Tour of Thailand: Adventure in Bangkok and Beyond

7-10 minuten

You smell the scent of fresh curry, you hear the honking of tuktuks in the distance, and you look out over a river that sparkles in the sun. That is Thailand in a nutshell. A country full of flavors, colors, hospitable people and magical places. Together with a friendly group of colleagues I immerse myself for five days in the vibrant Bangkok and its beautiful surroundings. In this blog I share my favorite moments, tips and a few wonderful discoveries.

Bangkok on two wheels: cycling with Co van Kessel

After a smooth night flight with EVA Air (think: napping, watching movies, and surprisingly tasty food), we land refreshed and curious in bustling Bangkok. And just like that, our journey full of surprises begins. Day one kicks off with a bike tour led by Co van Kessel. Bangkok by bike? Seriously, it’s the best way to see spots you’d never find otherwise. We weave through narrow alleys where locals hang laundry, pass markets filled with the sweet smell of ripe mangoes and fresh herbs. Then there’s Chinatown — a party for the senses. Picture sizzling woks, steaming noodle soups, and sweet treats you simply can’t resist. Every corner smells like adventure … or maybe garlic. A definite highlight: the flower and fruit market. Bursting with bright colors, scents so vivid you can almost taste them, and vendors selling their goods with huge smiles. Next stop: Wat Kanlaya, home to Luangpho To — a massive golden Buddha calmly watching over us. Just pause for a moment, take a deep breath in … and out. Then — hop back on my bike — into the wild, lively traffic chaos of the city. It’s hectic, sure, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. What an experience …

Grand Palace: gold, history and grandeur

No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Grand Palace. And wow … what a place! The moment you step through the gates, it feels like you’ve entered a fairytale. Everything sparkles and shines — golden towers reaching high above you, mosaics so detailed you’d swear every piece was placed by hand, and mysterious statues that seem to be quietly watching over the whole palace. We wander quietly through the grounds while our guide excitedly shares stories about ancient kings, sacred rituals, and traditions that have lasted centuries. Every building seems to whisper its own secret. My camera’s working overtime, but honestly? No photo can really capture the magic here. You just have to see it for yourself. Oh, and one important tip: make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. You don’t want to be turned away at the gate — that would be a total bummer!

Asiatique Evening Market: souvenirs, street food and river boating

When the sun sets, Bangkok really comes alive. Asiatique The Riverfront is the spot for a chill evening of shopping, tasting, and strolling along the river. I wander between stalls full of handmade jewelry and colorful sarongs, with the tempting smell of street food making me stop again and again. With a cold, fresh fruit shake in hand, life feels pretty perfect for a little while. Then comes the evening’s highlight: a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. As the city lights twinkle and dance on the water, I settle in at a table filled with delicious Thai dishes. All around me, there’s music, dancing, and a big serving of Thai culture. Honestly, it’s the perfect way to end the day.

Sky High: cocktails at The Hangover’s Sky Bar

What do you get when you mix a tuk-tuk, a rooftop bar, and a sprinkle of Hollywood magic? That’s right — an epic night! We zip through Bangkok, wind in our hair, laughing at the wild chaos of scooters, taxis, and market stalls popping up everywhere. Finally, we arrive at the Sky Bar. Yep … the very one from The Hangover. The view? Absolutely unforgettable. The city sparkles all around, the air is warm and sultry, and the cocktail in my hand tastes like a vacation in a glass. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but hey — sometimes you just gotta go all-in, right?

Time travel to Ayutthaya: temples, roti and a touch of magic

Less than an hour and a half from Bangkok lies Ayutthaya — a city full of ruins, stories, and atmosphere. We wander among ancient temples like Wat Chaiwattanaram and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol. The walls whisper tales of history, the sun casts long shadows over worn paths, and it feels like we’re walking through the set of a historical movie. There’s a silence here that speaks volumes. Then, suddenly, along the road, we spot piles of bright green roti sai mai. Sounds unusual, but it tastes amazing — a thin pancake filled with Thai candy floss: crispy, sweet, and just a total joy to eat.

