Peter & Margaret Collins
Oct 15 • 6 min read
When you’ve travelled as much as we have over the years, it takes a special kind of place to surprise you — somewhere that stirs both the senses and the soul. For us, that place turned out to be Thailand. Our ten-night adventure through Bangkok and Pattaya, organised by The Peace Destinations, was a perfect blend of culture, comfort, and just the right amount of adventure — the kind that leaves you both relaxed and quietly inspired.
We’d been to Asia before — Singapore, Hong Kong, even Bali once upon a time — but Thailand had always been on our list. We wanted something that gave us both: the vibrant life of a city and the serenity of the sea. This Bangkok and Pattaya twin-centre holiday promised exactly that, and it delivered far more than we expected.
A Warm Welcome to Bangkok
After a smooth flight from Heathrow, we landed in Bangkok to a wave of warm air and smiling faces. The team from The Peace Destinations had everything arranged — a private transfer whisked us away to the Pathumwan Princess Hotel, our home for the first three nights.
Now, if you’ve never been to Bangkok, it’s hard to put into words just how alive the city feels. It’s a beautiful contradiction — modern skyscrapers standing beside centuries-old temples, monks walking calmly past neon-lit markets, and the scent of jasmine floating through the humid air. From the window of our room, we could see the city’s skyline stretching endlessly — shimmering in the evening light.
We took our time that first night, easing into the rhythm. The hotel is perfectly located, connected to a large shopping mall, which made it easy to grab a quick meal before an early rest. After all, we were here to explore — and Bangkok rewards the curious.
Temples, Tuktuks, and Timeless Charm
Our first full day began early, as we set off to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks. We joined a small guided tour — a wonderful suggestion from The Peace Destinations team — and our local guide, Nok, was full of stories.
The Grand Palace took our breath away. No photo could capture its golden spires glinting in the sunlight. Nearby, Wat Pho — home to the reclining Buddha — felt deeply spiritual, yet welcoming. We removed our shoes, walked slowly around the enormous golden figure, and listened to the faint sound of monks chanting in the distance.
By mid-morning, we were gliding along the Chao Phraya River in a longtail boat, passing floating homes and riverside temples. There was something humbling about seeing everyday life unfold along the banks — children laughing, vendors selling fruit, and the distant chime of temple bells.
And then came Bangkok’s famous tuk-tuk ride. Now, my wife was slightly hesitant, but once we climbed in and zipped through the streets, laughing like teenagers, we realised how much fun it was. The driver was friendly, weaving us through narrow lanes to hidden markets where we sampled mango sticky rice and freshly grilled satay.
Evenings in Bangkok are magical. We spent ours at a rooftop bar overlooking the entire city. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the skyline flickered to life, I remember thinking — this is exactly the balance we were hoping for.
A Change of Pace: Journey to Pattaya
After three lively days, it was time to slow things down. Our private car transfer took us from Bangkok to Pattaya, a comfortable two-hour drive filled with scenic glimpses of the countryside.
The moment we arrived at the Dusit Thani Pattaya, it felt like stepping into another world. The hotel sits right on the beach, surrounded by tropical gardens and views of the Gulf of Thailand that make you pause and just breathe.
We were greeted with cool towels and a refreshing drink — a simple touch that somehow set the tone for the week ahead. Our room looked out over the sea, with a balcony that became our favourite spot every morning for coffee and quiet conversation.
Days of Ease and Ocean Breezes
Pattaya was exactly what we needed after Bangkok’s energy. Our days fell into a wonderfully gentle rhythm — long breakfasts overlooking the ocean, slow walks along the beach, and lazy afternoons by the pool.
The hotel’s private beachfront was peaceful, with calm waters perfect for swimming. One morning, we joined a short boat trip to Koh Larn, a nearby island known for its coral reefs and soft white sands. My wife isn’t one for snorkelling, but she enjoyed watching from the boat while I spotted colourful fish darting beneath the waves.
Back at the resort, the spa became our little sanctuary. One afternoon, we treated ourselves to a couples’ massage — an hour of pure bliss, the scent of lemongrass in the air and the sound of waves just beyond the open windows.
Evenings in Pattaya had their own charm. We’d sit at one of the seaside restaurants, sharing plates of pad thai and sipping chilled wine as the sun dipped low. The air would turn cooler, soft music would drift from nearby bars, and everything seemed to slow down even more.
Discovering the Local Spirit
We didn’t want to spend all our time at the resort, so we explored Pattaya’s cultural side, which often gets overlooked. We visited the Sanctuary of Truth, a towering wooden temple carved entirely by hand — no nails, just intricate detail and craftsmanship. It was astonishing.
Another afternoon, we strolled through the Pattaya Floating Market, where wooden walkways connect dozens of little shops and food stalls over the water. It was colourful, friendly, and full of life. My wife couldn’t resist buying a few handmade trinkets to bring home, while I discovered a newfound love for coconut ice cream.
Our favourite experience, though, was a simple one — watching the sunset over Pattaya Bay. Every evening, the sky would turn a deep orange and pink, the light reflecting off the water. It became our ritual: two glasses of wine, quiet conversation, and gratitude for the moment we were in.
Reflections on Thai Hospitality
What struck us most about Thailand was the warmth of its people. Everywhere we went — from hotel staff to shopkeepers and taxi drivers — there was a genuine kindness, a calmness that seemed to run through the country itself.
At the Pathumwan Princess, the staff remembered our names and even helped us plan a little anniversary dinner. At the Dusit Thani, the housekeeping team left tiny notes wishing us a wonderful day. Small gestures, but they made a big impression.
There’s something deeply peaceful about Thai culture — a sense of mindfulness in the way people greet you, serve you, and care for their surroundings. It made us reflect on how rushed our lives often feel back home, and how easy it is to forget the beauty of slowing down.
A Taste of Thailand
Of course, no trip would be complete without talking about the food. From street stalls to fine dining, everything was delicious. We discovered that Thailand isn’t just about spice — it’s about balance. Sweet, sour, salty, and hot all come together beautifully.
Breakfast buffets at both hotels were generous and fresh. But it was the small street cafés in Bangkok that we’ll never forget — a plate of pad kra pao (spicy basil chicken) eaten at a tiny plastic table while watching city life swirl around us.
In Pattaya, we enjoyed fresh seafood by the beach — grilled prawns, red snapper, and endless plates of fruit. Every meal felt like a celebration of flavour and life itself.
Final Thoughts
When we look back on our Thai escape, it feels less like a holiday and more like a gentle reminder of how beautiful balance can be. Bangkok showed us colour, culture, and energy — a city that dances to its own rhythm. Pattaya offered the quiet that follows the song — soft waves, sunsets, and time to just be
At our age, travel has become less about ticking boxes and more about collecting moments that stay with you. Thailand gave us many of those — morning coffee on a balcony overlooking the sea, the laughter of a tuk-tuk ride, the kindness of strangers, and the calm of a temple at sunrise.
We returned home rested, smiling, and already planning where The Peace Destinations might take us next. If you’re looking for a journey that combines culture, calm, and a touch of adventure, Thailand — and this twin-centre escape — might just be the perfect balance you didn’t know you needed.
-Peter & Margaret Collins
Trustpilot