Thailand has
always held a special charm for Indian travelers. With its lush landscapes, rich
culture, warm hospitality, and deep-rooted spiritual connections to India, it
promises a deeply rewarding experience. For me and my family, Thailand has
become more than just a destination—it’s a place we’ve returned to time and
again, each visit adding a new layer of discovery.
Our First travel Abroad
Though we
made a trip to Nepal in 1980–81, I consider our journey to Bangkok and Hong
Kong in 1985 as our true first international travel experience. My husband was
presenting a paper at a dental conference in Bangkok. We arrived in the early
morning and headed straight to Pattaya Beach in a limousine. I was so exhausted
that I slept through most of the ride—possibly the most peaceful sleep I’ve
ever had! We stayed with a friend for a couple of days, explored the city, and took in the sights and cultural
shows.
Thailand: The Land of Smiles
Thailand,
fondly known as the "Land of Smiles," offers everything a traveler
could ask for—stunning landscapes, vibrant markets, ancient temples, and a
unique cultural blend that reflects both Thai and Indian influences. The bond
between our two countries goes beyond diplomacy; it is spiritual and cultural,
evident in the shared Buddhist heritage, Sanskrit and Pali influences in the
Thai language, and the visible traces of Hindu tradition in Thai arts and
architecture.
Chiang Mai: Tranquility and Culture
In 2004, we
made another memorable trip to Thailand, this time to Chiang Mai for a
professional meet. Known as the largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai
offered a calmer, more serene experience compared to Pattaya and Bangkok. It is famous for
traditional handicrafts and its incredible food scene. I absolutely loved khao
soi, a creamy, curry-based noodle soup topped with crispy fried noodles.
We also
attended a cultural show that left me spellbound. As a Bharatanatyam dancer
myself, I could truly appreciate the intricate hand movements and the
dedication that goes into such performances.
A Soulful Sojourn in Phuket and Khao Lak
Our third
visit in 2025 was one of pure relaxation. We accompanied our daughter on a diving
expedition and stayed in Khao Lak while she ventured out to sea.
On March 9th, we landed in Phuket and were greeted by a dear friend—an Italian who had settled there and whom we had met during our Hypnotherapy training.
He arranged for our stay and took us to a local market for lunch. The
food—fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, morning glory, and raw papaya salad—was
so good, we went back to the same place for lunch every day. He was both amused
and pleased by our loyalty!
Phuket, while lively, felt a bit too crowded compared to our regular beach haunts in Goa.
But we had memorable moments, like catching a spectacular fire show on the
beach and attending the famous Simon Cabaret Show. This ladyboy cabaret
combined traditional Thai dance with Broadway flair, dazzling us with its
colorful costumes, dramatic lighting, and engaging performances.
Khao Lak: Serenity and Routine
On March 12th, we made our way to Khao Lak. My husband rented a scooter, and we spent our days exploring the region.
Our mornings followed a lovely
rhythm—after my meditation, chanting, and Reiki practice, I’d prepare tea, and
we’d sit on the balcony, soaking in the stillness, watching the sunrise, and
listening to the birdsong. The energy of the place was incredibly uplifting.
After
breakfast and a bit of online work, we’d venture out to visit beaches like Nang
Thong, White Sand Beach, and the vibrant Bang Niang Market.
Thai Massage: Healing in Motion
Though we’ve
long been fans of Ayurvedic massages, Thai massages are a revelation.
The therapists seem to have an intuitive understanding of the body—manipulating
muscles, tendons, and ligaments with such precision that you feel rejuvenated
from the inside out. I often wish Indian therapists could be trained in this
art.
In Phuket,
we discovered a lovely massage center near our hotel. After a soothing foot
massage, I felt so grateful that I offered my masseuse a Reiki healing.
Touched by the gesture, she gave me a small gift. Although she didn’t speak
English, her eyes and warm embrace expressed more than words ever could.
In Khao Lak,
we tried a few places before finding one that felt just right—and from then on,
we returned daily. If you’re visiting Thailand, I can’t recommend the massage
experience enough. It’s a healing ritual you’ll remember.
A Culinary Delight
For my
daughter, Thai food is the best in the world—and I can’t disagree. While
some dishes are spicy, we simply requested “medium spice,” which made the meals
thoroughly enjoyable. I particularly loved fried morning glory, so much
so that I recreated it at home using Ceylon spinach from our garden,
with surprisingly authentic results.
We also
indulged in mango sticky rice—a dessert to die for! Classic combinations
like Thai green curry or red curry with fried rice became our staples.
The abundance of fresh tropical fruits was a delight. We visited the nearby
fruit market daily and enjoyed everything from juicy pineapples and sweet
mangoes to grapes, dragon fruits, longans, watermelon, and bananas.
Finally...
Each visit to Thailand has gifted us something unique—whether it was a deep cultural experience, healing and relaxation, or simple pleasures like a shared meal or a morning sunrise. It’s a land that nourishes all the senses and leaves you feeling enriched in every way.
Until next time, Thailand—thank you for the smiles, the serenity, and the soul-touching memories.
References:
- https://www.trawelmart.com/blog/best-places-to-visit-in-thailand-for-indian-tourists
https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India_Thailand_2022.pdf
