According to experts, the first attraction of every “slow” adventure trip to see the sights by motorbike, train or car in the new normal is that tourists have more opportunities to combine sightseeing with exchanges and experiences of street food. Through communication with new companions met and acquainted during the journey, which usually lasts for a few hours or more, tourists can “recharge” some tips on choosing and trading to taste delicious, nutritious and cheap local specialties from street vendors or small shops along the road.
Of course, when choosing a “slow” adventure, travelers will inevitably feel annoyed by some inconveniences. But that is an essential part of the factors that make the journey more attractive than the destination, so travelers should not forget to smile every time they overcome a situation that makes them fall into an unexpected deadlock.
Amphawa Floating Market is a tourist attraction located on a branch of the Mae Klong River, in Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram province, about 50 km from Bangkok.
What can be called the “unique trick” of the “slow” sightseeing adventure travel trend that is emerging in Thailand in this new normal period was mentioned by author Isabel Albiston in the article titled “Three of Thailand’s most beautiful sightseeing itineraries that we know you will love”, posted on Lonelyplanet.com on November 22.
1. A "slow" adventure of sightseeing by Mahachai short-distance train on the outskirts of Bangkok offers unique everyday experiences:
Separate from the main train network, the short 80km Mahachai line from Wong Wian station (in Thonburi district in western Bangkok) to Samut Sakhon (known locally as Mahachai) is considered one of the liveliest train journeys in Thailand.
An adventurous journey on a Mahachai short-distance train will bring you a different kind of everyday experience as you really mingle with the local residents, interact with them and watch the scenery pass by through the windy train windows.
The daily life of the Bangkok suburbs is reflected in the bustling crowds of people next to houses, temples, shops... "close" to the train tracks. In the distance is the open nature with rice fields, palm trees, flower fields, green canals and vast salt marsh landscapes...
The bustling daily life of suburban Bangkok residents right next to the train tracks on the Mahachai short line.
Amphawa floating market always leaves unforgettable impressions on foreign tourists.
At each stop, visitors can leave the ship to explore the fresh markets. The most famous of which is the Amphawa floating market, which is only open on weekend evenings from Friday to Sunday, and will certainly leave an unforgettable impression on foreign visitors.
2. Slow adventure along the Mae Sa - Samoeng loop, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Chiang Mai
Sometimes referred to as the Mae Sa Valley Loop, the Mae Sa - Samoeng Loop is considered one of the most scenic and challenging driving routes in Thailand.
The journey by car, motorbike (sometimes even bicycle groups) starts from Chiang Mai, passing 100 km of quiet mountain roads with many impressive "curves". The most "adventurous" part is when the car zigzags like a roller coaster over Doi Suthep mountain, through Mae Sa valley to see the terraced rice fields, to the final destination is the lovely town of Samoeng before returning to Chiang Mai via Khlong Chonprathan (Canal Road).
The Mae Sa - Samoeng loop in Chiang Mai, with its many impressive curves, is considered the best test of Thailand's "silk driving" skills. (Photo: lannabigbiketour)
The journey starts and ends at the famous tourist destination Chiang Mai - the province known as the "Northern Rose" of Thailand, an attractive destination for tourists who are passionate about exploring nature and the traditional culture of the highland people.
Among the scenic spots along the way, the most famous is Nam Tok Mae Sa waterfall in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, which is also a stop for visitors to relax by soaking in the cool, clear water after a long journey.
An exciting BMW motorbike tour takes visitors on the Mae Sa - Samoeng loop. (Photo: bookmotorcycletours)
3. Slow adventure by bus on the Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi route, exploring the "Wild West" of Thailand
Located 130 km northwest of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is the gateway to Thailand’s “Wild West”. Many adventurous travelers choose the Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi bus adventure, combining the exploration of the “Wild West” with the experience of authentic traditional Thai charms in Sangkhlaburi.
Kanchanaburi Province and the town of the same name are famous for the River Kwai Bridge at the upstream of the Kwai Yai River flowing into Kanchanaburi, as it was the setting for the novel “The Bridge over River Kwai” by French author Pierre Boulle, which was later adapted into an epic film of the same name by famous British director David Lean.
Besides, Kanchanaburi also has many other attractive destinations such as: Erawan National Park, famous for its 7-tier waterfall - one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia; the magical Pra That cave area...
The Bridge on the River Kwai is a popular destination in Kanchanaburi, carrying a profound historical message of Thailand.
The seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall is famous as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia and is also the most attractive sight in the 550 square kilometer Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province.
Sangkhlaburi is a peaceful town near the Myanmar border. This place has always been “outside” of the familiar tourist routes, but is favored by many Thais who come to relax and enjoy local cuisine at restaurants on floating rafts on the river.
Visitors are drawn to the remote town overlooking the Khao Laem reservoir, where a mixed Thai-Lao-Myanmar-Karen-Mon community lives together in a unique lifestyle that blends different cultures and languages.
Further away from the center of Sangkhlaburi town, across the 400m long Mon wooden bridge - the longest in Thailand - visitors come to the colorful Wang Kha village to experience the life and cuisine of the local Mon community.
