Thailand Through My Eyes: Why I Keep Going Back
- MissHollywoodMedia
- Jun 15
- 16 min read
Updated: Jun 25
— Miss Hollywood | The Chat with Miss Hollywood
Before we begin, I think it's important to say something.
My experience may not be your experience.
The way I travel, the places I stay, the people I meet, and the things I enjoy may be completely different from what another traveler experiences. My goal isn't to sell you a fantasy. My goal is to share my honest experiences so you can make informed decisions about whether Thailand might be the right destination for you.
Over the years, Thailand has become one of my favorite places in the world. What started as curiosity turned into a love for the culture, the people, the food, and the friendships we've built along the way.
So, grab your passport
and come with me as I share why Thailand keeps calling me back.
How Thailand Ended Up on My Radar
Back in 2022, I was looking for a place I had never visited before. I had already spent plenty of time exploring the warm sandy islands of the Caribbean and had even formed friendships in some of those countries. I wanted something different.
So, like many travelers do, I went down the YouTube rabbit hole and started researching Southeast Asia.
Now, I could tell you the rest was history, but not quite.
I have to admit; I was concerned about the cuisine.
Let's be honest. We see all kinds of things on social media and the internet. Between viral videos, travel influencers, and people's personal opinions, it's easy to develop preconceived notions about a destination before you've even arrived.
But instead of allowing assumptions to make the decision for me, I decided to challenge myself.
Thailand it was.
Then came what felt like endless research.
What should I pack?
How much should I pack?
Which airline should we fly?
How long was the flight?
Where should we stay?
How would we get around once we arrived?
It felt like there were a thousand decisions to make before we even left home.
After researching as much as possible, my husband and I decided our first destination would be Chiang Mai.
The moment we arrived; we fell in love with it.
But before I get into all of that, let's talk about how we got there because Wheww Hunnii, that part alone deserves its own section.
Packing: A Complete Disaster
Let's start with packing because I made a mistake that I would never make again.
Like many first-time international travelers, I apparently believed I needed my entire closet.
I packed two jumbo suitcases, a carry-on, and a duffel bag.
And for what?
Honestly, I still ask myself that question today.
But wait.
My husband did the exact same thing.
The two of us looked like we were relocating instead of going on vacation. (Future maybe?!)
What's even funnier is that we repeated this mistake three different trips before finally learning our lesson.
And of course, once we got to Thailand, we ended up buying additional luggage to bring home gifts, souvenirs, and everything else we suddenly decided we couldn't live without.
When I say Wheww Hunnii, it was a mess, I mean it.
Getting to the Airport
For transportation, we used a black-car limousine service to take us from our home to JFK Airport in New York.
Travel days are always exciting, but they're also hectic.
There's the anticipation of the trip, the rush to get through security, the checking of passports, the boarding process, and the constant fear that you've forgotten something important.
It's all part of the adventure.
Flying to Thailand
For our trips, we've primarily flown with Emirates.
We typically travel First Class or Business Class, and while I realize that's not within everyone's budget, I can honestly say the experience is incredible.
If luxury travel fits your budget, you'll probably enjoy it.
If it doesn't, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available, and I'll discuss some of those later in this travel series.
One thing travelers should know is that not all Business Class tickets are created equal.
Pay attention when booking.
Some discounted Business Class fares exclude lounge access, which means you may have to pay separately if you want to use the airline lounges.
And yes, I'm speaking from experience.
Before we stopped using travel agents, an agent from a very well-known company booked us a Business Class fare that excluded lounge access without ever discussing it with us.
We didn't find out until we arrived at the airport.
Thankfully, we were able to pay for lounge access ourselves, but it was definitely a lesson learned.
From that point forward, we became much more involved in booking our own travel.
Is Emirates Worth the Hype?
In my opinion, absolutely.
The Emirates staff has consistently been professional, attentive, and focused on customer service.
The seats are spacious.
The legroom is fantastic.
