We’re well into the fun by this point. It’s not quite possible to describe how freaking fun Thailand can be, but there’s a reason we keep coming back. There are thousands of videos on the internet that poke fun at kind of folklore, where people come to Thailand and simply refuse to leave and return to normal life. We can relate. It happened to a family member of ours and she’s still there 12 years later. Something about being whisked away on a scooter or open air tuk-tuk from one fun experience to the next is the daily norm here.
Trying to compare the feeling of being in Thailand to something else relatable, you’d have to bring yourselves to those moments in life that were simply the most awesome you’ve ever had. Laughing hysterically with people you love. Dancing to that perfect song. The best meal you’ve ever had. Perhaps an incredible massage, but without the cost of one. You’d have to put yourself there mentally and then imagine all are happening on the same day.
We’ll start with the food, although that’s just the beginning. Thailand has been called “the world’s kitchen” and food good reason. You may have enjoyed Thai food back at home, but that understanding of what Thai food is, would only scratch the surface.
Imagine you’ve died and simply gone to food heaven, and you’re getting close. That’s seriously what it’s like here and we’re not exaggerating. Not only are they making the most incredible Thai food from sun up to sun down here, you can also get anything else the world has to offer. Indian, Mexican, American, Italian, on and on, they have it all and in abundance. You’re a vegetarian or vegan? No problem.
The Thais setup night markets all throughout the city here, you can find them seemingly everywhere. Stall after stall of every type of food you can imagine. It seems to go on and on without end, only to find you’ve stumbled from one market into another. We try to imagine the logistics for such a place and can’t really figure out how they do it, night after night. Things on a stick, sweets you’ve never tried before, international cuisine of all types, Thai food of course. And yes, some weird stuff you’d have to be a little brave to try. Insects anyone? One can just get lost trying a little of this, a little of that, or maybe just pick one thing and eat something amazing to your hearts content.
Did we mention the cost is so reasonable that it’s almost laughable. To be greeted with a bill that may run 10-25% of the total you might pay back at home has left us shaking our heads with delight again and again. The budget feels like funny money, which makes the experience that much more fun. They’re making such incredible food and at such great prices, cooking at home seems pointless here.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t describe the massage situation. Not sure of the hard stats, it doesn’t seem crazy to say that a third of the Thai economy is just relating to massage. Walking around the city, you’ll see massage businesses large and small, seemingly every other store front. There’s everything from fancy spas with fountains, soothing music and beautiful facilities, to little funky hole in the wall places. Up to you… Shoot, they even have plastic chairs setup outside on the street at night markets, where they’re just giving foot and shoulder massages right there in the middle of the road. Seeing dozens of people lined up getting a “foot” in the middle of others shopping the market or enjoying a meal is hilarious. Tired of walking? Just grab a chair and let the sounds of the evening wash over you, while some sweet Thai person gives you a great foot rub.
You can get a traditional Thai massage, where they loan you a set of pajama like clothes to wear. They involve lots of movement, stretching, pushing, and deep tissue, sometimes with a “hurts so good” experience. Very therapeutic. Of course, a simple foot massage is easy to find in temples, on the street or inside of formal massage places. They’re a delight after all the walking and a personal favorite for us. You can even have someone just focus on your hands the entire time. We also love the oil massages, which are typically in a private room or behind a curtain for privacy. From head to toe, they’re totally pleasure mode and often result in you falling asleep right there on the table. The nicer places give you these funny little disposable undies to wear that come in a little sealed plastic bag to put on before you begin. There are a million other varieties of massages, just pick your favorite type and preferred length. We used to think a 2 hour massage sounded crazy, but believe us, that times goes quick when you’re totally blissed out.
If you’ve heard rumors that massages in Thailand may be of the less wholesome variety, yes, “those” kinds of massages are available as well. You’d have to know where to go and be so inclined.
As for pricing, again, just insanely reasonable. Our favorite place for a foot massage is located in an open air temple, shaded and with nice fans for a lovely breeze. One hour will run you 180 Thai Baht, or approximately $5 USD. A really nice chain called Lila is a great place for an oil and will run you 400 Thai Baht ($11-12 USD). Seriously, just go for the 2 hour…
Before a summary of the fun of Thailand turns into a novel (which it easily could), we’ll wrap up this post with a mention of the enjoyment we have visiting the Buddhist temples which are absolutely everywhere. In the old town of Chiang Mai, which is about 1 square mile, there are more then 200+, as well as sprinkled all over the country.
The temples are beautiful, interesting, and have the side benefit of being a lovely respite from the heat of Thailand. Something about the design provides not only shade, but a cool breeze to compliment the material of the floor, often tile, also cool in temperature.
Temples run the gamut from large to small, typically with A frame roofs (but not always), stairs in front that lead through beautifully adorned entrances. Take off your shoes or slip off your sandals before entering. All are welcome, just be respectful in these places.
While each temple is unique, there are some common themes, each having open floor space in which one can sit or kneel, as well as some amazing statues of the Buddha, among other figures.
Not being experts in this realm, we won’t dare to explain all the cultural and religious significances in play. We simply slip off our sandals, walk in quietly, sit or kneel and observe. Breathe and let your eyes wander over the beauty of these places, and wonder what it all means. These moments are the perfect pause in the action, to let your temperature cool, your heart rate slow and just be.
You’re in Thailand…
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