Thailand Diaries: Celebrating a Quarter-Century of Togetherness

This year marked a milestone in our lives as we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and we wanted to make it special. Leena and I share a love for traveling, so we decided to treat ourselves to a foreign trip. Our last international trip was in 2018 to Sri Lanka, which we took with a larger group of five families. This time, however, we wanted the experience to be as private as possible. Still, we couldn’t resist checking with our two closest family friends, Sijee & Saldy and Divya & Niranjan.

Since our children are in their 12th standard, we all agreed that this trip would be exclusively for couples. We considered three destinations—Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. Initially, Vietnam was our top choice, but it required more days than we could spare. Flight options to Indonesia also posed challenges, and eventually, we settled on Thailand, even though it wasn't our first preference. Unfortunately, Divya & Niranjan had to opt out due to unavoidable reasons.

Interestingly, destiny played a role in bringing Sijee & Saldy along with us. They’ve been part of our lives since our children were young, accompanying us on numerous outings. They also introduced us to Club Mahindra, which inspired us to get a membership, enabling us to enjoy memorable stays at various destinations. It felt poetic that they were the ones to join us for our Silver Jubilee celebration.

Once we decided on the destination, we meticulously planned our itinerary. We booked our hotels and

tickets to optimize our holiday, leaving on a Friday night and returning the following Sunday night. On December 7, 2024, we embarked on our third international trip—a couples-only journey to commemorate 25 years of togetherness.

When you think of Thailand, a certain image often comes to mind—a destination known for its nightlife and indulgence. Upon arriving in Krabi, we checked into our hotel and ventured out to explore. The vibrant attire of tourists caught our attention—men casually topless and women in revealing outfits. It was becoming clear why Thailand is often stereotyped as a destination for solo travelers or men.

Our sightseeing in Krabi included hot springs and a national park, both of which showcased Thailand's commitment to preserving nature. The minimal infrastructure allowed the sanctity of the surroundings to remain intact. Tourists, primarily from the West, embraced western swimwear, while we Indians opted for synthetic clothes, which dried quickly after a dip.

The highlight of Krabi was the Four Islands tour, followed by a visit to the iconic James Bond Island in Phuket. These experiences completely transformed our perception of Thailand. The natural beauty and serene landscapes made us realize that the country offers much more than its nightlife reputation.

Our guide for the Four Islands tour was a young college student balancing her studies and work. Though
her English was limited, her dedication and enthusiasm were evident. For James Bond Island, our guide was a humorous Burmese man who ensured every member of our group of 35 was engaged. Our canoeing guide charmed us with Hindi songs and helped us capture memorable photos. The warmth and professionalism of the guides were heartening, and we tipped them generously, knowing our gratitude made their day as much as they enriched ours.

Thailand’s islands felt like they were straight out of an artist's imagination, each unique and breathtaking.

We did explore the infamous streets of Phuket’s Bangla Road and Bangkok, known for their vibrant nightlife. Women in provocative attire invited passersby for drinks and more. While such sights were common, they seemed to overshadow Thailand’s natural beauty for many. Bangkok, known for its shopping, was not as competitive as expected, but there were unique items that tempted us to indulge. It’s no surprise that tourists often end up buying extra suitcases to carry their shopping hauls.

Every destination has its stereotypes and preconceived impressions, often shaped by the experiences of others. While it’s wise to stay cautious, keeping an open mind can lead to discovering the true essence of a place. Thailand is a mix of mesmerizing nature and indulgent experiences, leaving it to each traveler to decide what they seek.

For us, it was a trip to remember—a celebration of love and togetherness as we marked 25 years of marriage.