A Warm Farewell Before the Rain
On November 14th, I found myself sunburned once again. Thailand’s sunlight has a way of leaving its mark, reminding me not to underestimate it. Today was not an ordinary day—it was the day I would head toward Satun, the very last town I would visit in Thailand. The distance was about 50 kilometers, not far compared to other rides, so I decided to leave at a relaxed pace.
Morning Encounters
As I wandered the streets in search of a food stall, a man suddenly called out to me. “Your beard looks fantastic,” he said with a big smile.
Ever since arriving in this region, I had been receiving compliments about my beard so often that it almost felt strange. I couldn’t help but laugh nervously.
The man explained that many of the nearby stalls were not open in the morning. He then kindly offered to take me to one that he recommended. With his confidence, I expected it to be something special.
And it was. The stall served fragrant yellow rice with chicken—a simple but delicious meal that instantly lifted my spirits. In this region, where many people are Muslim, I sometimes hesitate to take photos or videos out of respect for their culture. That thought stayed with me as I ate, reminding me that respect always comes before documentation.
As I finished my meal, the stall owner came over with a surprise. “Here, take this,” he said, handing me a bag with three sandwiches inside. I was touched by his generosity. People here seemed even warmer than in other towns, and I felt an urge to stay longer.
To top it off, he gave me a ride back to my guesthouse on his motorbike. It was the perfect way to start the day.
Farewell to Friends
Back at the hotel, I prepared for departure. My dinosaur plush, “Dyna,” a gift from the previous day, was strapped to my gear, ready to continue the journey with me.
I also said goodbye to the hotel staff and a Swedish traveler I had met. Although it had only been a short stay, their kindness made it memorable. I thanked them sincerely before heading out.
But as I looked at my watch, I realized it was already past 11:30. That reminded me—the stall I had visited yesterday opened at 11. I decided to stop by one last time to say farewell.
When I arrived, I was welcomed warmly. “Have lunch before you leave,” they insisted. The dish was the same as yesterday—rich, flavorful, and unforgettable. Eating it made it harder to leave. I promised myself that someday, in a few years, I would return.
As I got up to leave, they handed me another gift: three skewers of grilled chicken and a T-shirt. The shirt had the words “Bike Safety for Kids” printed on the back. It was likely a gift from their daughter’s school. I was overwhelmed. These simple, heartfelt gestures were worth more than anything money could buy. I told myself I would wear it proudly when I arrived at my next destination.
Rain on the Road
At last, it was time to depart for Satun. I pedaled away from the town, calling out in my heart: “Thank you, Ligu!”
But my optimism quickly faded. Ahead of me, I saw a massive wall of rain clouds forming. I had thought 50 kilometers would be easy, but I had forgotten to factor in the weather. In Thailand, afternoon storms are common, and it’s usually best to cover ground before they arrive. This time, I was too late.
A sudden storm unleashed itself with terrifying force. The rain hammered down, flooding the road within minutes. I rushed to take shelter in a mysterious abandoned building in the forest. Everything I carried was soaked, and I was once again reminded of the sheer power of Thailand’s rain.
It felt as though the storm itself was warning me: “Be careful when you reach Malaysia.”
Arrival in Satun
Despite the on-and-off showers, I managed to reach my accommodation for the night. I was using “Warm Showers,” a service similar to Couchsurfing, that connects travelers with locals willing to host them.
After resting briefly, my host invited me to join a visit to the night market. The lively atmosphere, full of colors, aromas, and sounds, was exactly the kind of scene I love most about traveling.
As I walked among the stalls, I silently repeated my gratitude: “Thank you for inviting me.”
Tomorrow, by pure coincidence, I would have the chance to witness Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s most iconic festivals. The timing felt like a miracle. Whatever the day brought, I knew it would be unforgettable.
