Huge, large and colorful: Then I came to Thailand for the first time

When the possibility of flying to Thailand for an article came up, I was not immediately excited, and when I was told about an international LGBT conference held there, I did not understand what the connection was. So, where you must visit

Clash between old and new. Thailand at dusk.

Thailand in the evening (Photo: Lior Naor, Walla system! NEWS)

Flying to Thailand? "I'm more of a classic European type," I told myself. But on the other hand, the opportunity to be exposed to a new culture plus engaging in the proud community (and a slight desire for a holiday) made the decision. I didn't really know what to expect. I only knew this country from the media and friends, who said they were amazing there, but on the other hand, I thought to myself, "How much belly can you do". I decided not to research anything on purpose, so that I could be surprised by things and set off.

Where were we? Chinese temples, Chinese quarter, cafe tour, Proud quarter, bus food tour, cooking workshop, sailing to golden beaches.

The first shock was traveling from the airport to the hotel. Everything is huge and big. Bangkok, Thailand's capital suddenly feels like the essence of the world. Huge skyscrapers alongside ancient temples, street food and shops on every corner, busy roads, huge commercial screens ... It felt like I was in town on steroids.

Then the vehicle turned into the hotel grounds and in one second the busy outside quietly replaced the Thai. Waterfalls everywhere, green, expanses ... It's almost unpleasant to speak out loud. The staff is very polite and helps with anything, even what you don't ask for. At first it is embarrassing, after all, I can take the suitcase alone, but in conversation with one of them it becomes clear to me that beyond it is his work, service and guest experience deeply rooted in Thai culture. And that motif came back everywhere we came.

Conservative ?! Get to know Thailand's proud nightlife

Chinese temples in Thailand

Chinese temples in Thailand (Photo: Lior Naor, Walla system! NEWS)

The visit began with a tour of Chinese temples , reflecting thousands of years of culture. Yes, like most people of today, I am not a fan of historical sites and mostly looking for the next attraction all the time, but you can't help but admire the size of things. Everything is huge, very luxurious, gilded, sparkling, respectful and mostly contains lots of history. It is hard not to be impressed by the much work that has been invested here, in preserving the ancient tradition alongside the modern world, which encompasses these places. The temples and historic sites are interwoven within the city, creating a clash between the old and the new.

From there to CHINA TOWN . The Chinese Quarter in Bangkok is like the one seen in movies. The day has hundreds of everything: clothing, appliances, jewelry and at night the place becomes a culinary paradise. Hundreds of food stalls come out onto the sidewalks and offer a variety that no stomach can contain. And forget about the Chinese food we know here in the country. The Thai flavors, dominate here. Fresh spices, noodles, meats, desserts and of course fresh mango, served with steak-rice and milk cream, emerge everywhere.

The streets are full, on the buildings neon signs, without paying attention I told the group with her I arrived that I felt like a Netflix set of photos. This is perhaps the most appropriate adaptation to "It's Like a Movie" of yesteryear.

And to close out the day properly, we arrived at a bar , but not one of tourists, which is on the main street with loud music. In the inner streets there are businesses and places where the locals go out, and they provide a real local experience (I deliberately do not write "authentic", because after all, what is "authentic"?)

The hosts' desire was to give us a taste of what Thailand has to offer, and the schedule is crowded. The next day we went on a tour of local cafes , but not like the ones we know from Israel. Thailand's real cafes are a small coffee shop, where roasts, grinders And like the local bars, these cafes are also not on the main street, but rather within the neighborhoods and streets - and here one can really be exposed to culture and history, most of which exist for many years, bringing with them a tight tradition.

Like a Netflix photo set. Chinese Quarter in Thailand

Chinese Quarter in Thailand (Photo: Lior Naor, Walla System! NEWS)

There are places you will have to reach by car, but in general, it is advisable to walk on foot and meet alleys, streets and again - the local businesses and restaurants.

As the sun went down we put on our beautiful clothes and headed out to the area of ​​Silom Street, the proud area of ​​Bangkok . And just as the Chinese Quarter was colorful, the Proud Quarter also looked like its own world. It's about a radius of about 3-4 streets, filled with bars, dance-clubs and other attractions of all kinds. If Tel Aviv has one proud club on this street, and a proud bar on that street, this is a really small neighborhood and suddenly you feel the power of the community. The streets are full, the alcohol is flowing, and when the DJ station party is over, the night is just beginning.

The next day we went on a city tour on a food bus . It was delicious, but the areas we traveled were more interesting. Busy streets, lots of color, shops, temples, and again culture and history that are woven everywhere. From there we sailed for a few minutes and were exposed to another holy and well-groomed area. The desire to preserve and modern seems to clash everywhere in Thailand, challenging the authorities.

The SIS Hotel in Phuket, the service tradition is rooted in Thai culture.

SIS hotel in Phuket (Photo: Lior Naor, Walla system! NEWS)

The next day we arrived at a Thai cooking workshop at Blue Elephant . One of the prestigious institutions, it turns out, for cooking. You can go to a place or a group and learn to prepare a full Thai meal, including all dishes.

The next day we finally got to the only thing I had in mind before arriving in Thailand. Not too early in the morning, we boarded a ship that took us to an island close to Phuket . As someone who is used to beaches in Tel Aviv, which close at least once a month due to pollution, see beaches with clear water - but really transparent is a strange sight to us, but spectacular. You can really see the fish, you can do snorkeling, you can go down to the beach and buy ice cream in the only stall with electricity. Then you can say you made a real back tummy, in the greenest, blue and glamorous place.

Admittedly, I'm not a big swimming fan, but the green in the eyes, the open spaces, the breathtakingly clean, cool air, the sights that make you stare at the horizon for a few seconds, before returning to reality where you live on a crowded Tel Aviv street. It is worth spending a day touring the islands and experiencing the disconnect and silence on the golden sand.

Blue Elephant Cooking Workshop. Of the prestige there is in the country

Blue Elephant - Thailand cooking workshop (Photo: Lior Naor, Walla system! NEWS)

We haven't talked about the nightlife in Phuket, the restaurants, the cocktail workshop, the shopping, the massage, the pampering hotels and how much we know about everything - it's cheap and accessible. But you have to let something go, too, right? In summary, it was a new, colorful and most surprising experience (at least for me). The encounter between the old and the new, between the tradition and the modern, and the combination of hospitality, will also guarantee you a sweet memory, in colors of blue and gold.

Among these, there was an international LGBT conference organized by the government in the country. And to really understand the LGBT attitude in the country, I decided to talk to the local residents. But you can read about it here.

Beaches with golden sand and transparent water in Thailand

Beaches with golden sand and transparent water - Thailand (Photo: Lior Naor, Sheee System)

The writer was a guest of the Friends of Thailand Club in Thailand at the Pride Conference of Thailand.