Wheels Up: Thailand

PUBLISHED ON: 06.08.2025

“The mind is everything. What you think, you become. ~Buddha

Bangkok, Thailand Photo Credit: Annette Goodman

Seven women boarded their flight to Thailand. None of us knew exactly what to expect, but each of us had said “yes” to something bigger than our comfort zone or routine. We said yes to discovery, to connection, and to the kind of adventure that unfolds when you let go and show up fully on your own terms.

I try not to let fear of the unknown make decisions for me. When fear is in charge, opportunity is dead on arrival. I had my hesitations twenty-fours in transit, jet lag, and all the what-ifs. But none of my concerns came to pass. I remember texting my husband shortly after arriving: “We can do a 24-hour flight!” And just like that, I had quieted a fear and opened the door to something unforgettable.

We landed in Bangkok late at night, convincing ourselves it had simply been a very long day. By morning, the world had changed. The air was thick with humidity, birdcalls filled the sky, and the distant clamor of construction echoed through the city. But amid the noise and the newness, there was always the gentle greeting of “Namaste.” A gesture so simple, yet so profound in a world that so often forgets how to be kind.

At home, I’d usually be drinking coffee and scrolling my phone in the mornings. But in Thailand, I was traveling in a van with seven incredible women, traveling deeper into northern Thailand. There were no off-limit topics just stories, shared wisdom, and plenty of laughter.

Women’s travel isn’t just about the place. It’s about the people you become when you experience it together. I won’t remember every detail of the temples, or each bite of mango sticky rice, or every fantastic curry dish we ate.  But I will never forget the kindness of the Thai people or the vibrancy of their culture. This wasn’t just a trip. It was a transformation.

On that very first day, I remember thinking: “I want to get lost in the beauty of this country.” And I did.

Each morning, the call of the Asian Koel bird stirred us from sleep like clockwork. I joked with my friend and travel roommate that the bird had fallen in love with her, it followed us everywhere, singing its 5:05 a.m. song. It became part of the rhythm of our days, a soundtrack to our shared adventure.

Thailand invites you to slow down. To stay present. The Buddhist way of life teaches that we don’t live in the past we move forward. What’s done is done. This idea of forward motion, of letting go, isn’t just spiritual it’s deeply practical. That mantra took root, and in a group of strong, funny, wildly different women, we understood: we would keep going, keep growing, and do our best to keep saying “yes.”

Thailand is both tough and tender, like its people. Their grace is matched by grit. Even in the chaos of scooters, markets, and city buzz, you find a calm center. That contrast, that balance is where the magic lives.

One of the most profound moments came at an elephant sanctuary in Maetaeng. These gentle giants had been rescued and were now living freely, unchained. We spent the afternoon walking beside them, feeding them, witnessing their quiet strength. There was no rush, no distraction just presence. It was humbling. Sacred. And it reminded all of us what it means to protect, respect, and live in harmony with something bigger than ourselves.

 

Mom and baby elephant by the water
Elephant Sanctuary Maetaeng Photo Credit: Annette Goodman

The women who started as mostly strangers became part of my story and hopefully, I became part of theirs. That’s what women’s travel does. It pulls us out of our daily rhythm and into something richer, an opportunity for reflection, resilience, joy, and the kind of laughter that heals.

 

Death Railway-Thailand’s most scenic and historic famous Railway.

We didn’t just see Thailand. We felt it. And we left with more than souvenirs we left with a reminder of who we are when we’re brave enough to show up fully.

Sunset over Thailand
Thailand Sunset Photo Credit Annette Goodman

 

 

 

  • Deborah Shepard

    Beautifully written account that captures your journey in the words you used to evoke the tranquil and spiritual experience of such a life-changing trip. Enjoyed reading this!

  • Thank you for sharing your amazing journey! ❤️

  • Charlotte Zitis

    Wonderful telling of your adventure!

