Thailand: Unforgettable moments, I wish They were all good
My dad decided to celebrate his 70th birthday in Thailand—How can we refuse?
Back then, I had no idea that these weeks would turn into a marathon of contrasts—the quiet north versus the wild south, painful life lessons versus simple moments of joy.
Weeks where my suitcase was opened and closed every other day, my body fought battles I never signed up for, and my heart learned that the most unforgettable experiences happen precisely when things don’t go according to plan.
Chiang Rai: A Cultural Journey
The start of our family trip in northern Thailand quickly turned into an unforgettable experience with VIP treatment we never expected.
Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai introduced us to a world of contrasts—breathtaking temples in every color and style, immaculately manicured gardens, and alongside them, the simple joys of life—massages for just a few baht and night markets that seemed endless.
We even received a blessing from a famous monk, which, for all I know, might still be protecting us today.
But beyond the attractions, I realized that the real magic was simply being there with my family—laughing together, sharing experiences, and soaking in the small moments that turn a journey into something truly meaningful.
Krabi: A Tropical Paradise
Krabi was a completely different world.
After the cultural immersion of the north, I suddenly found myself in a tropical paradise—turquoise waters so surreal they looked photoshopped, a jungle surrounding the hotel, and white sandy beaches accessible only by boat.
My daily routine revolved around choosing between the sea or the pool, and hopping on boat tours to islands that felt too perfect to be real.
And in the midst of all this beauty, I discovered something about myself—I need those quiet moments alone to write and process everything around me.
As if, within all the action, I learned that I have to pause and listen to myself, because that’s how experiences truly become words.
Koh Samui: Extremes of Pain and Luxury
Koh Samui was, without a doubt, the most dramatic week of our trip.
We went there to celebrate my dad’s 70th birthday, and along the way, I learned the hard way what not to do in Thailand.
Day one on jet skis taught me an important lesson. The next day, a private yacht cruise had me Googling ‘rescue helicopters in Thailand’ in the middle of the sea.
Suddenly, I realized that massages here aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity.
The one comforting thing amid all the chaos? SALA, our stunning hotel, made me feel like royalty, with a level of service I had never experienced before.
And that’s exactly what I’ll remember from Koh Samui—that even when your body is aching and screaming, there are always moments of grace that remind you how life is supposed to feel.
Stories From Koh Samui:
A Week in Paradise that Felt Like Hell: The Challenging Side of Koh Samui - Part 1
After the Storm: Pampering, Massage and Good Food in Koh Samui - Part 2
Bangkok: The City That Wore Me Down
Bangkok swallowed me whole.
I got lost in its endless markets, drowned in the noise and chaos of a city that never sleeps, watched incredible drag performances, and got completely hooked on the scent of Thailand—lemongrass and mint lingering in every corner, as if someone had decided that should be the country’s official signature fragrance.
All of it would have been perfect—if only my body hadn’t completely crashed with a high fever, reminding me that sometimes, even the best-laid plans fall victim to reality.
As I boarded my flight from Bangkok to Singapore, I convinced myself I was healthy enough to fly, despite my body protesting every step of the way.
Thailand was everything—breathtaking and exhausting, indulgent and brutal, vibrant and draining. It taught me that a true journey doesn’t feel like a perfectly curated travel blog.
That, in the end, it’s the imperfect moments that teach me the most, when I have no choice but to confront who I am. And that’s the lesson I’m taking with me to the next continent.
Stories From Bangkok:
Between Plastic and Mint: Culture and Impressions from Bangkok
Resting Along the Way: Sickness, Expectations, and Roadblocks
More stories from Thailand:
From North to South: Finding My Rhythm in Krabi’s Tropical Paradise
Between Plastic and Mint: Culture and Impressions from Bangkok
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Excellently written! I felt like I was there. I'm left with a question. Who was the famous monk? Why was he famous? It feels like there's a story in there. Like a fractal of the essay. I'm going to continue reading and look forward to your narratives.