Bangkok, here we are again: between unexpected events and year-end celebrations

Gare de Chiang Mai

The last few days in Chiang Mai have been a real pleasure. This city, with its temples, markets, and jungle, truly left a mark on us. We felt good there, almost at home, and we would have loved to stay longer. But we’re not traveling to settle down for too long, and it was time to move on.

So, we’re leaving this little paradise in the north, but not for the islands as we originally imagined. Ah, the islands… We had dreamed of the beaches of Krabi, the underwater world of Koh Tao, or the sunsets of Koh Lanta. But at this time of year, plans are never simple.

First, there’s the weather: on the east coast, it’s nonstop rain and flooding. Not exactly ideal for enjoying the scenery. Then, the holiday season makes prices skyrocket. Affordable accommodations? Fully booked. And the few that are available are either way over budget or not exactly appealing.

So, we had to rethink our plans. We settled into a restaurant run by a French expat, with a big play area to keep the kids busy, and spent hours recalculating and rethinking everything. The idea of returning to Bangkok came up. No islands, no beaches, but a massive city full of surprises, where the holiday celebrations promise to be unlike anything we’ve ever experienced.

The kids, in their role as little explorers, reminded us that they needed to be properly equipped for their adventures. That’s when we discovered… a Decathlon in Chiang Mai! The prices were lower than in Europe, so Marion and Martin took the opportunity to pick out some explorer hats. Now, with their new headgear, they’re ready to brave any jungle – and we definitely won’t lose sight of them in the next photos!

An Almost Perfect Night Train

Returning to Bangkok means another long journey… 14 hours. But this time, we played it safe: an overnight train with sleeper berths. Nothing like the chaotic bus ride we took on the way here! The trip was almost pleasant. We dozed off, rocked by the movement of the train, while the kids slept like logs.

At 4 AM, we arrived at Don Mueang, a bit tired but glad we planned ahead: our hostel was already booked, and it’s in a great spot, just a few minutes from Chatuchak Market – more on that later!

Bangkok, Round Two

Coming back to Bangkok also means rediscovering a city we thought we knew. We had already explored its temples, cruised its canals, and tasted its cuisine. But Bangkok is so much more. This time, we want to take our time.

The city is vast and dynamic, yet it can also be full of surprises. Sometimes, you stumble upon an impromptu concert, an unexpected night market, or a hidden little spot tucked away in an alley. It’s this richness, this blend of modernity and tradition, that makes Bangkok so captivating.

With the holidays approaching, the city lights up. Streets are decorated with garlands, and there’s a special buzz in the air. We’re starting to imagine what Christmas will be like here—far from home, but in a completely different and exciting atmosphere.

And What’s Next?

The islands are waiting for us, but which ones? Probably after the holidays. In the meantime, we’re making the most of Bangkok and everything it has to offer.

Thank you for following along, and feel free to share this article—it’s always better when more people join the adventure! See you soon for the next chapter… and a Thai-style Christmas!