Thailand Beyond the Beaches: My Slow Travel Journey Through Local Life
When most peoples’ vision of Thailand includes vibrant night life, packed tourist streets, and/or crowded beaches, that is precisely what I wanted to avoid on my recent trip.
For my latest journey to Thailand, I chose to approach it at a more measured pace focusing on day-to-day living, serene communities, and those intimate aspects of travel that do not necessarily feature prominently in travel brochures. Over the course of my travels, I formed a greater bond with Thailand that goes far beyond tourism.
I Started My Thai Travel Experience in Chiang Mai
As I started this personal journey in Chiang Mai, I found this city to be peaceful, welcoming, and calming in nature. Rather than rush around to temples.
I rented a small bedroom near the old portion of the city and created a simple daily schedule, with my day starting off with fresh fruit from the local market and a morning walk through the narrow winding laneways where monks processed silently.
One afternoon, I took a local cooking class that was held in a local family’s home. The class was focused on preparing a traditional meal with local ingredients that we picked directly from the garden.
afternoon learning about Thai cooking has taught me much more about Thai culture than a whole bunch of guided tours ever would have.
Thailand’s Mountains and Villages: Traveling at a “Slow” Pace
After I arrived in Chiang Mai to travel to Pai, a quaint mountain town surrounded by lush green forestry. Just like its surroundings, Pai has a distinct way of life, with its slow-paced atmosphere being one of the reasons why it is such a special place.
After arriving, I rode my motorcycle around the area visiting the many nearby villages that had this sense of a world where time hasn’t been touched.
During my visit, I was invited to spend an evening with a family in one of the local villages. During my time with them, we communicated with lots of hand gestures and smiles to understand each other.
This simple experience is what travel is all about; it is not just about language; it is about connecting.
Experiencing Bangkok from the Perspective of the Local Person
Surprisingly, Bangkok was the place that I had never expected to be the most fun. Instead of visiting the popular tourist sites, I spent time in the areas where locals lived.
I rode local buses, enjoyed street food alongside many other office workers, and saw how the locals pass their evenings in the quieter areas near the canals.
On one occasion, I sat on the quiet side of the Chao Phraya River and looked out over the city with the reflection of the lights shining on top of the water.
This was such a peaceful moment, and it was so different from the typical chaos that most people think of when they hear the name “Bangkok”.
What I Learned about Traveling through Thailand
Thailand has taught me to take time to appreciate the small things in life and how special these moments can be.
I was able to appreciate the true meaning of sharing meals and experiencing the everyday aspects of life with others and being in the moment, rather than worrying about the bigger picture. Traveling in this manner has added even more depth and meaning to my travels in Thailand.
When you’re planning to visit Thailand, try to avoid following everyone else’s advice and do so by allowing yourself to take time to enjoy one location instead of trying to rush through as many destinations, and get in touch with local people so they can show you true Thai culture.
Conclusion
Rather than trying to check off every location I visited while travelling around Thailand, I focused on experiencing what it meant to be in Thailand by experiencing daily life. This method of travelling allowed me to have an authentic experience of Thailand that I will remember forever.