Thai Traveler’s Bible: Must-Do List for Every True Thai

① Local Travel Course in Bangkok

Recently, Thai-born K-pop idol Nickhun and Korean singer Baekho embarked on a trip to Thailand. The journey, designed by Nickhun, was featured in the June episode of the KBS 2TV entertainment program Battle Trip 2. The trip has gained considerable attention for being recommended by a local.

Upon arriving in Thailand, the duo immediately visited Kin Kub Koi Restaurant, a seafood specialty spot on the outskirts of Bangkok. This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is also a favorite of Nickhun’s family. Nickhun promised prawns “as big as your forearm” and recommended dishes featuring freshwater shrimp and cockles. The two ordered grilled freshwater shrimp, Tomyum potak, steamed cockles, and crab-fried rice. Baekho expressed his immense satisfaction with the food through a hearty eating spree.

After the seafood feast, the pair set out to enjoy the night view of Bangkok. They arrived at Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in the city, also famous for its massage school. Nickhun guided Baekho through a narrow alley across the south entrance of Wat Pho, leading to a pier where they could enjoy a panoramic view of Wat Arun, a symbol of Thailand featured on the 10 Baht coin. The area is filled with restaurants, hotels, and cruises catering to those wanting to enjoy the night view of Wat Arun. Seats at popular spots are often hard to reserve, but the duo enjoyed the view with some beers, with Baekho exclaiming, “This is a night-view hotspot.”

② A Train Ride to Kanchanaburi

Nickhun and Baekho took a scenic trip to Kanchanaburi, Thailand’s third-largest administrative region, following Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai. Nestled against the Myanmar border, Kanchanaburi boasts picturesque natural environments like waterfalls and caves, all set against stunning mountainous terrains.

Nickhun explained that travelers have three options to reach Kanchanaburi: bus, taxi, and train. The seats are cramped, while bus fares are reasonably cheap at approximately $3.63. Taxis offer more comfort but come with a hefty price tag. The duo opted for a train journey. The train ticket costs about $1.16 for Thai nationals and $3.33 for foreigners. The trip from Bangkok’s Thonburi Station to Kanchanaburi takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The pair crossed the iconic landmark, the Bridge on the River Kwai. This bridge was part of the 257-mile Death Railway, built by Japanese forces using POWs during World War II. The site was featured in the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai and was later restored after being destroyed in 1944 by Allied bombing.

The duo traversed another section of the Death Railway, a perilous segment following the infamous Hellfire Pass. The railway runs along a cliff, providing breathtaking yet daunting views. Nickhun and Baekho took a moment to walk along the tracks, reflecting on the area’s painful history that contrasts its now serene environment.

Despite its unsettling past, both enjoyed the different landscapes of Kanchanaburi. They also visited the Erawan National Park, a lush tropical forest featuring the magnificent Erawan Falls cascading through seven different levels.

③ Thailand’s Legalized Marijuana

In contrast, Thailand’s scenery has changed slightly since the legalization of marijuana. Bangkok’s bustling Khaosan Road now houses various marijuana dispensaries. A 400-meter-long (approximately 0.25 miles) strip hosts eight shops and 30 street vendors selling marijuana products. Even signs saying “Marijuana Sale” are now displayed in Korean.

Tourists were also solicited for marijuana purchases. Due to the high number of shops selling marijuana, exposure to the drug has become more accessible. Some food items even contain marijuana, which means unknowing tourists could ingest it.

By. Seo Seong Min (fv_editor@fastviewkorea.com)