The entertainment system is excellent.
The food is surprisingly good.
And the overall experience feels relaxing rather than stressful.
The only problem?
Once you fly First Class or Business Class, you may never want to fly any other way again.
Seriously.
You've been warned.
My husband and I are completely spoiled now.
And honestly?
We're okay with that. 😂
Welcome to the Land of Smiles
Upon arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, I was excited—but also a little overwhelmed.
International travel can be hectic. Between the long lines, the luggage, navigating a new country, and sometimes dealing with language barriers, there is definitely a lot happening all at once.
Now, many Thai people speak English, but many don't.
Thankfully, we've never really had any major issues communicating. If we ever do, out comes the phone and the translator app.
Problem solved.
Thailand also has strict entry requirements, so make sure you're prepared before you travel. Have your passport ready and make sure you complete any required entry documents, including the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
I've also read that Thailand may require visitors to show proof that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay, so always do your own research and make sure you have everything in order before departing.
Don't let any of this discourage you, though.
The process is part of the adventure.
And Hunnii, the moment they scan your passport, take your fingerprints, and that machine lights up green, you've officially entered the Land of Smiles.
That feeling is priceless.
Onward to Chiang Mai
Since our final destination was Chiang Mai, we still had another flight ahead of us.
Thankfully, our checked luggage was already tagged through to our next destination, so we only had to deal with our carry-on bags.
We were exhausted from the long journey but completely thrilled to be there.
I remember sitting in the airport just looking around and taking everything in.
This was really happening.
Soon, we boarded our short flight to Chiang Mai.
Before takeoff, the flight attendants began serving hot meals.
Now let me tell you something.
I was excited.
I couldn't wait to taste my first meal in Thailand.
Little did I know they were serving Pad Kraphrao, long before I even knew what Pad Kraphrao was.
And Hunnii, it was delicious.
As Americans, we're used to certain foods being designated as breakfast foods and others being dinner foods.
Thailand doesn't play by those rules.
Rice for breakfast?
Absolutely.
A full meal at 8 a.m.?
No problem.
So, Pad Kaphrao for breakfast it was.
And I had zero complaints.
The Smallest Airplane Seats Ever
Now let's talk about those seats for a second.
Wheww Hunnii.
I felt like a stuffed sausage.
The seats were tight.
Very tight.
At one point I wondered if they specifically designed them for Thai people because many Thai people tend to be smaller in stature.
You'll understand exactly what I mean once you visit.
Thankfully, the flight was only about an hour long, so I survived.
Barely. 😂
Arriving in Paradise
When we landed in Chiang Mai, our resort had arranged transportation from the airport.
A shuttle.
With other people.
Now listen.
That was the first and last time we ever did shared transportation.
From that point forward, it became private transportation only.
Lesson learned.
But once we arrived at the resort, none of that mattered anymore.
The property was absolutely stunning.
Peaceful.
Quiet.
Tranquil.
It felt like a hidden paradise tucked away from the rest of the world.
In fact, guests couldn't even walk up to the main reception area. Staff members would transport you from the bottom of the hill up to the resort itself.
I remember being so excited to see what was waiting for us.
Then we rolled into reception with our mountain of completely unnecessary luggage.
And Hunnii, they treated us like royalty.
Everyone was kind.
Everyone was welcoming.
Everyone seemed genuinely happy we were there.
After checking in, we were escorted to our private chateau.
And let me tell you...
It was incredible.
We had a beautiful private pool, a refrigerator stocked with snacks, a gorgeous bedroom, an oversized bathroom, and a comfortable lounge area where we could simply relax and enjoy being there.
After such a long travel day, we showered, ordered room service, and soaked in the realization that we had finally made it to Thailand.
It felt surreal.
Falling in Love with Chiang Mai
During our first trip, we spent our days exploring the city, visiting beautiful night markets, supporting local businesses, shopping at massive luxury malls, and experiencing Thai culture for ourselves.