Kanchanaburi: Stories, Waterfalls and the Jungle

Hellfire Pass: Silent Inside

Kanchanaburi takes you back in time to a chapter of history you won’t easily forget. At the Hellfire Pass Museum, we fall silent. Here, you hear the moving stories of prisoners of war and forced laborers who endured inhumane conditions building the infamous Death Railway during World War II — a railway meant to connect Japan and Burma. The photos, diary fragments, and personal belongings in the museum give history a human face. You read about hunger, disease, and exhaustion … but also about friendship and incredible perseverance. It’s intense, sometimes heartbreaking, but so important to hear. Then, we walk through Hellfire Pass itself — a deep gorge carved by hand, in scorching heat, with almost no tools. The silence here is almost tangible. Only the soft creak of our footsteps breaks the stillness. Meanwhile, the audio tour shares survivors’ stories, placing you right in the heart of history. You feel it — this is a place that commands respect, that reaches inside you, and stays with you.

The Bridge over the River Kwai: History in Action

We walk across the famous Bridge over the River Kwai — a place you probably know from photos, movies, and stories, but that really hits you only when you’re standing there yourself. The steel arches, the view over the water, the quiet moments that fall between the tourists … it feels heavy with meaning, but also special. Then, just on cue, the soft rattle of a train echoes in the distance. It slowly rolls closer. We stand still, feeling the bridge gently vibrate beneath our feet. The sound, the rhythm of the wheels on the tracks, the history literally thundering past you — pure goosebumps. A moment just for me. And what’s better than finishing it all off with a fresh waffle from a stall on the other side, sitting on a bench? Comfort food at its finest.

Erawan Waterfalls: Natural Beauty with a Sparkle

Seven-tiered waterfalls, clear water (well, not so much during the rainy season), and lush tropical greenery … Erawan National Park feels like a little slice of paradise. The moment we step onto the path, we’re surrounded by the soothing sounds of flowing water, birds singing, and leaves softly rustling in the breeze. The air is humid, filled with the fresh smell of earth and green plants, and bright butterflies flutter all around. We follow the winding trail alongside the waterfall, with each level offering something special. Unfortunately, our hike comes to a halt at the fourth tier because of the rainy season — the rest of the trail is too dangerous after days of heavy rain. It feels like a bit of a letdown at first. But when I look around, I soak in the calm that this place gives off. Nature isn’t here to rush us forward, but to let us enjoy the moment. And that’s exactly what I do.

Relax mode on: Cha Am & Hua Hin

After a long bus ride, we stumble upon a hidden gem in Cha Am: Khao Takiab Beach. Small but oh-so-cozy, with just the right laid-back vibe. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, I throw down my towel on the sand, and wander towards the sea. The water laps calmly around my feet, and a few curious jellyfish drift by. Nah, no swimming for me today. I stroll further along the beach, where cozy terraces call out. But then Hua Hin beckons, and that vibe is different. Busier, livelier, but still wonderfully relaxed. The Hua Hin Night Market is buzzing. Stalls packed with colorful souvenirs steal the show — handmade jewelry, fragrant herbs, fabrics fluttering in the wind. The smell of fresh street food makes my stomach grumble, and I have to resist stopping at every single stall. The warm glow of street lamps gives everything a magical feel, and cheerful music spills out from a nearby bar, making you want to sway along. I browse a little more, score some cool souvenirs for home, and sip a tasty Piña Colada in a cozy bar. A perfect way to end the day.

Final chord: Thailand, you have my eternal smile

What a country, what an energy, what an adventure. From the chaos of Bangkok to the tranquility of Ayutthaya, from impressive stories in Kanchanaburi to cocktails with a view … Thailand knows how to touch you. And believe me: you come home with a head full of memories, a heart full of impressions, and perhaps a suitcase full of souvenirs. And this? This was just the beginning. One thing I know for sure: I’ll be back here someday.