- Bangkok -

With a one-hour delay, our plane arrived at Don Mueang airport. The airport is small and manageable, but a bit outdated. After picking up our luggage, we took a GRAB taxi to our hostel. The Bed and Bike Hostel is relatively new and decorated in a modern 'industrial style'.

The next day, our travel group grew. We went to the airport to pick up our parents, whose plane had landed on time in Bangkok. Andreas' uncle and his Thai wife also joined us at the hotel. The eight of us ended the evening with a good meal.

The following day, we visited the Grand Palace, the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and Chinatown. The Grand Palace was crowded, so we split into smaller groups. Although we were impressed by the artwork, we were glad to leave the crowd after about two hours. The atmosphere at Wat Pho was much more relaxed and harmonious.

We took a tuk-tuk to Chinatown, where we ate traditional Chinese soups with meat and fish balls from a street stand. They tasted delicious but were sometimes extremely spicy. In the narrow streets of the Chinese quarter, you can buy all kinds of things: fake watches, jewelry and clothes, toys, vegetables and fruits, grilled insects, or dried fish.

After dinner at a local market hall - the meal cost around 15 francs for eight people - we took a taxi to the famous Khaosan Road. It is known for its lively nightlife and as a meeting point for backpackers from all over the world. One bar is next to another, and street vendors offer their food in between. Brave visitors can try traditional Pad Thai as well as grilled beetles, scorpions, and spiders. We were amazed at how many visitors dared to try these creatures.

In a side street of Khaosan Road, there are numerous restaurants that serve delicious food. There is definitely no shortage of massage parlors either. We treated ourselves to a relaxing foot massage and ended the evening with a beer.

The next day, we already left the bustling capital and headed to Koh Chang Island in the southeast of Thailand.