Bangkok, Nature Watching, and the Bittersweet Goodbye

We left Koh Samui on a small, prop‑propelled plane—the kind that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own 1950s adventure film. There’s nothing quite like flying into Bangkok on a commuter plane, slow and low, gliding past skyscrapers like you’re sneaking into the city under the radar. It was smooth, fun, and only briefly interrupted by visions of Buddy Holly that drifted through my mind. Just briefly.

Back in Bangkok for the third time in a month, we checked into what might be one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed in. Koh Samui’s resort had already set the bar sky‑high, but the Le Meridien Bangkok Golf Resort simply blew us away. A 5‑star golf resort with all the bells, whistles, and polished marble you could imagine.

And then came the surprise: a complimentary upgrade to a massive suite with back doors that opened right onto the 8th hole. Every morning looked like a postcard—lush greens, soft light, and golfers who were far more confident than I am.

We played night golf for the first time ever, guided by wonderful caddies in bright pink uniforms who chased after our golf balls and gave us tips on every green. 

Sonja swam in the luxurious pool, and one day we hopped on the skytrain to the Ari neighborhood for a day of wandering, shopping, eating, and even pedicures.

On our nature walks, Grandma kicked my butt every single day. New birds? She spotted them first. Giant lizards? She pointed them out while I was still looking at the wrong tree. I’ve learned to accept that she is the reigning champion of wildlife spotting, and I am merely her enthusiastic apprentice.

Our last day was a little sad. Sad to leave such a gorgeous resort, but also sad to leave Thailand after 29 glorious days. We began this journey in Chiang Mai, reconnecting with old friends and discovering new restaurants where we devoured Khao Soi and sipped Thai tea. Koh Samui gave us beauty and monsoon drama in equal measure. Khao Sok overwhelmed us with its stupendous geography, long‑tail boat rides, and a day with elephants we will never forget. And Bangkok—Bangkok welcomed us like family. We wandered through neighborhoods, met wonderful people, ate incredible food, and felt completely at home.

Our 8 p.m. flight out of Bangkok to Colombo, Sri Lanka was delayed an hour and a half, and we didn’t reach our hotel until after midnight. But that’s travel. And now, our next adventure begins… Sri Lanka.

A Final Reflection On Thailand

As we packed our bags and looked back on the past month, one truth stood out: Thailand has a way of getting under your skin in the best possible way. It’s the people—the kindness, the humor, the generosity. It’s the food, the landscapes, the unexpected moments that turn into lifelong memories.

We came here for adventure, and we found it. But we also found something deeper: a sense of belonging in a place far from home. Thailand has changed us, as it always does. And we leave better than we arrived.

A Journey That Changed Us

Looking back on our 29 days in Thailand, it feels as if each place handed us a different gift. Chiang Mai welcomed us with familiar faces and new flavors. Kanchanaburi wrapped us in laughter, history, and kindness. Khao Sok overwhelmed us with nature so grand it humbled us. Koh Samui reminded us that storms—literal and otherwise—can still hold moments of joy. And Bangkok embraced us like family, giving us neighborhoods to explore, people to meet, and memories that felt like home. Together, these chapters became more than a trip; they became a reminder of why we travel in the first place—to grow, to connect, to be surprised, and to return home just a little better than when we left.