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Hi everyone, I’m Thomas, and I’d like to share my trip to Thailand with you. First, I’ll try to walk you through my preparations, my impressions, and what’s left of it all. Then, I’ll gradually post my travel journal as I review it—because right now, it’s not very appealing!

First off, it was an amazing trip. The planning started in January, but the decision to go was made back in September or October 2011. We bought our flight tickets, then chose hotels and made reservations based on the locations and the excursions they offered. We also booked train tickets for the overnight trips between Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai, and then between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. With each passing day leading up to the departure, the excitement grew, along with every new reservation. Finally, vacation day arrived, and we were off. We packed our bags the week before: 2 backpacks and 3 carry-ons. Our route: Paris → Bangkok → Ayutthaya → Chiang Mai → Chanthaburi → Bangkok → Paris → Strasbourg. Almost three weeks in total.

I was surprised by the number of big 4x4s and cars on the roads. I was expecting more two-wheelers! And the tuning scene is huge—wheels, exhaust pipes, steering wheels... they really go all out. The people are attentive, helpful, and always smiling. Okay, it’s the Land of Smiles, but it’s still nice. The landscapes are beautiful, and the air always feels fresh. The food is spicy if you don’t remember to say "no spicy," but it’s delicious. The fruits are fresh and sweet, the sea is warm... Dogs roam freely, people don’t really bother with them, and the same goes for cats. Tiny lizards scurry across ceilings, while giant ones swim in the water. The roads are generally in good condition, and the trains move slowly.

I’ll be back soon with the first day of the trip.