From the misty mountains of Chiang Mai to the glittering sands of Thailand’s southern islands, this leg of our journey took us through sun-bleached beaches, limestone jungles, dancing fire, and one unforgettable birthday celebration.
We left the mountains of Chiang Mai behind and flew south, trading temples and cooler air for turquoise water, longboats, and island heat.
This stretch of Thailand felt different. Slower. Softer. Saltier.
And somewhere between a private rum vault dinner and a beachside fire show, it became one of the most memorable chapters of this journey so far.
🌴 Phuket: Lanai Living & Limestone Giants
We checked into Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, and quickly exhaled.
Our room opened to a lanai that stepped directly into a shared pool — just six units on our level had access. Morning coffee became a ritual: open the doors, step into warm water, float under palm trees before breakfast.
The property is oceanfront, the service seamless, the food consistently excellent. We spent hours simply existing — swimming, sipping, resting.
But one day we ventured out to explore the legendary Phang Nga Bay.
Phang Nga Bay Tour Highlights:
- James Bond Island — dramatic, vertical limestone rising from electric turquoise water.
- Walking through a cave that opened into a hidden lagoon.
- Limestone rock formations that look sculpted by mythology.
- A beach stop where two monkeys carried their babies (adorable… but aggressively protective around food).
- A swing over the water where we took turns pretending we were 10 again.
- Lunch: curry, spring rolls, wok-fried vegetables — shockingly good for a tour stop.
One evening we went to Central Phuket Mall, shopped, and I picked up a new dark green bag — a color exclusive to Phuket. Souvenir? Yes. Regret? None.
⛴ Phi Phi: No Roads, Just Sand & Salt Air
We ferried to Phi Phi and quickly learned something important:
There are no roads to our hotel.
From the pier, we walked about a quarter mile — mostly across sand — while tractors transported luggage. It felt like we’d entered a different era of travel.
We stayed at Phi Phi Natural Resort in a Mountain View room — rustic, relaxed, perfectly island-coded.
Private Longboat Tour Stops:
- Maya Bay — stunning but crowded.
- Pileh Lagoon — surreal turquoise.
- Monkey Bay.
- Bamboo Beach — equally gorgeous, equally busy.
- Snorkeling in impossibly clear water.
One morning we walked nearly two miles to the closest general store. The exercise? Needed. The sweating? Biblical. The humidity felt like a warm embrace — one I didn’t ask for — as we made our pilgrimage to the tiny general store. But arriving sweaty and smiling, drink in hand, is exactly how these memory-stitched moments are meant to feel.
On our final night, there was a beach fire show at the hotel. We didn’t secure the best seats, but I was hypnotized. I told myself: we’ll find another show — and we’ll do it right next time.
🚤 Krabi: Fire, Sunset & Food Poisoning
We speed-boated to Krabi and checked into Anana Ecological Resort Krabi.
Our first night, we did it properly.
VIP seating at Bamboo Beach Club Krabi for the Ao Nang Fire Show.
We arrived at 5:30 pm for an 8:00 pm show. Drinks. Dinner. Dessert. Sunset melting into the Andaman Sea. I filmed time lapses of the fire spinning — capturing that hypnotic swirl of flame against night sky.
It was spectacular.
And then… I got food poisoning.
Two days mostly horizontal. We had to forfeit a kayaking tour. Humbling reminder that even in paradise, your stomach can humble you quickly.
🎂 Koh Samui: The Birthday That Broke My Top Three
We arrived at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui on March 7 — my birthday gift from Casey.
March 8 was my birthday.
This property is easily top three hotels I’ve ever stayed at.
Casey worked with the staff to orchestrate the perfect day:
- Breakfast on our veranda.
- A rose-shaped mini birthday cake.
- A half-day spa package (body scrub, four-hand massage, milk bath).
- Private dinner inside their rum room, “The Vault,” with a local Thai musician playing traditional music.
- Dessert moved to a private beach table when the weather cleared.
- Custom napkins embroidered with a monkey and our initials.
They filmed parts of The White Lotus here — and yes, it feels exactly that cinematic.
Three nights of pure magic. Naturally, I had to share more pictures…
🌊 Renaissance Koh Samui: Upgrades, Plunge Pools & Purple Roses
We moved to Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa for five nights.
Because of our status, we were upgraded to an oceanfront villa with a private plunge pool.
They insisted on celebrating my birthday again — arranging a private dinner on the beach with flowers coordinated with Casey. I received a bold purple bouquet filled with roses and Thai florals. It was one of the most beautiful arrangements I’ve ever been given.
We opted for an all-inclusive package, so we’ve stayed mostly on-site, fully leaning into beach life. Yesterday there was a 50% spa promotion — I treated myself to a facial and a 90-minute massage.
Bliss.
As I write this, I’m sitting beachside at the bar. The ocean is calm. The next chapter — Vietnam and Cambodia — looms busy and immersive.
But right now?
I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
What This Chapter Taught Me
Island life isn’t just about turquoise water.
It’s about:
- Letting yourself be a kid on a swing.
- Accepting that sometimes you’ll lose two days to food poisoning.
- Celebrating love that’s lasted 18+ years.
- Saying yes to spa days.
- Choosing the purple bouquet.
- Taking the upgrade.
- Sitting still long enough to write about it.
We head back to Bangkok this weekend. Then Vietnam. Then Cambodia.
The pace is about to shift.
But this stretch — Phuket to Koh Samui — will stay with me.
Brand On The Run 