One thing I loved immediately was how much opportunity there was to support local vendors and entrepreneurs.
The night markets quickly became one of my favorite experiences.
The food.
The atmosphere.
The people.
The shopping.
It all felt vibrant and alive.
There was always something to see, something to taste, or someone interesting to meet.
Chiang Mai had a charm that was impossible to ignore.
It moved at a different pace.
A slower pace.
A more relaxed pace.
And honestly, I loved that.
My First Trip to Bangkok 2022
We also took a short trip to Bangkok during that first visit.
For several days, we stayed at a Marriott property, enjoyed an amazing steak dinner, explored the city, and experienced Bangkok's incredible nightlife.
Bangkok was exciting.
Energetic.
Busy.
Fast-paced.
Completely different from Chiang Mai.
The city seemed to come alive after dark.
The lights.
The restaurants.
The shopping.
The nightlife.
The energy.
It was impossible not to get caught up in it.
Honestly?
I didn't want to leave.
But after three days, it was time to return to Chiang Mai.
As our flight took off, I remember looking out the window and thinking one thing:
I'll definitely be back.
And thankfully, I was right.
More Than a Driver: Meet Ms. Jeep
Once we returned to Chiang Mai, we decided we wanted to do a little shopping. The front desk called us a Grab, which is essentially the equivalent of Uber or Lyft in America and one of the easiest ways to get around Thailand.
It was during that first trip that we met a woman we affectionately call Ms. Jeep.
What started as a simple ride quickly turned into a friendship that has lasted for years.
Ms. Jeep introduced us to so much more of Thailand than we ever could have experienced on our own.
She drove us to restaurants, temples, local attractions, excursions, and hidden gems throughout Chiang Mai and beyond. Together, we visited elephant sanctuaries, temples,
local markets, the snake sanctuary where portions of the Rambo movie were filmed, and countless places that would take an entire series of blog posts to describe.
What makes Thailand so special isn't just the scenery.
It's the people.
Over the years, Ms. Jeep has become more than our driver.
She has become family.
Every time we return to Thailand, she's there waiting for us, and we know we can always count on her.
To me, that's one of the most beautiful parts of travel.
Sometimes you leave with souvenirs.
Sometimes you leave with memories.
And sometimes, if you're lucky, you leave with lifelong friendships.
Four Years Later
Over the past four years, my husband and I have returned to Thailand several times and have continued discovering new things to love.
We've explored Hua Hin.
We've visited Pattaya.
We've wandered through massive shopping centers and small local markets.
We've taken dinner cruises.
We've ridden in countless tuk-tuks.
We've explored temples.
We've met incredible people.
And yes...
My husband even ate a scorpion.
As you'll see in the video attached to this article, he was much braver than I was.
Thailand has a way of encouraging you to step outside your comfort zone.
The key is to arrive with an open mind.
Try new foods.
Meet new people.
Respect the culture.
Be kind.
And most importantly, allow yourself to experience something different.
Some of my favorite memories weren't planned at all.
They happened simply because I was willing to say yes to a new experience.
The Friendships We Never Expected
One of the most beautiful things about traveling is the relationships you build along the way.
In Chiang Mai, I met a young woman named Yannis who has become a dear friend over the years. Every time we visit Thailand, I look forward to seeing her.
These friendships weren't part of our itinerary.
You can't book them.
You can't schedule them.
They simply happen.
And often, they become some of the most valuable souvenirs you bring home.
Every year, I've even started bringing Christmas candy from America for our friends in Thailand.
Now listen...
The sweets in Thailand just aren't sweet enough for me.
And if you're a fellow Coca-Cola lover, you should know that Coca-Cola in Thailand contains less sugar than what we're accustomed to in America.
You'll adjust quickly, but I figured I'd give you fair warning.
Food, Shopping, Unexpected Adventures & Thaipression™
Let's talk about two things Thailand does exceptionally well:
Food and shopping.
