A Month in Thailand: Journey Between Islands and Mountains

What to see in Thailand? Should you choose the North with its unspoiled mountains or the South with its paradise islands? Is it easy to travel there? So many questions you have asked me via social media and the first article on my impressions in Thailand. So here is an initial reflection on my month-long trip in Thailand, between islands and mountains.

This is a trip that has been difficult for me to share. For several reasons. Perhaps because it was the last country outside Europe that our steps took us to during our gap year around the world. Then, because it came just after our experience in Sri Lanka, like a lifeline, a healing cocoon. And certainly also because it was so rich in every way: in discoveries, in images, in encounters, in emotions...

So yes, with my blog, I always have big and beautiful intentions: to share, to tell, to inform, to immerse...

Before detailing my memories, tips, and practical information, here is the itinerary we followed during a month of travel in Thailand:

Bangkok... So much to say about this capital! But especially that we felt so good there! Arriving from Sri Lanka, the Thai capital seemed so calm, welcoming, and kind! No difficulty crossing the streets, no feelings of insecurity, a great ease in moving around and finding what satisfies basic needs: in short, a refreshing start!

After several visits to the capital, what I particularly remember about Bangkok is its village atmosphere. Next to the congested major boulevards, there are large paths and little-used alleys, with houses barely one story high that give off a feeling of having left the capital for a secluded village where time stands still and men and women sit on their porches to chat.

I have not yet explored the capital fully, and I will not detail the main tourist attractions of the city here: I will do that in a future article (promise!).

But for the curious, I associate Bangkok with:

With encouragement like this, we began our descent to the south of the country. It's true, September is not the ideal month to go to the islands (particularly those in the west: we therefore did not see the famous islands of Phuket or Koh Phi Phi). And it's true that the South is more touristy than the North...

But I must confess something to you: we loved it!

And yet, there were many 'buts': many soulless bars all identical blasting either the latest American hit or an old reggae tune... Waters abundant with jellyfish (an unforgettable diving experience!)... Sometimes fickle weather...

Yet, yes! Yes to these little pieces of land, to these crystal-clear waters, to these rocks that seem straight out of a movie set, to these tropical trees, to this tranquility once the beach bars have been left behind.

A very beautiful park, between sea and jungle, and a very nice hike interrupted by visits from birds and monkeys, with the ultimate goal of the walk being a fairy-tale vision... I talk about it in more detail here.

We went to Koh Samui just for it! Stamped photographs had made us dream, enough to take to the sea and land on this island with a luxurious reputation. And it was one of the most beautiful outings at sea I have ever experienced! Movie set scenery, a kayak trip beneath flying rocks over a turquoise sea...

During our stay on the island, we took the opportunity to rent a car and follow a treasure hunt route, collecting clues at each site to discover The Secret! Very fun and above all an opportunity to discover beautiful sites on the island.

The beaches of Thailand have a reputation that speaks for itself: they are beautiful! Yes, very beautiful indeed... sometimes a bit too much > for my taste. But there are ways, by choosing wisely, to stumble upon true hidden gems away from the general public.

Upon returning to Bangkok after our stay in the south of the country, we headed to Chiang Rai to begin a road trip in northern Thailand (with Evaneos agency), discovering the green and mountainous landscapes off the beaten path. Here is the itinerary we followed:

Many beautiful fleeting encounters and lovely smiles exchanged, like with this beautiful grandmother.

It's a pleasure to take a road trip in these regions! Stepping off the main streets to get lost in dirt paths, driving between rice fields... Then climbing in search of a viewpoint over the mountains or the Mekong.

This temple, everyone has seen a photo of it... But who really knows its history and meaning! A guided tour not to be missed: we were quite surprised (I will talk about it again next time: so much to say!).

An absolutely unknown temple to travelers, brand new... and incredible! A sort of Disneyland in the style of a Thai temple! On the way from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, a stop not to be missed (and I promise, I will also talk about it).

Whether it's street food or restaurants, Thai cuisine has something to please everyone! Pad Thai, of course, but also tom ka gai, tom yum goong, massaman... If you're into this kind of experience, don't hesitate to take a cooking class: we did one in Bangkok and loved it.

Prefer to wear out your shoes rather than riding an elephant! Thailand is full of beautiful places to hike, no matter your level or physical condition. Great opportunities to gently immerse yourself in Thailand's varied landscapes.

After the effort comes comfort! If you love being massaged, it's a real paradise! I say >, because I hate it! Still, I followed François to try this experience several times, and I must admit that I have very painful memories of the massages in the North of the country, but very gentle ones of those received in the South.

Renting a vehicle in Thailand is giving yourself the opportunity to discover lost corners where no bus can take you. We had the opportunity to go on a jeep road trip in the North, rent a car in Koh Samui, and an ATV in Koh Tao. In fact, it was our very first ATV experience! This adventure allowed us to traverse the sometimes very steep paths of the island - paths we would have never dared to take on a scooter! An opportunity to discover very beautiful deserted coves and magnificent viewpoints on the island.

It was also in Koh Tao that we dived: some very beautiful images from these immersion experiences... despite the last minutes of the first dive, where we found ourselves surrounded by a school of jellyfish during our safety stop!

Thailand is a country I recommend for those looking to embark on a first big trip outside of Europe: a beautiful introduction to Asia, in a country where tourism is well (some would say too) developed and therefore where it is easy to travel, even on a small budget, even with little or no experience.

And Thailand is not only popular among backpackers >>: it is also highly sought after by expatriates. There are many French people settled there, and Western supermarkets are popping up like mushrooms, bringing nostalgic expatriates the flavors of their homeland.

Our trip to Thailand was a beautiful adventure, between the turquoise blue of the southern seas and the gentle green of the rice fields and crops. A journey rich in contrasts: in temperatures, cultures, flavors, landscapes, and faces that are so different yet always smiling...