THAILAND
Country Overview:
"Thailand, a captivating blend of vibrant cities, tranquil villages, pristine beaches, and idyllic islands, holds a special place in my heart."
Every time I return to Thailand, I'm reminded of its irresistible allure. The warmth of the Thai people, the seamless blend of modern amenities and ancient traditions, and the sheer diversity of experiences on offer make it a truly remarkable destination. From the bustling energy of Bangkok to the serene beauty of Chiang Mai, and the sun-kissed shores of Phuket to the tranquil islands of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand has something to captivate every traveler. And let's not forget the food – a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. Despite the challenges it has faced, Thailand remains a must-visit country, beckoning me back time and time again.
*Currently living in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai / Bangkok / Ayutthaya / Pattaya / Chiang Rai / Krabi / Phuket / Koh Tao
I quarantined in Bangkok in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read more about that experience here.
Songkran Day 3
Decided to check out a big bar area for Songkran, saw tons of people and the sprinkler systems, and immediately left. Too old for those kinds of shenanigans.
Day 1 of Songkran 2022
Songkran is the Thai New Year's national holiday. Songkran is on April 13th every year, but the holiday period extends until the 15th. Celebrations are famous for the public water fights framed as ritual cleansing and though the government “banned” water again this year, people still were out in the streets with squirt guns and buckets of water.
That Chiangmai Life
Some food pics from a restaurant called “The Riverside” and a random temple I stopped by on my way to an ATM.
Cables, Cables Everywhere
Unlike Beijing, Thailand, or at least Chiangmai, has yet to bury all of the electrical cables underground. At some point, you just start not to notice them and accept the fact that all your photos will have them.
Crypto Street Art
Unsure what’s behind the door, but was surprised to see random art of several prominent cryptocurrencies.
Moved Into New Condo
Got tired of my old condo so I moved into a new one. 2 stories, located downtown, and a great view. I'm still sorting everything out — organizing, buying dish soap, etc — but I’ll post pics once everything is in order. Also bought a new TV and sofa, so I think I’ll be in Chiangmai for a while longer
Wat Huay Pla Kang — Chiang Rai
Wat Huay Pla Kang sits on a mountain top surrounded by an array of green hills in the heart of Chiang Rai. Wat Huay Pla Kang is known for its unique architecture, built in Chinese-Lanna style with white walls.
The giant figure is Guan Yin, the Buddhist ‘Goddess of Mercy.’ A flight of stairs lined with Chinese dragons leads to the image. Seated on a pedestal of Lotus flower petals, the Guan Yin statue rises 90 meters into the air.
Wat Rong Khun — “The White Temple” of Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun, perhaps better known to foreigners as the White Temple, is a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. It is owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed, constructed, and opened it to visitors in 1997.
When completed, the white temple compound will have nine buildings, including the existing ubosot, a hall of relics, a meditation hall, an art gallery, and living quarters for monks.
The principal building, the ubosot, is an all-white building with fragments of mirrored glass embedded in the building's exterior. The ubosot embodies design elements from classic Thai architecture such as the three-tiered roof and abundant use of Naga serpents.
Fun fact: It’s not really just a “wat” (temple), despite the monks; it’s more of a wildly expensive and expansive art exhibition.
The circular gold image is a giant wishing well, and I’m standing on “Scorpio” written in Thai. Each of the 12 zodiac symbols has a section around the well and I guess it’s even better luck to toss it in when standing on your zodiac sign.
On The Way to Chiang Rai
Rained for 3 days in Chiang Mai, so decided to come to Chiang Rai for a week. It’s about a 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai and has lots of cool sites along the way. Stopped at this ancient temple as well as a temple with a giant gold dude above it. No idea who it is, but interesting since it’s in the middle of no where.
Back in Chiangmai
After nearly a month away (2 weeks Phuket & 2 weeks Bangkok), I’m back in Chiangmai. Nice to be back at my condo and an actual desk to work at, although I’m looking to move places somewhere closer to the city center.
Korea Town - Bangkok
Korea Town wasn’t as cool as Chinatown, but it was worth checking out. It is located in some open-air mini shopping center, and full of Korean BBQ and Korean fried chicken restaurants.