If you enjoy shopping, prepare yourself.
Thailand offers everything from bustling night markets and local vendors to luxury shopping malls that honestly look like something out of a dream.
Some of the malls are nine and ten stories high, filled with luxury brands, restaurants, entertainment, and experiences that make you want to spend an entire day exploring.
Even if you don't plan on buying anything, they're worth visiting just to see them.
And speaking of spending money...
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Shopping in Thailand can become a serious addiction.
Now let's talk about the food.
One of the things I appreciate most about Thailand is the abundance of street food vendors and small family-owned businesses.
Food is everywhere.
Whether you're visiting a local market, walking through the city, or exploring a night market, you'll find endless options to choose from.
One thing I always encourage visitors to do is try authentic Thai food.
You're in Thailand.
Experience Thailand.
Taste Thailand.
One of my absolute favorite restaurants is Kurissara, a highly rated family-owned restaurant in Bangkok near the Chao Phraya River. The food is made from scratch and absolutely delicious.
If you ask me what to order, the answer is simple:
The garlic crab rice.
Trust me.
It's ridiculously delicious.
While Thailand certainly has McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, and many other familiar fast-food chains, I personally think the fast food tastes better there than it does in America.
Maybe it's the ingredients.
Maybe it's the preparation.
Maybe it's just vacation brain.
Whatever it is, I enjoyed it.
The People Who Became Family
One thing I didn't expect when I first visited Thailand was the friendships we would build.
Travel is wonderful.
But the people you meet often become the most meaningful part of the journey.
Over the years, I became friends with a wonderful woman named A Puun, who owns a booth called A Mix Idea.
Today, I don't just consider her a friend.
I consider her my Thai sister.
Every trip feels like a reunion.
Thailand has introduced us to so many wonderful people who have welcomed us into their lives, and that's something I will always cherish.
It's one of the reasons Thailand feels less like a vacation destination and more like a second home.
Not Every Adventure Goes as Planned
Of course, travel isn't always perfect.
And sometimes life reminds you just how unpredictable it can be.
During one of our trips, we were actually in Thailand when an earthquake struck.
At the time, we were only minutes away from a building that later collapsed.
It was a frightening experience and a reminder that unexpected events can happen anywhere in the world.
Thankfully, we were safe.
And while it was certainly something we will never forget, it didn't change how we feel about Thailand.
If anything, it reminded us to appreciate every moment, every experience, and every opportunity to see the world.
The Scorpion Incident
Now let's address the scorpion.
Yes.
The scorpion.
My husband decided that while visiting Thailand, eating a scorpion sounded like a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
I played along because I didn't think he'd really do it
Yet somehow, there he was, standing there preparing to eat it while I watched in complete disbelief.
Thankfully, I have the video evidence.
I'll let you decide for yourself whether it was bravery, curiosity, or temporary insanity.
Either way, it happened.
And it's now one of those stories that gets told every single time we talk about Thailand.
A Little Warning About Time Differences
Before I wrap this up, I should probably warn you about one thing.
Depending on where you're traveling from, the time difference can be brutal.
For travelers coming from the United States, your body may have absolutely no idea what time it is for the first few days.
You'll be tired when you should be awake.
Awake when you should be sleeping.
Hungry at odd hours.
And wondering why you're staring at the ceiling at three o'clock in the morning.
Thankfully, your body adjusts.
Eventually.
Just give it some time.
A Serious Condition Called Thaipression™
Now before I finish this article, there is one side effect of visiting Thailand that nobody warned me about.
I call it Thaipression™.
What's Thaipression?
It's the depression that kicks in the moment your vacation ends and you're sitting on that airplane headed back home to reality.
One minute you're enjoying beautiful weather, amazing food, friendly people, affordable massages, night markets, temples, tropical scenery, and a lifestyle that feels relaxed and enjoyable.
The next minute you're staring out the airplane window wondering why your vacation couldn't magically last another month.
