Thailand & Cambodia
Navigating Exotic Lands Before and After Kids Arrive
As a parent who loves to travel, I've had my fair share of adventures, both before and after our daughter came into our lives. I remember the days when my wife and I would spontaneously pick a destination and set off without a second thought. But travel changes once you have kids. So if you're planning on joining the parenthood club anytime soon, here's my two cents - take a good, long vacation somewhere wildly exotic before the stork comes calling. I'm not talking about babymoons. Nope! Those are cute but too short, and let's face it, they're often hampered by the pregnancy itself. My wife and I had our sights set on an epic pre-baby journey. But alas, the universe had other plans. The pesky Covid pandemic threw a wrench in our travel dreams but gave us a head start on our family adventure. We were blessed with our little bundle of joy sooner than planned, and despite the challenges, we wouldn't change a thing. So let me rewind a bit and tell you about the first exotic voyage we embarked on together. We're talking about Thailand and Cambodia - two destinations that aren't exactly on the 'easily doable with kiddos' list. We toyed with the idea of revisiting these magical lands with our daughter, we even contemplated packing our bags and moving there for a year or two. Who knows, that dream might still become a reality, and this blog could take a whole new direction! So, if you're in the pre-kids phase and itching for an adventure, consider going off the beaten path. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.
Strap in for a ride that could last at least twenty hours. Yeah, you heard me right. But hey, think of all the in-flight movies you can catch up on! If you're nestled somewhere on the east coast, your best bet is to fly over Europe. West coast dwellers, you'll be crossing the mighty Pacific. Either way, it's one heck of a trip. Jet lag is the unwelcome party pooper no one invited. Thailand runs about 12 hours ahead of the U.S., give or take depending on your home state. Now, when my wife and I embarked on our Thai escapade, we were living in Venice. This made our journey a tad bit easier. A 12-hour flight and a 6-hour time difference? Piece of cake! (Okay, maybe a slightly stale cake, but manageable nonetheless.)
We bunked at the Lebua Hotel, yep, the one made famous by the Hangover movie - talk about living the Hollywood dream! Now, don't get me wrong, the tower may have a touch of the retro vibe, and the rooms might not be fresh off the design runway, but it's all part of the charm. The common areas though - hall, cafe, bar - are as swanky as they come. Now, a heads-up for those planning to hit the rooftop bar. It's a high-life experience, literally and financially. You'll need to book ahead, and brace your wallet for the bill. But hey, this is Bangkok, a city teeming with stunning rooftop bars that won't burn a hole in your pocket. So, don't limit your options, explore! There's a plethora of travel blogs, vloggers, and YouTubers dishing out insider tips on the best spots in town.
Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, and it's safe as houses. So, don’t huddle up in your hotel room, step out, and soak in the local vibes. On one such adventurous stroll, my better half and I happened upon a friendly tour guide wrapping up his shift. He hooked us up with a tuk-tuk driver (at a fixed, honest price, mind you) for a whirlwind tour of Bangkok's iconic temples. Talk about a win-win situation! We got to tick off the temples from our bucket list, and zip around the city in a tuk-tuk. Trust me, it’s an entirely different ball game from being cooped up in a taxi.
Rent a car and hit the open roads of Thailand. Trust me, it's a game-changer! The roads are smooth as silk (New Orleans, where I hail from, could take a leaf out of their book) and the countryside is nothing short of breathtaking. Our wheels took us to Kanchanaburi, a hidden gem that stole our hearts. Quick tip - snag a rental west of Bangkok to dodge the city's infamous traffic madness. We learned that lesson the hard way, folks. Oh, and remember, in Thailand, they drive on the left, just like our pals across the pond in the UK.
We shacked up at The Legacy Riverkwai Resort. Sure, it's a tad dated and the bar shuts shop at 9 pm, but the location is pure gold. Nestled amidst nature, with the famous River Kwai (yes, the one from the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai") flowing right by, some mornings you ca even se elephants bathing in the river. It's easy on the pocket, and stepping outside the resort transports you straight into the heart of "real" Thailand. Speaking of real, let me introduce you to our favorite local haunt - ร้านบังเอิญคาราโอเกะ, or the Random Karaoke Shop. This lady runs the joint from her home, serving up delicious meals for a couple of bucks while enjoying Thai Got Talent on TV. The locals fondly call her "auntie", and our time there was one of the most authentic experiences we had in Thailand. While in Kanchanaburi, don't miss out on the Erawan park and its stunning waterfalls. Try rafting on the River Kwai. And by rafting, I mean cruising on houseboats pushed by traditional Thai motor boats. If you're a cat lover, swing by the Kanchanaburi Safari Park. The park is pretty basic, but the chance to hobnob with baby tigers and lions and ride an elephant? Priceless!
After that epic Thai adventure, the next pit-stop on our pre-kids travel bonanza is Cambodia. And no, we're not just talking about a quick stamp in your passport. We're heading to Siem Reap, home to the world-famous Angkor Wat and a host of other jaw-dropping temples. Now, I could go on and spill the beans about these architectural marvels, but where's the fun in that? Let's just say, if you've ever played as Lara Croft exploring ancient ruins, you're in for a treat!
