Thailand: The Land of Smiles

When I think of Thailand, I reflect of the beautiful beaches, tasty foods, and kind smiling people. My trip to Thailand was a unique experience for me. I travel alone, meet local people, and attempt to experience the culture from all angles. Thailand is a country of many colors. For this reason, I will always have Thailand very close to my heart.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

As I said, I usually travel alone. I feel traveling alone can make a trip more adventurous as well as less-complicated. I do like having a companion along, but I feeling traveling solo can make provide greater opportunity to do what my heart desires which can be a simple as sleeping in, eating some bizarre local food, or exploring an exotic location.

Tuk Tuk Ride

My trip to Thailand included four major places. These included Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. I have a story to tell each place I visited and each one have memories I will never forget. I did a lot of flying during this trip. Most backpackers prefer trains or buses. I find it easier and sometimes with equivalent expenses to take an airplane. Some flights were as cheap at 40 USD!

I learned a lot in Thailand. I would see many poor people begging for money and I would usually give some to them. Being able to travel at such a young age has made me realize how blessed I am to have the time and money to travel. Giving a small amount of money might be a huge help to someone in need even though it’s pennies to me.

Bangkok

One night in Bangkok makes the tough guy tremble, right? Actually, Bangkok has become very modern and even safe with an array of things to do and see. It’s such a vibrant city filled with shopping malls, temples, and yes, traffic. I have never seen traffic like Bangkok but at the same time, it can be easy and cheap to get from place to place. A common form of transportation is the “tuk tuk” which is motorbike connected to a two-wheeled, open-aired carrier. It’s cheap, chaotic, and sometimes frightening to take one. You simply approached a driver, negotiate a price, and hold on for your life. Another thing I noticed about Bangkok upon arrival was the billboards. The billboards seemed to the size of football fields and advertised many large companies. They were enormous!

Busy Bangkok

Another thing about Bangkok is the heat. Like many cities, walking is necessary which means walking outside. After leaving the freezing cold temperatures of Korea, the heat in Bangkok was a blessing although my face never dried.

Bangkok is a city of many faces. It has its poorer areas but in the same vicinity, I would find nice, innovative buildings. The city has many skyscrapers and has also become a shopper’s paradise. I walked into malls full of luxury brands and I also explored areas of cheap, knockoff goods. I bought a pair of $5 sunglasses that are already in need or repair.

Wat Arun

Food, food, food! It’s everywhere in Bangkok! I was able to enjoy so many local flavors at a very cheap price. Thai food is some of the best in Asia and seems to be so fresh and flavorful! I already miss the tastes of lime and cilantro.

Karon Tribe

In Bangkok, I made a friend named Mikey. He has studied and lived in different English speaking countries and he became a great friend and travel guide for my stay in Bangkok. He showed me the numerous shopping districts, historical places, and art galleries. One of our favorite memories was taking a long-tail boat on the river in Bangkok. It was a great experience seeing the city from this angle as we saw the famous Wat Arun and Grand Palace. It’s quite touristy but also really enjoyable. Mikey and I also did other simple things such as drink coffee, sing karaoke, and see a movie. By the way, seeing a movie in a cinema with snacks is super inexpensive! If I lived there, it would be week experience. Mikey also took me to the well-known Chinatown. Here, we ate beef noodles, drank dragon fruit juice, and I tried durian fruit. Durian fruit is known for its smell. To me, it had a smell of onions and tasted awful. This is only my opinion as many locals love it.

Delicious Eats!

Meeting Mikey and experiencing Bangkok was an unforgettable experience! I am so thankful for my short trip there. Hopefully, in the future, I can have many more “One night in Bangkok” experiences.

Chiang Mai

Located in northern Thailand is the second largest city of Chiang Mai. It has become a favorite among tourists. I loved it for its simplicity. I stayed in a hotel inside the city with a perfect location to do many things. My first day in Chiang Mai was a lazy day for me, but I was still able to taste local food, Thai style.

In all Thai cities in towns, there are restaurants serving lower budget meals. Even though these places are economical in price, the quality and flavor is incredible. I ordered sufficient dishes to feed an army and would only spend a few dollars. In Chiang Mai, I was able to experience this time and time again. My mouth waters just at the thought of Thai food.

