Why Thailand stole my Heart

I was born and brought up in Nepal, a small country in South Asia. Traveling has always been my sweet escape from life’s happenings. I’ve previously been to other Asian countries, including India, which shares many similar cultures and values with us, and Bali, full of natural beauty with incredible temples and stunning beaches.

I was so excited for my first-ever visit to Thailand. We were four people — me, my husband, and two friends. Since we wanted to explore the places independently, we planned everything a month earlier, including flight tickets, hotel bookings, bus tickets, and tickets for different sightseeing spots. When the day finally came, we were thrilled. Our flight was peaceful, and three hours passed quickly. As the captain announced our descent into Bangkok, I looked out my window. Around 7:15 PM Bangkok time, I could see the city glittering with lights, vehicles moving in sync, and well-planned roads — everything perfectly in place.

We landed safely at the huge Suvarnabhumi Airport. We got a SIM card and took a Grab taxi to our hotel. The views from the taxi window mesmerized us: big buildings passed by on smooth roads, along with colorful taxis and luxurious cars. We reached the hotel that day, freshened up, and explored the surroundings. The city never sleeps! It was already midnight, but people were working, and everything was happening just like during the day. Bangkok has high energy, and it was clear this was a place where life was lived to the fullest. Also, it felt very safe to go anywhere at night.

While exploring the city, I used to pause and observe everything carefully: the places where people lived, their way of cooking, how they talked, the souvenirs, the aesthetics, and the architecture. I found locals giving me warm smiles and saying things in their language that I didn’t understand, but their body language was kind, so I smiled back.

We spent our days wandering through the city, admiring temple architecture, and immersing ourselves in the spiritual side of Thai culture. Whether worshipping at temples or simply observing the city’s chaos, each moment offered a glimpse into Thailand’s soul. The nightlife is on another level — there were speakeasy bars and cabaret shows. Everyone seemed relaxed and just enjoying the present, with loud music that felt almost hypnotic (in a good way!). It was a great one-time experience, and the Thai massages were incredibly relaxing.

Most locals didn’t understand English, so I would often translate, though even then, there was a language barrier. Still, we tried our best to understand each other.

I went boating on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and realized that the city is full of contrasts. On one side, there were the tallest buildings and all the luxury, and on the other, I saw small cottage houses where people were selling souvenirs, fishing, making beads and bracelets, and doing daily chores. Tourists were on both sides but enjoying different activities. That’s life, anyway… wherever we are, whatever our situation, we need to keep going and be okay with what we have, but also dream big. I could feel the people on the other side — I could see their vision of one day being where all the luxury is. Yet, even the tallest buildings need strong foundations, and if those are weak, it doesn’t take long for everything to crumble.

Since Thailand is known for Buddhism, I was eager to learn how they worship Buddha. I saw one intriguing practice: rolling and shaking sticks. Each numbered stick that falls out represents an answer to your question. After checking the number’s meaning, I felt like I got my answer! The ancient temples had amazing architecture inspired by the Ramayana, a sacred holy book I’d read. There were sculptures of demons and gods, illustrating how good wins over evil and how karma works. Buddhist teachings about doing good resonated so much with me. It felt like the core message is similar across religions: good always triumphs. I also visited the Mahanakhon, the tallest building with modern skyscrapers, and had an amazing view of Bangkok — a city I admire so much.

Despite being there in the heat of late March, I never felt homesick. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I tried papaya salad, oysters, squid, and Thai teas for the first time. While the seafood still isn’t quite to my taste, it was the desserts that truly captured my heart. I tried mango sticky rice, mochi, and other treats with fruity fillings and pastry crusts (though I forgot their Thai names!). Bangkok didn’t disappoint — every corner offered something new to explore. In fact, sugar is considered luxurious there, something rich people enjoy. Every dish is infused with a generous dose of sweetness.

But it wasn’t just the city life that captivated me; it was also the serene beauty of Phuket that left me in awe. As we rode through the hills on scooters, the clean roads and friendly faces reminded me of my hometown. The beaches, with their pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, were a true paradise. The waves were so melodic, the water so healing — it even cured my foot ache from all the walking! Staring at the sunset from the beach, so many answers arose in my mind, and most of them whispered, “Go with the flow, just be, just stay here.” I forgot everything else; it was a different kind of meditation.

I also did island hopping to Phi Phi Island with a bunch of cool people, and the boat ride was fun too. I loved Maya Beach and its crystal-clear water. And how can I forget Freedom Beach? It took quite a bit of sweat and effort to walk there, but it was the highlight for me. That beach was so peaceful, so pure, and so relaxing. I could have read a novel all day sitting there, but the steep trek back made me realize I need to be more physically fit if I want to see such places again. The beaches allowed us to explore the natural wonders of Phuket, dipping our feet in the ocean and soaking in the beauty of our surroundings.

All in all, we were struck by the incredible work ethic of the Thai people, who hustle day and night to make a living. Despite the language barrier, I found that as humans, we share a universal understanding. Our backpacking journey led us to local areas, where we witnessed firsthand the resilience and determination of the Thai people.

In the end, my time in Thailand was more than just a vacation; it was a transformative journey that challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and ultimately left me with a deeper appreciation for the world around me. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil shores of Phuket, Thailand captured my heart in a way I never thought possible. And for that, I will always be grateful.