Thailand Travel Journey
Travel has always been my greatest love. Thailand has been high on my list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. The local art, design, and deep rooted traditions reflect so much intentionality and history. It was a privilege to learn more.
Thailand as a whole has a vibrant flow. Nothing ever felt stuck, not even traffic. Drivers worked together and let each other merge easily (if you’re from LA, you know how rare that is), and everyone stayed aware of the people around them. Tuk-tuks and GrabBikes are the most fun way to feel that rhythm, and the breeze on your skin melts away some of the humidity.
I packed light and heavily relied on my Dawn dresses to keep me cool while protecting me from the beating sun. Mattie slips and our regenerative undies were reached for regularly, and at night I slipped into our new Josette dress. While I initially felt like I was wearing a *very* loud outfit (shocking green silk dress & an orange leather bag), I quickly realized that more is more when it comes to color in Thailand.
After exploring Bangkok, my partner and I drove south to Khao Sok National Park, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. Moving from the city to the countryside and nature preserves showed us so many different sides of life in Thailand.
If you find yourself in Khao Sok, don’t miss Ratchaprapha Dam Reservoir, also known as Cheow Lan Lake. My partner and I woke up at 5:30 to catch the first boat out at 6 AM. Watching the sun rise and the clouds break apart over the mountains was life-changing. Driving south gave us plenty of chances to stop for cave hikes. The most breathtaking was Phraya Nakhon Cave, home to a pavilion built in 1890 for King Rama V. Words can’t do it justice.
The food scene is unbelievable. I devoured so much incredible street food, and Bangkok is also home to some of the world’s best restaurants. Even the mall food courts will change the way you see shopping centers forever.
SHOPPING: Nong Rak; Chatuchak Weekend Market (head to the red building for vintage!);
Sunnies Studios (from the Philippines, with incredible Bangkok stores)
DRINKS & MOCKTAILS: Lost in Thaislation
MUSEUMS: MOCA Bangkok and the Jim Thompson House Museum (and so many more I wish I’d had time for!)
PHOTO CREDIT: BRIAN MERRIAM
