5-week Southeast Asia solo trip reflections part 6
Third stop: Bangkok, Thailand
Thursday, May 8, 2025
I’ve been putting off on sharing photos from my stop in Bangkok because of the devastating earthquake that happened in
Myanmar affecting Thailand three weeks after I returned home. I am extremely fortunate to not have been there when it
occurred.
This was my lived experience in Bangkok: The energetic vibes, good food and drink, elevated shopping experiences, 8
bouts of a muay Thai fight on a Wednesday night, and temples. It was wild and I didn’t even get into the party scene.
The city somewhat reminded me of Sài Gòn but with a developed public transportation system and executed etiquette; with
a clash between culture, tradition, and faith that has balanced out in their society.
Bangkok was also the first city in Southeast Asia that I’ve been treated with discrimination because I was not
light-skinned enough (i.e. I do not look East Asian) or looked like I came from a high economic background. It reminded
me of my experience in small towns in Japan back in 2019, which made me slightly hesitant returning this year after 6
years, but that’s a story for another time. However, that was also canceled out because I interacted with various other
locals and they were kind and appreciated me attempting their language. They also did not look at me weird for traveling
alone as a woman compared to the other places I went to.
Somehow, I felt accepted and rejected at the same time which I found fitting because being present means embracing the
good, the bad, and everything in between. In the end, human emotions and obstacles are the same across cultures. I
remember leaving to the airport thinking that I’ll probably never return to Bangkok again but maybe just to other cities
in the country. That was the same thing I felt about Japan 6 years ago and this year’s trip definitely left me thinking:
never say never.
Praying for those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar, Thailand, and others.