Bangkok - Big city, little time

I reached Bangkok in the midday heat, too late to catch the last ferry to my final destination - Koh Chang. My plan was to stay there for three weeks and work in a guesthouse. But before heading to my temporary home early the next morning, I had an afternoon in the big city.

Due to time constraints, I decided against a major sightseeing tour and just visited a temple with an attached school and a (very small) night market. I also took advantage of the shopping opportunities in the city to get some necessary things (like a phone charger) - because who knew how easy it would be to find such things on the island. I also bought the bus ticket for the next day from a very nice lady who suggested (after I asked three times where the bus would depart) that I simply come to her in the morning before departure and she would take me to the bus.

I also had some time in Bangkok to get the first impressions of Thai cuisine - and they were very good! In the evening, I tried my first spicy papaya salad and the next morning, I bought a salty rice porridge and fresh mango from street vendors near the bus station. Only Thai coffee is unfortunately not enjoyable! It is prepared more like tea and sits on the stove for hours, so it always tastes burned.

So fortified, I embarked on my journey to Lonely Beach on Koh Chang by bus, ferry, and 'taxi'* (*Taxis on Koh Chang are pick-up trucks with seats on the back). A few weeks earlier, I had decided to work in a hostel or similar accommodation in Thailand. I had contacted several accommodations through the website 'Workaway' and after receiving very few responses, I chose BB Lonely Beach. As my stay approached, I became more and more excited, but on the bus, I also started to have some doubts: Would the people be nice? Would I enjoy the work? What would the accommodation be like?

Temple near Ekkamai

Temple near Ekkamai

Street food and bar

Airplane in the garden of the Planetarium