Northwood Around The World: Thailand and India

In "Northwood Around the World", we showcase some of the captivating destinations visited by Northwood team members.

Featured Traveler: Victoria Luongo

Location: Thailand and India

Earlier this year, I had the chance to embark on an unforgettable two-week journey across two vibrant and culturally rich countries: Thailand and India. It was my first time visiting India, and the trip was planned around an incredibly special celebration — a close friend’s wedding in the south of India. Along the way, we packed in as much adventure, relaxation, and delicious food as we could, with a quick pit stop in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Week One: Island Life & Thai Traditions

The first stop of our trip was the tropical island of Koh Samui, Thailand, where we spent a full week soaking up the sun and exploring the island’s many hidden gems. Renting a car gave us the freedom to roam and discover the island at our own pace. During our week there, we visited many incredible temples, including the impressive Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), the intricate and colourful Wat Plai Laem, and the serene Wat Khunaram.

We also chased waterfalls (literally), making several stops at Na Mueang Waterfall (both #1 and #2!), where we soaked up the vibrant jungle scenery. Thai food has always been one of my favourite cuisines, and the local dishes certainly did not disappoint. I savoured every bite of my go-to favorites – from Panang and Massaman curries, to chicken satay, always accompanied with a warm, flaky roti on the side. To top it off, every meal ended with an order of mango sticky rice, which is a must if you’re a mango fan!

One of my favourite experiences of our trip to Thailand was visiting a local elephant sanctuary, a safe haven for 14 rescued elephants. Many of these gentle giants had endured harsh living conditions in the logging industry or as entertainers, working long hours giving rides to tourists, so it was heartwarming to see them roaming freely with plenty of space, playing in the mud, and socializing on their terms. This sanctuary did an incredible job of educating tourists on the nature of elephants and why ethical elephant tourism is so important to their well-being. Feeding them and observing their behaviour up close was an incredible experience.

To round out our time in Thailand, we attended a live Muay Thai fight where we got to witness the incredible athleticism and discipline of the fighters up close. We also carved out some time for a relaxing day at a local Thai spa, where we treated ourselves to the famous Thai massages. On our way to India, we had a long layover in Phuket, which we turned into a mini adventure by wandering through the streets of Old Town, browsing the charming shops, and picking up some souvenirs for our loved ones.

Week Two: India’s Rich Heritage & Wedding Festivities

The second half of our trip took us across India, starting in the North with the classic Golden Triangle Tour across Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, before heading south to Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore) for the wedding festivities. Our first stop was Delhi, where we explored the historic landmarks, including the Red Fort, India Gate, the serene Lotus Temple, and the Humayun’s Tomb. We ended our day tour at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed delicious local dishes, including kebab, biryani, and butter chicken.

Our next stop brought us to Agra, home of the incredible Taj Mahal. As one of the seven wonders of the world, it’s a popular tourist destination, so we decided to do a sunrise visit — and it was truly worth the early wake-up. I was speechless at the incredible architectural design and the historic stone inlay work, which incorporated some of India’s most precious and semi-precious stones. We also visited the Agra Fort and a fascinating art gallery that demonstrated the intricate inlay techniques that we admired at the Taj Mahal . Watching the craftsmanship passed down through generations was inspiring, with some of these artists being direct descendants of those who helped build the Taj Mahal. Every piece in this gallery was uniquely beautiful.

Our last stop in the north was Jaipur, where we toured the spectacular Nahargarh Fort and Amber Palace, soaking in the regal architecture. Jaipur is known for its textiles, so we visited local textile shops to admire the beautiful, high-quality clothing made from the city’s signature fabrics. Jaipur is also world-renowned for its gemstones, and we took time to admire the craftsmanship of local jewelers we visited, showcasing everything from rubies and emeralds to stunning semi-precious pieces.

Finally, we made our way south to Bengaluru for the wedding that brought us to India in the first place. The celebration spanned several days and included an incredible 1,600 attendees. It was a true feast for the senses – from the dazzling outfits to the deliciously spicy Southern Indian food, and the warmth and hospitality extended by our friend’s family. This was hands down the best experience on our trip, and a moment that made our travels extra special.

Final Thoughts: A Journey of a Lifetime

Our trip flew by, but we squeezed in so many different experiences, from island adventures and spiritual sites in Thailand to architectural wonders and colorful traditions in India. It was my first time in India, and I left with a heartfull of gratitude, a suitcase full of keepsakes and souvenirs, and memories to last a lifetime. Despite the long flights and jam-packed itinerary, this journey was worth every mile!