Normally, when I come back from a trip I try to think of one word that encapsulates the experience I just lived and the places I have seen. I had been dreaming about this trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for so long that even before I left home, I’d already come up with a word (actually, two): friends, and backpacking. But reality never corresponds to pre-departure expectations, and it always turns out that the words you thought would describe your trip do not describe it appropriately.
First step: Bangkok. We land into the capital of Thailand at 2 pm, right on time for a few hours of relax in the hotel and getting ready for the evening. As real tourists and sort of cliché aficionados, we treat ourselves to a drink at Sirocco, the skybar famous for its breath-taking location on the 63rd floor of the Lebua Hotel, but even more famous for being the location of some scenes of The Hangover Part II. And you do feel on the set of a movie there ? one with a wonderful setting. Tall skyscrapers with their lights and two large rivers: the Chao Phraya (the actual river) and the car lights on the street (a golden river of light); Bangkok’s special welcome to us. The following day, we start exploring the most popular spots in the city: Wat Phra Kaew; the Grand Palace with the sunlight reflecting on its golden walls, creating a magical atmosphere; Wat Pho and the famous Reclining Buddha. Our last day in Bangkok is dedicated to exploring its neighbourhoods and the popul...