  • Oh Velva, What an extraordinary and beautiful account of your transformative time in Thailand. So well penned. I felt every moment of your time and my separate time 23 years ago in this amazing country. I am so happy that you had such a wonderful experience. Many westerners don’t get it. I led a group of 30 students from the U. of TN and one student and 2 faculty chaperones left after one day of culture shock. I relished in it. I swore that I’d live there someday, but that oath will not be fulfilled. I have an incredible book that I bought in one of the many Thai bookstores (I’m a book addict and buy far too many wherever I travel), and this book is about the Thai-Italian love affair of art, architecture, and food. I never would have thought of this mutual admiration from such opposite cultures. But then, when I think about it, as you said, Thailand forces you to live in the now, to slow down (even among the frenetic pace), and savor every day. The people are simple and peaceful, indescribably kind, and ever so generous. If we could only have an ounce of their influence on our Western culture, what a difference it would make. Thank you again for your vivid words describing your experience.

    • Thank you Roz. I agree. We would be a kinder and gentler nation. Thailand was transformative and I am so glad I said “yes.” I love that you had an amazing experience too.

  • Thank you so much for your story and I am so glad you saw what you did and felt the way you so well described. I first had the chance to visit a less Western-oriented Thailand back in 1960 (nope, am not getting my dates wrong) from Australia . . . and feeling comfortable there and making a number of good friends, was to return most years during our business trips to Japan. The country presented much more Eastern then and I absolutely loved it! Well, I had turned from Lutheranism to Buddhism quite a few years before . . . a logical belief system which has stood me well . . .

  • What a beautiful and transformative adventure, Velva — I’m so glad you did this. I love travel outside my comfort zone. I’m sure that’s how I got through my most recent challenges… it’s all part of the big adventure.

  • Oh my gosh, this really sounds like a trip that transforms you! And what is better than that? Thank you so much for sharing this, it inspires me to gather my closest friends and say, “let’s go!!!”

  • You surely had a good time in Thailand! Why is that railway named Death Railway?

  • One of our kids went to Thailand several years ago (from Korea) and really enjoyed it so hope you have a great time. Too long on the plane for us though.

  • Disappointed! That’s how I felt when I finished reading this. I wanted to continue reading more about your journey and when it stopped without more pictures and more stories, I was disappointed that it didn’t continue. I was drawn in, and I didn’t want to be done reading so quickly. 🙂

  • Joining to other comments – what a fascinating journey and beautiful post. Thailand never been on my travel bucket list, but now I want to visit it! Beautiful photos, too – especially the captured sunset.

  • this sounds like a marvellous opportunity. Good on you for taking the chance!
    cheers
    sherry

  • Shirley L. McFadden

    Velva, what a wonderful trip and it looks like you met some wonder friends for life! Your commentary is so will written.

  • I am so glad you had so much fun in Thailand. Your photos were beautiful, I loved seeing the elephants and the fun railway photo. I hope you have a beautiful week!

  • Absolutely loved reading this, it brought back so many memories of my own travels in Southeast Asia. There’s something deeply grounding about letting go of your routines and fully embracing a place, especially with a group of like-minded people. Your reflections on presence, courage, and connection really hit home. And that 5:05 a.m. bird? I swear they’re everywhere in Thailand!

    • Raymund, I loved that you enjoyed reading this post about my travel to Thailand. I really get up in my feels when I travel. Yes the 5:05 birds are everywhere in Thailand (laugh).

  • Beautiful new spaces and adventures … Namaste …

  • Wow, this is fantastic. Your words take me to a spot I’ve never been, only read about (and even then, not much) and I am enchanted. The elephant sanctuary would be such a powerful experience and I know the vibrance of the city, combined with the sense of gentle would be remarkable. And of course, your photos were exquisite. Thanks for this one.

  • Your reflections on embracing the unknown and finding connection in a new culture are inspiring!

  • Beautiful post. I love Thailand. Thank you for taking me back there!

  • I had a wonderful time when I was in Thailand, even if it was mostly for business. Sadly I didn’t have the chance to get out of Bangkok. As fun as it is, I would have really loved to see the rest of the country. Next time!

  • Wow, amazing! Good for you for just saying “yes!” What an incredible, life-changing experience. So much beauty. I’m sure the bond you share with the women will stay strong forever. Your photos of your adventure are stunning. ~Valentina

  • What an adventure! A 24 hour flight, new friends and an unforgettable journey. Everything sounds amazing!

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