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.
Lamphun Temple Tour
Lamphun is located about 20km south of Chiangmai.
Wat San Pa Yang Luang is one of the 5 most beautiful temples in Thailand. The temple, also the first Buddhist temple of Lanna Kingdom, was established in the year 531.
The giant gold rock is Phra That In Kwaen, a historic site in Lamphun. It shares the same name as the one in Myanmar and resembles the appearance also. If you’re trying to go there, do NOT follow Google Maps — follow the local signage instead.
Sunday Market
So, marijuana is now “legal” in Thailand, but the government didn’t really establish any regulations on it. So throughout the country, including in Chiangmai, dispensaries are popping up, and paraphernalia (lower right pic) are being sold in public — which wasn’t the case in the past. It’s a whole new world in the land of smiles.
Recent NFT Article
I wrote this article for CBR Media about their upcoming The Dark Horse NFT collection — a way to sponsor and support motorsport drivers. Click on the picture below to read it!
Not A Lot Going On These Days
I had a pretty major personal thing happen recently, so things right now are not super exciting. Gym, work, reading, movies, taking some time to myself to relax and figure out what’s best. Will work on getting more photos posted soon!
Buddy Came to Visit
Had a classmate from Tsinghua come visit me from Japan and took him to dinner along the river.
Pai, Thailand
Took a weekend trip to Pai, a small town in northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, about 146 km northwest of Chiang Mai. Picture on top right was the massive rainstorm that hit Chiang Mai the day before we left.
It was cool, lots of hippies, “organic” food, and people wearing elephant pants and flip flops. It was fun to go with my friends, but definitely a “one and done” travel destination.
Bottom left picture is a reflection in the pool outside the hotel room.
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.