Bangkok, oh Bangkok! A city of lights, chaos, and endless motorbikes. Coming from South Africa, I thought I had seen it all. I’ve dodged taxis and their drivers that seemed to have shares in the Department of Transport and walked the streets with the agility of a gazelle during rush hour. But nothing could prepare me for the human marvels at Valia Hotel.
You see, Valia Hotel isn’t just about luxury; it’s about innovation—and by that, I mean the human robots stationed at the roadside to protect us mere mortals from the motorbike madness. These unsung heroes, armed with their red flags and unwavering determination, waved their way into my heart (and across the road).
At first, I didn’t pay much attention to them. I noticed the man with the red flag when I arrived, but I was too busy soaking in the grandeur of the hotel. By day two, though, I couldn’t ignore this fascinating phenomenon any longer. There he was, waving his red flag with the precision of a maestro conducting an orchestra, halting the motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and other vehicles just so we, the guests, could cross safely.
As a South African, let me tell you—the motorbikes in Bangkok are the taxi drivers of home. Their driving style screams, "I own this road," and they navigate with a kind of chaos that could rival a tornado. But the red-flag man? Oh, he was their kryptonite. His flag waved, and they stopped. Just like that. It was magic.
By day three, I had transformed. I didn’t just cross the road; I owned it. I walked with an attitude that said, “Yes, I’m a queen, and the red-flag king is my protector.” Confidence surged through me as I strutted across the busy road, motorbikes waiting in obedient silence. It was mesmerizing and I really do have a video to show you this amusement.
But it wasn’t just the crossing that made my Valia Hotel stay memorable. The staff, particularly Mild, added a special touch to the experience. Mild, the breakfast maestro, was an absolute delight. With their infectious smile and laugh, they ensured we had everything we needed—from perfectly cooked omelets to the best coffee. Mild also had a funny quirk: every day, they handed us cards asking for reviews. Persistent? Yes. Adorable? Absolutely. I almost started waking up thinking, How will I rate Mild today?
One of the most delightful cultural experiences during my stay at the Valia Hotel was learning the Thai gesture of respect—a slight bow with hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture, known as the wai. Pair this with the warm phrase "Kap Kun Kha" (thank you), and you have a graceful way of expressing gratitude that feels as light and refreshing as a Bangkok breeze.
At first, I was a bit clumsy with it—unsure if I was bowing too much or too little, my hands either too high or too low. But Mild, my ever-patient Thai friend, guided me with gentle humor. "No, no," they would say, demonstrating the perfect balance of head tilt and hand position, "this is the way!"
With the traffic man. after each daring crossing, I would turn to him, bow deeply, and exclaim, “Kap Kun Kha!” He’d grin, wave the flag triumphantly, and nod as if to say, “All in a day’s work.”
By the end of my trip, I’d become a pro—not just at bowing but at weaving humor into these small, beautiful moments. It was a charming dance of culture and connection, and I looked forward to each crossing, knowing I’d have the chance to practice my bow and share a laugh with my new favorite traffic hero.
And then there was the chant: “Valia! Valia! Valia!” The way the Thai staff said it was so catchy that I found myself Valia-ing my way to and from the AWID venue at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. It became my anthem, and I blame the hotel staff entirely for my new love of chanting "Valia" with a faux-Thai accent.
In fact, the chant came in handy one evening. After attending a powerful session on the backlash, Susan, Mama Colleen, and I needed to get back to the hotel. Mama Colleen was still planning to organize an Uber when I suddenly had an idea. All we had to do was shout “Valia! Valia! Valia!” And just like that, as if summoned by our cries, a bus bound for Valia Hotel was just standing there, as if it had been waiting for us. The staff nearby joined in, laughing as they helped us rush to catch it. The whole experience of running and chanting was hilarious—a memory I’ll treasure forever.
I owe a big khob khun ka to the WOSSO team for choosing Valia Hotel for our stay. You couldn’t have picked a better place. From the human robots guarding the streets to the incredible hospitality of the staff, Valia made every moment special.
Staying at Valia Hotel was really an experience that blended comfort, culture, and a touch of humor. From the human robots who safeguarded our road crossings to the stellar hospitality of staff like Mild, every moment was unforgettable. And as I reflect on my stay, I can’t help but think about how this red-flag concept could revolutionize road safety in South Africa. Imagine implementing this in our bustling cities, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity or accident rates. It’s simple, effective, and, dare I say, elegant.
Valia Hotel, you’ve set the bar high. Now, I have one humble request: adopt me as your special guest. Let me be your unofficial ambassador, blogging my heart out about your incredible hospitality. A free stay whenever I’m in Bangkok? I promise to Valia my way through the city and share more stories that inspire and entertain.
To the red-flag hero, to Mild, and to every staff member who made my stay so delightful—thank you. Valia Hotel, you’ve got a fan for life. Now, let’s make this partnership official, shall we?
Yours truly,
The Road-Crossing Queen
