For our last stop on our journey, we decided to visit the well-traveled country of Thailand. In Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, we met up with Matthias' brother Stefan, who joined us for the last 3 weeks of our adventure.
Since it is recommended to rent a scooter in northern Thailand and explore the surrounding hilly landscape with its villages, waterfalls, and temples, we took advantage of the first day after our arrival to visit one of the largest temple complexes in the area.
Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, Thailand
The next day, after much deliberation, we decided to take the infamous 762 curves to Pai by scooter. We had to search half the town for three suitable vehicles for the trip ('sorry, high season!'), but in the end, we found three decent ones.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
We drove the winding roads until nightfall, but we didn't miss out on some fun along the way.
When we finally arrived in Pai, we were informed at the accommodation, with broken English, that it was overbooked. So we had to settle for a two-bed room with an extra mattress in the anteroom. Well, at least it was cheaper! :-)
After a not so restful night, we explored the surroundings of Pai the next day and were guided through one of the largest caves in Thailand with a lamp.
Before heading back to Chiang Mai, we cruised to a viewpoint,...
Pai, Thailand
...a 'landsplit', a giant crack that stretches several meters and was caused by earthquakes,...
Pai, Thailand ...and lastly, to one of the many long bamboo bridges that stretch across the rice fields. Pai, Thailand Pai, Thailand Pai, Thailand Back in Chiang Mai, we took a break with a Thai massage,... Chiang Mai, Thailand ...and then immersed ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the famous Lantern Festival, Loi Krathong, where devout Buddhists float rafts with lanterns and offerings down the river and release small hot air balloons as a sign of gratitude. Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, ThailandChiang Mai, Thailand The next day, we continued our journey to Bangkok by night bus, where, at the request of Matthias and Stefan, we spent the afternoon watching Thai boxing.... Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand ...before immersing ourselves, as expected, in the hustle and bustle of the famous Khaosan Road. :-) The next day, we admired the Grand Palace and learned about the history and culture of Thailand. Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok, ThailandBangkok, Thailand We ended the evening in a cliché manner at one of the numerous rooftop bars with a cocktail, overlooking the Bangkok skyline. Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand The next day, we strolled through the city a bit,...Bangkok, ThailandBangkok, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand We then took an overnight train to the south to the Khao Sok National Park.Once there, we explored the surroundings a bit and organized a two-day tour deeper into the park. Khao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, Thailand We took a traditional longboat across an artificial lake into the heart of the national park, where we set up our camp on a small floating resort for the night. Khao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, Thailand Before that, a jungle walk to a cave was planned, which our enthusiastic guide 'Kiki' announced to us as follows: Khao Sok, Thailand 'You will get wet 100%. But no wet, no fun!' Khao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, Thailand The next morning, we had an 'animal watching' tour and visited a cave with many small creatures. Khao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, ThailandKhao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, Thailand Khao Sok, Thailand After these adventures, we decided to spend the last days of our stay in Thailand at the beach.Our first destination for this plan was Ao Nang, a typical holiday destination in Thailand with its many bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, reminiscent of Lignano. But it was still bearable. :D Ao Nang, ThailandAo Nang, Thailand After that, we headed to the island of Ko Phi Phi, where we immersed ourselves in the 'gap year mania' for two days with a snorkeling trip to the famous 'Maya Beach' from the movie 'The Beach,' beautiful beaches, and beach parties. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand Ko Phi Phi, ThailandKo Phi Phi, ThailandKo Phi Phi, ThailandKo Phi Phi, Thailand Ko Phi Phi, Thailand Ko Phi Phi, Thailand Ko Phi Phi, Thailand Ko Phi Phi, Thailand Ko Phi Phi, Thailand We spent the last two days with Stefan on the largest island in Thailand, Phuket. We first explored Phuket Town and wandered through the old town with its many small boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and bars until Stefan got a nice sunburn at the beach of Nai Yang Beach ;-) Nai Yang Beach, ThailandNai Yang Beach, Thailand For the last week, we went to the small island of Ko Phayam, where we relaxed in a resort and had time to look back on the whole trip.
'And one day you realize that you don't need 99% of it. You take all the baggage and throw it away, because it's better to travel light.'
We are grateful for the opportunity to undertake this journey together, and we can recommend to everyone to let go of their "baggage" and discover the world. Yes, it takes courage, but we were rewarded with exciting encounters, interesting conversations, heated discussions, unforgettable impressions, and new friends. We have learned a lot, not only from others but also about ourselves. Some opinions have solidified while others have been discarded. We will never forget this time in our lives and will often look back on it.
Now we are already looking forward to embracing our family and friends again. We are excited about the challenges to come (job and apartment search...) and the time in this new phase of life.
