J U S T l i k e C O F F E E: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya

Thailand is one of those countries where everyone should go to. It offers something for everyone; for instance, within the capital city of Bangkok itself, there is a bustling city full of nightlife, shopping at Siam Center, riding tuk tuks, and sampling street food, while quietly scattered throughout the city are historical temples, built so elaborately for past kings.

A couple months ago, the king Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away and the country was in its highest grief. They absolutely loved the king, he ruled for 70 and had shown great love for the Thailand, even the poor in the countryside. People from all over the country flocked to the Grand Palace to pay respect. Food was given away to all visitors, as part of the mutual gratitude and respect that they are mourning together. I was moved by their devotion to the king, while I think about home, where the United States was divided by the 2016 election. It's beautiful to see a country so unified after a tragedy.

Perhaps the beauty of Thailand is in its faith and spirituality of Buddhism. The temples gleam with decor, long-tail boats are colorfully decorated on the rivers and canals, food stalls light up, and live performances are infused with traditional bright dresses.

Venturing away from Bangkok, I've loved the Damnoan Saduak Floating Market, where you can hop on one of the boats as it takes you through a canal and you try to make quick transactions from one boat to another. In Kanchanaburi, near the border of Burma, I learned about the bridge on the River Kwai during WWII, while crossing over it myself. I hiked the seven-tiered waterfall called Erawan Falls, where the water is milky blue and filled with fish nibbling on your feet. I bathed with elephants while also swimming with them in the river.

Overall, the trip had been a great tour of Central Thailand. I would love to come back again to see the Northern side and even the beaches, possibly during a Loy Kathrong celebration.