I had added Thailand to my list of potential destinations a while ago. One of my Australian friend had spent quite some time there and loved it. After that, one of my French friend went there with her sister and had an amazing time. So, when I started planning my trip around the world, I thought of meeting my Australian friend in Thailand. I would have discovered a new country and met her at the same time. Unfortunately, she got a new job and could not take any holiday. But I had done my research on Thailand and I was extremely interested in visiting the country, so I added it to my destinations. With Peru, it was the only two destinations where I did not know anybody.

Since the country is big, I decided to stay there for nearly a month (enough to see most of the places I wanted to see, but not enough to have to ask for a visa). I had time to experience the different areas of Thailand (the cities, the jungle, the beaches). I didn’t have time to see all the places I wanted to visit, but there’s always the possibility to go back one day.

I fell in love with Sukhothai, the ancient ex-capital, with its park and its calm. I was there just before the Lantern festival, but on that year (2018), Sukhothai celebrated Loy Krathong early. The park was free at night, and the lights, the food, the colours, the smells, everything was enchanting! I actually enjoy it more than in Chiang Mai, where I went later, that was too busy for me. Also, in Sukhothai, I was a 5 min walk away from the park, so I got to really enjoy it at any time.

In Chiang Mai, I did a hike with elephants, and that was wonderful. These animals are so considerate, they were very careful with us. They felt so peaceful. I also did a hike in the jungle and saw strawberry fields. I really loved the Thai nature.

I ended my trip in Phetchaburi, that was more rural, but very relaxing, with a lot to visit with a bike. I was particularly impressed and fascinated by the Tham Khao Luang Cave.

In general, I liked Thailand, but it was a bit stressful after the peace of Japan. I think that maybe, some neighbour countries would be less crowded and more relaxing.

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