Is it possible for my favorite trip to be sixteen hours away? Yes, it is. Where the street night markets are buzzing, beautiful temples, and gigantic elephants. I am talking about none other than the incredible Thailand.
My trip was filled with unexpected adventures, eye-opening experiences, and peaceful beaches. When navigating a trip, I go with the flow and dig deep into the culture to make my vacation worthwhile.
BANGKOK
Bangkok is the biggest city in Thailand and is home to the bustling night markets. My friends and I got an Airbnb in a residential neighborhood. I thought it would be awkward in a non-tourist section, but it was very eye-opening. We were welcomed with open arms, and I found out that my Airbnb owner, who lives in Thailand, is actually an
alumnus of my college, Rutgers. We tried Thailand’s snacks and drinks. Also, I almost got scammed at a temple, but it was worth it because it was breathtaking.
Our driver said we had to see the floating rivers, so we booked him again so he could show us. It was terrifying at first because I couldn’t stop thinking of all the creatures below us but it turned out to be an amazing ride.
We were in a skinny boat and stopped at multiple shops on the river, where I spent more baht (Thailand currency) than I should have.
PHUKET
Phuket is the place to go to if you want to see beautiful beaches. They have amazing tours of the islands nearby, where we got to shop and see monkeys. Also, on the tour, we got to ride the long tail boats with the flowers on them, and it felt like I was transported onto a Pinterest board. We were taking in Phuket’s beauty so much that we almost missed
our boat back, but honestly, I wouldn’t be mad if I got left in this paradise. That night,
watched the sunset, put on our bed clothes, closed our eyes, and then boom, we were in party outfits in an Uber to downtown. Maybe it wasn’t the safest idea for me and my friend to randomly leave our resort at 12 am to see the nightlife, but it was thrilling. We met tons of foreigners that were not American or from Thailand. It was an impulsive success.
CHIANG MAI
Thailand is known for its elephants, and Chiang Mai is the perfect place. My friend and I booked our $60 flight and got on our way. We were the only few who spoke English but that gave me practice to work on my Thai skills. Chiang Mai doesn’t see foreigners as often, especially from the States. There were some curious stares, but I wasn’t bothered at all because I stood out like a sore thumb with my brown skin and braided hair. I even had a family ask to take a picture of me and my friend. We finally made it to our resort, where we were in a cabin and could feed the
elephants. We followed a man who carried our luggage to our cabin in the forest, and we even hopped on the back of a motorbike until we reached the hill where our cabin was at the bottom of.
It is dark and rainy, and we are following a really nice man whom we can’t communicate with because of a language barrier down a steep, slippery hill. We survived, and the place was really jaw-dropping. There were stray dogs that would sit with us during the night.
In the morning, we woke up to a traditional Thai breakfast and more stray dogs that just wanted to chill with us. Then it happened: the elephants came to our cabin. It was an extraordinary experience to be that close and feed them sugar cane out of a bucket.
Thailand was a trip I will never forget; even my grandkids will know this story.
Carmen Watts 