After years of dreaming about visiting Thailand, Rob and I decided it was finally time to make it happen. With a big trip like this, we knew planning it ourselves would be stressful and time-consuming, so turning to Flis was a no-brainer. From our first call, Flis helped turn our ideas into reality.
With her expert knowledge (she’d been to Thailand herself) and understanding of what we wanted - a mix of adventure, relaxation and unforgettable experiences - Flis built a seamless itinerary for a three-week trip. For us, it was the biggest holiday we’d ever planned, and having Flis manage the flights, hotels and logistics meant we could focus on getting excited about what was ahead.
As we’re based in Gloucestershire, we took a local taxi service recommended by a friend to get to Heathrow, which made the start of our journey so much easier. No worries about parking or navigating public transport - we could just relax and arrive at the airport in comfort and ease.
We flew from Heathrow to Singapore and loved exploring Changi Airport’s Butterfly Garden during our layover. The airline catered perfectly to our dietary needs, though pumpkin stew at 6am wasn’t exactly for me!
Chiang Mai
Our trip kicked off in Chiang Mai, staying just outside the Old City. It was everything we’d hoped for - vibrant night markets, incredible temples and a peaceful vibe that made us feel like we’d found the real Thailand.
Despite traveling during monsoon season, we were lucky with the weather, only needing a poncho for the occasional shower (Rob didn’t even use his!).
Getting around was a breeze using Bolt and Grab for taxis (a top tip: Bangkok is the cheapest and Phuket the most expensive).
The highlight? Hiking the Monk’s Trail to a hidden temple with breathtaking views of the city, followed by a Thai cooking class where we mastered Pad Thai and curry recipes.
Phuket
From Chiang Mai, we flew to Phuket, which, in hindsight, was our least favourite part of the trip. It felt overly touristy and lacked the charm of the north, but it wasn’t without its highlights. The Phi Phi Islands tour was absolutely stunning, and staying near the beach gave us a chance to relax.
Unfortunately, Rob came down with food poisoning here, which could have derailed our plans. Flis was a lifesaver, calmly talking me through our options and giving advice on next steps - even late into her evening. Knowing she had our backs made all the difference.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui was the perfect way to end our trip. For my 30th birthday, Rob and Flis surprised me with a snorkelling and kayaking tour with 100 Degrees East, followed by a beautifully decorated hotel room - such a thoughtful touch!
I absolutely loved the different water activities we tried for the first time - snorkelling, jet skiing, paddle boarding and kayaking. The sea life in Thailand is so beautiful, and we felt so lucky to experience it firsthand. It inspired us to learn diving and surfing so we can plan another trip focused on the amazing underwater world.
We visited the ethical Samui Elephant Sanctuary, an unforgettable experience, and dined high in the jungle treetops at an incredible restaurant.
Reflections
Thailand truly is the 'Land of Smiles', not just for its stunning beauty but for its warm and welcoming people. Everywhere we went, we were met with kindness and positivity that made us feel right at home.
Looking back, we’d love to have spent more time in Koh Samui and explored the south of the island further. Next time, we’d also love to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai and dive deeper into water sports.
If you’re thinking about a big trip like ours, I can’t recommend Flis enough. She took the stress out of planning and made everything so easy. What stood out were the little touches - like secretly arranging cakes and decorations for my birthday - that made the trip even more special.
Thanks to Flis, we had the adventure of a lifetime, and we can’t wait to plan our next one!
