Be Like Chris: Discover Travel Opportunities to the World While Living in Thailand (Part 3)

I’d like to welcome all of my fellow educators and travellers to the third part of my blog series regarding travel opportunities while residing in Thailand.

Part one covered the nation’s capital and pre-eminent city, Bangkok, while part two focused mainly on the islands of Thailand, also mentioning some more of the main tourist areas.

In this edition, I will explore some of Thailand’s neighbouring countries and some less nearby but still quite accessible countries that are well worth visiting. Now, we’ll start with the countries that border Thailand immediately and then move slightly further afield.

Why Teaching in Thailand Opens Travel Doors

Teaching in Thailand offers more than just a classroom experience. It allows you to explore Southeast Asia easily, especially during breaks. Those who teach English in Thailand enjoy opportunities to expand their horizons through both culture and travel.

Malaysia: A Blend of Cultures and Skylines

• Capital City: Kuala Lumpur
  
• Language: Malay
  
• Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
  
• Population: Around 32–34 million
  
• Visa Requirements: Visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes for citizens of Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Philippines (30 days), and Thailand (30 days).

Malaysia, located south of Thailand, is a country that occupies parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. The South China Sea separates the two areas and is approximately 400 miles apart. The country is primarily known for its rainforests and for its diverse mix of cultural influences, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European.

I first visited Malaysia in February 2018 and was blown away by its capital city, Kuala Lumpur. Its modern skyline is dominated by the 450 m-tall Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of skyscrapers that feature a sky deck and an observation deck open to the public.

Exploring Kuala Lumpur and the Batu Caves

Located about 8 miles north of the city are the 400 million-year-old Batu Caves, limestone formations that were organically created, leading to the structures you see today. There are 272 colourful steps that you need to climb to reach the entrance, but it’s worth it, as you’ll be treated to not only the natural beauty inside but also the stunning city centre skyline.

It is a place of Hindu pilgrimage and features temples and shrines of this nature, along with a huge deity statue just outside the main cave entrance, which provides an excellent photo opportunity for all you Instagrammers. A word of caution. Watch out for the legions of monkeys as you make your way up the steps to the caves, as they WILL attempt to take anything loose on your person.

And, as is common in Thailand, you are also expected to dress quite respectfully here, particularly women, as it is a holy site. However, if I remember correctly, shawls of some description are provided.

One of the things I remember most from my time in Kuala Lumpur is the diverse mix of communities. The religious mix is richly varied, with Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu communities living and practicing peacefully side by side.

Indian cuisine is among my favourites in the world, so I was delighted to stay in the Brickfields area of Kuala Lumpur, colloquially known as ‘Little India.’ 

Discovering the History of Melaka

After my time in KL was up, I made the 150 km or so trip to the southwest coastal city of Melaka (also spelled Malacca), a historic city boasting an incredible history as a busy trading post and a place of foreign occupation. East has definitely met West here, and without getting into too much of the city’s history, it has been colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British.

Malaysia did not gain independence from colonial rule until 1957. Melaka’s history of merchant settlers and its colonial past is reflected in the architecture dotted around the city. Sitting at the top of St. Paul’s Hill is St. Paul’s Church, not only the oldest church building in Malaysia but also apparently the oldest European building east of India, having been established in 1521.

I’m not a religious person, but I am a student of history and find all of this fascinating. Melaka is a small city and easy to navigate on foot. Worth exploring at night is Jonker Street and the night market, where you’ll find cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and the market stalls so beloved throughout Asia. 

Last Stop: The Beautiful Malacca Straits Mosque

Before leaving Malaysia, I made one last stop, and that was to the Malacca Straits Mosque just outside the city, built above the straits of Malacca riverbank. The view over the sea here was fabulous and well worth the detour to enjoy its calming effect.

The mosque itself is a very impressive and well-maintained building, and I have always enjoyed Islamic architecture from an aesthetic perspective. One final point to note is that as of 2008, Melaka has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. As a country bordering Thailand, it is well worth the relatively short trip to Malaysia. 

When traveling from Bangkok to Malaysia, you can take the train or bus to KL, but the most convenient way is to fly directly into KL International Airport. A one-way flight costs about 1,300 Thai Baht and takes just over 2 hours.

Cambodia: Where Ancient Meets Modern

• Capital City: Phnom Penh
  
• Language: Khmer
  
• Currency: Cambodian Riel
  
• Population: Approx. 17 million
  
• Visa Requirements:
  
  Most travellers require a visa to enter Cambodia, as the Cambodian government has only granted visa waivers to 8 nationalities. However, these nationalities do include the Philippines and Thailand. The authorized length of stay on these passports varies from 14 to 30 days, so it’s better to check depending on your country of citizenship.
  
  A VOA (visa on arrival) is available for passport holders from Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and is valid for 30 days. An important point to note: Starting July 1, 2024, Cambodia requires all tourists to complete an online e-immigration application within 7 days before arrival

Phnom Penh: From Royal Palaces to Reflection

Cambodia, located on the mainland of Southeast Asia, is a land of plains and rivers. Although its capital city, Phnom Penh, is a bustling and busy metropolis, the country is essentially rural. Phnom Penh was the hub of the Khmer Empire and, latterly, the French colonialists.

These days, the capital city’s top attractions include the Royal Palace, constructed less than 200 years ago, which acts as the official royal residence of the King of Cambodia. The palace contains the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is impressively made up of over 5,000 silver tiles.

Another must-see attraction, but for entirely different reasons, is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the memorial site of the notorious S-21 interrogation and detention centre of the Khmer Rouge regime. It’s a sobering reminder of what humans can do to one another, and a visit here provides meaningful context to Cambodia’s history—something many teachers in Thailand may find both educational and emotional during their time abroad.

Angkor Wat: A Spiritual Wonder of the World

But it’s Angkor Wat, so famous that it’s on the flag, that is the jewel in Cambodia’s tourism industry. This 12th-century temple complex is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and can be found near Siem Reap.

No visit to Cambodia is complete without a trip here to marvel at the magnificent ruins of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, which spanned from the 9th to the 15th century. It is also said to be the largest religious monument on the planet. For those of us who teach in Thailand, exploring Angkor Wat during a break offers both inspiration and a chance to reconnect with ancient history.

Again, while you are here, please respect the dress code, as it is a holy site. Also, rise early—visiting at sunrise is said to provide one of the most breathtaking views of the temples. Even for seasoned travellers or those who teach English in Thailand, this spot never loses its magic.

When traveling from Bangkok to Cambodia, flights to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap typically cost around 2,000–2,250 Thai Baht (prices courtesy of Skyscanner). Teachers in Thailand often explore Cambodia during school holidays as it’s just a short trip away. You can travel by train (only as far as the border) or by bus (the cheapest option), but again, flying is the most convenient way.

Like Malaysia, Cambodia has a lot to offer visitors. It can be another relatively inexpensive trip if you eat local (always recommended anyway) and book your accommodation at more budget-friendly locations. If you’re already teaching in Thailand, taking advantage of your school holidays for a cultural escape to Cambodia is a fantastic way to recharge and grow.

Travel with Purpose and Gratitude

As I continue to look into other countries that we, lucky enough to reside in Thailand, can visit without much trouble or planning, I will turn my attention to the country with the smallest population bordering us: Laos. Please continue to follow me on this adventure.

If you’re planning to teach English in Thailand, I highly recommend using your time here to travel. For many teachers in Thailand, travel is a form of growth and discovery that complements our professional experience beautifully.