Embedded Files
Last updated on 04/11/26
Who would not want to visit a place known as the "land of smiles"? A country known for its kind people, exotic beaches, delicious food and affordable prices? Thailand is all of this, but so much more. If you're not into beaches, how about jungles, waterfalls, terraced rice paddies, Buddhist temples and elephants? Or perhaps you just want to get away from the daily barrage of bad news in America?
Look no further; in my three week trip to Thailand in December of 2025, I encountered only one other American, and he was from my home state of California. So if you're longing for an affordable escape to recharge your batteries, consider a break in a friendly country where a 1-hour massage costs less than a cup of Starbucks coffee.
I've organized this page to give you some background information first, but if you're not in the mood for a dissertation, feel free to jump to your section of interest.
Photo courtesy of Natalia Chernenko, Unsplash
Thailand at a Glance
Thailand at a Glance
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia east of Myanmar (formerly Burma), west of Cambodia, and north of Malaysia.
Thailand's climate is tropical with three distinct seasons:
Hot: March–May
Rainy (Monsoon): June–October
Cool/Dry: November–February
Average temperatures: Lowlands: ~25–35°C (77–95°F)
Natural risks: Flooding during monsoon season (Traditional homes are built on stilts so the bottom floor can flood.)
Population: ~71 million, of which ~50% live in urban areas
Primary religion: Theravāda Buddhism (90%-95% of population), ~ 5% Islam and other beliefs.
Official language: Thai
Writing system: Thai script
English: Widely used in tourism, business, and higher education, but not universally fluent
Economic Status: Upper-middle-income Thais live on about ฿700/day (USD $22/day).
Tourism is important for Thailand ~20% GDP.
Medical Tourism is a growing industry with Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket offering medical and dental care at 40%-70% the prices charged elsewhere.
Photo courtesy of Jason Leung on Unsplash
Unit of currency: Thai Baht (THB) ฿
Cash is King. Many vendors only take cash. I was surprised to have to pay cash for a new cell phone when mine was damaged by salt water.
Photo by quinguyen on Unsplash.
Thailand has more temples than Starbucks has locations. There are over 40,000 Buddhist temples across the country. You'll want to pace yourself so you don't get "watted out".
Elephants are national symbols, but white elephants are considered especially sacred and tied to royalty.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Drinking tap water is NOT advised-- Bottled water is plentiful and cheap, but next time I visit I will bring my backpacking filter so I don't add to the plastic burden.
Ice in drinks is normal (even in beer 🍺), and it’s safe — most ice is factory-produced.
Photo courtesy of Chi-Feng Li on Unsplash
Thailand's sewage system is not designed for toilet paper. Most stalls have sprayers which are Thailand's version of the bidet.
The burn season (time of year in which farmers burn crops) varies widely with area. If you are sensitive to smoke plan accordingly.
Thai Etiquette
Thai Etiquette
Thai people smile a LOT - There are “smiles” indicating embarrassment, apology, discomfort, or “I’m annoyed but staying polite.”
Thailand was known as Siam until 1939.
"Thailand" means land of the free. It is the only country in Southeast Asia not colonized by Europeans.
Thailand's government is a constitutional monarchy. While King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) is the head of state, the prime minister heads the government.
It’s illegal to insult the monarchy, even online or as a foreigner. This is taken very seriously. In fact...
You can’t legally step on money. Thai coins and bills have the king’s image, and stepping on them is considered disrespectful.
The last 30 years have been marked by political instability in Thailand. Though elections are held, there have been 15-17 changes in governments as coups or court rulings abruptly end one government and establish another.
The head is sacred, the feet are not. Touching someone’s head or pointing your feet at people, temples, or Buddha images is a big no-no. In fact...
Shoes are unclean. All temples, homes and many establishments will ask you to remove your shoes before entering
The Thai Language
The Thai Language
I'd love to say I got pretty good at "getting by" in Thai, but truth be told, in three weeks, the best I could manage was to return a "sawasdee-ka", which is the way to "hello" to a female. My advice? Use Google Translate. It got me by on several occasions.
That said, it's useful to know a few basic words. For example:
Wat = temple
Phra = sacred or revered
Koh = island
Doi = mountain
Chai = yes
Mai chai = no
Khop khun = thank you
Khor thot = sorry or excuse me
So with that short language primer, you're now ready to go! Relax, sit back and come along with me on a three-week introductory tour of the "Land of Smiles".
Scroll down for the itinerary, followed by some essential arrival information and a daily journal of my trip.
Itinerary: 20 days in Thailand, $2,200 pp
Itinerary: 20 days in Thailand, $2,200 pp
Days 1 & 2: Embark on your transpacific journey to BKK; arrive in BKK late on day 2, transfer to your lodging and settle in for the night.
Days 3 & 4: Spend 2 full days exploring Bangkok's major sites including Jim Thompson's House, Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace. Walk the Chao Phraya River Sky Park Bridge to cross the river and marvel at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) lit up at night.
Day 5: Day trip to Ayutthaya and return in the PM.
Day 6: Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market in the morning and Bang Krachao (Bangkok's "green lung") in the afternoon.
Day 7: Last day in Bangkok; consider a day trip to Lopburi to visit monkey temples, go to Lumphini Park to see monitor lizards, or tour Chinatown.
Day 8: Ride the infamous "Death Railway" to Kanchanburi where you'll visit the JEATH War museum and cemetery, the Bridge Kwai, and Kanchanaburi Skywalk.
Day 9: Take the "Death Railway" to Nam Tok; hire local transport to visit Hellfire Pass Memorial & Erawan Falls National Park.
Day 10: Transfer to Chiang Mai, spend the rest of the day orienting yourself to this ancient town surrounded by lush tropical forests.
Day 11: Visit Doi Suthep Temple in the morning and enjoy a Thai cooking class in the afternoon/evening.
Day 12: Enjoy a full or half day Elephant encounter; spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 13: Leisurely morning, followed by 11AM pick up and trip to Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong) & Angel Falls Garden Park; try a massage in the PM.
Day 14: Check out; fly to Krabi; van shuttle to hostel in Ao Nang. After lunch, walk the Monkey Trail to Pai Plong Beach.
Day 15: Take a longtail boat to Railay Beach; enjoy the day discovering the walking street, Tonsai Beach, Railay East, Princess Cave and Phra Nang Beach.
Day 16: Full day Hong Island Tour with lunch.
