Bangkok: Slowing Down and Savoring

Our days in Bangkok are packed, and we keep uncovering new sides of this multi-faceted city. This time, we head to Chinatown, one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the capital. The moment we step in, we find ourselves in a maze of tiny alleys lined with small shops, street food stalls, and stands of all kinds. You can find everything here: jewelry, clothing, quirky objects, and of course, spices and dried fruits.

Getting lost in this labyrinth is an experience in itself. Each alleyway seems to reveal a new surprise, and we quickly get caught up in the lively energy of the district. As for the kids, they are mesmerized by everything that sparkles and moves. Needless to say, we have to hold them back quite often—otherwise, we'd be leaving not with backpacks… but with a shipping container!

Temples: Between Serenity and Wonder

Bangkok wouldn’t be Bangkok without its Wat—the temples that blend spirituality with breathtaking architecture. Among those we visited, Wat Arun left a lasting impression. Nicknamed the "Temple of Dawn," it sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, standing out with its incredible spires covered in colorful mosaics. Climbing the steep steps is a challenge, but the panoramic view over the river and the city is absolutely stunning.

This temple, symbolizing renewal, offers a rare sense of serenity amid Bangkok’s hustle and bustle. We took the time to breathe, soak in the moment, and truly appreciate this unique place.

Food from Around the World

If there’s one thing we absolutely love about Bangkok, it’s the incredible variety of food. Here, you can literally eat your way around the world. Amid the Thai street food stalls, we’ve stumbled upon amazing Japanese restaurants serving bentos #seraph&remton, Korean BBQs, and even Italian cuisine.

But… still no Belgian friterie in sight! That being said, we have to admit—we’ve also started looking for a place that serves a good raclette. And guess what? We found one! Now, all that’s left is to try it...

aking Time and Getting Organized

Between two explorations, we’re using our time in Bangkok to slow down a bit and catch up on all the planning that comes with long-term travel. Traveling isn’t just about wandering and discovering—it also means handling administrative tasks: checking visas for Vietnam, the ESTA for the United States, the AVE for Canada, and the eVisitor for Australia. Add to that managing SIM cards and eSIMs, booking upcoming accommodations, and waiting for everything to be approved… It takes patience, but it’s essential to ensure the rest of the journey goes smoothly.

Meanwhile, the kids take the opportunity to play or draw. If you’re planning a big trip like ours, we’ve picked up a few tips to make all this less stressful—so feel free to ask us any questions!

Chocolate and Magic for the Holidays

To add a touch of magic to the end of the year, we took the kids to Chocolate Ville, a place that looks straight out of a Disney set. With its snow-covered houses, giant Christmas trees, and twinkling lights, it’s the ultimate holiday cliché. Highly "Instagrammable"… and almost a national tradition!

The kids were thrilled, and so were we—though we couldn’t help but laugh at how over-the-top kitsch the whole place was!

Getting Ready for the Holidays in the Capital

As we wait for the end of the year, we continue exploring Bangkok. We’re planning a visit to Icon Siam, an incredible shopping mall known for its futuristic design and countless stores. And for New Year’s Eve, we’ll be heading to CentralWorld, often compared to the Asian Times Square. The celebrations there are said to be spectacular, and we can’t wait to experience this unique atmosphere. But that’s still a little way off!

Staying Connected Despite the Distance

Even though we’re thousands of kilometers away, we haven’t forgotten our loved ones. The kids were lucky to have a video call with their classmates, a precious moment where they got to share their adventures and answer some fun questions. A huge thank you to the teachers for making these exchanges possible. These little moments remind us that, despite the distance, we’re never really far away—thanks to technology.

And of course, during this holiday season, we’re thinking a lot about all of you. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by loved ones, and that Santa spoils you!

What’s Next?

After the holidays, we’ll have the chance to reunite with some familiar faces—friends who are also setting off on a big adventure. But we’ll keep a little suspense for now! In the meantime, we’ll catch up after Christmas for the next chapter of our journey.

Thank you for following along—there are more and more of you with us, and your messages truly touch and motivate us to keep sharing this adventure.

See you very soon and… Merry Christmas to all!