Thailand for outdoor adventurers (part 1)

For a long time now Thailand is one of my most beloved travel destinations. The first time I’ve visited the nation was in 1996. That time I still was a young man eager to explore the different continents and a budget airline ticket to Bangkok in my pocket. It was my plan to stay in the kingdom for just a few days before travelling down to Australia’s outback.

Well, that plan changed drastically as I decided to stay in Thailand much longer and finally left the country after eight wonderful months. I returned back in the Netherlands flat broke but so much more experienced full of exciting travel stories, which my mates had to listen to over and over. 

I went back a couple of times mostly to bustling Bangkok and the majestic Samui Island. I was pleased to be back in the kingdom but also feeling a little gloomy due to the many changes. However, last year in December I still decided to choose Thailand as my outdoor adventures holiday destination. 

Arriving at Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi airport was a different experience. I pre-booked my hotel room via the internet already in September so I’ve avoided dragging my heavy backpack throughout the Thai capital’s suffocating cocktail of unbearable heat, exhaust fumes, while heading for a comfortable bed. I had to meet another group of travellers as well which was also great, alone eating fried rice trying to find a fellow free-spirited globetrotter to strike an interesting conversation with can be extremely difficult.

The group contained 10 enthusiastic persons, a blend of three Aussies, two Canadians, two Europeans, one South African, one American and a New Zealander. We all gathered for lunch and right after having washed away my first Thai Singa beer I was convinced that this was going to be a cool trip.

To me the booming city of Bangkok means excellent shopping and sampling tasty food and the most ideal spot offering both is the huge Chatuchak or JJ weekend market. I arrived at this lively market with my stomach empty and a full wallet but a few hours later it was the other way around! Chatuchak market is enormous, featuring about 35 acres of stalls well-stocked with inexpensive products and selling everything from fake sports designer gear to antiques and furniture. The served street food here is deliciously hot.

JJ market in Bangkok sells a wide range of goods.

Next destination was Chiang Mai in the northern part of Thailand, which we travelled to by taking the overnight train. I really liked this rather long trip by rail, moving while sleeping was simply efficient and the coaches are neat, practical, safe and quite comfy.

Chiang Mai provided the perfect getaway from hectic Bangkok. It’s a laid-back, colourful, friendly and historic city, all of this reflected by the helpful locals. A sightseeing trip took us to the breathtakingly-beautiful Wat Pratat Doi Suthep mountain temple. Next on our travel program was a jungle trek, not that far away from the city. Before setting off, I enjoyed a much appreciated foot massage in one of Chiang Mai’s many massage shops.

Stay tuned for part 2 !