Sometimes all we need is a place where we can breathe, to exhale all the problems and to inhale all the positivities of life. You've heard this before "try to go somewhere where no one knows your name". But the problem is you didn't know where, when and how to do it. To simply answer the "when" question, I would say do it now. Don't wait for the perfect time to do it because you'll never know when will it come. Now, for the two questions, where and how to do it. Keep reading as we unveil the best place to find yourself.
This article is not just about finding the best place to search for your inner self. This is also about a place if you just want to relax, find new friends, try other delicacies or just go on a solo travel for the first time.
Today, I just came back from the usual 9-5 day job. I felt like I was a different person now. I had a clear mind and even more optimistic about life. I am happier and a better person now. This is not just about the feeling, I know deep in my heart that one whole week of being alone in the city made me re-think about the value of life and how to spend it wisely.
It was my first time to go on a solo travel outside my country. Although, I am doing a solo travel even before but around provinces of the Philippines only. I booked a ticket to Bangkok, Thailand and to be honest, I was a bit nervous and excited at the same time. I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect and as much as possible I don't want to search the web about the place. I just wanted to go with the flow and do whatever the place has to offer. On the other hand, I was excited because I had to try local Thai food and to finally see the places that I'm just seeing on the internet.
Khao San Road: You're Not Alone on this Road
On the first day of my tour in Bangkok, I went to the usual tourist destinations like temples and other historical places in Bangkok (I will create a separate post about it). After a series of walk around Bangkok, I rested at my hostel for a couple of hours and around 9 in the evening, I went to Khao San Road which was 2 minutes walking distance away from my hostel. I was standing at the corner of the street and trying to reach the end of the road with my own eyes. It was impossible as the locals and tourists were started to occupy the entire street. You can hear the noise coming from the loud speakers of different bars, the conversations and laughter from the people, and vendors trying to notice what they are selling. As I walked towards the center of the road, it was a different joy seeing smiles from other people, tourist and locals happily dancing on the road, group of friends drinking and other people passing by with their own beer or Pad Thai in their hands. These usual scenarios are what makes Khao San Road so special. As I walked along the road, I grabbed my own bottle of beer, I passed by a crowded people dancing to the tune of Despacito. I stayed there for a couple of minutes watching these people dancing. At first, I was just banging my head while having a little dance movement when eventually I found myself at the center of the crowd dancing with them together. Instantly, I made friends with other fellow travelers. Around 1 in the morning when the party ended, so we decided to go on a bar along Khao San Road to continue this unending party. Inside the bar, we met other travelers again and made friends with them as well. I realized that it was so easy to connect to fellow tourist when you're in a foreign land. It's also good to go out of your comfort zone, loosen up and try other things that you haven't done before. In my case, it was my first time fulfilling my goal about traveling - meeting new friends and food.
Khao San Road: It's not just about the Night Life
A bustling and kaleidoscopic street in Bangkok, overflowing with chang t-shirts, tasty pad-thai and happy-go-lucky travelers from all over the globe. A short walk through the heart of Bangkok exposes visitors to all the street of Khao San Road has to offer. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Khao San Road.
1. Eat Bugs!
Wanna try to eat a crunchy cockroach, grasshopper, spider and even scorpion? Khao San Road is the right place. They're fried, caramelized and sweet. Some of them are crunchy but others are gooey on the inside.
2. Get a Massage
After a long and tiring day of sightseeing, the traditional Thai massage awaits you. It's so good and very relaxing. For a minimum amount of 150 baht ($4.50), you can experience this grandma-proof massage.
3. Get a Tattoo
I didn't do this but a lot of tourists get a tattoo while staying at Khao San Road most especially after too many drinks. It's so easy to find tattoo shops here. Just walk around and you'll find one. It's common as souvenir shops or bars. If you're not into a permanent ink, you should try the henna tattoo.
4. Eat Street Food
Your Khao San Road experience is not complete without trying their street food. Pad Thai, Roti and Sticky Rice were the best food I had tasted in Khao San Road. For around 20 to 50 baht ($0.60 to $1.50), you can have a decent meal.
5. Shop and Bargain
There are so many stores in this street, from t-shirts, souvenir items, traveling bag and a lot more. Since this is such a tourist destinations, expect that prices are a bit too high so you have to learn the art of bargaining.
6. Meet New Friends
You can easily make friends while staying at Khao San Road since this is backpacker's mecca, so there's a friendly atmosphere here. I met a lot of friends just by chatting and while dancing at the party road. They are still my friends until now and we already have a plans to travel again this year.
