Excerpt of a wonderful first trip in Thailand; 5 days in bustling Bangkok, 4 days in luxurious Hua Hin.

This first trip only whet my appetite for more. More smiles, more discoveries of a rich and incredibly diverse heritage, more great hotels, more ever-present spirituality…

Pictured above: Bangkok Airport, sunset over the city from InterContinental Bangkok’s rooftop, difficult afternoon by the pool on the latter, incredible desserts at Issaya by Chef Ian Kittichai, the mind-numbingly immense and colourful Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s famous 43 m.-long Reclining Buddha, haven of peace in the middle of Bangkok at Sukkard Palace, breakfast in the room at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, the beach right next to the same hotel, and the majestic height of Wat Arun.