Day 17: Check out; van/shuttle/boat to Ko Lipe; check in and spend the afternoon orienting yourself to this tiny tourist-oriented island.
Day 18: Full day on Ko Lipe, snorkeling and enjoying the beach.
Days 19 & 20: Begin your return journey home; transfer to Hat Yai Airport via speedboat/van from Koh Lipe Walking Street for your PM flight to Bangkok and transpacific flight home.
Know before you go: Getting around in Bangkok
Know before you go: Getting around in Bangkok
Bangkok is served by two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). BKK handles long-haul routes and DMK handles mostly domestic routes or budget airlines.
The Airport Rail Link or ARL (red line) connects BKK to downtown Bangkok at Phaya Thai (green line) and Makkasan (blue line).
The Green Line is the Bangkok Transit System BTS and is an elevated skytrain.
The Blue Line is the Mass Rapid Transit MRT and is mostly underground.
The ARL and some blue line stations take tap-to-pay payments using your tap-enabled MC/Visa; tap in & tap out.
Otherwise, you must buy a ticket for each ride; insert it when entering the platform and again when exiting.
All three lines are owned by separate entities, so there is no "pass" one can purchase for seamless travel.
Bangkok Transit Map showing ARL (red line) from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Bangkok is notorious for its congested roads and motorbikes which zip in and out of traffic. Efforts to ease gridlock have resulted in a patchwork of rail, bus, boat, and car routes to navigate from point A to point B. But sadly, the fastest combination is sometimes, no faster than walking.
When people say that stoplights and signs are "only suggestions" they're not kidding. Pedestrians do not have the right of way, so please use extreme caution when crossing a street. Taxis or motorbikes are usually the way people get around once they're in town.
THE app to download for transport in Thailand is Grab.
Grab is big in Thailand. Grab is a ride-hailing and food ordering app which allows you to pay electronically and see the complete price before you hit the submit button. This avoids haggling with the driver, arguing over the "broken meter", and searching for correct change. The ride-hailing feature allows riders to book rides with cars, taxis and motorbikes, and the food ordering feature lets you order food from restaurants and even food stalls.
Start the Trip: 20 Glorious Days in Thailand
Start the Trip: 20 Glorious Days in Thailand
Days 1 & 2: Begin your looong flight to Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Arrive late on day 2; use ARL, BTS, MRT and/or Grab to get to your hotel and crash for the night.
Jim Thompson's house
Day 3: Jim Thompson's House, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya Sky Park Bridge, Wat Arun.
Start the day at Jim Thompson's House, where guided tours explain about the life and mysterious disappearance of the former intelligence officer turned silk trader after WWII.
Jim Thompson's house now displays his vast art collection.
As you'll learn on the tour, the house is really a complex of six traditional teak houses Thompson purchased from outlying areas like Ayutthaya. He paid to have them dismantled, transported and reassembled into the complex that became his "house". He loved to entertain, and the lush, landscaped gardens with walking paths, "spirit house" and offerings beg exploration.
What's a spirit house?
What's a spirit house?
Jim Thompson's spirit house (by BrokenSphere, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
According to Thai beliefs and traditions, it is thought that guardian spirits keep watch over land. So when a newcomer acquires or builds a new structure, they encroach upon the space of the land spirits. To appease the spirits, newcomers build smaller shrine-like structures on the property and install them during auspicious ceremonies led by either a Brahmin or a monk. It is thought that by providing the displaced spirits with an alternative home and regular offerings, the spirits will protect those who live or work there.
The mysterious Jim Thompson
But despite this, Thompson mysteriously disappeared at the age of 61 while on an afternoon stroll in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. No trace of his body was ever found despite one of the largest land searches in Southeast Asian history involving the police, military, local trackers, and volunteers.
The fortune which forewarned of this misfortune sits framed in the house.
Entrance to Wat Pho
In the afternoon head over to Wat Pho to see the impressive Reclining Buddha.
Wat Pho was my favorite temple in all of Thailand...and that's saying a lot! So, if you only see one temple, make sure it's this one.
The Reclining Buddha's feet are inscribed with 108 auspicious symbols.
The original temple dates back to 1767, but grew as the country's capitol shifted from Ayutthaya to Bangkok. It was expanded by King Rama I and again by King Rama III to include the massive Reclining Buddha and stone inscriptions to preserve Thai knowledge for future generations.
Mosaic of gold leaf and porcelin shimmer in the afternoon sunlight.
Courtyard gardens like The Crocodile Pond encourage reflection.
A gentle reminder to refrain from gossip.
The elaborate mosaics on the building exteriors are made of porcelin-- broken china used as ballast during Thailand's hundreds of years of trade with China. These mosaics shimmer like diamonds in sunlight. And... If you arrive before 5PM, you can get a massage from the massage school located on the premises. Expect to pay ~$10 for a half-hour massage.
Thali style meal at Zafran
If you like Indian food, have dinner at Zafran or any one of the fine and inexpensive restaurants in the area.
Then walk along Klong Ong Ang towards the river and wander over the Chao Phraya Sky Park Bridge to see Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) lit up at night.
Chao Phraya Sky Park Bridge
Bangkok as seen from the bridge
Full moon over Wat Pho
Wat Arun bathed in lights.
Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) was closed by the time I arrived. But just seeing it lit up on that warm December night was enough for me. That first full day in Bangkok, I logged in over 28,000 steps-- each one a delight as I explored this wonderfully exotic, vibrant city.
Day 4: The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wang Lang Market
Wat Phra Kaew viewed outside the Grand Palace walls. (Photo by Preecha.MJ.)
Start the day by heading to The Grand Palace to view the other "must see" sight-- The Emerald Buddha.
Note: A strict dress code applies to this site. For both men and women, shoulders, arms and legs must be covered down to the ankles. No tight athletic wear is permitted. But never fear...they sell cover-ups at the door.
The ornate entrance to Wat Phra Kaew --The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Emerald Buddha with winter robe. (Photo from Wikipedia Commons.)
The history of the Emerald Buddha is steeped in legend, but is thought to have been carved in India in 43 BCE. It remained hidden until 1434 when lightning struck a chedi in Chiang Mai, reveling a stucco-covered statue that was the Emerald Buddha.
This unassuming figure, carved from a single piece of green jasper, stands just 26 inches high, yet legitimizes the Thai monarchy, state and religion. As such, it is said to protect the Thai Kingdom and is thus the most revered image in the country.
