Golden temples and the hum of river boats marked the beginning of my journey through Thailand, where rows of serene Buddha statues glowed softly in the morning light. Drifting along Bangkok’s canals, I passed wooden walkways shaded by lush greenery, pausing beside a floating vendor selling mango with sticky rice before stepping into the electric rhythm of Chinatown neon signs stacked high above traffic, tuk-tuks weaving through the chaos. From there, the road carried me north to Chiang Mai, where ornate rooftops rose behind perfectly sculpted trees and temple bells swayed gently against a golden stupa. The days slowed among saffron-robed novice monks in prayer and quiet artisans weaving fabric by hand in wooden homes. By the journey’s end, the contrast between Bangkok’s vibrant pulse and Chiang Mai’s calm spirituality felt like a perfectly balanced portrait of Thailand’s colour, culture and soul.
