With the cold weather setting in Korea and my one year contract slowly winding down, I often catch myself daydreaming of the travels ahead. One of the countries that I am most excited about visiting is Thailand. Temples, spicy pad thais, and friendly sawadees. Thailand’s been a long time coming. I planned on heading there back in 2010 after my short stint in India, but alas the political protest taking place in Bangkok called for a change in plans. Not this time around. 2013 is going to be the year! Here are just a few of the little things that are pulling me to this country:
Loi Krathong – The Floating Lantern Festival
I was probably reading the National Geographic the first time I came across photographs of what I think is one of the most beautiful festivals in the world. During Loi Krathong thousands of rice paper lanterns are released in unison to light the evening sky with the idea that your misfortunes will fly away with them. Chiang Mai hosts the most elaborate celebrations of them all and it is my mission to be there in time for the event.
Street Food
Mmm, pad thai. My meal of choice! Thailand is going to be a culinary delight. I am looking forward to sampling Thai street food in the form of old favourites like green curries, papaya salads, fresh mangoes, and perhaps even braving my appetite for grilled critters and the infamous durian – the stinkiest fruit of them all.
Live in the jungle
Even better – feel like I’m living in the jungle with all the comforts of a modern apartment. And let’s throw a beach outside my door for good measure. You could say I am in search of my very own tropical paradise, and I hear Thailand is just the place to find it. I’ve already been flipping through Wimdu apartment rentals, and there are plenty of beach shacks vying for my attention.
Wat Rong Khun – The White Temple
The first time I saw pictures of this place, I couldn’t believe it was real. If the fairy tale of Snow White were set in Thailand, or more specifically Chiang Rai, I think Wat Rong Khun would be her home. The carvings are so intricate in photos, I can’t imagine what it will be like to see it up close. And this is just one of the hundreds of temples I’m wanting to see.
Full Moon Party
Neon body paint, fire spinners, drinks in beach buckets. The Full Moon Party is where it’s at! Kho Pha Ngan and I have a long overdue date which can best be described as lunar madness! Yes to glow sticks, no to fire jump rope – that just never ends well.
Sure, these may be the same reasons that draw people to Thailand time and time a gain, but I am looking forward to making these experiences my own regardless of how many times other people have ‘been there and done that.
Thailand, I’ll be seeing you in a few more months!
If you are based in Thailand or familiar with the country, what do you recommend as your favourite spots?
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