The country journal

3 stops, one unfolding story.

Thailand was the last major part of the trip. We stayed by the river in Bangkok, took the overnight train north to Chiang Mai and finished at the Boathouse on Kata Beach in Phuket. Temples, a cooking class, Wat Umong, elephants, live music and time to do very little filled the final two weeks.

01 / Bangkok

Bangkok

From the Riva Surya, we could use the river as well as Grab to get around Bangkok. We visited the major temples, including Wat Arun, and explored the quieter Ari neighborhood as a possible place to rent an apartment for a few months. I loved Bangkok and could imagine returning for an extended stay.

02 / Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

We arrived in Chiang Mai on the overnight train—it was like sleeping inside a washing machine. Tamarind Village let us check in early, so we could rest before going back out. Our days included elephants, a cooking class, Wat Umong, northern Thai food and a traditional performance. There was plenty to do.

03 / Phuket

Phuket

We ended the trip at the Boathouse on Kata Beach. There was no pressure to tour: we had the sea, dinners and live music at Two Chefs, and enough time to think about the eleven weeks behind us before flying home.

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