Our 2025 Thailand trip has been one of the most relaxed and enjoyable visits we’ve had in years. After arriving in Bangkok on 24 October, we first spent about a week in Phetchabun and Sukhothai, easing into the trip with cooler mountain air, quiet roads, and some of Thailand’s most beautiful historic ruins. Sukhothai in particular was a highlight, with its peaceful ancient temples, giant trees, and wide open spaces that are perfect for slow wandering and photography.

From there we made our way into the slower, rural rhythm of Isaan. Bew kindly lent us her Mitsubishi, and we drove from Udon Thani to Ban Nong Pai in Kalasin, settling into familiar surroundings and family life.

This visit lined up perfectly with the rice-harvesting season. Across several days we watched local farmers cut, spread, and dry their rice along the rural village roads. What always stands out is the effortless respect from the community, cars slowing down, weaving around the drying rice, and treating the whole process as a normal and important part of village life.

We spent time exploring the area, visiting local temples, and calling in at a small mushroom farm, where we learned how growers can harvest multiple yields from each substrate bag and sell their produce for up to 100 baht per kilo.

Most importantly, this trip has been about family. We spent time with May and her son Folk, caught up with relatives in Udon and Kalasin, and enjoyed evenings filled with food, conversation, and the warmth that only comes from being back in Isaan. We also had the chance to reconnect with Kari from Finland and share a few laughs over the quirks of language and culture.

It has been a simple, grounded, and meaningful trip. As it comes to an end, we’re taking home a renewed appreciation for the slower pace of rural Thailand, the generosity of family, and the beauty of the everyday moments that make this part of the world feel like home.

Until next time.