I'm leaving, once again.
Over the past 5 years, I have visited about ten countries (Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, United States, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Colombia, Costa Rica, Portugal) and the taste for adventure continues to inhabit me.
My memories are more and more abundant and my luggage lighter and lighter...
The part that stresses me out the most, the plane trip and the visas, is now behind me. It must be said that each time it is a new adventure because each country has different rules and requirements for visas and I am always a little afraid that my application will be refused.
This time, I'm going to discover Thailand and Laos.
Thailand. I went there for the first time two years ago and I fell in love... with an island, Koh Tao, paradise on earth. One of the goals of this trip will be to not return to Koh Tao. Why, you might ask? Well, simply because all the places I discover are wonderful and returning to one place would prevent me from discovering new ones. However, Koh Tao really has a special little corner in my heart, so we'll see.
My trip, this time, is divided into five stages.
Arrival in Bangkok where I stay for five days, time to get used to the jetlag;
Then I take the plane back north to spend five weeks in Chang Mai to explore the city and the mountains;
From Chiang Mai, I will go to the Laos border and take a cruise on the Mekong to Luang Prabang in Laos;
Then, explore the north of Laos by motorbike for 1 month;
Finally, I will end my adventure with five weeks in the south of Thailand to enjoy the sea and snorkel every day… if possible.
All this is a great plan… which can be changed at any time according to my desires and those of my companion.
To prepare my trip, I revisited my favorite blogger, Paddy Doyle, but I also added a few others like Alex Loktionov and BBQ Boy.
These people gave me some very interesting little ideas. I will tell you about them later because… my companion does not know yet and I want to keep the surprise for him.
Bangkok or Krungthep (for Thais)
The official name of Bangkok is according to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest city name in the world. In fact, it's not a name...it's a complete paragraph but...so poetic.
กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตน์ราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์
or, for those whose Thai alphabet is full of secrets...
"City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra's behest."
After a short first night, I set off to explore Bangkok, and I am amazed.
credit: GlobalGaz.com
Amazed by the cleanliness of this city of 11 million inhabitants that would make Montreal blush with shame. It must be said that the ban on smoking in public helps with the cleanliness and health of its inhabitants;
Amazed by the importance that the population gives to greenery. Every little alley, every little corner is populated with a plant, a shrub or even a tree.
Amazed by the beauty of its temples and its royal palace;
But above all, amazed by the unrestrained, unsuspecting smile of its inhabitants.
This first day injects adrenaline into my veins. I walk 10 km and taste several culinary specialties. I stroll down Khao San Street, well known to young travelers from all over the world and... I take two naps.
True to my habit, I chose the historic center, Rattanakosin, to settle down. I can thus visit all the places of interest on foot while avoiding taxis that have "tourist" prices.
Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
In the days that follow, my eyes delight in looking at the beauty that surrounds me. My favorite? The Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan temple, built in 1846 by King Rama III for his granddaughter.
When I enter, I feel like a deep vibration resonates in my body and brings me inner peace. Buddhist temples exude a majesty and spirituality that goes beyond beliefs, touches the heart, and elevates the spirit.
credit: Touristbangkok.com
The Grand Palace
Finally, before my departure to Chiang Mai, I visit the Grand Palace. It is a magnificent place which, moreover, houses the most venerated statue in Thailand.
The Emerald Buddha (actually jasper) measures only 76 centimeters. It changes clothes according to the seasons and only the king is allowed to dress it.
Photos are forbidden in this holy place but fortunately, the Internet is there to satisfy your curiosity.
credit: Internet
The palace is magnificent. However, the horde of tourists surrounding me, which grows by the minute, prevents me from appreciating it at its true value. After half an hour... I only think of leaving to find some peace and quiet. I still have time to take a few photos.
(click on the arrows to see all the photos)
Here, like everywhere in Bangkok, everything is clean... Clearly the risk of having your head cut off, in case of delinquency, has something to do with it.
The best Pad Thai
Did you know that Bangkok is where you can taste the first, the only, the ultimate Pad Thai in Thailand, or rather, in the world.
Thipsamai was recommended to me by my host. This very simple restaurant is known for serving the BEST Pad Thai and... I agree.
A delicious meal consisting of Pad Thai, bean sprouts, a banana flower bud and an iced chai tea.
Last evening
For my last evening in Bangkok, I settle down on the banks of the Chayo Phraya River and let the mildness of the evening close this visit to this high place of culture and history.
It is with a full heart, mind and... belly that I leave Bangkok. We will see each other again in Chiang Mai...
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