Bustling Bangkok, Serene Singapore and the beach

When you're in my role, it is difficult to bypass a city you aren't too bowled over by, particularly when your flight is passing through. I didn't backpack in my youth so the Far East was new territory for me. But this time I had a family to consider, so I chose carefully to stay close to the River, away from the real hustle and bustle and I cannot express how much fun we had in Bangkok.

Bangkok

Two overnight flights and we found ourselves in Bangkok with just enough time for a quick dip in the pool, a bite to eat then time for bed. I mention this as there was no jet lag or over tiredness and we hit the ground running the following day.

A full day (9-4) city tour proved invaluable for us. It wasn't until we listed what we had seen and recounted the ground we had covered in the timescale (without having to give a second thought to navigating, queuing or planning) that we realised how good our introduction to this bustling city set us up for. We'd ticked the water taxis, the Grand Palace and a canal tour by longboat, lunch, a flower and vegetable market and the temple of the reclining Buddah before exploring on our own. The following day involved travelling on the fabulously clean and efficient MRT, visiting the weekend market, a traditional Thai massage for all the family, a walk through the park and a bit of shopping too. In two days, we felt we had given Bangkok a big tick.

Singapore

So onward we moved to Singapore. In stark contrast to the fast pace and sights and wonderful smells of Bangkok, this is a more serene, cosmopolitan calm, moving at a much-welcomed slower pace. With so much to do here, especially for families, we slowed down and enjoyed a 3-day break. Again, we covered so much of it, but with frequent stops to drink in the calm city atmosphere. It's always hot in Singapore, so you need to adjust and not try to bite off more than you can chew. Our highlights included Gardens by the Bay - afternoon and into the evening, eating in Chinatown, street food, walking around the city and the night zoo, and we still found time to relax by the pool too. After six days of cities and walking over 55km by this point, we were ready for a rest.

Khao Lak - beach

We headed for the beach, kicking back in Khao Lak. Still with its very laid-back Thai charm, not overly commercial but enough to capture your attention, our week was quite lazy. But don't under-estimate what there is to do from there, be it off shore and enjoying the diving and snorkelling or cycling and visiting waterfalls and gorgeous beaches. There is plenty for a few days out amongst the rest day should you wish.

The beaches are clean and not crowded, and in the right place stunning sunsets to round off each day. This quite easily makes up a 14-night holiday - it's cost effective with cheap internal flights and short flights between Thailand and Singapore. Bed and breakfast is definitely the way to go, the food is incredibly varied and very reasonable, and families are well catered for.

I'd stuck in Singapore (not necessarily your standard itinerary) because we felt northern Thailand would overface us with more of what we'd seen in Bangkok, but that's not to say I wouldn't return to visit Chiangmai or ChiangRai, on a return visit to Thailand. One thing I am sure of is that we will certainly return. The land of smiles, sure made us smile.

Read my other blog on Elephant Hills to add a bit of a twist to your stay in Thailand.