‘I saw there was still a world out there’
Our winning entry reveals how a trip to Thailand eased one reader’s grief, while the rest capture the country’s essence
Krabi has long been our target. From here you can access the full gamut of Sirinat National Park: Railay, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi. Our 70-mile ride from Ban Bang Puan Junction is hot and arduous, but we reach the town’s outskirts by late evening. Pinnacles of limestone crag loom into the sky as we are dwarfed by cliff and sea bluff, the air thick with salt.
Railay Beach is the reason for coming. Tucked away on a spit of unapproachable rainforest, it might as well be a desert island. The only access is by sea, via a 10-minute speedboat from Ao Nang or a long-tail boat. We stay at the sublime Diamond Private Resort, costing less than £10 per night. Better still, they love bicycles. Now, this is home. Adam Lee-Potter, London
BREATHING EASY
Dressed all in white and with a powdered face, an elderly lady escorted us to the river’s edge and handed us over to the “ferry lady”. Crossing the Chao Phraya river in a flat-bottomed boat, with only oars for propulsion, is not for the faint-hearted, but we landed safely on Bang Krachao island (the “green lung of Bangkok”) and collected water, maps and two bicycles, all for just £4.
With few vehicles and many dedicated cycleways, progress was safe and serene. At lunchtime we headed to the Bang Krachao Tree House, the island’s eco-friendly (and only) hotel. After dining on the very best Thai food, we cycled through sleepy villages and junglelined cycleways, back to the ferry. Martin Lane, Herts
MARKETS, PALACES AND BIRDSONG
At sunrise, Bangkok’s streets are crammed with taxis coloured like Liquorice Allsorts. From our hotel room on the 19th floor, we watch a perpetual traffic jam. So we take a river taxi to the Grand Palace, a wonder in white and gold, gardens manicured with precision. A high-speed Skytrain takes us to Chatuchak market, a labyrinth of alleyways bursting with stalls peddling plastic toys, beer mats and silk scarves.
Next day, we fly south to Khao Lak. The hotel is a tropical paradise, with refreshing pools, fountains and glades echoing with birdsong. We sip iced cocktails on the beach, and later visit the International Tsunami Museum, which reminds us of life’s fragility. Anne Crittenden, Berkshire
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
Our first morning in Kanchanaburi involved a moving visit to “Hellfire Pass”, following the route of the Death Railway where so many thousands had perished. The following day we kayaked – in circles, mostly – down the river Kwai and arrived at the famous bridge as a train was crossing. Every window was packed with people taking photographs.
Groups of women and children carried leaves and flowers, and created beautiful decorations. That evening, the town was alive with throngs of people. It was full moon, and they were all buying floral tributes and “launching” them on the Kwai, a mass of bobbing, flickering lights. We lit our candles and set the arrangements afloat in memory of all those lives lost so needlessly.
Chris Stephens, Sheffield
RESTING IN RESPECTFUL PEACE
In 2016, I was in Bangkok just days after the king of Thailand had died. Everywhere there were huge posters and displays commemorating him. Our hotel had a beautiful arrangement of flowers, and a picture of the monarch was projected on a 10-storey wall outside.
One day, we rushed across the city in the afternoon and made it to the Grand Palace just before it closed. Suddenly, people in uniforms appeared and asked the visitors to sit down on the ground and be quiet. Shortly afterwards, a fleet of official-looking vehicles went by.
The local people showed the greatest respect, and the tourists, though bemused, did the same. Locals said it was the king’s body being transported before cremation. We never had time to see the main sights of the Grand Palace, but I still remember those peaceful 15 minutes sitting on the grass.
Andy Matko, Dorset
SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP
I was 19 and on my first trip down to Oz as newly qualified cabin crew. Jet lag and the time difference meant I spent my time in Bangkok almost purely under the cover of darkness. With my overnight allowances (meant for food and drink) I hired a tuk tuk and headed down to the various night markets and bazaars. Laden with money that I felt compelled to spend, I cut my teeth at bartering and bought gorgeous colourful lights and jewellery.
Before returning to my palatial hotel, where everyone bowed at me as I walked past (I felt so important), I wanted to try a massage – and the £3 leg massage was just the ticket. With a Thai green curry and two boxes of orchids I headed for the hotel with bags of gifts, an array of beautiful things and a spring in my step. I had no option but to go back the night after for more.