During the spring semester, Qatar University (QU) typically schedules a Spring Break halfway through. However, this semester, Ramadan fell midway, resulting in the absence of a Spring Break, so QU faculty and students istead enjoyed an Eid Break lasting just over a week. For my Eid Break and the 48th country to visit, I chose Thailand, a place many of my friends and colleagues had visited but I hadn’t yet explored.
While many people recommended visiting the beaches of Thailand, I wasn’t quite inclined to spend my time relaxing in the sand and swimming in the ocean. Exploring the sights and shops of Bangkok seemed more interesting to me. So, prior to traveling to Thailand, I made a simple list of things I wanted to do which consisted of the following items:
- Shopping for records
- Visiting the Chatuchak market
- Exploring the railway market
- Exploring the floating market
- Taking a day trip to Ayutthaya
- Staying in Pattaya
- Exploring the Sanctuary of Truth
- Spending time at an elephant sanctuary
Later, I added two more items:
- Wandering around Talat Noi
- Exploring Bangsue Junction
How much planning did I do prior to my trip? Honestly, not much. At this point in my travel experience, I’m pretty loose with my planning. I booked my airplane ticket, figured out my Airbnbs, and packed a bag. The rest, I was willing to figure out as I went. Sometimes, my most memorable travel experiences are the ones I didn’t plan; they just happened because I was open to the opportunities.
Additionally, traveling nowadays is quite easy. As soon as I booked my airplane ticket through Qatar Airways, all my flight information was accessible through the app. Once my ticket was confirmed, Instagram’s algorithm must have been tipped off because videos about destinations in Thailand started to show up in my video feed. That’s how I learned about the Sanctuary of Truth, Talat Noi, and Bangsue Junction. When I tried to book the several events that were on my list (day trip to Ayutthaya, Sanctuary of Truth entry ticket, visit to the elephant sanctuary), I used the app GetYourGuide to schedule and pay for my excursions. With modern technology, planning and booking trips has become quite effortless. If I have your passport and phone, that’s mostly what I need on my international trips.
With my lax travel plans in place, I just had to wait until the fourth week of Ramadan, and I was off to Thailand.
Bangkok
When I arrived in Bangkok, I spent the first couple of days adjusting to the time difference (4 hours ahead) and temperature difference (10 degrees Celsius hotter!). The latter required more effort because, even though I’m used to heat and humidity, in Doha, when it’s hot, I’m mostly indoors. During the hottest periods of the year, I’m darting from AC to AC, with only brief intervals outside. And if I do venture out, it’s usually in the evening or night after the sun goes down. In Thailand, as I explored the Chatuchak market and wandered around Bangkok, sometimes I was out during the hottest period of the day. All I could do was cling to the shadows and avoid the sun. Adjusting to the climate was definitely a challenge, but there was so much to explore and see in Bangkok during the day and night.
Railway Market
For my first excursion outside of Bangkok, I booked a trip to the railway and floating markets. The railway market is a series of cafes and shops set up alongside an alleyway with a working train track running through the middle. The alley is so tight that vendors have to move their displays and awning poles for the slow-moving train to pass. Shoppers and tourists must also stay behind a red line to ensure the train can pass safely.
Floating Market
The other unique shopping destination on my first excursion was one of the floating markets in Thailand. In the old days before cars and trains, Thai people used boats to navigate the southern interior of the country. While some floating markets remain functional and are used by locals, others serve as spectacles, entertaining tourists, and offering souvenirs.
Talat Noi
Once I was back in Bangkok, I met up with a work colleague who was also visiting Thailand. He had encountered a debit card issue prior to his flight, so I assisted him with his financial situation. Afterwards, I mentioned that I was planning to visit Talat Noi, a neighborhood near Chinatown renowned for its captivating street art. He decided to join me, and together we spent the late afternoon and evening strolling the streets and immersing ourselves in the local sights. It was refreshing to have such easy-going company. Later, before parting ways, he helped me find a hat and select a suitcase to carry all the souvenirs I had accumulated during the trip.
Ayutthaya
For my second excursion, I arranged a day trip to Ayutthaya to explore the Buddhist historical sites outside of Bangkok. Throughout the journey, our group made three stops, and with each stop, the temperature and humidity increased. Although I had hoped to explore each site more carefully, the intense heat dampened my curiosity and enthusiasm for photography. By the final stop, I found myself rushing through the site, yearning for the cool relief of the air-conditioned tour bus and eagerly hydrating with as much water as possible. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for the opportunity to witness Wat Mahathat, where Buddha’s head is entwined in the roots of an ancient banyan tree.
Pattaya City
After my initial time in Bangkok, I chose a taxi ride to transport me two hours southward to my next destination, Pattaya City. Situated along the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya provided a welcome break from the bustling streets of the capital. During my stay in this coastal city, spanning several days, I had two main activities in mind: visiting the Sanctuary of Truth and spending time at an elephant sanctuary.
Sanctuary of Truth
One of the highlights of my Thailand trip was exploring the awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Truth. As I wandered through the temple’s halls, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of wonder and astonishment. The sanctuary’s design is heavily inspired by traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs, with towering spires, ornate sculptures, and intricate reliefs adorning its exterior and interior. Every inch of the sanctuary is covered in detailed carvings depicting scenes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, as well as various elements of Thai folklore and culture. I highly recommend anyone visiting Thailand to add a visit to the Sanctuary of Truth on your list of things to do.
Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary
Finally, while in Pattaya, I embraced the opportunity to interact with Thailand’s gentle elephants at a sanctuary. Experiencing firsthand the dedication and care provided to these magnificent creatures was truly heartwarming. Throughout the visit, I had the chance to feed, bathe, and observe these majestic beings up close. While many elephant sanctuaries in Thailand prioritize sustainable practices and environmental conservation, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not all ventures adhere to ethical standards. Some establishments exploit elephants for profit, subjecting them to harsh conditions and inhumane treatment. Fortunately, the sanctuary I visited appeared to uphold ethical standards, both in their treatment of the elephants and in their overall operations, and I was quite grateful for the chances to see the elephants up close.
opusculum 