Thailand: A Journey Full of Contrasts and Unforgettable Experiences
Our journey through Thailand was a unique experience that left a lasting impression on us. This land of contrasts fascinated us equally with its beauty, chaos, and diversity. What surprised us the most was the constant feeling of being caught between two extremes: poverty and wealth, tradition and modernity, beauty and decay.
Thailand is a country that welcomes its visitors with open arms—at least as long as they are buying something. We often found the people to be friendly but also a bit pushy. It frequently felt like their kindness came with a purpose. Nevertheless, the vibrant culture, delicious food, breathtaking nature, and countless little adventures Thailand offers kept enchanting us time and time again.
Our Travel Route: From Bangkok’s Bustle to Koh Tao’s Dreamlike Beaches:
Our one-month trip across Thailand took us through a mix of bustling cities, cultural highlights, and stunning natural landscapes. Here’s a summary of our route:
1. Bangkok:
The starting point of our trip. A massive, chaotic metropolis that almost overwhelms you with its sheer intensity. Temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace were impressive, but Bangkok really won us over with its vibrant markets and street food. However, the traffic and constant hustle were challenging, and we were happy to move on after a few days.
2. Chiang Mai:
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai showed us a completely different side of the country. The city is more relaxed, with a cultural atmosphere. The numerous temples, the night market, and a jungle excursion were highlights. Here, we felt closest to Thailand’s traditional side.
3. Surat Thani:
This city was just a transit stop for us on our way to the islands. It doesn’t offer much itself but is very well-connected.
4. Koh Samui:
Our first island. Koh Samui has beautiful beaches and is heavily geared toward tourists. Highlights included waterfalls, the Big Buddha, and riding a scooter across the island.
5. Koh Phangan:
Famous for its Full Moon Parties, the island also surprised us with its tranquil spots. The beaches and relaxed atmosphere away from the party zones impressed us the most.
6. Koh Tao:
Our personal favorite. Koh Tao captivated us with its untouched nature, stunning snorkeling and diving spots, and laid-back island vibe. The beaches, coral reefs, and sunsets were absolutely magical.
7. Phuket:
Our time in Phuket was a mixed bag. The island is very touristy and crowded. While there are beautiful areas to explore, the overall mass tourism vibe didn’t appeal to us.
8. Krabi:
The final stop of our Thailand journey. Krabi’s surrounding attractions—like the Hot Stream Waterfalls, the Tiger Cave Temple, and Ao Nang’s beaches—were definite highlights. However, the city itself felt somewhat rundown.
Nature and Adventure: Thailand’s Most Stunning Side
Wherever we went, one thing always stood out: Thailand’s incredible natural beauty. The beaches with their turquoise waters, reefs full of colorful fish, dense jungles, and sprawling national parks left us in awe.
Of course, there were occasional disappointments. Not every beach is as picture-perfect as it looks online, and some popular tourist spots can feel overcrowded. Nevertheless, Thailand’s diverse natural beauty was unforgettable. We were especially thrilled by snorkeling in Koh Tao and visiting the hot waterfalls in Krabi.
Driving and Street Adventures:
Driving a scooter in Thailand was an adventure in itself—and not always a relaxing one. Thailand drives on the left, which took some getting used to. One cool thing is that you can turn left at red lights. However, the biggest challenge was the Thai driving style: traffic rules are more of a suggestion, and people drive as they please. Traffic lights, road signs, and lanes are interpreted creatively, and it takes time to adjust to the chaos.
Despite the challenges, scooters are the best way to get around locally, as public transportation is almost non-existent. Taxis are available in cities but can be pricey. For long distances—like traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani to Krabi—the buses and trains were excellent options: affordable and relatively comfortable.
Fun Fact: Cheese is Rare and Expensive in Thailand
As Austrians, we love cheese—it’s practically a staple in our diet. So, we were shocked to discover how rare and expensive cheese is in Thailand. In most supermarkets, finding even basic cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella is a challenge, and the few options available are often outrageously priced.
Why is Cheese So Expensive in Thailand?
1. Cultural Differences in Diet
Cheese is not a traditional part of Thai cuisine. While we use cheese in countless dishes, it plays no role in Thai food culture. Thai cuisine relies more on ingredients like coconut milk, fish sauce, and fresh herbs for its creamy or umami elements. Since there’s little local demand for cheese, it’s not widely produced or consumed.
2. Import Costs
Most of the cheese available in Thailand is imported from countries like Australia, New Zealand, or Europe. The high transportation costs, import duties, and taxes make cheese a luxury product. Even simple varieties can cost three to four times as much as they would in Europe.
3. Climate Challenges
Cheese production requires a cool climate, which is difficult to maintain in Thailand’s tropical heat. Dairy farming and cheese-making facilities are rare, and maintaining cold storage for imports also adds to the cost.
4. Lactose Intolerance
A significant portion of the Thai population is lactose intolerant. This reduces the overall demand for dairy products, including cheese. While dairy consumption is growing, particularly among younger generations and expats, it remains a niche market.
5. Focus on Other Dairy Products
Thais who do consume dairy often prefer products like sweetened condensed milk, which is used in drinks like Thai tea or desserts. Cheese simply isn’t a priority in the local food industry.
Accommodations: From Hostels to Hotels
Our accommodation experiences in Thailand were varied. The hostels we stayed in were often crazy: quirky roommates, limited privacy, and average cleanliness were common. For shorter stays, they were fine, but we quickly realized that we preferred hotel rooms for the added comfort and peace after long days of exploring.
Safety: A Surprisingly Secure Country
To be honest, we were initially worried about safety in Thailand—especially regarding scams or theft. However, we consistently felt very secure throughout our trip. The Thai people are generally honest, and we never felt the need to be overly cautious with our belongings. Even when renting scooters, we were never overcharged and often negotiated great deals.
The only downside was occasionally feeling uncomfortable in certain streets at night or being constantly approached by vendors trying to sell something.
The Contrasts: Decay and Hope
in One thing that shocked us was the condition of many cities and areas. Thailand often appears run-down, with old buildings, broken roads, and litter being common sights. However, construction work is visible everywhere, suggesting that the country is on a path of positive development.
Our Verdict: Thailand is Worth the Experience
Thailand enchanted us with its diversity, breathtaking natural beauty, delicious food, and vibrant markets. It’s a country of contrasts—from stunning scenery to chaotic traffic.
We will always remember the unforgettable days on Koh Tao, the thrill of driving a scooter, and the magical snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. While Thailand isn’t perfect and there were some challenges along the way, we can wholeheartedly say that it’s an experience worth having.
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