WIT Travel Agent Lindsay went on a FAM trip to Thailand last month, in order to inspect various accommodations, tour guides, and tours. WIT only works with tour providers who offer the highest quality of service. Here is Lindsay’s report, Part 1.
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Photos from Lindsay’s Trip to Thailand
First Day
Our driver picked us up in mercifully air-conditioned vans, complete with leather seats and even a Nespresso machine. Our first stop was a restaurant by the river, where we dangled our feet over the water. We filled our bellies with a gigantic bowl of noodles, and a dozen small dishes served family-style. Still recovering from jet lag, my stomach wasn’t quite ready for Thai food–but the chicken satay and soup proved delicious and flavorful.
Our hotel, Sala Ayutthaya, was just a few doors down from the restaurant. The staff greeted us with elegant flower pieces and butterfly pea tea, a sweet, vibrantly purple drink. Rooms here were open concept, with glass walls that divided the bathroom from the bedroom, and a bathtub enclosed with the shower.
That first day, we tried our hands on a local treat that was like a pancake wrapped around Thai version of cotton candy. I was quickly learning how much Thailand loves their sweets! We also learned to make fish mobiles from bamboo, before sitting down for the evening welcome meal, complete with delicate dancers.
Rice Farm Tour
The next day, we started with a tour of a local organic rice farm, quite unique in that it was both organic and grew rose-colored grains. We learned about the history of rice farming, as well as the actual practice of growing rice. After the farm, we enjoyed a light meal of traditional Thai dishes–including succulent, freshly grilled river prawns–and after that, it was time to explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand for 400 years.
Bangkok
Next, it was off to Bangkok for a couple different river cruises. Our first stop was at Baan Dvara Prateeip, to a meditation retreat in Koh Kret, where we learned about meditation and traditional Thai flower arrangement techniques. Lunch was delicious and interactive, we learned to cook noodles and had a wide variety of Thai dishes and sweets. The second half of the river cruise included a Thai massage, before we finally arrived at Avani Riverside hotel, with its endless river views from each room. The rooftop bar had spectacular view of the night market across the street, a Ferris wheel and food carts. Our dinner was an international buffet at the Anatara resort: delicious grilled seafood, sushi, Mac and cheese for home’s sake and of course Thai dishes as well. They truly make you feel welcome here, with nightly dance performances (they even invite guests up to join them).
Tune in Next Time, Lindsay’s Trip to Thailand, Part 2!