The Emerald Buddha is housed in Wat Phra Kaew and adorned in one of three ceremonial robes, changed by the king according to the season.-- the gold-plated monk's robe during the rainy season, a brilliant gold robe for the hot summer, or the diamond-encrusted robe for the dry, cooler winter season.
Other sites you may want to visit during your tour include the ornate Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, and extensive Ramakien Cloisters.
Honestly, I visited this site because it appears on most "must see" lists. However, if you're like me and visited Wat Pho the day before, you're in for a big disappointment. Between the 500 bhat I shelled out for the entrance fee, plus 200 bhat for a sarong and another 200 for an audio guide, I somehow expected a little more. You must leave your passport or credit card when picking up the audio guide and you return it in an entirely different location within a 2-hour period. (But honestly, 2 hours is long enough to see the place.)
The bustling Wang Lang market in Thonburi.
So after visiting this obligatory site, I decided to wander north along the Chao Phraya River to the Majaraj-- an outdoor shopping mall with a pier-- and grab a ferry across the river.
The Thonburi side of the pier feeds into Wang Lang market, which contains all manner to foods, clothing, and anything else you might need. I wandered through the market stalls for about an hour, before heading back to the Siam Stadium area to meet up with a friend for dinner.
Ayutthaya's ruins are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 5: Day trip to Ayutthya
The city of Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam and a major trading hub for 417 years beginning in the mid 14th century. It sits on an island surrounded by three rivers which historically afforded it protection from would-be invaders.
All that changed in 1767, when the Burmese looted and burned Ayutthaya to the ground. When the Thai regrouped and moved their capital, it was to the Thonburi area of Bangkok, and eventually it was moved across the river to where the Grand Palace sits today.
Ayutthaya's ruins are accessed via frequent ferries.
There are many convenient and affordable ways to do a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Since I like to explore on my own, I chose to take the regional train from Bang Sue Grand Station (aka Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal). From there, trains can get you to Ayutthaya in 1-2 hours, depending on the route.
Once you arrive, you walk (or rent a bike and ride) to a ferry dock and cross the river to the ruins.
Me at Ayutthaya's ruins.
I chose to visit Ayutthaya on a Friday after reading that it can get pretty busy on the weekends. I had also read that Ayutthaya is pretty spread out, so renting a bicycle was a great way to see it. You park your bicycle outside the ruins and pay a nominal fee to enter each of the two sites, but it's well worth it. Including round trip train fare from Bangkok everything was about $10 and I loved the flexiblity of being able to go at my own pace.
Wat Lokaya Sutha
Wat Mahathat
Wat Ratchaburana
A Buddha head trapped in the roots of a banyan tree bears testimony to the passage of time.
You can easily spend a couple of days in the area, just touring different ruins. As I left Wat Mahathat headed toward the train station, two night markets-- Bang Lan and Ong Gaan Tolasap-- were just getting started and I regretted having to catch the 7PM train back to Bangkok. As it was, it took about 2 and 1/2 hours to return to my hotel. So while a day trip is feasible, better to plan for two or three nights to really enjoy the sites.
Chatuchak weekend market (by TomatoRed on Unsplash)
Day 6: Chatuchak Market; Bang Kachao
I had carefully planned my five days in Bangkok, reserving Saturday to visit Chatuchak Weekend Market. Billed as the largest market in Bangkok...and possibly the world...this outdoor market boasts 15,000 stalls, on more than 35 acres and draws 200,000+ shoppers per weekend. I was skeptical about these statistics, so of course I had to experience it for myself.
They weren't exaggerating. After 3 hrs of wandering aimlessly from stall to stall in the 90° heat, everything began to look the same. I finally had a mango gelato, bought a t-shirt, and decided to spend the rest of the afternoon checking out Bang Kachao.
Bang Kachao is an artificial island formed by a bend in the Chao Phraya River and a canal at its western end. It lies south of Bangkok and is often referred to as the "green lung" of Bangkok because there is almost no development within its borders. Seen from space, Bang Kachao looks like a verdant oasis in a sea of concrete. In 2006 it was named "best urban oasis" by Time magazine in its "Best of Asia" series.
Satellite image of Bang Kachao (photo credit: ESA, CC BY-SA IGO 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO, via Wikipedia Commons.)
Interpretive trail in Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park (photo by Ekachaii Yordtakam.)
Cyclists and nature lovers are drawn to Bang Kachao's 60-acre Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden, boasting 5 miles of paved walking/cycling trails with interpretive signs for visitors.
I somehow managed to miss the park entirely, spending the precious 90-minutes I had on the "island" wandering around on neighborhood streets, which ultimately opened up into the "main drag" and a bustling marketplace.
Check out my video to share my misadventure!
An hour into my ride, I could see the diamond-shaped pylons of the Bhumibol Bridge and knew I was not on a circular road that would take me back to the ferry landing. At that point, I turned around and cycled furiously back through the bustling market center and just made it back to the ferry by 6PM. I don't know how late that ferry runs, but I was very glad not to find out!
Bang Namphueng Floating Market (photo by Enjoy Joy.)
Bang Kachao is also home to the Bang Namphueng Floating Market, in which visitors can shop from wooden walkways or enjoy a ride in a boat to experience the market from the vendors' level.
You reach Bang Kachao via short ferry ride from Khlong Toei Pier and rent a bike once you get there. (Google Maps routed me to the Port of Bangkok, so try to avoid this.)
Day 7: Lumphini Park & shopping in central Bangkok
Aerial photo of Lumphini Park (photo by Terrence Ong.)
I chose to spend my final day in Bangkok strolling through Lumphini Park and air-conditioned shopping malls in the Pathum Wan district.
I found in Lumphini Park what I had gone to Bang Kachao in search of-- namely, a lush, green open space in the heart of a concrete jungle.
The park is the largest public park in Bangkok with 1.5 miles of paved paths around a man-made lake. It is home to hundreds of Asian water monitor lizards-- some as long as 6 feet! Fortuntely, they move very slowly and seemed to have no interest in me.
Asian monitor lizard (photo by Lidia Stawinska on Unsplash.)
Bangkok's central shopping District (photo by Lee Hong on Unsplash.)
As the heat of the day built up, I headed for the comfort of air-conditioned shopping malls, connected by elevated pedestrian skywalks to draw and retain shoppers.
Here, in the Pathum Wan district, you'll find mega shopping complexes like Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Square One, MBK Center, Palladium World Shopping, centralwOrld, and a Big C Supercenter--think Walmart of Thailand.
That evening, my roommate from Pakistan offered to show me around the Arab section of Bangkok-- which is adjacent to the red-light (Nana) district.
I had a fabulous Indian meal for about $8 US and she had pad thai at a place in the red light district.
Me with our host at an Indian restaurant.
Nana's (Soi 4) red-light district.
Day 8: Death Railway to Kanchanaburi
Thonburi Railway Station
I had grown up hearing horror stories about the Thai-Burmese Railway, which was built by POWs during WWII. I was on a tight schedule, but wanted to ride the historic train and visit Hellfire Pass Memorial to pay my respects to those who died. There were only two trains leaving Bangkok and I knew I'd have to catch the early one to have any time to see the sights in Kanchanaburi.
Train route, Bangkok to Kanchanaburi via Death Railway.
After contemplating my public transport options (blue line vs. canal boat vs. Grab/Taxi) I decided to try the Grab app. This was my first time using the app and when the driver didn't come after 10 minutes or so, I booked with another, who accepted the ride...for a higer price than I'd previously been quoted. When the second driver didn't show up, I flagged down a taxi. We decided on a fixed price before I got into the car. (When I tried on another occasion to use the Grab app, I had to pay a ฿50 fine. More on that later.)
It pays to know where you're going, because despite me having shown my driver the location of the station before we decided upon a price, he took me to the wrong station. Recognizing this, I said, "no" as politely as I could for at least a minute. He then walked with me to the ticket window, only to be told in Thai that Thonburi Railway Station was somewhere else. Since I still had my map app open, I showed him again and he got me close enough to the station so I could walk the last couple blocks through the grid-locked traffic. I paid him extra for the confusion and made the train with 15 minutes to spare.
What this taught me is:
Have directions in the local language to show to drivers
If drivers are elderly, don't assume they can see your map
Agree on a price before you get in. (& in Italy, write it down!)
Thai-Burmese "Death" Railway
Thai-Burmese "Death" Railway
A Thai-Burmese train passing over the Wang Po Viaduct
Two trains daily depart from Bangkok's Thonburi Station to Nam Tok, stopping in Kanchanaburi. Train #257 departs at 07:45, and train #259 departs at 13:55. This non-AC train costs ฿100 for foreigners and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Tickets can't be purchased in advance, so plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to buy a ticket.
Note: When purchasing your return ticket you may need exact change.
I arrived in Kanchanaburi at 10:20, checked into my hostel and after an early lunch, rented a bike so I could make the most of my half-day in town. My goal was to see the infamous Bridge On the River Kwai, visit the JEATH War Museum, the Death Railway Museum and Research Centre, wander through the cemetery, and take in any other sites in the area.
The Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. (photo from Wikipedia.)
The Bridge on the River Kwai
The Bridge on the River Kwai is part of a 258-mile railway built in 1942-43 by POWs under the brutal direction of the Japanese. The railway would allow Japan to supply its forces in Burma (Myanmar) while evading Allied submarines.
The bridge became immortalized in the 1957 movie of the same name and has come to symbolize the horrors of war and the bravery of the POWs.
The Thailand-Burma Railway Center (TBRC) is also known as the Death Railway Museum and Research Centre. (photo by Gasson nz, wikimedia.)
After walking the bridge and back, I headed to the museums.
Note: there are two war museums in town-- The Death Railway Museum and Research Centre, and The JEATH War Museum. The former opened in 2003 and is widely considered to be the better of the two. It is located opposite the war cemetery, very close to the railway station. Since I was touring from north to south, I visited it first.
I found the museum absolutely fascinating and spent more than two hours there reading through the exhibits. Some detailed the construction of the railway and others described how the POWs ran their make-shift hospitals using bamboo for everything from bed frames, to crutches, to IV drip frames.
We hear a lot about the hardships and disregard for human life, but it's hard for most of us to comprehend the scale. One particularly sobering exhibit at this museum is a wall in which railroad spikes have been driven into railroad ties to illustrate the loss of life incurred by each nation. What immediately becomes apparent, is that deaths sustained by Romusha outnumbered those of Allied forces by almost 7 fold!
Since my phone and most of my photos and videos for this trip were damaged, you can see the exhibit by clicking here.
Australian and Dutch POWs suffering from beriberi at Tarsau, Thailand 1943. (photo from Wikipedia Commons.)
In addition to laboring up to 18-hours a day in sweltering heat on starvation rations, the POWs faced diseases from the jungle and poor sanitation. Cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, and dysentery accounted for 60-70% of prisoner deaths, while starvation, exhaustion, beatings, executions and accidents claimed the remainder of the 115,000 lives lost in this horrific endeavor.
The Kanchanburi Skywalk at dusk. (photo by Phakamas Muangphet.)
I spent much longer at the museum than anticipated, choosing to see one thoroughly as opposed to breezing through both. That said, by the time I left the museum, I only had time to visit the Kanchanburi Skywalk-- a 150-meter-long, 12-meter-high glass-bottomed walkway located at the confluence of the Khwae Yai, Kwae Noi, and Mae Klong rivers in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
You must leave your things in a locker and pay a nominal fee to enter. You then swap out your shoes for sock covers and either ride an elevator or walk up four flights of stairs to reach the viewing platform.
The view from the top is lovely. I spent about 15 minutes enjoying it and then, with darkness falling, returned my bike and walked back to my hostel.
Note: If I'd had the time, I'd have continued in a southerly direction and visited the JEATH War Museum. It is just south of the Skybridge walk on the grounds of Wat Chai Chumphon (aka Wat Tai). “JEATH” is an acronym for the nationalities involved in the railway: Japan, England, Australia/America, Thailand, and Holland (Netherlands). This museum focuses on the construction of the Thai–Burma “Death Railway” during World War II rather than the human suffering.
That evening, my hostel hosted a family dinner night, inviting each guest to purchase an item from the night market to share with the rest of the guests. It was great fun as I got to meet lots of new people and try a variety of foods I'd otherwise never buy. Amazingly enough, though 30 or so of us attended, no two people bought the same item!
Me with my hostel mates on family dinner night.
Variety is the spice of life on family dinner night.
Day 9: (12/9/25); Death Railway to Nam Tok, Hellfire Pass & Erawan Falls National Park
With only one full day in Kanchanaburi and a burning desire to visit Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center and Erawan Falls, I caught the 0600 train to its terminal station in Nam Tok.
From there, I hired a driver who agreed to drive me to Hellfire Pass, wait for me while I toured the center and then drive me to Erawan Falls. I would spend the afternoon at the falls and return on the last bus at 4:00-4:30 PM. The price for this would be ฿1500 ($48 USD.)
Tip: The cheapest way to get to Hellfire Pass and back is by allowing a day to do it and using government bus #8203 from Kanchanaburi to get there and flagging a bus down on the way back. Likewise with Erawan Falls, but the bus is #8170; cost is ~฿ 100-120 rt.
Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center is built on the edge of a steep, narrow ravine, offering visitors a sense of the dramatic topography and remote location.
Hellfire Pass viewing deck.
I arrived at the center at 0840 and had time for coffee before it opened at 0900. The main gallery entrance leads to an observation deck which helps visitors appreciate the austere environment the POWs endured. The suggested visitation route starts with a 10-minute video to help visitors understand the purpose for the railway. This opens into the main exhibits, which are thematically and chronologically organized to tell the story of the railway, its construction and POW life. The museum exhibits take 30-45 minutes to see. From there, you walk downstairs to the lower floor, which provides public lockers, audio trail guides, a staircase which takes you down into the ravine and Hellfire Pass.
A staircase surrounded by 50-foot-tall bamboo descends from the visitor center.
There are two trails: the Blue trail and the Green trail. The Blue trail is what most visitors take; it takes you to Hellfire Pass (or what the Japanese called the Konyu cutting) and from there you turn around and walk back. The Green trail includes the Blue trail then continues deeper into the jungle to follow the old railway bed to the Hintok area.
Note: If you opt for the Green trail, you'll have to carry a hand-held radio with you and check in with your position periodically. Allow 1 hour to hike the1km blue trail and up to 3 hours to hike the 6km green one.
I had planned to hike the green trail, but when I saw how steep and rough it was, I soon changed my mind. I'm very glad I did, because one bad step could have ruined the trip for me.
The included audio guide was especially informative, pointing out things like drill bits (still stuck in rock) that I would have otherwise missed.
I left Hellfire Pass at noon and arrived at Erawan Falls National Park shortly after 1PM-- plenty of time to hike to and take a splash in all seven of the spectacular falls.
The admission price for foreigners is ฿300 (~$9 US). From the parking lot, a short walk will take you to the lower falls and from there a series of footbridges, stairs and paths (some paved) take you to the seven falls. All have clear, clean pools in which you can wade and swim.
The last bus of the day #8170 leaves Erawan Falls at 4:30 and costs ฿60 (~$2 US).
Though the park sells food and has picnic areas, no food or backpacks are allowed beyond the second tier. There is a checkpoint at which you declare and pay a refundable deposit for any water bottles you are taking up with you. The rest of your things are secured in a locker and retrieved when you bring out the bottle(s) you hiked in with. It is an amazingly effective method of keeping trash within the park near zero.
The hike to all seven pools is 4km (2.5 mi) round trip and takes 2-3 hours if you don't stop long to swim. Otherwise, allow an extra hour or so for swimming.
I'm pretty slow and still arrived back at the parking lot in time to buy dinner from one of the great and inexpensive food vendors.
The bus ride back to town takes about 1.5 hrs.
Day 10: (12/10/25); Death Railway to Bangkok, Flight to Chiang Mai
This morning I caught the early (7:05) train back to Bangkok, then took the blue line to Bang Sue Station, from which I transitioned to the dark red line to Don Mueang Airport.
The 90 minute flight to Chiang Mai was uneventful and once at my destination, I paid ฿150 for a 15-minute taxi ride to my hostel. I chose to stay within the walls of the "old city" because I wanted to be within short walking distance of everything.
Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan in Chiang Mai
There are many temples in and around Chiang Mai, but with only a few hours until dark, I asked the receptionist at my hostel which one I should not miss. She suggested Wat Phra Singh.
Wat Phra Singh dates back to 1345 and is one of the most venerated temples in Chiang Mai. It was literally "just down the street" from where I was staying and is striking for its golden chedi (stupa), richly decorated wooden assembly halls and detailed murals.
That evening, I headed to the market just south of the Old City walls on Wua Lai Road in search of local specialties.
Mango sticky rice-- a classic Thai dessert. (photo courtesy of Markus Winkler on Unsplash.)
Khao Soi-- a Northern Thai dish especially associated with Chiang Mai (photo by Kittitep Khotchalee on Unsplash.)
Chiang Mai is known for Khao Soi-- a rich, creamy soup made with coconut milk, spices, chicken or beef and soft noodles. It's served with pickled greens and crunchy noodles on top and garnished with lime and fresh herbs. For dessert, I wanted mango sticky rice-- a classic Thai dessert of fresh mango and sweetened sticky rice covered in coconut syrup. After eating my way through the market stalls, I wandered back to my hostel and called it a night.
Day 11: (12/11/25); Doi Suthep Temple & Mama Noi's Cooking Class
I woke up early my first full day in Chiang Mai, delighted to find complementary brewed coffee in the lounge. My first thought was that the hostel was going to lose money on me; my second was the feasibility of retiring here. After slurping down 5 cups of the precious elixir, I disciplined myself to attend the complemenary one-hour yoga session I'd signed up for when checking in.
It turned out to be the best yoga session I've ever experienced. By 0800 I was loose as a wet noodle and ready to tackle the lavish breakfast buffet. I hadn't made any definite plans for my 3 days in Chiang Mai, but knew I wanted to get a massage, attend a Thai cooking class, visit a nearby temple and book an elephant encounter. That morning I found a highly-rated cooking class that had a vacancy in the afternoon and was able to book an elephant encounter and excursion to a nearby waterfall for the following two days. I would get the massage when I could work it in.
What's a songthaew?
What's a songthaew?
Songthaews are trucks retrofitted with bench seating in the back and a roof on top. They're a common and inexpensive way to get from Chiang Mai to nearby attractions.
I walked outside the walls of the old city, found a songthaew that was going to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and paid the driver a ฿120 (~$4) for the 40 minute drive up the steep, winding road to the temple.
The Naga Serpent Stairway
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits within the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, so even after you visit the temple, there's more to explore in the area.
From the road where you're dropped off, climb the 306 steps of the Naga Serpent Stairway to reach the temple entrance. Pay a nominal fee to enter and enjoy the temple grounds.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Thailand's most sacred temples and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep's gold-plated chedi.
