the airport, the transfer, checking into our accommodation, everything is easy. The delicious food, the great service and hospitality of the Thai people, their smiles ☺️, and the laughter among themselves 😅 really make up a joyful experience.
There's a huge variety of day excursions available (though more expensive than expected), and what we all dream about Thailand: Yes!! The beaches are absolutely wonderful! The landscapes of Phuket and the Phi Phi islands... unforgettable 🧡. But there's more, much more...
The city doesn't lag behind, the walks under the summer heat were worth it! Every corner rewards you with stories and traces of all the cultural legacy of ancient Siam and the contrast with the modernity of Thailand's capital.
Fun fact: Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a European power.
During the period of European imperialism, while Portuguese, Spanish, British, French, and Dutch colonial powers were dividing up territories throughout the region, the ancient Kingdom of Siam managed to maintain its independence through skillful diplomacy and strategic reforms. Thai kings, especially Rama IV and Rama V, implemented internal modernizations and diplomatic negotiations that allowed the country to navigate between colonial pressures without losing its sovereignty.
This singular historical achievement not only preserved Thai culture and traditions in a unique way in the region, but also explains why Thailand maintains such a distinctive national identity to this day.
For traveling families, this history invites for a fascinating discussion on cultural resistance, diplomacy, and the importance of adaptation without losing one's essence.
Other interesting facts about Thailand:
Population Thailand has approximately 71.67 million inhabitants.
Elephants: gentle giants Asian elephants are smaller than African ones, have smaller ears, and are known for their calm temperament. There are many sanctuaries where you can feed them, bathe them (instead of riding them).
Ethnic diversity Thailand's population is primarily made up, 75%, of Thai ethnicities such as Thai and Lao, but the country is home to more than 60 different ethnic groups.
Table of Contents
Phuket
Recommendations for family trip to Phuket:
The truth is that in Phuket we spent almost all our time in the water or on the sand. This was a time to connect as family and for some well needed rest.
Important note: Precautions should be taken when going to the beach and you must heed the lifeguards and flags that indicate whether the beach is suitable for swimming. Unfortunately, there have been fatal incidents from underestimating the waves and currents. 😢
Going to Phuket in low season (May to October) means that accommodation prices are much lower, there are fewer people, and while there's a higher probability of rain, during our stay it was mainly rain at night.
We normally never stay at resorts 😅 but in Phuket (during low season at least) resorts cost the same as a regular hotel! We recommend Sunwing Bangtao Beach Resort for families.
Very affordable prices, very clean rooms, and lots of activities for children and adults (1-hour massages facing the sea for only 15 USD!).
If you stay at this resort, we recommend eating at the restaurant that's right across from it: Sugar Cane.
Phuket is big, and traffic congestion can be intense! From the airport to our resort it took us about 45 minutes by car, and around 40 minutes to the main pier without traffic. Because of this, we decided not to rush around visiting too many places. Instead, we spent our time exploring the Phi Phi Islands and enjoying simple family moments by the beach: building sandcastles and catching (and then releasing) crabs.
The Phi Phi Islands are an archipelago off the southwest coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, made up of four islands, with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited one. All the islands are part of a protected National Park, home to extraordinary marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Think dramatic limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery, hidden coves, and crystal-clear turquoise waters — so stunning that Hollywood chose them as the setting for The Beach (2000, starring Leonardo DiCaprio).
👉 We recommend these day tours, which can easily be booked through KLOOK
Phi Phi Islands tour on Speedboat
*Read all the detailed information on the tour description as there are additional fees such as the entrance fee to the Phi Phi National Park, and riding the instagrammable Long Tail boat, among other extra costs.
 |  |
 |  |
Bangkok
The first thing we did upon arriving at Bangkok Airport was pick up the Rabbit transportation card, which we had reserved through KLOOK. While this card can’t be used for the Airport Rail Link express train into the city center (that’s a separate ticket you can easily purchase at the machines), it was something we knew we’d need throughout our stay in bustling Bangkok.
Important note about the Rabbit Card: On our third day we tried to top it up, but the metro staff explained that since it’s the tourist version of the card:
You can’t reload it at the machines, only at the service counters with staff assistance.
You must show a copy of your passport to add money. We only had digital copies saved on our phones, but luckily that was accepted.
Another very convenient way to get around is by taking the Chao Phraya River boats! There are tourist boats, local commuter boats, and even dinner cruises. KLOOK sells unlimited tourist boat passes, but for us, a simple one-way ticket was enough to enjoy the views.
Apart from Bangkok’s famous floating markets, Thai cooking classes, and Muay Thai lessons, here are some activities you might want to consider in the city:
Grand Palace Former royal residence and an iconic symbol of Thai history and culture.
ICONSIAM / Asiatique The Riverfront Modern riverside complexes along the Chao Phraya that combine shopping, dining, and entertainment, great to explore both day and night.
Jim Thompson House A museum inside the traditional Thai home of an American silk entrepreneur, showcasing art, history, and local architecture.
Museum Siam An interactive museum that brings Thailand’s history and culture to life, perfect for visitors seeking historical and educational context.
MBK and Siam Square Famous shopping areas packed with street food, urban vibes, and attractions. At Siam Square you’ll also find Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Nearby, don’t miss the BACC: Bangkok Art and Cultural Center.
Chatuchak Weekend Market One of the largest weekend markets in the world, ideal for souvenirs, clothes, food, and handicrafts — open only on weekends. Close by, you’ll also find the Children's Discovery Museum.
Thai Massage We highly recommend experiencing a traditional massage, we especially enjoyed one at the Nikko chain.
