I’m sprawled out on a bamboo lounge chair, sipping a coconut so fresh it’s still sweating in my hand, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to be spending this holiday break in sunny Thailand with my family. The moment I stepped off the plane, the heat hit me like a warm hug sticky, intense, and glorious. It’s March now, and the sun is relentless, hovering around 35°C (that’s 95°F for my American friends), with humidity that makes my skin glow whether I want it to or not. I’ve traded sweaters for sarongs, and I’m not mad about it one bit.
The weather’s hot, sure, but it’s the perfect excuse to slow down. I’ve been hopping between shaded hammocks and the turquoise waves of the Andaman Sea, letting the sun bake away every ounce of stress I carried here. Yesterday, I wandered through a bustling night market, the air thick with the scent of grilled satay and jasmine rice, and I couldn’t stop smiling. The heat only adds to the vibe—everything feels alive, vibrant, and unhurried.
And then there are the massages. Oh, the massages. I had my first Thai massage two days ago, and I’m still floating. I walked into this little open-air spa near my villa, and within minutes, a tiny woman with hands of steel was kneading every knot out of my shoulders. It’s this wild mix of pain and bliss stretching, pressing, cracking and when it’s over, I feel like I’ve been reborn. For less than £10, I’m already plotting how many more I can squeeze in before I leave. My muscles have never been this happy.
What really makes this trip special, though, is the people. The Thai folks I’ve met are some of the friendliest souls on the planet. Everywhere I go, I’m greeted with wide smiles and that signature “sawasdee” hello. The villa owner spent ten minutes teaching me how to say “thank you” properly (“khob khun ka!”), and the street vendors laugh good-naturedly when I mangle their language trying to order pad kra pao. Yesterday, a tuk-tuk driver took us on a detour just to show us his favorite temple, grinning the whole way as he pointed out golden Buddhas glinting in the sun. There’s this warmth here that goes beyond the weather
it’s in every interaction, every gesture.
I’m only halfway through my break, but I already know I’ll miss this place when I’m gone. The heat, the massages, the people—it’s all weaving together into this perfect escape. For now, though, I’m off to find some mango sticky rice and maybe another massage. Thailand, you’re spoiling me, and I’m letting you.
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