Elephant Ride

On my first full day, my friend from Hong Kong, Raphael, joined me. He flew in to spend time with me and to explore this city. We quickly started a routine of massages and eating. It was great. Massages in Thailand are the best because they are so cheap. We would get massages for a couple of hours and spend around 12 dollars. If we had a free hour, we were getting a massage. Our first night, we had two massages before and after we explored the night bazaar.

The next day, we got a taxi driver and paid around $30 (7 hours) for him to drive us in the region. This driver was a very pleasant guy who spoke English. He told us he has never left Chiang Mai and all he knows is his city. I guess a guide like that is best to have when getting to know a place. He took us to see a monkey show where I played with monkeys, I tiger home, where I played with tigers, a temple atop a mountain, a waterfall, and a traditional Thai show and dinner. It was a perfect day!

Tiger and I

My final full day in Chiang Mai was spent at an Elephant camp where we rode elephants, visited the longneck Karon tribe, rode bamboo rafts, ox carts, and saw an elephant show. Riding elephants was something I always wanted to do in Thailand. It was a little nerve-wracking at first riding that immense creature, but after time, we became friends and all was good.

That night, after eating our favorite restaurant “Lemon Tree”, we had another two hour massage and rested for the night. Chiang Mai was such a great experience and it is beyond hesitation one of my favorite places in Asia! It’s not as recognized as other cities, but it is worth a visit.

Phuket Island

A favorite of European tourists is the island of Phuket. It’s a large Island completed with natural beauty, beaches, resorts, and people. There is actually a lot to do and see in Phuket in addition to the beach. I stayed on Karon Beach on the southwest side of the island. It was not as busy as the Patong beach which was full of motorbikes, scooters, and pedestrians. Yes, it is an overcrowded holiday location. After coming from the tranquility of Chiang Mai, the bustling beaches of Phuket became a shock to me.

Phi Phi Islands

My time in Phuket was supposed to be a time of relaxation and more massages. It was to a point, but also I do not like sitting very long. Within my time in Phuket, I saw “James Bond Island” which is now famous from the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”. This tour included rafting in the ocean, visiting a floating Muslim village, and visiting a caved lying Buddha statue (of course some monkeys were included). It was all beautiful but at the same time, very touristy. I also met a woman named Bella who became my travel buddy. She is an actress living in New Orleans.

Also in Phuket, I did another elephant experience in the area of Kao Sok. It was a long drive north but we made stops along the way. We visited Kao Lak beach which is famous for getting battered by the Tsunami. Visiting there was a reminder of what happened and the lives lost in that tragedy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this elephant ride because it was so calm and I did the driving as I rode on the elephants head. Also, the rafting on the river was very calming and relaxing. I just lifted my feet and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. I could not complain about anything.

What I love about Phuket? I love the diversity of the food, the cheap massages, the lively atmosphere, and the beaches.

What I don’t love about Phuket? I disliked the traffic, the overcrowded places, the tourists, and the distance to the airport from the major beaches.

Overall, Phuket was an exciting and an amazing place. I might have other places in mind when visiting Thailand’s beaches, but I still love Phuket.

Muslim Fishing Village

Krabi

The shortest part of my trip in Thailand was spent near the coastal town of Krabi. Taking a three hour bus ride, I stayed on the beach town of Ao Nang. It was a lot quieter than Phuket and also a bit cheaper. Still, many tourists roamed the streets. The beach at Ao Nang was incredible and super beautiful. I am happy I got to see it for myself. I also noticed here the vast amount of Indian tailors on the street, “Hello, my friend. Suit for you? Good price!” They were very persistent. I eventually gave in and bought a nice fitted shirt even when I repeated said no and that I didn’t need one.

Kao Lak

During my stay in Krabi, I speed boated myself to the Phi Phi Islands. These islands are known as being some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Some of the most beautiful places I have ever been were at these islands. Yes, a bit overcrowded, but also very spectacular. Another movie was filmed in this location called “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. They day was filled with island hopping, beach relaxing, and working on my tan (my tan meaning my white skin that I tried to tan which never happened). The beauty around me was enough for marvelous images in my head.

I really do recommend Krabi as a destination to visit the attractions near Phuket without actually staying in Phuket. Even though it was short visit, it will definitely be a great memory to have. After Krabi, I needed make my way to Malaysia. That will be the start of my next story.

Traveling “Asia’s World City”- Hong Kong

A major holiday in Korea is the holiday of Chuseok. During this time, people spend time with family, have large meals, and remember their ancestors. For me, it was vacation time.