Strangely enough (or maybe not?), another highlight of our trip to Bangkok was the reptiles.
First, the Asian water monitor — a giant lizard that can grow up to 2–3 meters long. You’ll often spot them in parks like Lumphini Park, either swimming in the lakes or basking along the banks. While they might look intimidating, they’re generally not aggressive unless provoked. Ecologically, they play an important role by feeding on fish, small birds, and carrion, helping to keep the environment clean.
And second, snakes!
Thailand is home to around 250 species of snakes.
Right in the heart of Bangkok, you’ll find the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute's Bangkok Snake Farm.
The institute houses a wide collection of snake species, including some venomous ones, and is dedicated to venom extraction for the production of antidotes.
Visitors can explore exhibits on snake anatomy and life cycles, watch live demonstrations of venom extraction and snake handling, and even learn about first aid in case of snakebites.
It’s an ideal spot for anyone seeking a safe yet fascinating educational experience about these reptiles.
And finally, another reptile: the crocodile… but this time as food! (Of course, we didn’t try it!) We came across it at the Thai food fair inside ICONSIAM mall.
Reflection
What moved us in a way we didn’t expect during our visit to Thailand wasn’t the parks, the animals, the palaces, or even the beaches… but rather two very special experiences:
Coming across this exhibition at the Bangkog Art and Cultural Center (BACC):
By pure chance, we stumbled upon these works created by mothers, fathers, children, and teenagers:
A wall filled with drawings, yet more than drawings, they were genuine worship and praise, answered prayers, and heartfelt petitions for loved ones who were ill or far away in other countries. Reading each message truly touched our hearts. Here are just a few we came across:
Little-known but deeply moving stories unfold in this exhibition: the exodus of Christians fleeing religious persecution in their home countries, finding refuge and freedom to worship in Thailand.
Through a collection of simple yet honest drawings, we got a glimpse into the silent testimonies of refugees from Pakistan and Vietnam. These humbling art works opened our eyes to stories of hope amid displacement.
For us, as a traveling family, this was a reminder that behind every “tourist” destination lies a complex web of human stories. Thailand, beyond its idyllic beaches, also serves as a safe haven for those seeking religious freedom.
According to "Life Raft International" refugees from around the world come to Thailand hoping to obtain official refugee status. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 refugees in Bangkok, with the largest group being Christians from Pakistan.
2. Secondly, we had the chance to connect — even if just for a few hours — with a local church in the heart of the city. We visited ECB, the Evangelical Church of Bangkok, and by one of those life coincidences, the pastor preaching that Sunday was from Chile, just like us!
And to our surprise, this church is looking for someone to lead their Ministry of Support for Displaced People/Refugees. While you and I might not be able to respond to this need, there are other ways to be part of the solution. If you’re interested in learning more, we recommend checking out this organization:
Useful Information
Before travelling to Thailand make sure to complete the online digital arrival card within three days before your trip. This is a mandatory requirement for all visitors and helps speed up the immigration process upon arrival. Filling it out in advance saves time and ensures a smoother entry into the country.
To use Google Maps and other online tools during your trip, we recommend getting an eSIM, if your phone supports it. For Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand, we suggest the eSIM de NOMAD. Use our referral code ANGEURTPBL for a $5 discount.
It’s better to exchange USD to Thai Baht outside the airport. For example, there was a small exchange office right in front of our hotel, and the rates were much better than at the airport.
Getting around Bangkok
Traffic in Bangkok and other Southeast Asian cities can be very congested, sometimes walking is faster than taking a car! We recommend walking or using the metro whenever possible.
If you need a taxi or ride-hailing service, download the Grab app, the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber (works in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, etc.).
When traveling with children, choose “Standard Grab” or “Grab Plus”, even if it costs a few extra baht.
We found that the “Just Grab” option sometimes assigned drivers with older cars or who drove a bit recklessly. Safety and comfort are worth the small extra cost.
Useful Thai words for travelers
สวัสดี (Sa-wat-dee) – Hello/Goodbye. Always add ka (women) or krub (men) at the end.
ขอบคุณ (Kob-khun) – Thank you. Follow with ka/krub. Politeness is highly appreciated.
เท่าไหร่ (Tao-rai) – How much? Essential for markets and shopping.
อร่อย (Aroi) – Delicious. Perfect for praising Thai food.
ที่ไหน (Tee-nai) – Where? For asking locations. Example: “Hong nam tee-nai?” (Where is the bathroom?)
ไม่เป็นไร (Mai-pen-rai) – No problem/You’re welcome. The Thai philosophy in three words. Useful in everyday situations.
น้ำ (Nam) – Water. Especially with ice: “nam keng.” We recommend bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
สนุก (Sa-nuk) – Fun/Enjoyable. Thais value the concept of “sanuk” — making everything enjoyable.
Cultural tip: Always add ka (women) or krub (men) at the end of almost every phrase to sound polite.
Quick Thailand Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Do’s
Remove your shoes before entering temples or homes.
Dress with shoulders and knees covered when visiting palaces or temples.
Return a wai (palms together + slight bow) if someone greets you.
Speak calmly and smile — patience and courtesy are highly valued.
Use both hands when giving or receiving important items (e.g., money, documents).
❌ Don’ts
Don’t step on or disrespect banknotes or coins with the King’s image.
Don’t touch anyone’s head (including children).
Don’t point your feet at people or sacred objects.
Don’t make jokes or negative comments about the royal family.
We hope this information is useful and inspiring!
Follow us on Instagram and feel free to share these tips with friends and family:
Comments