2026! Sawasdi, Thailand

A whirlwind of colors, glitter, and fantasy!

The time between the years.

From Laos to Thailand - we are still filled with impressions from the past days and curious about what’s to come. We start in Chiang Rai. On our big journey from 1992-1994, we didn't visit this place, so we were very excited to see it and Thailand in general, a country that we approach with mixed feelings. We weren't too fond of Thailand back then. Drugs, prostitution, “full moon parties,” monkey business, none of that appealed to us at the time and made it hard to feel completely at ease.

Now, change offers a chance. Chiang Rai, first 2 days on the outskirts, then 3 days right in the center. 20 km outside, in a beautiful little bungalow resort, booked by accident, a stroke of luck - time to unwind and settle in. Then Chiang Rai: wide, good roads, big, fast cars, mostly European standards, everything works well. A contrast to Laos.

We take our time; there are 3 extraordinary temples nearby. The Red Temple with Guanyin, its goddess of mercy. The White Temple of Wisdom, whose brilliance “blinds above the earth and the universe.” The Blue Temple “dancing tiger,” draped in shimmering shades of blue from floor to ceiling.

All built in the recent past, artistic realization, each temple a spectacle of color, size, glitter, fantasy, humor, horror, and curiosity.

December 31, 2025, we celebrate the last evening of the year at the golden bell tower. We spent the previous two evenings sitting long and extensively with fellow travelers, so we are tired and head to our room early. Midnight, a brief look at an even shorter firework display - a quiet arrival in the new year!
Christmas and New Year's are behind us now, and I am relieved that the days of anticipation are over!

We have arrived, stepping into the new phase of our journey; on January 2, we head to Bangkok.