Tom Bennett
Oct 15 • 6 min read
I’ve always believed that the best holidays have a rhythm — a bit of energy, a bit of calm, and a whole lot of good food in between. My trip to Thailand with The Peace Destinations was exactly that kind of holiday. It started in the fast-paced chaos of Bangkok and ended in the mellow sea breeze of Pattaya. Ten days that felt like two different worlds stitched perfectly together.
When I booked the Bangkok & Pattaya Twin Centre package, I wanted something that gave me both adventure and downtime. And honestly, it delivered more than I expected — smooth flights, great hotels, no stress about transfers, and enough time to actually enjoy being on holiday instead of chasing itineraries.
Bangkok — Where Chaos Has a Charm
Landing in Bangkok was like walking into a wave of sound, colour, and motion. It’s busy, yes — but in the kind of way that feels alive. My first stop was the Pathumwan Princess Hotel, which turned out to be perfectly placed. It’s right above one of Bangkok’s big shopping centres, meaning food, shops, and the skytrain were literally at my doorstep.
After a quick nap and a strong Thai coffee (which, by the way, could wake the dead), I headed out to explore. My first stop? Wat Pho, the temple with the giant reclining Buddha. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the size of it — 46 meters of calm golden glow. I found myself just standing there, shoes off, feeling oddly peaceful in the middle of the city’s madness.
By afternoon, I was on a long-tail boat cruising through the canals. Wooden houses, locals fishing by the banks, kids waving as we passed — it was like stepping into another side of Bangkok most tourists don’t see. The guide mentioned that these waterways were once the city’s main “roads,” and I couldn’t help but think how cool it would be if we could do the same in London.
Evenings in Bangkok? That’s where things really come alive. I wandered through Yaowarat (Chinatown), following my nose more than my map. One stall had crispy squid, another served mango sticky rice so good I ordered seconds. Then, I found a tiny rooftop bar overlooking the city lights. A cold Singha beer in hand, gentle music in the background, and the hum of tuk-tuks below — that was my Bangkok moment. Loud, chaotic, but somehow peaceful.
The Small Details That Make a Big Difference
What I loved about The Peace Destinations’ planning was how seamless everything felt. My transfers were private — no waiting around for groups or worrying about where to go. When I checked into my hotel, my luggage was already waiting in my room. It sounds small, but after a long flight, those details matter.
Bangkok’s energy can be intense, but having the Pathumwan Princess Hotel as my retreat made it perfect. My mornings started with breakfast overlooking the city skyline — fresh fruit, warm pastries, and that unbeatable Thai hospitality. One morning, a staff member remembered how I liked my coffee from the day before — small gestures like that stick with you.
From the City Lights to the Sea Breeze
After three days of temples, shopping, and eating my way through Bangkok, it was time to head to Pattaya. The private car transfer was about two hours, and honestly, I dozed off halfway, waking up just as the coastline came into view. The moment the sea appeared, I felt my shoulders drop — that’s when I realised this trip had shifted gears.
The Dusit Thani Pattaya was everything I hoped for. Set right by the beach, it’s peaceful but not isolated. My room had a balcony that opened to ocean views — waves in the morning, sunsets at night. I could’ve stayed there all day, but Pattaya had other plans for me.
Days of Sun, Sand, and Slow Living
Pattaya surprised me. I’d heard mixed things before — that it’s lively, a bit touristy — but the truth is, if you know where to go, it’s full of charm. Mornings started slow — long breakfasts, walks by the beach, and lazy swims in the pool. One day, I joined a boat trip to Koh Larn, a small island nearby. Clear turquoise water, soft sand, and grilled seafood served right by the shore — it felt like a secret paradise.
Afternoons were made for hammocks and cool drinks. I spent one particularly lazy day at the hotel spa, where a local therapist turned my travel-weary shoulders into jelly. And because I can’t sit still for too long, I tried my hand at jet skiing — let’s just say I discovered both the thrill and the splash zone.
Evenings in Pattaya had a calm rhythm. I’d walk down to the local night market, grab some skewers, and chat with the vendors. Everyone had a smile, a story, and a recommendation for “the best mangoes in Thailand.” The city lights reflected off the water, the air smelled faintly of salt and spices — that’s the kind of memory that stays.
A Trip That Balanced Everything
What I appreciated most about this twin-centre holiday was the balance. Bangkok was energy — the pulse of Thailand — and Pattaya was peace. Together, they made a perfect loop. By the time I reached my seventh night in Pattaya, I’d found a rhythm: wake up with the sound of waves, take a slow breakfast, explore a bit, nap, and watch the sunset. Sometimes, doing nothing felt like doing everything.
The Dusit Thani Pattaya had a way of making you feel at home without trying too hard. The staff were warm, the food was fresh, and the ocean was always within sight. I spent my last evening sitting on the beach with a coconut in one hand and my thoughts in the other. It hit me — this was exactly the reset I needed.
Our goal has always been simple: to help travellers find places where they can disconnect from stress and reconnect with themselves. And for anyone looking for a Bali escape that’s both soulful and effortless, Puri Santrian is exactly that.
Little Things That Made It Special
There are always a few “small” moments that end up defining a trip. Like the taxi driver in Bangkok who taught me to say khop khun krub (“thank you”) properly and wouldn’t let me leave until I got it right. Or the Pattaya street musician who played “Wonderwall” on a ukulele and made the whole crowd sing along. Or that evening when the sky turned pink over the sea, and everyone on the beach just stopped talking for a while — as if the world had collectively decided to take a breath.
These are the moments that don’t fit neatly in an itinerary but end up being the heart of your story.
The Peace Destinations Difference
I’ve travelled quite a bit — sometimes solo, sometimes with mates — and I can say this trip was one of the smoothest I’ve had. The Peace Destinations team handled everything: flights, hotels, transfers, even timing the transitions perfectly. There was no awkward waiting around or rushing from one place to another. It felt like they’d built the itinerary with real travellers in mind — not just a checklist of stops, but an actual experience.
Their local connections also showed — from how well the hotels treated guests to the quality of the transfers. It all just worked. And in travel, that’s gold.
Final Thoughts — Thailand Has a Way of Slowing You Down
If Bangkok was a heartbeat, Pattaya was a deep breath. Together, they made my Thailand experience something I’ll remember long after the tan fades.
There’s something humbling about standing at the edge of the ocean, watching the sun dip below the horizon, and realising how far you’ve come — not just in miles, but in mindset. Thailand does that to you. It fills your days with colour and your evenings with calm.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe next time I’ll add Chiang Mai or Phuket to the mix. But for now, my Bangkok-to-Pattaya journey is the perfect chapter in my travel story — one that started with curiosity and ended with peace.
So, if you’re thinking about Thailand and want a trip that gives you both city thrill and seaside chill, this one’s it. Book it, pack light, and don’t overplan. Just let the country do its thing — trust me, it knows what it’s doing.
Until the next adventure,
– Tom Bennett
Trustpilot