Every single time we leave Thailand, I'm already talking about coming back before the plane has even landed in America.
And that's probably the greatest compliment I can give the country.
Once you're there, you never want to leave.
Then reality shows up.
The alarm clock starts ringing again.
The emails start coming in.
And suddenly you're scrolling through old Thailand photos while pricing flights for your next trip.
If you've been to Thailand before, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
If you haven't been yet, don't worry.
You'll understand soon enough.
Thailand Over the Years
More Adventures Coming Soon
If you've enjoyed following our Thailand journey, stay tuned because this article is only the beginning.
Over the past four years, my husband and I have accumulated thousands of photos, videos, stories, travel tips, restaurant recommendations, shopping experiences, cultural insights, and unforgettable memories from Thailand.
As we continue visiting Thailand and exploring new destinations around the world, I'll continue updating this travel series with new content, photos, videos, recommendations, and honest travel experiences.
Future updates will include more about Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, night markets, transportation, food, temples, shopping, excursions, and some of the incredible people we've met along the way.
Trust me.
We're just getting started.
"Hey, if you're inspired to travel, here's someone who might be able to help."
Helpful Travel Resources
Planning an international trip can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time traveling abroad.
While I now enjoy planning much of my own travel, I understand that many travelers prefer assistance with flights, accommodations, cruises, transportation, excursions, and itinerary planning.
If you're considering a trip to Thailand or another exciting destination, I encourage you to reach out to the travel professional below for assistance Travel Partner Expert
Taste of Heaven Travel
Travel Advisor: Tasha Miles
Website: https://tohonthego.com/
Phone: 856-Travel Partner Spotlight343-5454
If you're looking for assistance planning your next adventure, Tasha may be able to help you create the vacation of your dreams.
Travel Referral Note
If you contact the travel advisor listed below, please mention that you were referred by The Chat with Miss Hollywood. Thank you for supporting the travel professionals featured on this platform and helping us continue to bring you travel stories, tips, and adventures from around the world.
Before You Go
If there's one thing I hope you take away from this article, it's this:
Don't let fear stop you from seeing the world.
Some of the most rewarding experiences of my life have happened because I stepped outside of my comfort zone and took a chance on something new.
Thailand introduced me to incredible people, unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, amazing food, beautiful culture, and memories that I will cherish forever.
Travel has a way of reminding us that the world is much bigger than our daily routines and that there is beauty to be found in places we never expected.
Be respectful.
Be curious.
Be kind.
Support local businesses.
Try the food.
Take the photo.
Make the memories.
And don't be afraid to say yes to a new adventure.
Who knows?
You might just find your second home on the other side of the world.
And if you do, don't blame me when you find yourself suffering from a serious case of Thaipression™ on the flight back home. 😂
Until next time, safe travels.
— Renee "Miss Hollywood" Whitley Founder, The Chat with Miss Hollywood
Travel Disclaimer
The information shared in this article is based solely on my personal travel experiences, opinions, observations, and recommendations at the time of writing.
Travel requirements, visa regulations, entry procedures, transportation options, pricing, accommodations, restaurant offerings, attractions, business operations, and local laws may change without notice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and verify all travel information before making travel plans.
Any recommendations for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, travel advisors, tours, excursions, businesses, or services are provided based on my personal experiences and should not be interpreted as guarantees of future experiences or outcomes.
My experience may not be your experience.
The goal of this travel series is to share honest, real-world travel experiences to help readers make informed decisions while exploring destinations around the world.
The Chat with Miss Hollywood, MissHollywoodMedia LLC, and Renee "Miss Hollywood" Whitley are not responsible for travel decisions, expenses, losses, injuries, delays, cancellations, inconveniences, or experiences resulting from the use of information contained in this article.
Travel responsibly, respect local cultures, support local businesses whenever possible, and always prioritize your safety and well-being.
Safe travels and happy adventures.
© Renee "Miss Hollywood" Whitley | The Chat with Miss Hollywood
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