One Night in Bangkok (Well, Four Hours Anyway)

Our day began at the luxurious Grand Hyatt in Dubai, where we indulged in yet another amazing breakfast. There’s something about the lavish breakfast spreads at the Grand Hyatt that makes it hard to leave. From freshly baked pastries to exotic fruits, and a selection of dishes from around the world, it’s the kind of meal that sets the tone for a perfect day.

But leave we did, because the road to Abu Dhabi beckoned. The drive was smooth and scenic, with the desert landscape rolling by as we made our way to the airport. Soon enough, we were airborne, heading toward our next destination—Bangkok.

Landing in Bangkok, we found ourselves with a 9-hour layover. Now, typically, a long layover might be something to dread, but we had a plan: a quick stay at the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Conveniently located right at the airport, this was the perfect spot to catch our breath between flights. Although we did not choose to stay in them, we walked by the airport pods which we could have rented for the night. Very strange to rent what looks like a coffin.

By the time we checked in and got settled, we realized we only had about four hours to enjoy our room. But those four hours were pure bliss. A quick nap, a refreshing shower, and we felt somewhat human again—ready to face the next leg of our journey.

As we rested, I couldn’t help but think of that classic 80’s song, “One Night in Bangkok.” It seemed only fitting, though our night was more of a brief pit stop than the wild adventure the song suggests. Still, there’s something poetic about catching a few moments of peace in the middle of a whirlwind journey, even if it’s just for four hours.

Our time in Bangkok may have been short, but it was a reminder of the joys of travel—those unexpected pauses that make the journey as memorable as the destination. After a quick recharge, we were off again, ready to explore whatever comes next.