With my friend, Emma, a trip to the city of Hong Kong was a must. Hong Kong, a city of 7,000,000 people lies in the southeast portion of mainland China. It is such a special city with a unique mixture of Western and Chinese cultures. Traveling through the city, you make feel you are in London, New York, and then back in China. The skyline, towers, large crowds, and urban feeling would make one feel as in New York. The double-decker buses, high quality shops, and British influences would make one feel as in London while the colorful electric lights, busy streets, open Asian markets, stores filled with herbal medicines, and flavorful foods would remind one they are still in Asia.

Hong Kong from Victoria Peak

Busy streets of Hong Kong

I was filled with many surprises in Hong Kong. A word to describe Hong Kong would be “International”. It truly is an international city made of people from all over the world as well as shops and food for any taste bud. I became thrilled to buy IBC Root Beer as well as eating simple foods from home. Another surprise was these foods were actually cheaper than what I could buy them at in the USA. WIN WIN WIN!

Hong Kong has a relatively small land area but huge population making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. That’s why Hong Kong builds up having the most skyscrapers in the world! There is so much to do and see in this small but big city. Most of the territory of Hong Kong isn’t actually city at all but made up of islands, mountains, and parks. Emma and I got to experience and see the city outside the metropolis.

Emma and I going to see the Buddha

Located on the island of Lantau, Emma and I got to see the area from a different angle. Traveling by cable car, we rode up different points over sea and land to arrive at the base of what would be an amazing site. Here is the largest bronze seated Buddha in the world known as Tian Tan Buddha. Sitting on the top on the mountain it would be a highlight of this marvelous area. Here, the Buddhist culture is exemplified with a large temple, statues, and other areas of ritualistic purposes.

Sitting Buddha Statue

Going back to the city, the greatest view can be seen by a short trip up Victoria Peak. For about $1.30 US, you can take a tram up the mountain to the peak. The slope on this tram can be very steep. Unfortunately, Emma and I didn’t get a seat due to the large crowds on the tram. This caused for a fun adventure. The ride is only 10 minutes long and once at the top, an amazing up close view can be seen. It’s so iconic and very Hong Kong!

With “International” being the main word to describe the city, the phrase I would call Hong Kong is the “Shopping Paradise”. Being a major free economic zone with low or zero taxes, Hong Kong benefits from the large port making it a shopper’s haven. Malls and stores are everywhere! You can truly purchase anything you could want for a reasonable price. People from all over Asia come to Hong Kong for one purpose, and that being to shop. What did I buy? Some cologne and food from America. I was excited to bring home tortillas, chips, chocolate, and spices.

Temple street market

Another great surprise was the variety of old Chinese antiques available. For an easy purchase, I could have easily purchased a Chinese antique a thousand years old for a portion on what someone would buy in the United States. This is because it is illegal to transport items out of China that are a certain age. This law does not apply to Hong Kong.

Light Show

Hong Kong is also a city that looks amazing at night, too. Looking over Hong Kong Island, one may see a laser light show every night accompanied with music. This happens at 8:00 pm nightly and is such a beautiful site to see! Watching the show, I realized how wonderful this city truly is! Also at night is time for the Temple Street Market. This area is filled with fake and some useless goods. If you need a fake Rolex or fake Coach, this is the place to go! My time was spent going to a Thai fortune teller. I have never done anything like this before but it was a fun experience being told I will have good luck this year.

Hong Kong has many surprises! With the variety of food, the diversity of its people, and the beautiful of the city, no wonder this place is gem of Asia. I do hope I am able to explore this city more in the future!

A European Experience, Day 22-23

January 12, Sir, you seem lost- Almeria, Spain to London, England

I had a ten o’clock flight to London. Driving to the airport, I was filled with images of the beautiful Spanish landscape one more time. At the airport, I said goodbye to my friend Diego with many hugs and waves. The airport was miniature and nearly empty. However, the people in the airport were mainly white-haired British people.

Hyde Park

My flight was completely full with me being the youngest person there. Southern Spain is a perfect place for the rich to own second homes for the winter. I quickly discovered this while talking to the passengers next to me about their lives. It felt bizarre being in a place where the majority of people spoke English since it’s been six months.

A few hours of soaring, I arrived in the London Gatwick airport. Finally, I could comprehend everything and even understand the language! Many times I was surprised when I heard people speaking English. Eventually, I arrived at the passport control area. Looking at the signage of which lane to enter, a security lady (in her British accent) said, “Sir, are you alright? You seem lost.” I will never forget this blunt statement. I said I knew where I was going. I found the line, and so did a couple hundred of people.

