The boat will be here in 10 minutes guys. 15 minutes go by. Ok, it should be here any minute. 30 minutes later, the boat finally arrives. "Thai time" is a regular occurrence during your time in Thailand, and it just proves how relaxed the people are here. There's no stress, no rushes, it's all "mai pen rai" (no worries, in Thai).
Knowing that you have no plans, and the possibility to do anything, anytime here is a great feeling. Even if Thai time changes plans, there is always something new that comes your way. On one trip this summer, due to technical issues our overnight train was delayed 7 hours. However, while waiting we were able to get off the train and see a new town, eat some great food, and make some cool new discoveries. All part of the journey.
The train ride took all day but everyone hung out together, played games, and had a great time. A great time that technically should never have happened. But that's the beauty of "Thai time" and Thailand; doors are never closed, only new ones opened. What day is it? What time is it? What does it matter?
Whenever things aren't on time, there's always good friends to hang out with, a good story to tell or game to play. The delays that can easily be seen as inconveniences end up forging new friendships, creating great stories, laughs, and memories. So ditch the watch, put the calendar away and head for the beach. How long are you going to be there? As long as you want.. or until you get hungry or burnt.
- Ben Trompetter, Beach Travellers Thailand guide & Voyage en Thailande guide.
Also check out our Voyage Bali Adventure!
