Bangkok : Reunions and First Impressions of Thailand
As soon as I arrive in Bangkok, I head straight to my hostel, the Wild One, a beautiful yet somewhat remote establishment. Shortly after my arrival, I discover on Instagram that two Irish friends I met in Australia, Siobhan and Triona, are also in Bangkok. We decide to meet that evening for a drink.
We arrange to meet on Khao San Road, a vibrant pedestrian street and a true party hub where bars and music line up non-stop. The night is unforgettable, but the next day, they leave for Phuket while I choose to explore the north of the country, drawn by its impressive temples.
The following evening, I take an overnight bus to Chiang Rai. Buses in Thailand are remarkably comfortable, far above the European average, with wide seats and excellent service—all at an unbeatable price.
Chiang Rai: Temples and First Discoveries of the North
I arrive early in the morning in Chiang Rai, and since check-in at my hostel isn’t until 2 PM, I decide to head straight to the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) by taking a Grab scooter. At this moment, I really appreciate having sent a package back to my parents in France from Bangkok to lighten my backpack and keep only the bare essentials. Traveling ultra-light is an undeniable comfort.
The White Temple is a modern masterpiece, designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997. Unlike traditional golden temples, this one features an entirely white façade adorned with mirror fragments that shimmer in the sunlight. Its unique architecture blends Buddhist symbolism with contemporary elements, creating an almost surreal setting.
After this fascinating visit, I spend the rest of the day wandering around the city and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of my hostel. The next day, I continue my discoveries with a visit to the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), just as stunning, and the gigantic Lady Buddha statue, which towers over the city.
In the evening, I take a bus to Chiang Mai, ready to explore this city that everyone praises for its beauty.
Chiang Mai: Between Modernity and Tradition
I arrive in Chiang Mai at night and take a Grab to my hostel, @Home Hostel. My driver takes the opportunity to share plenty of tips and recommendations for must-see spots in the region. From the very first moments, the city captivates me: illuminated and lively, it exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The hostel is an excellent surprise. For just €3 a night, I discover a spacious, clean, and modern establishment—probably one of the best value-for-money accommodations I’ve had during my travels. After settling in, I head out for dinner at a street food market recommended by the hostel staff. The atmosphere is vibrant, with endless rows of food stalls. I quickly realize that I’m going to eat very well here.
Meeting the Elephants… and Tourist Traps
The next day, I decide to visit an elephant sanctuary. On the way, my Grab driver offers me a private tour after my visit, including a stop at a tiger park and the long-neck women’s village. Initially hesitant, I recall a similar experience in Hawaii in 2018 that I absolutely loved. The price seems reasonable, so I accept.
At the sanctuary, I meet Dan, an American traveling solo, and we spend the morning together. We feed the elephants and learn more about their history in Thailand. It’s a wonderful experience, though I remain cautious about the authenticity of these sanctuaries.
The rest of the day turns out to be more disappointing. Upon arriving at the tiger park, I realize that the entrance fee is not included in the price my driver had quoted, despite what he had led me to believe. Reluctantly, I pay the fee. Inside, visitors can get close to the tigers and even pet them. Signs claim that the animals are well-treated, and they don’t seem visibly unhappy, but a part of me remains skeptical.
Next, we head to the long-neck women’s village. Before visiting, I had imagined myself as a National Geographic reporter, ready to discover a fascinating culture and capture incredible, unique moments with my camera.
The long-neck women belong to the Karen Padaung ethnic group, originally from Myanmar. Due to conflicts in their home country, some have fled to Thailand, where they now live in villages specifically set up for tourists. Their distinctive feature? They wear brass rings around their necks from childhood, creating the illusion of an elongated neck (in reality, the weight of the rings pushes down their collarbones).
But as soon as I arrive, my enthusiasm fades: there’s an entrance fee to access the village. This detail immediately shatters my illusion of authenticity. I then learn that this village is merely a reconstruction and that the women don’t actually live there. They simply run souvenir stalls and pose for photos with tourists. I still manage to take a few beautiful pictures, but the experience leaves a bitter taste. Rather than a cultural immersion, I have the unpleasant feeling of witnessing a staged tourist attraction.
To end the day, my driver drops me off in front of a stunning temple in Chiang Mai. This final visit somewhat soothes my disappointment.
Last Days in Chiang Mai Before Heading South
The next day, I dedicate my time to exploring Chiang Mai, a city that blends modernity and tradition beautifully. The temples are stunning, the markets lively, and the street food absolutely delicious.
After spending a few days in the north, it’s time to hit the road again and head south. I board an overnight bus back to Bangkok, where I’ll reunite with another friend, Edouard, a French traveler I met in Australia.
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