Thailand Travel Updates (August 2025)

Thailand always has a way of filling my soul, and this most recent trip was no different. A mix of work, rest, and family time, it gave me space to recharge while also planting seeds for future projects that I’m excited to share soon.

For more Thailand stories, check out these blog posts. Growing up in a leprosy village, What is leprosy and the village that raised me, Feed My Village, year 1, and Feed My Village year 2.

Jump to:

• Family First
• Exploring Bangkok with My Camera
• Rest, Recovery, and Reflection
• Touring Ayutthaya Ruins& Slurping Boat Noodles
• Thai Street Food Photography
• Visiting Prapadang Leprosy Colony
• Supporting Refugees from Afar
• Looking Ahead
• Big Life Lessons
• Closing Thoughts
• More Thailand Travels and Stories?
• Hi there, I’m Suwanee!

Family First

Seeing my family is always the highlight of every trip back home. Meals together are never complete without Isaan food, so naturally, papaya salad (Som Tam) made its way to our table almost daily. We tried different versions this time around, and it reminded me once again how regional and personal Thai recipes can be.

Exploring Bangkok with My Camera

One of my favorite things to do as a Thai blogger and photographer is wander through Bangkok with my big camera, capturing street food stalls, bustling markets, and snippets of everyday city life. These moments are the foundation of my growing library of Thai food and travel content, and they inspire the recipes and cultural stories I bring to Simply Suwanee.

We did plenty of food research on this trip—especially seafood. From grilled prawns to fresh fish, seafood was the star of many meals. And yet, no matter how many dishes we tried, my family always found a way to sneak in something from our Isaan roots. That balance of urban Bangkok flavors with countryside simplicity is part of what makes Thai cuisine so rich and diverse.

Rest, Recovery, and Reflection

This trip also gave me time to truly rest. After an incredibly demanding year—filming Season 4 of The Great American Recipe in 2023, months of waiting for the PBS premiere, and cooking nonstop at Feast World Kitchen—I was depleted. Thailand gave me permission to slow down, sleep, and breathe again. That alone was a gift.

Touring Ayutthaya Ruins& Slurping Boat Noodles

We spent the day wandering Thailand’s old capital, Ayutthaya — once the thriving heart of the Siamese kingdom from the 14th to 18th centuries before it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The ruins of towering prangs and ancient temples still stand as a powerful reminder of its past glory.

It was such a joy to see people, mostly locals, dressed in traditional costumes and strolling the temple grounds, almost like stepping back in time. With my camera in hand, I wandered through the ruins imagining the untold stories of what life might have been like here centuries ago.

And the best part? Stopping for traditional boat noodles served in tiny bowls — rich, savory, and deeply spiced. We ordered three bowls at a time, each with different noodle options, and they were absolutely delicious. A perfect taste of Ayutthaya’s history and culture in every bite. New recipe ideas are in the works!

Thai Street Food Photography

Pulling out my “big camera” in Bangkok was creatively rejuvenating. Street food photography has always been my first love — capturing sizzling grills, steaming noodle pots, and the rhythm of everyday vendors. After such a busy season, reconnecting with photojournalism felt soul-giving, reminding me why Thailand’s street food culture will always inspire me.

Visiting Prapadang Leprosy Colony

One meaningful stop was visiting Thailand’s largest leprosy colony in Prapadang. The hospital is being transitioned into a broader skin and infectious disease facility, but many patients still live there. I hadn’t been in years, so reconnecting was both sobering and grounding. These visits remind me of my roots and the resilience of communities that shaped my life.

Supporting Refugees from Afar

This time, I wasn’t able to visit Surin due to ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Family advised it wasn’t safe, even with ceasefire agreements in place. Still, with the help of donors, I sent funds to women in my village who used the money to cook meals, purchase supplies, and deliver them to refugees. They shared stories of how conflict uprooted lives, forcing families to remain alert and ready to flee at any moment. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who donated—you made this help possible.

Looking Ahead

This trip also opened unexpected doors through rare meetings with people who hold meaningful connections. While I can’t share details just yet, I know exciting things are on the horizon.

I’m already planning my third annual Feed the Village trip this December, continuing the work of supporting vulnerable communities near my hometown. At the same time, I’m stepping into a new chapter with firmer boundaries, more gratitude, and a sharper focus on what truly matters.

Big Life Lessons

Another lesson I've learned on this trip and in this season is this: the more successful and visible you become, the more gossip, hostility, and distractions surface. But my truth is steady—I know my path, my goals, and the purpose behind my work. The noise around me is just that: noise.

Knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and showing respect are essential to living a happy and healthy life, no matter what echoes around you. Kindness doesn’t mean letting others step all over you; it means protecting your peace and respecting both yourself and those around you.

Stay focused, keep your boundaries high, and move forward with grace. That’s the lesson I’m carrying into this next chapter. Peace.

Closing Thoughts

This Thailand trip was easy, nourishing, and full of lessons—big and small. It reminded me of why I write about Thai culture, Thai food, and Thai recipes, and why I share my journey as a Thai blogger with you.

Thank you to my supporters, family, and friends who make it possible to keep going after these “crazy” projects of mine. I’m deeply grateful, and I can’t wait for December’s trip to bring more of these dreams to life.

More Thailand Travels and Stories?

Check out these blog posts for more: