At the heart of this trip is a very dark time from history. But around it, Thailand shows stunning beauty, real happiness, and true freedom. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never ruled by a Western country. Britain and France agreed long ago to keep the Chao Phraya valley as a free area between their lands.
Starting the Journey
I began my adventure in Bangkok, staying at the beautiful Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel. My room on the 17th floor gave amazing views of the city. The hotel’s lounge offered delicious breakfasts, afternoon tea, and cocktails. It was a fancy start before I moved on to the jungles, homestays, and sleeper trains!
Exploring Bangkok
On a fun tour day, I traveled by subway, skytrain, taxi boat, and walked through the busy streets. I visited famous places like Wat Arun, Wat Saket, the flower market, and Chinatown. Chinatown was full of life, with scooters and crowds everywhere.
Heading to Kanchanaburi
We took a bus to Kanchanaburi, a small town near the Myanmar border. Here, during World War II, prisoners of war were forced to build the famous Burma Railway and the bridge over the River Kwai. I learned that “Kwai” is actually a funny Thai word meaning “buffalo”! We also visited the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and a cemetery where thousands of soldiers are buried.
Cycling Around Ayutthaya
Next, we cycled around Ayutthaya, Thailand’s old capital. The ancient temples and the huge reclining Buddha statue were amazing. After this, we boarded a 13-hour sleeper train north to Chiang Mai.
Jungle Adventures
In Chiang Dao, we spent three tough but rewarding days hiking through dry forests. Without proper boots, walking was tricky! But we were treated to beautiful waterfalls, homestays among the trees, and breathtaking sunsets.
Relaxing in the South
After the jungle, we flew south to Krabi and relaxed in Ao Nang and Laem Sak. We went kayaking through mangrove forests and visited floating fish farms. It was peaceful and magical, despite the mosquito bites!
Returning to Bangkok
Two weeks later, we were back in Bangkok. I stayed at the stunning Four Seasons Hotel by the river. It had beautiful design inspired by monk robes and rice paddies. After a relaxing Thai massage and a wonderful breakfast, I felt refreshed.
On my last day, I picked up a custom-made suit from Overseas Tailor. One of the tailors, King, shared that he’s from Myanmar. He told me he is happy living in Thailand now.
A Journey of History, Beauty, and Strength
Thailand’s past has some very dark moments, but its spirit is full of smiles, strength, and hope. Even with all the hardships, Thailand shines brightly.
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