We just got back from an AMAZING trip to Thailand. Before we left, our friends favorite question seemed to be ‘why Thailand?’. Once we got back, it turned to ‘what was your favorite thing?’

Across Thailand, the answer is clear: above all else, the people. The Thai people are the most kind, inviting, and generous people you want to know. We never met anyone we didn’t love (other than the occasion rude tourist from some other country).

Of course, I loved the food, all of it. And the people serving it. The floating markets were amazing, and I must admit definitely one of my favorite activities in Bangkok. We went to a number of them, and while they were all different, we enjoyed them all. We enjoyed them from walking along the boardwalk, and from a long boat floating past vendors from the water, which was definitely great fun. The raw ingredients were all so carefully and beautifully laid out, and the prepared food all so fresh and made with love.

Even the railroad market was fascinating. Here is a market that has been around since before the railroad was built in 1905 and the people refused to move the market. So, their goods are set up along the tracks and have to be moved, along with their awnings back out of the way 6 times a day when the train goes through. It’s become a touristy market to visit, but is still used by the locals who go to the market to buy goods. It is definitely something to see as the train slowly passes, if only momentarily and everyone gawks at the wonder of the whole thing.

While tuk tuks are touristy thing to do, and they work well for getting short distances as they are able to bypass the taxi’s, buses, and cars on the roads, weaving between traffic with the many scooters (a true Thai form of transportation), they can be more expensive. Boat travel is an important method of transportation, both for locals and tourists alike. If one works in the bustling parts of Bangkok, a public boat (of which there are many) can get you ‘across town’ fairly quickly, for very affordable rates.

We really enjoyed the klong, or canal, tours in the long boats where we were able to see more of the ‘backroads’ of Bangkok.

Finally, we were extremely fortunate to have great guides like, Yui, who showed us the way and educated us as we went. We enjoyed Bangkok and it was a great introduction to a long trip full of wonderful experiences and tastes.

See more Thailand exploits here… https://kritterspix.com/2023/12/06/chang-mai/