So, you want to go to Thailand…
Well, if you don’t you should. In honor of White Lotus, and my mom’s “Trip of a Lifetime,” I'm launching a multi-part series about traveling to the Land of Smiles. With audio read by the author.
Nobody really honks in Bangkok. The traffic is insane, it makes New York City seem like the burbs, but despite scooters and tuk-tuks weaving in and out of traffic, and up to an hour to go a half mile, it’s quiet.
I didn’t notice this until my third trip to Bangkok. (Actually, I didn’t notice it at all, my mom noticed it. We were there for her “trip of a lifetime” adventure. She’d always wanted to see Thailand, I’d been there twice, and was happy to tag along and play tour guide.)
“I call it quiet chaos!” she proclaimed via Facetime to her best friend from our hotel room a couple days into our trip.
It annoyed me, her proclaiming such things. It annoyed me that she noticed this before I did, to be honest. I thought there was one person in the world that I definitely knew more about Bangkok than, and that was my mother. My first instinct was to petulantly disbelieve her. I didn’t say I didn’t believe her, (trying not to stir up fights on vacation, you know,) but the next time we were in traffic I listened, ready to contradict.
Not a beep.
Once I got over my irritation that my mother was right, (four words that are every daughter’s nightmare,) I felt what I have felt every time I’ve crossed the world to visit: “Another reason to fall madly in love with Bangkok.”
I am not only in love with Bangkok, I’m in love with Thailand. It’s got the best food in the world. Period. Italian food in Italy is like thirty percent better than good Italian food in the US. Thai food in Thailand is revelatory. The complexity of the flavors, the fresh ingredients, the care and tradition that you can taste in every bite…it’s just not the same as even the best Thai restaurants here.
For people intimidated by traveling so far, to a place so culturally different, Thailand is a gateway. Obviously, the tourism trade is massive, making things very easy for even older travelers like my mom. Beyond the business of it, though, Thai people are the most gracious hosts I have encountered. As a white American who can only say Hello and Thank You in Thai, I am not under any illusion that I can pass for anything other than a bumbling tourist in Thailand. But the Thai people, most of whom speak at least a bit if not perfect English, are patient and lighthearted. And my best guess is this is why they don’t honk. I’d chalk it up to Buddhism, but people honk like crazy in Hanoi, and Vietnam is just as Buddhist as Thailand.
If you have never been, and are curious about traveling in Asia, Thailand will build your confidence. There is something for everyone: rich historical sites, gorgeous landscapes, nightlife, and, of course, the food. But many places in Asia have all that. The gift of Thailand is the people, who make you feel truly welcome. They will laugh with you at your mistakes and take genuine joy showing you their country and culture.
The world is big and beautiful. The more I see the more I want to see. I’d love to share that with you. If my 73-year-old mom can make it around Thailand, so can you.
Here’s what I’m going to cover in this series:
What to do in Chiang Mai: Seriously. We slam dunked this itinerary, and you might as well do what we did.
How to Fly Across the World When You Aren’t Rich: My tips and tricks for doing a long-haul flight in steerage.
Have your White Lotus Moment: Should you go to Phuket? Koh Samui? Floating bungalow in Kao Sok? I’ve done them all…I feel like this should be a personality quiz and, oooh, maybe it will be...
Bangkok – The Love of My Life, Form of a City: While there may be some itinerary musts here, I’ll go more into how to even begin to dip your toe into the vastness of Bangkok. A suggested philosophy, more than a suggested itinerary.
I’m also going to share a bunch of recipes for ridiculously delicious Thai Food. Will it be as good as the real thing? Actually, almost. (I know! You’re going to love it!)
Each of these Thai related missives will fly into your inbox just as soon as I finish them, so please subscribe!