Its golden chedi enshrines a Buddha relic believed to be a shoulder bone from Gautama Buddha. According to legend, in 1383 CE a monk placed the bone on a white elephant-- a symbol of purity and royal authority in Thai culture. The elephant walked up Doi Suthep Mountain, trumpeted three times, circled, then knelt down and died. This was interpreted by the king as a sign that the bone was indeed sacred and should be enshrined at this site. The temple with its golden chedi was built for this purpose.
Know before you go:
Dress modestly; shoulders and knees must be covered
Photography is best at sunrise/sunset
If you want a few minutes to reflect on the day there's a meditation center down a bazillion steps, which you'll have to climb back up when you're done.
Nearby hiking trails connect to Doi Pui, another peak in the national park, with waterfalls and a hill tribe (Hmong) village. Either walk the few kilometers up the road or pay ฿60 for a red songthaew to drive you there.
I headed back to town in the early afternoon to make a 1530 pick up from Mama Noi's Thai Cooking Class.
The class began with a trip to the bustling Warorot Market, with our guide introducing us to the ingredients we'd be using to create the sweet and salty, spicey, sour, and bitter notes that give Thai food its balanced flavor profile.
Me at Mama Noi's Cooking Class
We were then driven out to the Mama Noi Cooking School, which consisted of two large open-air kitchens, surrounded by an organic garden. Our guide showed us around the garden, explaining each ingredient we'd use and how it would contribute to the final product.
Each of us chose the menu we wanted to make: a soup, two main dishes and a dessert. We chose the spice level and all the ingredients magically appeared prepped for us by the uber-efficient kitchen staff. The class was hands on from creating the curry pastes with mortar and pestal, to eating the delicious final products. The price was ฿1000 (~$31) and well worth it for hotel pick up and return, tour, instruction, meal and a cookbook. I was back at my hostel by 8:30 that evening with enough leftovers for another meal.
Day 12: (12/12/25); Half-day Elephant Sanctuary Feeding Program Adventure
I was up and out by 0730 this morning to walk the 2km to Pon Elephant Thailand, just outside the East gate of the old city walls. Our group of 20 was loaded into two vans and driven deep into the jungle southwest of Chiang Mai. The elephant sanctuary was very close to Doi Inthanon National Park, and as we drove deeper into the jungle, we switched to 4-wheel-drive trucks with roll bars.
Once we reached our first station, we were given time to change into clothes we could "get dirty". Most of us had deliberately worn our "play" clothes to the event, so no additional changing was needed. We were then briefed on the personalities of the herd we'd be interacting with, learning how each had come to live in the sanctuary.
As you might expect, those who'd lived longest in the sanctuary were well adjusted and comfortable being around humans, while those who'd been abused-- often acquired from the Burmese logging industry-- were skittish and wary of humans.
Me with the family matriarch.
We were provided with baskets of sugar cane and encouraged to feed the elephants to our heart's content.
We then progressed through stations, stepping in to interact with members of the family herd when another group of visitors left.
You might be worried that they'd get full, being fed all day. But we were assured that an elephant eats roughly one tenth of its body weight daily. So...a 6,000 lb. elephant will eat about 600 lbs of food daily!
Asian elephants (photo courtesy of Robin Canfield, via Unsplash.)
We moved through about four stations, never spending longer than 45 minutes in a single activity. Finally, it was time to offer the elephants a bath, but we were expressly told, they might not want to bathe. They only did it if they felt like it. Luckily for us, they were "in the mood" to bathe when the gate to the river was opened.
This half day elephant feeding encounter from Chiang Mai cost $36 and was the experience of a lifetime.
Elephant Ethics
If you research ethical elephant encounters as I did before booking this activity, you will quickly appreciate the different opinions that are out there. That is, while some argue that touching the elephants in any way stresses them out, others say it's perfectly fine and that the elephants will move away from people if they've had enough.
All I can tell you is the facts as they were explained to us:
Elephants consume 1/10th their body weight daily (making them expensive "pets".)
The average Thai lives on $9 USD per day
The last few decades of global trade and expanding tourism have lifted over 1B people-- mostly in Asia-- out of poverty.
With those considerations, we recieved sincere thanks for chosing to visit and supporting the work they do.
By the time I was dropped off near my hostel, it was well after lunch so I stopped at a "mom & mom" restaurant on the way back and had a delicious lunch for ฿60 ($2 USD.) I spent the afternoon doing laundry and relaxing, then explored the East gate market in the evening.
Day 13: (12/13/25) Half-day Visit to Sticky Waterfall & Land of Angels Waterfall Park
I slept in this morning due to not having to arrive at the tour meeting point until 1100. I'd booked a half-day tour to Bua Thong or Sticky Waterfall and a botanical garden known as Dantewada Land of Angels.
We reached the waterfall shortly after noon and had about two hours in which to climb the falls and explore their source.
Me at Bua Thong (Sticky Waterfalls)
The entrance, changing rooms and parking are at the top of the falls and you walk down a series of steps until you reach the bottom. From there, visitors are invited to enter the falls with the usual precautions to "watch your step". Some steep areas have ropes or handrails.
My guide booked through Get Your Guide was incredible, queing up everyone to take their pictures as they climbed up the falls. The place was very spread out, but she managed to keep us on schedule while allowing us the flexability to explore as we liked.
Ropes assist climbers at Sticky Waterfall
By midafternoon we'd all changed into our dry clothes and were on our way to Dantewada Land of Angels.
Although it was pretty, I would have to say that Dantewada Land of Angels was not my sort of thing.
It was an enclosed park with man-made waterfall, pools and misters meant to give it a "fairy-vibe". Stepping stones and walking paths connect "hidden" caves and "secluded" alcoves which look like nauseatingly contrived Instagram sets.
If this had not been included in the $41 excursion, I could have easily done without it.
My recommendation: There are lots of half-day trips offering round trip transport to Sticky Falls by itself ($18) or with another attraction. It this doesn't sound like your thing, chose something else.
By 5PM we'd returned to Chiang Mai. I had arranged for a 5:30 AM Grab taxi to the airport in the morning, so I stopped for a deep tissue massage to make the most of my final night in Chiang Mai.
An hour later I emerged feeling like a piece of chuck that had been pounded into schnitzel. The price for this torture was ฿500 or $15.
