My Semester Abroad in Thailand

Before this semester at Siam University, I had visited Thailand once. Last time, I went on a family trip to Koh Chang just to enjoy the sun and relax on the beach. I was so impressed by the beauty of Thailand and the warmth of the Thai people that I had to come back! This year, I’m glad to have had more time to explore Thailand’s beautiful culture and cities. I’ve visited several impressive temples and art galleries, including Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Loha Prasat. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a very well-curated gallery, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) features beautiful art pieces and statues. I haven’t visited River City yet, which was highly recommended to me, but it’s definitely on my list. My friend also invited me to the National Stadium to watch Muay Thai in action, which was very impressive.

My travels outside Bangkok included an exciting trip to Phuket and the neighboring island of Ko Phi Phi with a friend. I went on a three-day cultural exploration of Chiang Mai alongside Jessica Nguyen, a fellow student from my Thai language class. Here’s a more detailed look at these trips and my impressions:

Phuket

I had heard a lot about Phuket from the internet and friends, so I was very curious to see if the hype was justified. To be honest, we just went there to spend time on the beach, not really for sightseeing. Karon Beach, with its fine, soft sand and clear waters, was much less crowded than Patong Beach. We briefly walked through Patong’s Walking Street, as it was too crowded for us. Freedom Beach is a beautifully secluded spot, with an entrance fee of 200 baht. The path down to the water was steep and exhausting. After spending three days in Phuket, we headed to Koh Phi Phi Island. Unfortunately, since we arrived in the evening, the beach by our hotel was at low tide.

Starting from Phi Phi, we decided to do a day-long island tour on a longboat. I was worried about getting seasick, but thankfully, the ride was smooth. We visited Monkey Bay and watched some monkeys, as the name implies. Viking Cave and Pi Leh Bay were also beautiful. Although we couldn’t swim at the famous Maya Beach, made popular by the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, we took countless beautiful photos. We had the opportunity to snorkel at several locations and were amazed by the variety of fish and plants. Our last stop on this tour was in the middle of the ocean at night, where we jumped into the black water and, with the help of other passengers, made enough movement to see bioluminescent plankton, which glows in the dark. Despite the exhausting schedule of island hopping from sunrise to sunset, I was blown away by the beauty of the Thai islands and beaches.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a small town rich with culture and many beautiful and diverse temples. While exploring the city, we saw Doi Suthep and Wat Muen Tum. During our stay, we went to three different night markets: the Saturday and Sunday Night Markets and the Night Bazaar. We were very impressed and came home with a big bag of souvenirs each. Jessi and I decided against visiting an elephant sanctuary after learning about the misconduct with elephants and couldn’t bear going knowing what happens behind the scenes. Since I was also a bit sick, we decided not to do anything involving hiking. Therefore, our options were very limited. Eventually, we toured Wat Pha Lat, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Hmong Doi Pui Village, and Huay Keaw Waterfall. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was particularly memorable for me as it wasn’t as “flashy” as the temples I was used to seeing. The entire place had a very natural look and was made of wood. The location was beautifully green, making it an ideal place for meditation. At Hmong Doi Pui Village, we rented traditional outfits and took lots of pictures. I even tried archery with some locals.

Food

I’ve loved Thai food since my time in Germany, but it tastes different here in Thailand—in a good way. The food is fresher and more vibrant. I’ve managed the famous Thai spice level quite well and can proudly say it is not too spicy for me. I’ve tried various new dishes and drinks, such as Guay Tiew Ruea, Laab, Gaeng Massaman, and Som Tam. Moo Kata and Thai Hot Pot are not only delicious but also a fun activity to do with friends. My favorite is definitely Khao Soi, as I’m not a big fan of curry, but this dish has a very good mix of flavors and spices, and I love the crunchy noodles on top. For beverages, Thai tea and Nom Yen have become my go-to refreshments.

Language

Back in Germany, I have Thai friends who introduced me to the basics of the language. Here, I’ve expanded my knowledge through classes, which has made navigating daily interactions smoother. Besides, Thai people are so helpful and often can speak a bit of English. If communication was too difficult, using a translator was the answer. The Thai language is very different from German, but it is a beautiful and fun language to learn, even though many tones and words sound similar. Studying Thai in a more profound way has helped me appreciate the language and culture even more.

Conclusion

Deciding to do my exchange semester was somewhat spontaneous, and initially, I felt anxious and worried about moving to Thailand alone. However, now I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study at Siam University. I’ve enjoyed every day spent with amazing friends, made countless cherished memories, and visited many beautiful places that I will hold dear to my heart forever.