One Night In Bangkok
Sunday Styles: A Love Letter to Thailand
Some places stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Thailand is one of them.
This recent trip unfolded slowly and intentionally, beginning in Chiang Mai, drifting south through weeks in Phuket, and ending with a few vibrant days in Bangkok. Each stop felt distinct, yet connected by a shared rhythm of beauty, warmth, and reverence for tradition.
From the moment we arrived, inspiration was everywhere. The colors felt deeper. The food more thoughtful. The pace slower in the best possible way. Ancient temples tucked into old cities, mountain shrines wrapped in mist, lively night bazaars buzzing with energy, and quiet moments that invited us to simply pause and observe.
Where to Stay
In Chiang Mai, we stayed at Raya Heritage, a place I already can’t wait to return to. Set along the river and surrounded by nature, it’s calm, considered, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Every detail feels intentional, from the architecture to the textiles to the way time seems to stretch just a little longer there. If you’re looking for a stay that feels restorative and rooted in place, this is it.
rayaheritage.com
In Phuket, Amanpuri is truly something special. Tucked into a private peninsula overlooking the Andaman Sea, it’s serene, timeless, and effortlessly elegant. The pace is slow, the setting feels sacred, and every detail invites you to exhale. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer and carry that calm with you when you leave.
aman.com
In Bangkok, The Peninsula Bangkok offered the perfect contrast. Elegant, iconic, and serene despite the city’s energy, it felt like an oasis along the river. It’s a beautiful way to experience Bangkok, especially if you want a sense of calm after days spent exploring.
peninsula.com
What to Experience
Some of the most meaningful moments came from experiences that allowed us to slow down and engage more deeply.
Ethical elephant sanctuaries were incredibly moving. These sanctuaries focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting elephants in natural, cage-free environments. No riding. No tricks. No performances. Just space, respect, and care. Watching the elephants roam freely, enjoy mud spas, and be fed by hand was humbling and unforgettable.
elephantnaturepark.org
We also took part in immersive Thai cooking classes, including at The Blue Elephant cooking school, which gave me a new appreciation for the balance, patience, and tradition behind Thai cuisine. It’s one thing to taste it, and another entirely to understand how it’s made.
blueelephant.com
Between temple visits, national parks, beach days, and wandering night markets, the trip felt layered with discovery. Each experience added texture and meaning, building on the last.
This journey left a deep mark on me creatively. Thailand’s sense of place, its balance between vibrancy and softness, tradition and modernity, found its way into my work. You’ll see it reflected in the colors, the patterns, and the feeling behind several of the prints I’m sharing this season.
Travel has a way of reminding us to look closer, feel more deeply, and carry those impressions forward into the spaces we create. Thailand did exactly that for me.
I hope these designs, and this story, transport you, even just a little.
With love,
Jen xo
