THE HAIRY GIRAFFE… IN THAILAND
A layover is short, so our review will be brief! Here are our first impressions of Bangkok.
 We are François and Benjamin, Canadian and French giraffe hairstylists and travel enthusiasts. On this blog, discover our travels, tips, moods, and everything you need to become a giraffe hairstylist and embark on travelling the world. An honest blog with photos guaranteed 100% unfiltered and untouched. |
Benjamin’s Travel Reflections
In the context of our world tour, after 3 weeks in India and before Cambodia, we made a two-night stopover in Bangkok. Obviously, in such a short time, it was impossible to see everything. Just a taste.
The contrast between Rajasthan and Bangkok was as abrupt as that between Abu Dhabi and Delhi. First, a climatic shock: while we were cold in India, we found ourselves immersed in hot and stifling humidity. Cultural shock followed: the visited sites are overloaded with colors, perfectly restored, but also crowded with many Western tourists. Lastly, a health and auditory shock: while I expected crowded streets, Bangkok is a relatively calm city. After India, it’s surprising to hear no honking, not be hassled by tuk-tuks at every corner, and walk on clean sidewalks.
The contrast is striking, emphasizing the discomfort we experienced during the last 3 weeks. In comparison, we immediately feel that traveling in Thailand is easy, and everything is done to make tourists’ lives simpler.
Moreover, when we see the tourists around us, we also guess that they behave like vacationers, coming to relax, have a good time, and enjoy. In India, tourists behaved like travelers, almost adventurers, for whom the hardship made the stay more authentic and glorious.
One thing is certain: in just 2 nights and 3 visited sites, we saw wonders of the Thai heritage. We were amazed. I only regret not having had the time to stroll through less touristy neighborhoods of the city to feel more of the everyday atmosphere.
But what we did see of the hospitality and friendliness of the Thais makes it clear: we will come back, undoubtedly, and for a longer stay, to explore in-depth the culture and landscapes of this country. And so what if this journey is easy, so what if the country is very touristy; sometimes, it’s better to go with the flow and simply enjoy.
François’ Travel Reflections
We stopped in Bangkok for a layover between India and Cambodia. As part of our world tour from Delhi to Siem Reap, the lack of a direct flight forced us to pass through Thailand. Since we were in Bangkok, we decided to stay long enough to visit some tourist sites.
The contrast with India was more than striking. Goodbye pollution, dirt, and noise, and hello to blue skies, warmth, and Asian discipline. Thais are kind, not intrusive, and queue up in public transport!
Since we had very little time in Bangkok, we naturally focused on the main sites (the reclining Buddha temple, the temple of dawn, and the Grand Palace). We were simply amazed. Beautiful, colorful decorations. Gigantic monsters. Mosaics as far as the eye can see. So many elements that demonstrate true craftsmanship and inevitably captivate the eye of the tourist in search of authenticity and culture.
It’s challenging for me not to compare what I saw during the layover in Bangkok to my 3 weeks in India. The idea is not to criticize the most populous country in the world once again, but inevitably, while touring the world and transitioning from one country to another, comparisons occur automatically. I discovered during this layover a country with a rich and welcoming culture. I felt like I saw more breathtaking things in just over 24 hours than in 19 days in India. This brief stay really made me want to return to Thailand to explore what the rest of the country has to offer and immerse myself fully in this wonderful culture.
Find the detailed itinerary of our one-day layover in Bangkok:
