Goodbye Asia.
Well, it’s our last day in Asia, we’re in Bangkok and it’s totally bonkers. Our four days here hasn’t done it any justice.I liked it but won’t be rushing back…too many people, and the city goes on for 100’s miles in any direction, sky scrapers everywhere as far as the eye can see, even as you get on the monorail skyline train, you can be on there for 20 minutes and there’s still skyscrapers fading into the horizon, there’s no way you can do it any justice, life’s too short to try…and there’s too much pollution.
It’s soooo busy that the roads and highways are 5 layers deep, just like in the 5th Element…and very smoggy. The scooter riders are crazy and the car drivers spend most of their day sat in traffic, we didn’t even attempt to get on a bus but we did try the MRT and BST. I didn’t like Chinatown, too many people pushing and shoving and too much dodgy food – fish, insects and dead animals.
Our hotel has been a sanctuary away from the madness, we’re in a very very posh hotel, so posh in fact that even the tooth picks are individually wrapped. Check out http://berkeleypratunam.com/ we’re on the 20th floor with stunning views.
Before arriving in Bangkok I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams – sleeping on a sleeper train overnight! I loved it. 13hrs from Chang Mai to Bangkok.
Both John and I really liked Thailand’s second city, Chang Mai, hippy vibe, travellers, yoga, veganism, musicians, artists and cheap. We’ll be back. I finally got a great Thai Massage (£5) and went to a fab yoga class (also £5).
We also loved the island Koh Lanta, similar in vibe as Chang Mai but smaller, hotter and with beaches galore. We had a fantastic six nights in a great bungalow/ hotel apart from my face got infected again and Arlo got bit on the bum from Seal Lice. We decided that the roads were quiet enough so we daringly hired scooters and the kids loved it, zipping about with the wind in their hair.
Highlights in Thailand were obviously the food, the natural hot springs, the elephants and the prices. Downsides were humidity, pollution and public/ confined space phlegming and spitting.
Our 7 weeks in Asia has been exciting and so much easier than I anticipated, the language and culture differences have been a an eye and mind opener and such a breeze…now for some westernisation in Australia.
8 COMMENTS
The phlegming and spitting conjures up some rather gross imagery. Were you frotted too?
You’ve definitely made me want to go back to Thailand and I’ve always wanted to do the elephant sanctuaries so that’s just been bumped up the list thanks to your experiences.
No frotting this time, I was on my ninja like guard for any potential frotters.
Wow – so many experiences- sounds like your all having an amazing time. Reading your blog has put my wanderlust into full throttle ! Enjoy Oz 😁
I know, I didn’t realised our trip is gonna cost other people a lot of money!
From your experiences…if you had to spend two weeks in Sri Lanka or Thailand…which would you choose. Oh yes do you get commission for everyone of your friends that booked a flight out of Chinley?
Arlo reckons Thailand because, whilst it’s still hot, it’s also cool, not as humid. He liked the roti in Sri Lanka though. Colette liked Sri Lanka for the people and the variation in landscapes but she liked Thailand for the shopping and food. Henna thought Thailand was just easier to do everything as it wasn’t so hot, though this could be more about us acclimatising by the time we got there. I just loved it all. If you are making a trip all that way, double the time and do both! If 2 weeks is your limit though, do Sri Lanka. It’s smaller, easier to get around and it’ll restore your faith in human nature.
Slip me a tenner and I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Sri Lanka just pips it for me…but it’s very humid and hot.
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