Searching for a Bicycle in Bangkok
October 11, greetings from Ekkamai, one of the busy districts in central Bangkok. Today’s mission was simple but important: to find a bicycle for the person who had recently decided to join me on this journey. Without a proper bike, the two of us could not begin our adventure together.
We headed toward a massive DECATHLON sports shop located about a 25-minute walk from Thong Lo Station. The store was astonishing in size—far larger than any sports shop I had imagined.
Inside, everything was there. Hiking gear, camping equipment, golf clubs. Not just the mainstream sports either—there were items for handball, darts, and countless other activities. The variety alone was overwhelming. But our focus today was bicycles and the necessary gear to begin life on the road.
Choosing the Right Bicycle
In the cycling section, we were welcomed by a man with a strong beard and a wild, rugged look. In Southeast Asia, where facial hair is not always common, he stood out. I regret not asking to take a photo with him—his presence was memorable, even if I only captured it in my mind.
He kindly guided us through the different models, pointing out the features of each one. After some discussion, we decided on a bicycle priced at 5,000 baht (around 22,000 yen). It had a quick-release system, making it easier for beginners to remove the wheels in case of a flat tire. For someone just starting out, that balance of simplicity and affordability made the decision clear.
We also picked up a few other items—camping gear, tools, and small essentials. When it all came together at the register, the total surprised us: 19,340 baht, nearly 87,000 yen. I suddenly realized just how much it costs to begin traveling by bicycle. It is not just the bike—it is everything else that makes the road possible.
Riding Back Through Bangkok Traffic
By the time we were done, it was already around 4 p.m., the peak of Bangkok’s evening traffic. The roads were chaotic, cars packed tightly, motorcycles weaving in every direction. For someone who had never cycled in a big city before, it could be dangerous.
So I decided to take the new bicycle back to the guesthouse myself, while my companion returned another way. It felt safer this way. The first ride should not be into a storm of traffic, no matter how eager you are. Some lessons of the road must wait for the right time.
A Street Stall Dinner
Back at the guesthouse, a small hunger pushed me outside again. Not far away, I found a noodle stall—the same one I had visited once before.
The beauty of this stall is the freedom to choose different types of noodles each time. Tonight, I picked something new, and once again, it was simple but delicious. These small bowls of soup, made fresh and steaming in the night air, carried a comfort that felt far larger than their price.
An Unexpected Encounter
On the way back, someone stopped me with a question: “Are you Japanese?”
I answered, and soon we were talking. He was Thai, but spoke fluent Japanese. Surprised, I asked how he had learned. His answer was immediate: “I love Japanese anime.” He had studied the language just to understand it better.
Moments like this remind me of the invisible bridges that connect cultures. Japanese anime had reached him in Thailand, and in turn, it gave us common ground to talk like old friends. It also reminded me of one of my quiet strengths—the ability to connect with people, no matter who they are or where they come from.
