Thailand and Cambodia
- Vinita Bennett
- Apr 24, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Thailand, where our love began…
Happy 6th Anniversary! Time has flown by! It's hard to believe I've been married to the most amazing and generous man in the world for 6 years already! Here's to many more years together, love of my life, Randall. My husband and I chose to celebrate our anniversary with a vacation in Thailand, sharing the joy with family and friends.
We spent the first 5 nights in the heart of Bangkok, followed by 4 nights on the renowned island of Phuket, then returned to Bangkok for a night. Afterward, we traveled to Cambodia to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, visiting several temples that are 900 years old. We flew back to Bangkok for the final 3 nights before heading back to the States. For some of my American friends who haven’t been to or heard of Thailand... honestly, I can’t imagine anyone not having heard of Thailand, but just in case, here’s an introduction:
Thailand is a Southeast Asian nation known for its tropical beaches, lavish royal palaces, ancient ruins, and intricate temples featuring Buddha statues, as well as the world’s best foot massages. Bangkok is the capital, a city where an ultramodern skyline sits alongside quiet canal-side communities and iconic temples like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Not to brag about the world-renowned Thai cuisine, but we’re talking about authentic Thai food with 5 main flavors found in almost every dish: sour lime, savory fish sauce, hot chili, salt, and sweetness (usually from palm sugar). For shoppers, there are numerous shopping malls on nearly every corner, offering everything from luxury brands to chain stores, and the remarkable local artisans always capture the attention of foreigners. To be fair, I won’t only mention the wonderful aspects because there are also downsides, such as the terrible traffic in Bangkok and rude taxi drivers. Fortunately, the modern and clean BTS Sky Train and MRT provide convenient transportation around the city, or you can use GRAB app, which is also a smart choice.
Where to stay in Bangkok? Bangkok boasts a wide array of magnificent 5-star hotels offering services that exceed expectations. For this trip, we chose the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, located in the bustling heart of Bangkok. The hotel provided exceptional services, a luxurious spa, excellent gym facilities, and outstanding amenities. Yet, the highlight of our journey was our stay at The Surin Phuket in the South of Thailand. Our time in Phuket was a true retreat in Thailand. We indulged in beach activities in pristine waters, and the staff at The Surin Phuket were extraordinary. The spa was exceptional, and the hotel's atmosphere was breathtakingly beautiful. We also befriended a delightful couple from London, adding more excitement to our trip. Thank you to all the staff at The Surin Phuket for treating us like royalty! It rightfully deserves the title of the no.1 Luxury Resort in South-East Asia. We enjoyed every moment thoroughly.
4/12/17, A visit to Cambodia led us to the World Heritage Temples of Angkor complex, which Lonely Planet has ranked as the world's top sight. It truly offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience! How did we get there? We took a one-hour flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia. U.S. passport holders need a visa to enter the country, but don't worry—you can obtain a Visa on arrival at Siem Reap Airport for just a $7 fee! We quickly checked in at the Miracle Angkor Resort and Spa and went on excursions to explore famous attractions like Angkor Wat, The Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Angkor is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Spanning approximately 400 km², including forested areas, Angkor Archaeological Park houses the magnificent remnants of the Khmer Empire's various capitals from the 9th to the 15th century. These include the renowned Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its numerous sculptural decorations. UNESCO has implemented a comprehensive program to protect this iconic site and its surroundings. It was warm and very humid (Thanks to my friend who brought a portable fan; it was incredibly helpful!) as we strolled around, but it was definitely worth it.
Returning to my hometown of Bangkok, Thailand, was an incredibly rewarding experience. I cherished the invaluable bonding time with my father, enjoyed a delightful reunion with kind-hearted friends, and marveled at the intricate artistry of the Angkor complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I am truly thankful for the opportunities to explore the world.
Traveling extensively is my passion, without a doubt!.
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