Walks in the Kingdom of Siam (page 4 of 11)

It’s always been delicious. Often, it’s too spicy for the ladies and not particularly so for the men. Good to know that there’s no point asking for it non-spicy. Thais don’t really add chili to this dish. But the preparation includes ingredients from the start that make it heavy on the palate. Rich in flavor, absolutely.

Hello,

I’m jumping on the train and I’m thrilled to discover this new travel journal and these gorgeous photos! What a treat!! 😉

Thanks! Fabienne

Noey and our hostess were supposed to pick us up at 9 a.m. to take us to the bus station.

Around 7:30, someone knocks on the door while Joel is in the middle of his shower. And then, even if it's discreet, they keep at it. Joel finally asks Françoise what's going on, and then... no answer. All of this is pretty suspicious. When Joel comes out, finally dried off and somewhat dressed, three people step forward singing "Happy Birthday".

Yes, the little one had remembered that during our vacation, it's Jojo's birthday (one + X years). She proudly holds a beautiful cake... green inside, topped with a few lit candles. Goodness, they got up super early and came way ahead of time just to pull off this surprise!

But here's the best part—we hadn't even noticed the stand holding the cake. You see, Noey had always dreamed of being a photographer and always carries her little camera, which she's quite good with. So, after her long day, this young woman had rushed to a photographer the night before, picked out the four most beautiful photos she'd taken of us, and had them framed under glass in a lovely frame.

Now, this frame sits proudly in a room at our place, regularly reminding us of this beautiful encounter.

We'd barely settled into the bus when the man next to us offers us candy—no doubt about it, we're being spoiled.

When we arrive at the hotel, the receptionist is very surprised that we call her by her first name: the internet had given her a great reputation, which she won't disappoint. The quiet and serious girl is competent and understands what's asked of her. She'll loosen up over the next few days, though.

Given our arrival time, we're starving, so we choose not to waste time and have lunch at the hotel restaurant.

Waiting for us is a cohort of retired teachers organizing their annual meet-up. No time to catch our breath—we're swept up in a whirlwind of madness. These ladies are drawing lots for prizes while doing a mini karaoke, and we're served under a flurry of laughter.

The atmosphere ramps up even more when the ladies start dancing. Since they happily let themselves be filmed, there's no resisting the invitation to dance with them. The footage is hilarious, but it wouldn't be wise to share it: we can already laugh at ourselves without needing others to join in.

https://youtu.be/lymsvhDeOXc

Well, you really stumbled upon some gems during your trip. What a touching gesture! 🙂

I guarantee it, we were blown away! We who are rarely surprised—this time, it was total astonishment. Joel, still half-asleep in his bathrobe, was flabbergasted.

It was like they all agreed on it this year. It’s not always the case, but sometimes in life, you get what you deserve...

Just before the vibe really takes off

https://youtu.be/PiQ_W1NjsKI

Wowwwww... I just love this vibe! The laughter, the joy of living... everything we adore! In the walking streets or at some night markets, what a delight to join in the dances that spin gently, with people of all ages, dance groups with their instructor, and their amazing choreographies—all with, of course, the booming orchestra and the commentator who just won’t stop chattering! I loooooooooooooove it! And I’m never the last one to hit the dance floor! 😛

Can’t wait for late January!

I actually have a video of you dancing on Walking Street right here. I'll upload it later.

I actually have a video of you dancing on Walking Street right here. I’ll upload it later.

Can’t wait! !😏

Challenge accepted! 😜😜😜 You get to choose between Chiang Rai and Nong Khai! 😜😜😜

The Kingdom of Siam saw colonial houses built here and there, some of which have been preserved. The most beautiful ones served as residences for a prince or a local governor.

Even before visiting the first one, we’re stopped by a group of four businesswomen who decided to meet up in this city before letting loose in Bangkok. Of course, after a little casual chat, everyone starts taking photos of each other. If this keeps up, we’ll end up being photographed more than we photograph. The tables have turned!

But we always go along with it good-naturedly. We have them strike a star pose, and it’s clear they love it!



The visit goes well, barefoot on the wooden floors. The furniture and layout of the rooms have been kept as they were.























Among the many period photos, some are touching; the early 20th century feels so close and yet so distant already.

If this keeps up, we’ll end up being photographed more than we photograph. The sprinkler sprinkled.

But of course, we always go along with it good-naturedly.

