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Be Inspired & Discover Thailand

Tales of a Country Specialist Traveling #TheAudleyWay

By Audley Travel

July 22^nd, 2014

thailand has it all

My name is Jenna, and I specialize in Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The intricate history of these countries is so fascinating, and, each time I travel there, I not only learn something new about each country, but also about myself. So, to Thailand we go…

Picturesque mountains, boating excursions, historical and ancient sites, national parks, bustling cities, phenomenal culture, exquisite cuisine and of course beautiful beaches - Thailand has it all. Get ready for an authentic, unforgettable Thai experience, traveling #TheAudleyWay.

the king and i

Two hours drive from Bangkok in the province of Samut Songkran lies the small town of Amphawa. This very fertile area, due to the delta of the Mae Klong river at its heart, supplies fruit and vegetables to the rest of Thailand.

We started out at the Tha Ka local market, exploring the local merchandise and vintage sunglass shopping at a thrift store that was definitely worth the rummage. The people in the market were incredible. They gestured to me how to boil the sap from the Banana flower to create sugar and I mimicked them showing I understood.

The best part of the day was heading down the Mae Klong river. The jungle’s palm trees and mangroves melted into the water, green from the rains that give life to this time of year. It seems everywhere I go that the colors are bright and more impossibly beautiful than when I was here in December at the height of high (and also dry) season.

As we puttered along in the boat, I saw a few droplets create ripples around the boat and then the heavens opened up and unleashed the warmest dusting of rain I have ever felt. I love the rain in South East Asia - there is rarely any danger to it and it is warm and lovely.

We continued on in the rain, and every once in a while I would trail my fingers in the river’s warm water. I have to admit I was so entranced by the rains that I made them stop the boat just so that I could listen to the tip tip tap plop of the rain on the river. It was such a joy to just sit and enjoy this moment in the rain

When we reached King Rama II Park there was no one else there. There were several traditional Thai houses, and it seemed as if I had stepped into the world of “The King and I”, a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical I have always loved.

Although “The King and I” was actually banned by the Royal family in Thailand, this was probably the closest I would ever come to being inside the palace. The museum is filled with facts about the arts in Thailand and traditional ways of living. There was a girl playing the Khim in the middle - a xylophone-like instrument. With no one else around, I just danced from room to room, humming to myself the most famous song from “The King and I” - getting to know you, getting to know all about you….

A beautiful, verdant and unexpected day, and all because of the rain.

the bridge over river kwai

The province of Kanchanaburi, three hours north of Bangkok, is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Thailand - lakes, jungles, waterfalls, mountains and the majestic River Kwai. From river rafting to cycling to elephant riding, there is so much to do in this province. It is also full of history, known for the infamous “Death Railway” constructed during World War II that linked Burma and Thailand. A visit to this region is a must. To remember the past and to make new memories.

I spent a morning at the “Bridge over the River Kwai”, which serves as a reminder of the atrocities suffered during World War II. We first visited the Jeath War museum which stands for Japan, England, America, Australia Thailand and Holland, representing the nationalities of the prisoners of war forced to work on the construction of the original wooden Bridge. It houses a replica of the bamboo huts used to house POWs as well as photographs and personal accounts. We then headed to the bridge, where there were very few people, a benefit of the green season I suppose, and I walked across. When I stopped in the middle and slowly walked to the other side, my guide and I came upon a Buddhist monk gathered with a few older women.

My guide spoke with him briefly and then explained he was with his mother who was 91 and from the nearby village. She saw the building and then destruction of the bridge and railway in the 40s. After moving to Bangkok, she returns every once in a while to visit family and walk the bridge.

She told me she remembers every man who died there, and hopes their souls rest in peace. It seems this small bridge affected so many people, and yet when I learned about WWII in school, it was forgotten by our textbooks and even professors.

go off the beaten path

You never know what you will find if you let your instincts drive you when traveling. recently, When I was in Ayutthaya, I saw a temple out of the corner of my eye and pointed quickly and told my guide that I wanted to go there. She told me she had never been there before but that she would take me.

