Thailand Adventure and Family Travel
Floating Market Bangkok Story:
“Mister, you not fit medium size” insisted the market stall vendor as I enquired about a t-shirt I liked at Hua Hin’s brightly lit bustling Night Market. And just like that, I had officially been promoted to large size, by a Thai street vendor. Not even a sniff at trying it on to prove her wrong.
A Travel Food Diet Disaster
It was no surprise. Whilst I have managed to kick my chocolate addiction given the price of chocolate here in Thailand, with two fussy eaters and being someone who doesn’t like to see waste, every meal I end up finishing the kids’ leftovers. Clearly not good for my waistline.
Thailand as Our Temporary Home
Thailand, with great beaches, friendly locals, great weather, mouth-watering street food and a sense of familiarity from previous visits, was a destination that was easy to decide to base ourselves for some time.
A City I Love in Small Doses
I have passed through Bangkok many times and it’s always been a fun place to spend a few days, before the noise and concrete becomes too much and the need to escape to Thailand’s jaw dropping natural beauty takes hold. It was clear on day one, spending the pre-booked 4 days was going to be a challenge.
Guesthouse Experience
The guesthouse I had booked looked very nice in the photos, but the reality was somewhat different. All 4 of us in one room not large enough to swing a mouse, let alone a cat. Somehow with some backpack Jenga, we made enough space to rest our heads each night.
So, we kept our time in Bangkok simple.
Temples and Tantrums
Our “cultural” trip was Wat Pho Temple, a Buddhist temple that hosts the famous Reclining Buddha statue. Culture is clearly not on the kids ‘to-do list’ this trip, as within 20 minutes, we got the first “I’m hungry, can we go now”. Even a gold leafed 46 metres long, 15-metre-high Reclining Buddha statue didn’t impress.
When Slime beats Buddha Statue
Our “fun” trip was to a place where the kids could make their own slime from scratch. Interestingly we didn’t get one “I’m hungry” in the hour we spent there. Cleary slime is more fun than Buddha.
Morning Markets, Delicious Eats, that Stole Our Hearts
Our “food” trips, of which there were many, were made to the local market a few steps from our accommodation for mind blowing noodle & rice dishes followed by a regular trip to the local baker, who made the most delicious butter sticky buns that were still warm and melted in our mouths.
And so, onto Hua Hin.
Slow Train Travel
I love travelling by train in a foreign country. With space to spread out as the world shoots by out of the window, it’s a time to get into my own head and contemplate life.
That is until the first “I’m hungry” accompanied by an elbow in the ribs comes my way.
Hua Hin Beach Base and Culture
After 3 hours, we made it to Hua Hin, which is a large coastal town we hope to call home for some time.
Hua Hin is regularly frequented by the Thai Royal Family for their holidays, so if its good enough royalty its good enough for us. Not that our budget matches theirs. Another pokey room meant we were quickly on the phone to agents to secure a longer-term rental, which we have now secured for 2 months.
But the town has plenty going on. Home to 100k people, it hugs the coast for several kilometres and has the backdrop of several mountain just a short drive in land. The town has a mix of a large expat community, local Thais and foreigners and Thais on holiday, meaning there’s heaps of bars, restaurants and tourist attractions but also for the budget conscious, plenty of markets.
A Family Travel Style with Kids
We have now started to hit a rhythm with a daily routine and whilst the kids do have their moments, it’s starting to feel like life on the road is becoming the norm. Whilst I think it has been more challenging travelling with kids than perhaps, we thought, the lifestyle we have created far outweighs those tough moments.
Family Travel Homeschooling, Chaos, Joy
We’ve quickly realised that whilst travelling solo or as a couple we could be spontaneous and move quickly. With kids whilst there is some spontaneity, it’s often to save a meltdown or stop a fight. Best laid plans change quick and that one big tourist attraction we thought we would swing by and see on day one, still eludes us after 2 weeks. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. To see the world through their eyes and experiences is a special feeling.
We’ve now met up with several other expat home schoolers and there’s regular meetups at cafes and beaches, so we feel like we can settle in well.
Provided they sell salads at the meet-up locations….
“Are we there yet” count: 249
“I’m hungry “count: 126