Go along good-naturedly. I’m sure you’re the same before your humble subjects in photos on social media.

This travel journal lacks pep, humor, and honesty. Sorry. Go see real life.

++

Hi Joël, Thanks for this new travel journal. I’m preparing my first trip to Thailand, and your journals are really helping me out. I promise, when I get back, I’ll share our experience—I hope it’ll help other travelers. Anne

Hi Anne,

I’m circling back on this because I know a few people shared their Thailand travel journals after I explained my motivations upfront and encouraged others to do the same to close the loop. But they were so few that you don’t have to feel obligated. If it’s a vacation, the main thing is to enjoy it. But if you do share, I know more than a few people who’d be really interested. Thanks again!

If this keeps going this way, we’ll end up being photographed more than we photograph. The sprinkler sprinkled.

But of course, we always go along with it good-naturedly.

Go along good-naturedly. I’m sure you’re the same before your humble subjects in pics on social media.

This travel journal lacks pep, humor, and honesty. Sorry. Go see real life.

++

Real life and real people are often super boring😛 Not everyone has the same needs

Hi Anne,

I’m revisiting this because I know a few participants shared their Thailand travel journal after I explained my motivations from the start and encouraged others to do the same to wrap things up. But there were so few that you don’t have to feel obligated. If it’s about vacation, the main thing is to enjoy it. But if you do it anyway, I know more than a few people who’d be really interested. Thanks again!

Hi Joël, I don’t feel obligated at all! Beyond the joy of sharing my story, I’m happy to contribute to this forum by helping fellow travelers. I actually have a travel journal about Norway under my belt and a discussion that wasn’t logged as a journal but ended up being one about Oman ;) Thanks again to you for your latest share about Thailand (loved the birthday touch!!) Have a great day, Anne

We quickly take a look at two temples. Centuries ago, a traveling merchant discovered an ancient reclining Buddha here, three meters long. A temple was naturally built on this spot, and the old Buddha is now covered by a nine-meter-long artifact.





The other temple stands out mainly for its large turtle carrying an elegant white Buddha.

As a local specialty, these temples feature Buddha representations carved from wood.











The afternoon and evening are spent sipping cocktails (just this once!) and enjoying good food by the poolside. That’s where we meet the evening bar manager and the guy who makes the best sunny-side-up eggs for breakfast. Men is a little bouncing man, a real ball of energy with contagious enthusiasm. Over the days, we discover that this funny guy in his slightly short pants has had a pretty tough life. But above all, he’s a very intelligent man who can speak at least five languages and works hard to help his daughter finish her medical studies in Bangkok. We’ll even see him one last time at the bus station, dressed up as if it were Sunday, to see his "little one" off on the bus to the capital.

He also greatly contributed to brightening our stay and strengthening our fondness for all these Thais, who definitely have something special.

A temple was, of course, built at this location, and the old Buddha is now covered by a nine-meter-long artifact.

Does that mean the old Buddha isn’t visible anymore? That’s a shame, isn’t it?

It wasn't necessarily in good condition anymore, and this can help protect it.

The main idea is to give a sumptuous appearance to the sacred object. Over the decades, several monuments have doubled or even quadrupled in size due to additions, like the largest chedi in Thailand at Nakhon Pathom, which I featured in my travel journal last year.

Hehehe... looks like we stayed at the same hotel (we were there in February 2015)... Really affordable, nice rooms and... a pool...

This time we’re using a songthaew for another day of exploring—a mode of transport that’s a bit less comfortable but full of local charm.

Oh, and our driver’s a woman. She started off quite serious but loosened up as we chatted. It’s always great to begin with a positive attitude, strike up a conversation whenever possible, make your driver laugh, and show them the respect they deserve. That’s definitely one of the things Thais appreciate most. A few words in their language here and there really make their day. They see it as a sign that you’re genuinely interested in them.

Along a country road, we visited one of those exceptional temples we’re so fond of. It’d be too much to describe all its wonders, but this time we’re sharing a larger selection of photos for those who appreciate them.





The first building we entered is purely a museum, packed with an incredible number of antiques and other treasures.













The main temple, the ubosot, has its own dedicated enclosure and is truly impressive. The richness of styles, ornamentation, and colors makes for a delightful stroll, with the sun and blue sky keeping us company, along with the gentle tinkling of wind chimes in the breeze.

Of course, the interior lives up to expectations: the frescoes are refined, and their colors are vibrant.