Hitchhiking in Thailand is not as common as in European or American countries, but it is certainly possible. People in Asia are so friendly and curious why a foreigner is standing at the side of the street, trying to stop the passing cars. So it won’t take long until someone stops to ask what you are doing. But making them clear what your intention is, is a lot more difficult. After riding our car from Belgium to Mongolia, taking sleeper trains in China, riding a motorbike around Vietnam & Cambodia, and taking local buses in Laos, we decided to hitchhike our way around Thailand.
Thailand
Lopburi is a historic city, one of the oldest cities in Thailand, and just 3 hours away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. It’s divided into two areas, New Town and Old Town. While there’s not so much to see in New Town itself, let’s say that Old Town is rather … interesting. Most of the domestic and international visitors don’t come to Lopburi to see the old temple complex, but to do some macaque spotting. That’s right, the Old Town of Lopburi is full of them, and they aren’t the kind and cute monkeys that you’re used to see in the zoo.
Traditional instrumental Thai music is playing in the background, two small -but strong- men step into the ring at opposite corners, and the crowd is shouting. Everyone gets excited about the new Muay Thai fight that’s going to take place in a couple of minutes. Locals are yelling to each other and passing around their money towards the bookmakers to place their bets. The fighters perform a ritual dance to pay homage to their trainer and family and to bless themselves for getting victory in the ring. After getting hyped up by their coach, the fighters go and stand in the middle of the ring, greet their opponent, look each other in the eyes and get in fighting position. We are attending a professional Muay Thai fight in Bangkok for free!