Hello everyone

Last month, I embarked on a journey to Tak Province, covering a distance of about 1,300 kilometers, to visit my mother, sister, and nieces. I set out at 5:40 AM, early in the morning, as I planned to stop and rest at my niece’s home in Bangkok for the night—roughly 800 kilometers from Phuket.

I prefer driving alone rather than having a companion. There’s something freeing about being able to blast my favorite songs and sing along at the top of my lungs. It makes the long drive not only bearable but also incredibly fun and lively. 🎵🚗✨

Let me take you along on this adventure, where the roads stretched far and wide, with moments of joy and reflection scattered along the way. 😊

As I entered Phang Nga Province, crossing the 600 meters of the Sarasin Bridge that connects Phuket to the mainland, I noticed the familiar sight of numerous stalls lining the road. These vendors, many of which are small family businesses, sell a variety of dried seafood products, perfect for long-term storage and ideal as gifts for family and friends.

I made a quick stop to pick up some of these dried seafood treats to bring to my sister and friends. I chatted with one of the vendors, who recommended a pack of her best-selling dried shrimp. She shared that her family has been making dried seafood for over 20 years, using fresh catches from nearby fishing villages. I couldn’t resist grabbing some for my sister and friends—and a little extra for myself, for the road, of course. 🦑🦐✨

These little moments of stopping to shop and support local vendors add so much charm to the journey, don’t you think?

After buying a generous amount of souvenirs, I immediately resumed my journey to Bangkok. Along the way, I enjoyed listening to my favorite music while soaking in the ever-changing scenery on both sides of the road. This is always my favorite part of long-distance driving—the sense of freedom and the excitement of traveling to new or familiar places. 🎶🚗

The drive from Phuket to my niece's home in Bangkok took about 10 hours, and I arrived around 5:00 p.m. It was a long drive, but reaching Bangkok felt rewarding. Spending the evening catching up with my niece made the trip even more enjoyable. To my surprise, she told me she would join me on the rest of my journey to Tak Province, which made me even more excited for the next leg of the trip.

Long drives like this remind me of how much I enjoy the journey itself—not just the destination. What about you? Do you love long road trips, or do you prefer to reach your destination quickly? 😊

Early the next morning, my niece and I prepared to leave Bangkok and head towards Tak Province. The drive from Bangkok to my sister’s home, located near the Moei River in Mae Sot District, is about 529 kilometers and typically takes around 6-7 hours. Having a companion this time made the journey feel less lonely, especially since my niece shares my love for music. We spent the drive singing along to our favorite tunes and laughing together, which made the hours fly by. 🎶🚗✨

The route from Bangkok to Mae Sot is beautiful, passing through lush green hills, quiet farmlands, and quaint little towns. It felt refreshing to escape the city's chaos and immerse ourselves in the simplicity of the countryside. There’s something special about seeing the changing landscapes as you move from central Thailand towards the mountains of the north. 🌄🍃

Driving with my niece reminded me how much I cherish these little moments. Whether it’s singing off-key to old favorites or stopping to admire a scenic view, the journey itself always feels just as meaningful as the destination. 😊

Along the way, we made occasional stops at gas stations to refuel, stretch our legs, and use the restroom. Sometimes, we’d take a break to grab a meal or pick up a refreshing drink to keep our energy up for the long drive. These little stops gave us a chance to relax and chat, making the journey feel even more enjoyable. ⛽🥤✨

Finally, after driving for around 6 hours, we safely arrived at our destination at around 3:00 p.m. It felt so rewarding to step out of the car and take in the familiar surroundings of Mae Sot, knowing we had made it safely and comfortably. 🌄😊

Every road trip has its moments of challenge, but when you reach your destination, those challenges become part of the story. It’s not just about where you’re going—it’s about the memories you create along the way. 🚗💕

Do you enjoy making stops during long drives, or do you prefer driving straight to your destination? Let me know in the comments below! 💬✨

Until next time—stay curious, and I’ll see you on the next adventure!

Sawadee kha! 🙏💛
@Baiboua