On October 13, 2016, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand passed away. At the time, he was the world's longest reigning monarch; that title now belonging to Queen Elizabeth of England. In accordance with royal burial rights, there was a year of mourning culminating with his funeral and cremation on 26 October 2017.
In the days leading up to this momentous occasion the typicaly chaotic capital city of Bangkok projected a unified, subdued look and feel of a nation who's political future is uncertain at best. The new King's accession is mostly ceremonial since a militaty coup took control in 2014. The first national elections have been scheduled for next year...LOL. Black and white cloths drape the city. Photos of the beloved king were everywhere. The country loved their King even if the 1% did not.
It is difficult to overstate the significance of this moment in history. For the Thai people--all accross the country--the day of his cremation represented the first time that 7-11 convienence stores closed...for a few hours.
I enjoy visiting a country during a time of celebration. All of the normal tourist activities are still on offer, but one is forced to learn about the people and culture that so often go overlooked.
When to visit Southeast Asia depends mostly on how much you like warm weather. For my part, I feel one should visit in the regularly hot season rather than the rediculously, oppressively hot season. The day after my arrival in Bangkok, the temperature on my weather app was a shoulder-seasony high of 81F (27C). The next line, though, said it "feels like" 97F (36C). It's nice being here in the cool, dry season!
I spent a few days recovering from the jetlag and finding perspective between the drunken, international backpackers and solemn, black-dressed locals. Defering to my anti-city side I transfered from BKK to the island paradise of Koh Chang.
Koh Chang sits along the Northeast of the Gulf of Thailand, almost to the Cambodian border. Unlike other islands, Chang is largely undeveloped; owing to more than 80% of it being a national park.
With its numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and scuba diving locations one could spend a week and feel as though they have only scratched the surface of ways to explore and enjoy.
And, so, I spent a week laying in a hammock, laying on a beach, laying in a blow-up lounge chair on the water...mango smoothy in hand, and eating at a different Bob Marley themed restaurant every night. I must confess, I could use some rest. I can't run at this pace very long.
It's a 5hr transfer from Koh Chang to Phnom Phen, Cambodia. Or, at least that is what I was told. Border crossings and dealing with shady "helpers" can either put a damper on travels or be the highlight of one's adventure. I'll call it the latter and just say that the experience lasted 15hrs.
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