Upon arrival at Wat Thammikarat, we found several Singh (lions) and a large Chedi with an octagonal base. We soon learned it was an active Buddhist monastery, so I needed to cover my shoulders and knees in order to take a closer look around. What I discovered was very interesting and even more so when I did some research later.

This particular temple pre-dates Ayutthaya and has even been dated to before the 12th century (which means before Angkor Wat). It was built by the Khmer, which you can tell by the way the Singh are styled. Made of a brick and mortar base with stucco on the outside, the lions are in different stages of ruin, allowing you to easily see how they were built.

My favorite part of this temple is the Naga or snakes at the staircases, which were clearly designed in another style and later redone. The layers have slowly been peeled back to reveal the different styles - almost like going back in time.

The best part of this excursion, however, was what I found hidden in plain sight: a diamond! For about an hour, I felt like Indiana Jones himself.

spontaneity & Curiosity are keys to travel

Thailand is certainly a foodie heaven from the spicy soups of the north to the sublime creamy green curries in the south. Bangkok is even one of the cuisine capitols of the world. So my advice for foodies and non-foodies alike - be adventurous in what you eat - just ask your guide to help pick out something that is less likely to upset your stomach.

One of the most delicious things I had in Thailand was bamboo that had been boiled in the Hot Springs between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai - talk about trying something unique and adventurous!

We stopped at a stand on the side of the road. The local vendor loved our curiosity about the food and was more than delighted to give me a taste. The bamboo was salty, chewy and oh so wonderful. Did I mention it had the most amazing chili topping?

I purchased several bags to take with me as a snack for the rest of the day. There is nothing like spontaneity during your travels and stopping to try something you have never heard of before.

a diver's paradise

Thailand is certainly known for its stunning beaches. Many of the islands are still undeveloped with crystal clear waters and limestone casts that erupt out of the water.

Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand, means Turtle Island, and not for the wildlife in the area but for the actual shape of the island. Go for a ride in small prop plane to get an aerial view of this unique island. It is one of my favorites and is best known for its diving and snorkeling. While you likely won’t see sea turtles here, you will see beautiful coral, manta ray, whale sharks and hundreds of species of fish.

Stay in a thatched-roof bungalow at the Haad Tien Beach Resort, a charming, boutique resort, to truly experience the tranquility and beauty of this exotic paradise.

Expert Tip: If you love to snorkel or dive, the only time to experience both coasts of Thailand is April. The best time to visit the west coast or the Andaman Sea is November through April (this is also the only time of year the Similan Islands are open). Visit the Gulf of Thailand from February to August.

My southeast Asia journey doesn't end here

There’s still so much more to see! Next, we’ll explore the magic of Laos and Cambodia. Stay tuned.

-Jenna

about jenna

I have been a Country Specialist with Audley for about 10 months, but my travel background goes back to my infancy, as my family had a travel business in Orlando. I vowed I would be an Academic, and, having received degrees in Anthropology and Art History, I moved to New York to work for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I soon decided this wasn’t for me, and I missed the travel industry with which I had grown up. National Geographic soon became a part of my life, and ever since then I have been worked with travel companies all around the world, from LA and San Francisco to Italy and South America.

Coming across Audley was as much of a coincidence as a dream. They not only offered me an amazing work environment, but also a chance to share my specialization in Eastern Art with the most incredible discerning clientele. I love sharing cultures and sites that others would have never thought to visit and look forward to helping you plan your dream, tailor-made journey.

Footnotes

You see more when you know the right people. Experience the vibrant culture, landscapes and wildlife of Southeast Asia #TheAudleyWay. Visit audleytravel.com/us to book your next adventure!

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FootNotes

You see more when you know the right people. Experience the vibrant culture, landscapes and wildlife of Southeast Asia #TheAudleyWay. Visit audleytravel.com/us to book your next adventure!