Day 14: (12/14/26) Flight to Krabi, transfer to Ao Nang
I caught the early non-stop flight to Krabi the next morning, giving the Grab app another try. This time it worked without a hitch...once I'd paid the ฿50 ($1.80) fine assessed in Bangkok for canceling my ride to the railway station after a driver accepted.
My flight was on time and by 10:15 AM I'd arrived in Krabi and secured a ฿150 ($5) van shuttle to my Ao Nang hostel. I stayed in Ao Nang because I'd read that it was geared toward tourism and a popular jumping off point for beach and island tours. I arrived at my hostel before noon and was able to check in early.
After having lunch at a restaurant recommended by my roommate, I went to Ao Nang beach, eager to have my first swim at a legendary Thai beach. The water was warm, but not particularly clear due to all the longtail boat traffic on the beach. A small section was bouyed off for swimmers, but it soon became evident that this beach was not really for swimmers. There must have been thirty longtail boats coming and going. In fact, my real annoyance was the ever present drone of outboard motors, reminiscent of the neighbor who spends all day mowing his lawn never to finish the task.
After my "swim", I walked the main drag, only to find vendors selling the same kitschy merch I'd seen in markets throughout Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Every fourth or fifth shop was a weed house where dropouts spent a few bhat to check out. All in all, I found it a pretty depressing scene, coming from a beach town with legalized pot.
That evening I walked the Monkey Trail to "Hidden Bay" only to find it well discovered.
To be fair, Monkey Trail was never purported to be anything other than a popular trail at the south end of Ao Nang Beach where macaques were known to frequent. But the crowds detract from the experience.
Day 15: (12/15/26) Railay Beach
I got out early this morning, wanting to explore the north end of the beach before the heat of the day set in. I was delighted to find an entirely different scene just by heading north. Instead of wall-to-wall shops, bars, restaurants and weed dens, I found a long, shady promenade fronting a relatively quiet stretch of beach.
I walked for about an hour, then returned to my hostel to have breakfast with my roommate.
Ao Nang Beach without a thousand longtail boats!
When I told her about my experience, she suggested I catch a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach and then walk to Phra Nang Beach where I'd find clear water and fewer crowds.
Railay Beach
So after breakfast I paid ฿100 for a ticket to Railay Beach and 15 minutes later was deposited on a shimmering stretch of white sand nestled beneath soaring limestone cliffs. I thought I had died and gone to heaven!
The first thing I did was drop my gear on the beach and head into the water. It was warm, clean, and clear. I swam around a shallow reef to Tonsai Beach and relaxed there for a while just soaking up the view. Then I swam back, tied my sarong around my waist and strolled to Railay East via Railay walking street.
(Photos by Youv Aziz via Unsplash.)
Railay Beach is accessible only by boat, so the area is car-free with all sites connected by walking streets and paths. The result is a very laid-back and peaceful atmosphere. (Photos courtesy of Youv Aziz via Unsplash.)
Two caves in the area worth visiting are Princess Cave and Bat Cave at either ends of Phra Nang Beach.
Princess Cave is dedicated to Phra Nang, a mythical princess or spirit believed to live in the cave and protect fishermen. Legend says she was either a drowned royal or a spirit of the sea associated with fertility and safe voyages.
The cave is sacred to Thais so posted signage defines appropriate offerings. For example, linghams (phallic carvings), incense, food and flowers are appropriate but bottles containing fluids-- particularly red fluids which resemble blood-- may offend.
Offerings left by fishermen seek fertility, prosperity and protection.
Bat Cave is named for its colony of roosting bats.
Phra Nang Beach and Princess Cave
By now it was late afternoon; I'd swum to my heart's content and was loathe to leave this paradise and return to Ao Nang. So with the sun baking my shoulders, I impulsively untied my sarong and stepped into the water for one last dip.
As I floated on my back, gazing up at the towering limestone cliffs, hoping to sear this moment of bliss indelibly into my memory, I thought what a wonderful photo this image would make.
Photo? Photo!? That was the moment I realized I'd forgotten to reseal my waterproof phone bag, having taken my phone in and out of it's protective pouch countless times that day.
I now refer to the incident as "the seduction of Pra Nang Bay"!
Hoping the tablespoon of salt water that had seeped into my phone pouch was insignificant, I pulled it from it's pouch, tapped it to remove as much of the water as possible and returned to Ao Nang the way I'd arrived. The next 20 hours were spent searching for rice, then technicians, then... a new phone.
Until that moment I'd never really appreciated how, in today's era of two-factor identification, losing one's phone could stop a trip cold.
Day 16: (12/16/26) Phi Phi Islands Day Tour with Lunch
I had pre-booked a full day tour to Phi Phi Islands for today and seriously considered going anyway, phone issue unresolved. But somewhere inside me the adult voice told me that I'd have to skip it to solve this problem I'd created for myself. I felt bad that I couldn't even message the local tour operator to let them know I couldn't make it. I envisioned a van full of grumpy tourists being inconvenienced by a flaky "no show." But it couldn't be helped.
That said, I can't say enough about the kindness of everyone who tried to help me. From my roommate, to the hostel staff, to the hotel owner who ultimately drove me to a store to see if anything could be recovered. It could not, but the technician rescued my SIM card so I could keep my phone number and use it in an "inexpensive" new phone.
By 2 PM that day I was back at my hostel, sitting in the lounge looking like "Coco the chimp"-- as my kids are fond of referring to me-- as I attempted to learn the nuances of this new phone.
One of the first things I did was to message the local tour operator and explain why I'd been a "no show" that morning. Their response? No problem; things happen. Whould I like to go tomorrow?
Phi Phi Islands
My 30-year old Bulgarian roommate spent the afternoon with me, hanging out while I fumbled with the settings and helping me to figure things out when I got stumped. As dinner approached we decided to go to her favorite restaurant down the street. It was one I'd eaten at twice before, but on this occasion, I decided to try a massamam curry. It was delicious and I ate every bite.
Beach fire show, Ao Nang (courtesy of Yoav Aziz on Unsplash.
After dinner, we went for a stroll on the promenade... the very same one I'd fallen in love with the day before. After only about 30 minutes, I asked to turn around, a queasiness growing in my stomach.
By the time we got back it was close to 8PM and within minutes I was violently ill, "running at both ends". This pattern repeated every hour on the hour until midnight, at which point I drifted off into a fitful sleep. (My roommate, who'd eaten "her usual" was just fine.)
