A Journey Through My Sketchbook
First Step: Bangkok
We took our first walk through Bangkok by night, exploring the Khao San Road area. Many street vendors offered skewers and other tempting dishes. The scents were a mix of contrasts—sometimes the foul smells of the street, sometimes the delicate fragrances of Thai cuisine.
The day after our arrival, we visited the flower market. The saleswomen spent their days stringing together flowers (not pearls!) to make crowns for temples.
Our city tour continued on a long-tail boat, navigating the khlongs (canals). It felt like we were in an Eastern Venice, with colorful gondolas! The houses were authentic wooden huts on stilts, with laundry hanging from the windows. The vegetation was lush, and golden temples stood scattered along the water. It was nap time, and people swayed gently in their hammocks. Only a few goannas were awake, lurking in the shade…
The next day, we visited Wat Pho Temple, an impressive complex of colorful rooftops (not always tasteful!) and chedîs (bell-shaped structures).
A multitude of golden Buddhas smiled at us from every corner of the temples. The Reclining Buddha, an enormous 45 meters long, was truly awe-inspiring, yet it seemed almost stuck inside its temple!
We also discovered mango sticky rice—a true delight!
Rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fresh mango. Sadly, I never had time to draw it… we ate it too fast every time!
Second Step: Sukhothai
We took a flight from Bangkok to Sukhothai. On arrival, we were greeted by a tiny airport, a beautiful traditional wooden building nestled among coconut trees.
Visiting the ancient city of Sukhothai was an enchanting experience. We rode bicycles through UNESCO-listed ruins, wandering among the remains of red brick temples, massive chedîs, and Buddha sculptures hidden in the palm trees.
The place was almost deserted… We had the rare chance to explore this magical site without the usual crowds of tourists.
Third Step: Chiang Mai
To reach Chiang Mai, we traveled 200 km by bus, a journey that took over five hours.
One thing I hadn’t mentioned yet—Thai driving is surprisingly smooth compared to other countries! Whether in taxis, buses, or tuk-tuks, the drivers seemed calm and collected.
Chiang Mai was the perfect central hub for visiting many nearby sites. Our first stop was the Doi Suthep Temple, located 15 km outside the city. As soon as we left Chiang Mai, the road climbed steeply, surrounded by dense jungle.
At 1,500 meters altitude, the air was cool and refreshing.
To reach the temple, we climbed 300 steps, along a stunning staircase where the railings formed the body of a giant dragon. Inside, gold was everywhere—even the central chedî was gilded! Pilgrims walked around it three times, holding flowers, before prostrating themselves before Buddha.
The next day, we explored a Hmong village, Doi Pui, nestled in the surrounding mountains.
The village itself felt a little melancholic—houses built from simple materials, some with dried palm roofs, others with corrugated metal sheets.
There were no tourists, yet the village was full of gift shops. Stalls displayed an array of fresh and dried fruits (including delicious dried strawberries and mangoes!), traditional Hmong costumes, and typical souvenirs.
Chickens and roosters wandered freely through the streets.
I enjoyed drawing the beautifully embroidered Hmong outfits—each one a testament to incredible patience and craftsmanship.
Experiencing Thai Massage
It’s impossible to visit Thailand without trying a Thai massage!
We chose a place recommended in a tourist guide, and it was a truly professional experience.
First, they washed our feet with salt and lemon. Then, they provided us with loose-fitting clothes for the session.
This massage was far from relaxing—it felt more like an osteopathy session! My masseuse used her whole body to stretch and press my muscles, guiding me into unexpected positions…
Well, now I definitely know what Thai massage feels like!
Exploring a Local Market
I love strolling through markets in every country I visit. It’s always a chance to discover new foods, objects, and traditions. The mix of smells, sounds, and colors is an experience in itself!
In Chiang Mai, we visited the Warorot Market—a truly authentic experience.
There were no tourists, only locals doing their daily shopping. We found everything here:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dried fish (the smell was intense!)
- Spices
- Golden Buddha statues
- Shoes, clothes, beauty products, and jewelry
You could even enjoy freshly prepared meals right on site!
We bought a few typical souvenirs, as our trip was coming to an end. The next day, we would return to Bangkok, and soon after, fly back to France.
Before leaving, I made one last sketch near our hotel—a beautiful memory of Bangkok.
Did You Enjoy Traveling Through My Sketchbook?
I hope these excerpts from my travel diary allowed you to escape for a moment and experience a bit of Thailand through my eyes!
Did you know that these travel books were the inspiration behind my wedding books?
It all started in 2014, when I created my first wedding book—for my brother’s wedding!
Would you like to see what it looks like in a “wedding” version?