Our crib during this leg of the journey was the Sarai Resort & Spa. Clean, fancy, and won't make your credit card weep. Sweet deal, right? Plus, it’s a short walk to the bustling heart of Siem Reap - Pub Street and its vibrant night market. Now, here's a pro-tip. Don't try to wing it alone at Angkor Wat. Book a guide and let them lead you through the labyrinth of history. Our man in Siem Reap was Tep Nat, a walking encyclopedia of all things Angkor. Not sure if he's still around, but his 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor speak volumes. He whisked us off to Tonle Sap lake and its floating city (a must-visit for this Venetian), among other hidden gems. Every single leg of this Cambodian escapade was like stepping into a postcard. So, folks, add Cambodia to your travel bucket list. It's an absolute no-brainer. You can thank me later
It's time for some serious R&R. Now, most folks would jet off to Phuket, but we're not most folks, are we? We wanted some peace and quiet, far from the maddening crowds and neon lights. So, we made a beeline for the hushed tranquility of Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa on Ko Yao Yai island. Now, I'm not going to bore you with an endless list of adjectives to describe this place. Instead, picture this - a private beach, a stunning resort, and an island less trampled by tourists than Phuket. Need I say more? The resort even has its own speedboat for guests, so you can make your grand arrival in style! For us, it was the perfect haven to recharge our batteries after our whirlwind adventure. In the words of the Italians, it was pure "dolce far niente" (the sweet art of doing nothing). So, if you're looking for a little slice of paradise to unwind and reflect on your epic journey, Santhiya Koh Yao Yai is the place to be. Trust me, your future, post-vacation self will thank you.
Let's wrap this journey up with some honest-heart reflections. Now, you've probably figured out by now that my wife and I are head over heels for Thailand. So much so, we're even toying with the idea of swapping our daily grind for a taste of Thai life.
Traveling with Kids: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, yes! Would I recommend this trip if you've got a pint-sized traveler in tow? Well, it's a yes...and a no. If you're jetting off from Europe, it's a no-brainer. Shorter flights, less jet lag, and a lighter hit on the wallet. But if you're Stateside like us, it's a bit trickier. Sure, the flight costs could have you eating ramen for a month, but once you're there, Thailand is pretty easy on the pocket. And let's face it, a domestic flight from New Orleans to Atlanta isn't exactly a steal either. Plus, Atlanta, while lovely, doesn't quite match up to the exotic allure of Southeast Asia, does it? Another thing to chew on is the vacation days. With so much to see and do, and the long journey to get there, you'll want to stretch this trip out. That means pulling the kiddos out of school. But here's a thought - why not go when they're still too young for school so they won’t lose important math lessons?
Timing is everything. The sweet spot for visiting Thailand is between November (bye-bye, rainy season) and March (hello, wet season). Perfect for a Christmas getaway, don't you think? And here's an idea - why not bring the whole clan along? Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins - the more, the merrier! Plus, you'll have plenty of extra hands to help with the little ones.
One last thing - healthcare. Thailand has top-notch international hospitals and clinics. So, if you're traveling with little ones, make sure you've got good insurance. Because let's face it, kids and scraped knees go hand in hand!
So there you have it, folks! Thailand – a pre-kids bucket list must-have and a potential family adventure. Why not, right?
Preparing for the Journey
Traveling with kids opens up a world of wonder and learning for them and for you. It's about finding the right balance, understanding their limits, and making the journey as comfortable and engaging as possible. Traveling with kids isn't always easy, but it's incredibly rewarding. It offers a chance to explore the world through their eyes, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, whether it's a trip to Southeast Asia or any other destination, take the leap and embark on that family adventure. Don't forget this must-have travel accessory: Inflatable Travel Foot Rest Pillow. It can fill the gap between two seats with its travel pillow, extending the seat length. The extra surface allows children to lay down flat for a better sleep position and serves as a platform for kids to play and relax. Please note: Emirates, Korean Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Asiana, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Air Malta, EgyptAir, and Qantas don't allow this product on their flights. For other airlines, please check with the staff.
Simple Practicalities of Travel
Long Flights and Time Zones
Traveling from the US to Southeast Asia is no small feat. It involves long flights and significant time zone changes. Prepare your kids for the journey with comfortable travel gear and plenty of entertainment.
Is Southeast Asia Family-Friendly?
Definitely. It's a region that's not only affordable but also rich in experiences that can be tailored for families. The key is planning and finding the right balance that suits your family's needs and interests.
Tips for Traveling with Kids
Plan Ahead: Research and plan your trip with kids in mind. Involve them in the process to build excitement.
Pack Smart: Pack essentials but don’t overpack. Remember, you can often buy what you need locally.
Stay Flexible: With kids, it’s important to have a flexible itinerary. Be prepared to slow down and take breaks.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the exciting and challenging road ahead. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions, need advice, or just want to share your own fatherhood stories. We're here for you, every step of the way.
