From Jurien Bay to Perth: The Start of a Three-Month Adventure in Thailand
November 9, 2024, was the day our big adventure began. At 9 a.m., we left the peaceful shores of Jurien Bay and set our sights on Perth, the bustling capital of Western Australia. From here, we’ll fly out tomorrow to kick off three incredible months in Thailand, with a quick overnight stop in Kuala Lumpur along the way.
The drive to Perth was smooth and uneventful, with light cloud cover keeping the weather pleasant. By 1 p.m., we had arrived at the Ingot Hotel, located conveniently near the airport. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and just what we needed for a one-night stay. After checking in, we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and taking a leisurely stroll around the local streets, soaking in the vibe of the area.
By 5 p.m., hunger had set in, and we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at the Golden Star Noodle Bar. The meal was absolutely delicious—a perfect blend of flavors that left us feeling satisfied and excited for the culinary adventures ahead in Thailand.
As we settled back into our hotel for the evening, we couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. Tomorrow, we’ll board a plane to Kuala Lumpur, the first step toward our three-month exploration of Thailand. From the stunning beaches and vibrant cities to the rich culture and mouthwatering cuisine, we’re ready for it all.
10 November 2024: Smooth Transitions and a Night in Kuala Lumpur
Today marked the official start of our international adventure! After a comfortable night at the Ingot Hotel in Perth, we were grateful for their complimentary shuttle service to the airport. We arrived at reception at 12:30 p.m. to catch the shuttle and were at the airport in no time.
The check-in process, however, was a bit of a hassle. We joined the self check-in queue, and while it’s a modern convenience, I must admit—I’m not a fan of the self check-in system at airports. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long, and soon we were through security, waiting for our flight, MH124, to Kuala Lumpur.
Boarding was delayed by about 30 minutes, which pushed our departure back slightly. Despite the delay, the flight was smooth, and we arrived in Kuala Lumpur a little later than scheduled. No worries though—we’d wisely allowed ourselves a 12-hour layover, so there was no rush.
After landing, we made our way to a nearby hotel for a good night’s sleep. It felt great to stretch out and relax after the flight, knowing we were well on our way to Thailand. With our next flight scheduled for 9:45 a.m. tomorrow, we planned to take it easy, enjoy a sleep-in, and start the day refreshed.
It’s been a smooth journey so far, and we’re thrilled to be one step closer to our three-month adventure in Thailand. Tomorrow, the real fun begins!
11 November 2024: Touchdown in Chiang Mai – Back in Our Second Home
The day started early as we checked out of our Kuala Lumpur hotel by 8:30 a.m. and hopped on the interterminal bus to our departure gate. Our flight was scheduled for a 9:05 a.m. boarding, and while it took off a little late, the journey itself was smooth and uneventful.
I must admit, though, the morning tea served on the flight left much to be desired. It was a rather unappetizing gray lump of something paired with water—definitely not a highlight of the trip! Thankfully, the flight was short, and by 12:30 p.m., we had landed in Chiang Mai, our beloved home away from home.
After collecting our bags, we made our way to the little hotel we stay at every year, conveniently located near the Chiang Mai Wall. It’s a place that feels familiar and welcoming, like returning to an old friend. Once we checked in, we stretched our legs with a walk to our favorite Pad Thai restaurant, a must-visit spot whenever we’re in town.
The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and recharging at the hotel. By 6 p.m., we were ready for a light Thai meal and a couple of refreshing Chang Beers to celebrate our arrival. It’s these simple pleasures—good food, cold beer, and the warm, familiar atmosphere of Chiang Mai—that make this place so special to us.
We’re both thrilled to be back in what feels like our second home. The sights, sounds, and smells of Chiang Mai never fail to bring us joy, and we’re excited for the adventures that lie ahead over the next three months.
12 November 2024: Revisiting Favourites and Reconnecting in Chiang Mai
Firstly, Happy Birthday Steve, another year to celebrate life. After a restful night’s sleep, we were ready to dive back into the vibrant charm of Chiang Mai. Our day began with a visit to one of our favourite spiritual landmarks, Wat Phra Singh Waramahavihan. This stunning temple never fails to take our breath away, with its golden chedi glowing brilliantly under the sun. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe and tranquility here—a perfect way to start the day.
Next, we made our way to Tonpayom Market, a bustling local spot where we picked up some fresh fruit. The flavours of the fruit here are simply unmatched—so vibrant and sweet compared to what we’re used to back in Australia. It’s always a treat to indulge in the local produce.
Of course, no day in Chiang Mai would be complete without a stop at our beloved Pad Thai restaurant for lunch. The familiar flavours hit the spot, and we left feeling satisfied and ready for an afternoon rest. I also headed off to see my hairdresser.
The highlight of the day, however, was catching up with David, Steve’s best friend in Chiang Mai for a birthday celebration. It’s always a joy to spend time with him, and tonight was no exception. We headed to the night market near Maya Shopping Centre, where the lively atmosphere and delicious nibbles made for a perfect evening. The boys reminisced over cold glasses of Chang and Singha, though we were a little concerned about David’s habit of adding ice to his Singha—definitely a questionable choice!
The night was filled with laughter, great conversation, and the kind of camaraderie that makes it feel like no time has passed since we last saw each other.
As we made our way home, we even swore we spotted a pink Porsche parked in the street —definitely a rare sight, even in a city as colourful as Chiang Mai! (Though we’re used to seeing pink elephants here, so maybe our eyes were playing tricks on us, ha!)
It was a simple yet unforgettable day, blending the comfort of familiar places with the joy of reconnecting with old friends. Chiang Mai continues to feel like a second home, and we’re so grateful to be back.