Hyde Park

After taking the train to London, I navigated my way through the underground to my hostel located in the area of Paddington. Its quiet streets, white buildings, tall trees, and tranquil images made a perfect area to stay. My hostel, Equity Point, was very nice and had a kind informed staff.

I was in London and I needed to explore some! Near my hostel was Hyde Park. I actually spent a few hours here while enjoying the nice scenery and ponds. I was in a large city but at the same time in a very peaceful place.

Buckingham

Outside the park I walked to Buckingham Palace. Being at this royal residence, I actually did not feel overwhelmed or even impressed. I did like the Queen Victoria monument and this was especially beautiful at night.

Following some time, I met with my friend James near St. James Park. He was my tour guide for the weekend since he lives in London and knows the area well. I could tell he really loves London with his unmistakable enthusiasm.

We walked a lot that night as we explored the streets and saw many famous sites. James insisted we saw the Houses of Parliament at night time. Over a bridge, I saw the Houses of Parliament and the famous clock, Big Ben. It was very overwhelming at night with the lights shining against the building. The Eye of London Ferris Wheel was closed but was still a very beautiful spectacle. 

For dinner (or tea), we ate a British specialty, Mexican food. Okay, maybe it’s not British at all but it was worth the try. At the restaurant, we received free chips and salsa. This was a new and astonishing thing for James. I expect Chips and Salsa when I eat Mexican food, and complimentary. I will always remember James eating Mexican food and thinking the food was too spicy. For me, I needed more spice because I thought it was bland. I think I’m half Mexican anyways.

Westminster Underground

After our meal, we walked more areas including the over photographed Piccadilly Circus. I was very tired of walking, so I soon later went to my hostel to sleep for another day. This busy, expensive city was taking a lot out of me. However, I was falling in love with London as with many other cities I visited. London is huge with an interesting history. Its culture and people have helped shaped the modern world. I couldn’t wait to see more!

James and I

January 13, Museums, Museums, Museums – London, England

Great parts of London include its free museums. With time to spare, I visited many of these museums including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. I was on a “museum high” as you may call it. With a city full of culture, museums are a must visit. I quickly rushed through most of them as I didn’t want to waste time.

British Museum

One part I remember was seeing a large group of Korean tourists in the British Museum. I felt like we were friends and I even took a picture of them. They were very stereotypical with their fancy cameras and being in very large groups. I wanted to say, Annyeong-hayseo to all of them.

Korean Tourists

In my 11th grade history class, my teacher, Mrs. Priddy, told us she touched the Rosetta stone when she visited the British Museum. However, when I got there to see it, it was covered in glass. I’m sure they covered the famous stone after Mrs. Priddy touched it. Thanks Mrs. Priddy!

Rosetta Stone

Meeting in the afternoon with James, he had another itinerary for me. This included revisiting many of the same sites during the day as well as seeing the Tower Bridge and Tower of London. As the Houses of Parliament, James gave me a gift. It was Reeses and Reeses pieces. Not sold in Korea, these peanut butter and chocolate goodness were such a great gift to have!

Parlament

I was very tourist-like during this day with my map and camera out all time. I had to see the major sites which I was able to do with ease. James was such an excellent tour guide. I was pleased to have him around.

Seeing the newly painted Tower Bridge was also a fun spectacle. We stood on the line separating two parts of London. It wasn’t too thrilling for me, but James seemed to find it mesmerizing. We didn’t pay to visit the top of the bridge or enter the Tower of London. After, we went to a nice area to have a burger with English chips in a real British type pub.

Tower Bridge

Going back the hostel, all I really wanted to do was to take a quick nap before meeting up with James that night. However, I spent time on Facebook and online. I had two roommates in my room. We all didn’t know each other before coming, but the two other guys were randomly both from Melbourne, Australia. We decided to get a quick bite to eat and drink. It was nice time to get to know some strangers with different destinations and diverse pasts. These moments are very special.

I later met up with James and his friends. After hanging out for a short time, we ended at McDonalds. I couldn’t leave without eating McDonalds. It became my “stumble upon” place. Saying goodbye to James, I got onto the bus. They really are all double-decker buses. I had to sit on the top with open street views. It’s as fun as it looks.

Big Ben