RIKOLA Travel blog
The travel journals of a middle age couple
The last holiday before the world was about to change. Throughout the break we watch the first effects of Covid which exploded shortly after we came back.
Lots of adventures and lots of temples. We travelled the whole country of Thailand with a relaxing conclusion in Phuket. We watched the news closely as Covid 19 started to take hold of the world.
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country located in Southeast Asia on the Indochinese Peninsula. It is bordered by Myanmar to the northwest, Laos to the northeast and east, Cambodia to the southeast, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, and the Andaman Sea to the southwest. Bangkok is the capital and largest city.
Thailand is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a population of over 66 million people. The official language is Thai and the official religion is Theravada Buddhism. The economy of Thailand is the second-largest in Southeast Asia and the 20th largest in the world by nominal GDP.
Thailand is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and vibrant culture. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
Tha Ma kham, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
It never does to forget history and this bridge stands to remind us how many thousands of people died during the war constructing the bridge. The museum was very interesting and the whole thing was a humbling experience. We also visited the nearby grave yard which serves as a reminder of just how young those who lost their lives were
Damnoun Saduak Rd, Damnoen Saduak 70130, Thailand
Really enjoyed the boat trip and watching the goings on. We bought chicken satay from one of the vendors which was nice. Yes it’s a tourist trap and no longer authentic but it’s unusual. This was part of a tour around northern Thailand and we both enjoyed it
For some reason I was not able to leave a review on Viator as the operator said the trip was cancelled! Firstly if you are in the south of Phuket it’s a good hour in the car first, granted this is not the operators fault but it does mean a pick up of 7.30. The view points were stunning and so was the Big Buddha, glad that we got to see it. The cashew factory was just one big sell. I’ve been on similar tours and had the process explained but this wasn’t really the case. You get to sample lots of different nuts but essentially you are there to buy. Not a problem we bought some. The last thing is the gem factory. You get on a ride that tells you about mining for gems. So far so good! So the point is hammered home about how difficult it is, the long winded process etc. Then it’s the opportunity to browse and buy. Now this really is the hard sell. There is one assistant per couple and they follow you around, practically walking in your shoes. Trying to give them the brush off is impossible. As soon as you even look in the cabinet they are pulling the jewellery out, giving it the hard sell. I literally cannot stand this and it has the reverse on me, I just want to get out. There was no time limit on the time spent there. So out of the 6 of us, 4 had finished but the other 2 just continued browsing. In the end we had to explain to the guide that we needed to be back to our hotel by 3pm. The last bit of this trip (which apparently is optional to look at the gem factory but in fact we weren’t given the choice) has left my overall opinion of this trip as a “wish I hadn’t bothered”
Booked as part of a tour. The Buddha is very impressive. There are panoramic views to be seen of the whole of Phuket.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden 100 M.9 | Mae Raem subdistrict, Mae Rim 50180, Thailand
Absolutely loved the sky walk, so much nature, hearing the birds etc. Views were spectacular, would recommend.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden 100 M.9 | Mae Raem subdistrict, Mae Rim 50180, Thailand
Absolutely loved the sky walk, so much nature, hearing the birds etc. Views were spectacular, would recommend.
Orchid leaves-Butterfly Farm Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
We stopped here for lunch as part of a tour of northern Thailand. The lunch was really good. The orchids are simply beautiful and absolutely loved walking around the butterfly enclosure and seeing the different types of butterfly.
306 Moo 2 Maekok Rd | Rim Kok, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Really glad we got the opportunity to visit this temple. Absolutely stunning in every way, well worth a visit
Lahaul-Spiti | Pa O Don Chai Subdistrict, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
We stopped off here as part of a tour of northern Thailand. This temple is unique and definitely worth a visit, it is simply stunning.Had a quick swim in the pool which was fairly cold but abutting they pool is the hot water spring pool which was very hot.
14710 Colleville-sur-Mer, France
This was a truly humbling experience. The museum had lots of interesting facts and pictures and I learnt so much. I can’t imagine what the soldiers went through and when you look down at the beach and how tranquil and beautiful it is, it is hard to believe what atrocities took place there.
The memorial is beautiful and a fitting tribute to so many that lost their lives so that we could be free.
Stayed here for one night whilst doing a tour of northern Thailand. The room is large and very spacious as is the bathroom. The hotel is spotless. Had dinner in the restaurant which was all very nice. The location is 3km from a night market although we didn’t go. There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of local restaurants close to the hotel. Really comfortable bed too!
Room was spacious and had a double bed as well as an additional single bed. Dinner was ok although it seemed slightly chaotic. Breakfast was also fine. However there was nothing close to the hotel so you do pretty much have to eat on site. Hotel grounds very pretty and peaceful.
We stayed here for one night as part of a tour of northern Thailand. Had a very nice lodge although you could hear the conversation coming from next door. Our bed had a mosquito net but some of the group didn’t. Make sure you do have plenty of mosquito spray. The breakfast restaurant overlooks the river which was picturesque. We watched the sun set from the same bar.
At check in we were given a cold flannel and drink which was very welcome. We were asked for a hotel voucher which Tui hadn’t advised was needed. I then had to locate my booking email and email it to the hotel. This I did find a bit irritating and unnecessary as they clearly had a booking for me, had my passport so not sure what the point was! The suite is large and spacious and immaculately clean with a very large balcony and wonderful view of the sea. Food is also great. We were full board but you can use lunch and dinner vouchers against the al la cart menu if you don’t want the set menu which there are two, one western and one Thai. Be warned if you go for the Thai set menu as you get everything on it and it’s a vast quantity of food! Breakfast was really good to with a lot of choice. The pool is a nice size although you do need to get a sunbed fairly early in the day. The beach was nice, plenty of sun beds but the sea is quite rough so no good for swimming I don’t think. All in all I would recommend this lovely hotel which is approximately an hour away from the airport.
Check in was a bit disorganised and no welcome drink as you get with many Thai hotels.
The room has twin beds whereas on Valentines night we would have preferred a double! We didn’t book the hotel it was part of a touring holiday by Tui.
The pillows are very bulky and not comfortable. Shower is a shower head over the bath which is low. Water floods on the floor but it’s designed as a wet room.
A red rose was put in the room and fruit which was a nice touch.
Dinner was ok although my husband’s meal came out way before mine and he had nearly finished. They did have a band and happy hour, we we’re given free desserts and flowers for Valentine’s Day, so some very nice touches.