Day 17: 12/17/26 Transfer to Ko Lipe
I was awakened even earlier than planned by a 4:30 ping from my new phone alerting me of an upcoming alarm. Yeah...not helpful.
A pre-booked van/speedboat package would pick me up at 6 AM, drive me to Pak Bara Pier, then provide speedboat transportation to Ko Lipe-- an island in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border. If all went well, I'd arrive shortly after 1PM.
I hadn't been unable to stomach anything at 5:30 AM, but during a pit stop, I bought some salted almonds, a banana and a cup of coffee to restore depleated electrolytes and prevent caffeine withdrawal.
As with all my other locally-booked travel legs, this one went off without a hitch and by noon that day I was cocooned in an orange life vest, speeding toward an Island paradise.
Pak Bara Pier is a marine transport hub.
I could immediately see that Ko Lipe was just what the doctor ordered after a bout of food poisoning. I was so weak from the vomiting and diarrhea that by the time I completed the 10 minute walk to my hostel, I could barely lift my 16lb suitcase up the five steps to the lobby. Attentive staff took one look at me and rushed down the steps to take the bag from my hand.
I was shown to my room and immediately fell asleep. Two hours later, I attempted to get up and walk the beach, but I was still so weak, I went right back to bed. I ended up sleeping 13 hours that night, but when I awoke the next day, I felt invincible!
Day 18: 12/18/26 Day on Ko Lipe
I started the day early, fuelled by caffeine and a keen sense of discovery. I wanted to see and do everything and I only had a day!
And yet...the gentleness of the people and the laid back island vibe were constant reminders to savor each moment of life.
I walked the 500 yards or so to Sunrise Beach and discovered it mostly empty.
I would later learn that this beach is a popular spot from which to catch longtail boat trips to neighboring islands
The water was warm and clear yet refreshing.
I was delighted to find a beach swing shaded from the brilliant morning sun.
After walking the length of beach, I returned to my hotel for a leisurely breakfast.
After breakfast, I grabbed my Go Pro and headed to North Point Beach, in search of snorkeling footage.
Although I had read about mass coral bleaching due to global warming, seeing it first hand was sobering. Everything was white, dead, destroyed, with tiny fish attempting to sustain themselves from its haunting skeletal remains.
I collected my things and continued to explore the island in a counter-clockwise direction.
In walking from North Point Beach to Sunset Beach it was immediately evident that most of the island is covered in thick tropical rainforest. Roads here are more like walking paths suitable for golf carts or scooters.
That said, the "road" to Sunset Beach is downhill, so you'll be grateful for all that shade as you return up it in the afternoon heat.
I arrived at Sunset Beach at low tide and found it almost deserted in mid afternoon. While there is one resort at the southernmost end of the beach, most tourist services appear to be clustered around Pattaya and Sunrise Beaches.
The water was much calmer on this side of the island but there was little see by snorkeling.
Sunset Beach at low tide
Sunset Beach Resort snorkeling spot.
Yay! Another beach swing!
Heading back up the hill from Sunset Beach, I continued in the direction of Pattaya Beach and was surprised to see a large Buddhist temple tucked away in its shadows. By now, evening was approaching, so I continued on, having neither the time nor proper clothing to venture inside.
When I reached Pattaya Beach the tide was out and it bore no resemblance to the bustling pier at which I'd arrived just 29 hours before. It appeared to be resting as if preparing for another day and another flurry of activities.
And as far as services go, most businesses which cater to tourists are located on or near Ko Lipe Walking Street.
You'll find most things you need here from bars restaurants and cafes to dive shops and massage studios. You'll even find a 7-11 store from which you can buy anything from ice cream to sunscreen to condoms!
Everything arrives by boat and is unloaded by manual labor.
Bundhaya Resort Pier on Pattaya Beach is the pier from which most ferries depart.
Popular longtail boat trips from Koh Lipe include the 5-Island Snorkeling Trip (Jabang, Hin Ngam, Koh Yang, Rawi, Adang), trips to the "Monkey Island" (Koh Dong), and day trips to peaceful spots like Koh Adang or Koh Rawi for beaches, snorkeling, and trekking. Day trips usually depart from Sunrise Beach.
Know before you go:
Know before you go:
Ko Lipe is part of Tarutao National Park
Visitors are charged a ฿200 (~$6) entrance fee
Pattaya Beach has the floating pier for speedboats and ferries
Sunrise Beach is the main departure point for day excursions and water taxis to neighboring islands like Ko Adang.
I booked my inbound travel from Ao Nang with Marinee Travel and my return travel with Taweesub Speedboat and Bundhaya Speed Boat. All was booked through 12Go and I'd use them again. Cost was ~70USD for both.
Day 19: 12/19/26 Return to Bangkok
I considered going for a swim at Sunrise Beach since I didn't have to be at Bundhaya Resort Pier until 09:15AM. But the thought of getting sandy again, when I had 2 full days of travel ahead of me was enough for me to decide against it.
Instead, I had another leisurely breakfast, took my time packing and met the speedboat as planned. It would take me two full days to get home if all four of my return flights were on time.
About a half hour after we departed from Ko Lipe, the boat slowed down and stopped at Ko Bulon Le-- another tiny dot of white sand in the Andaman Sea. This made me aware that I haven't even begun to see Thailand!
We reached Pak Bara ahead of schedule and within 10 minutes I was loaded in a van on my way to Hat Yai Airport for a flight to San Diego via Bangkok, Seoul and Seattle.
While passing through Incheon International Airport in Seoul, I had the opportunity to watch a Korean acrobat troupe (or Namsadangpae) perform traditional Korean style acrobatics known as Namsadang Nori. The performance involves spinning and tossing plates, tumbling and lots of jumping. It was very impressive!
Reflections:
Reflections:
We all have things we're afraid of when traveling solo. For me, two of those things happened during this trip. Namely, getting sick and destroying my cell phone. And while I am sad about the lost pictures and videos, a part of me is now less fearful for having crossed those fears off my list and realizing it wasn't the end of the world.
If I had to do this trip over again, I'd have stayed in Bangkok 3 days instead of 5 and used those days in Chiang Mai, Ao Nang or Kanchanaburi. I would also have done less shopping, as the merchandise all begins to looke the same after the second market. Finally, it's a great idea to get a waterproof case for your cell phone. Use it!
Google Sites
Report abuse