It's a great big world out there. Pai couldn't wait to explore it.
Travelling is a passion for many people. But most only get to do it occasionally. Last year, Suthasinee Kraidarathikorn (Pai) made a difficult choice. She decided to quit her well-paid job and travel to her dream destination - Latin America. The 30-year-old set off on a 100-day adventure through Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Cuba, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.
Pai certainly had an eventful trip. Highlights included Machu Picchu in Peru, the world’s largest salt flat in Bolivia and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. But unfortunately, she got mugged in Brazil. Back in Thailand, Pai posted about the trip on her Facebook Page, Travel Miles Away, and on Pantip.com. She also released a book, South America: Pai Kon Diew Mai Diew Dai (South America: Travelling Alone, but Not Feeling Lonely), with Geek Book Publishing.
S Weekly chatted with Pai about her amazing adventures abroad.
Why did you have to quit your job in order to travel to Latin America?
Pai: As an employee, the longest I could go away for was only two weeks. That’s too short to travel around a whole continent. I felt that I should go for longer so that it would be worth the expense. It was a tough decision, but I made the right choice. If I hadn’t quit, this trip would still just be a dream.
Why were you interested in going to Latin America?
Pai: It’s not a popular destination for Thais, so it wasn’t easy to find information about it. That made me wonder about Latin America. And I love its nature and wildlife. It’s full of spectacular natural attractions.
Where was the most impressive place you visited?
Pai: I liked Patagonia the most. It’s the most southern region of South America, in both Chile and Argentina. It has two national parks - Torres Del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Park. I enjoyed visiting some beautiful natural areas like the glaciers in El Calafate, the Fitz Roy Mountain and Iguazú Falls.
Which was your favourite country?
Pai: Colombia. Before going there, all I’d heard about the country was that it was full of drugs and crime. But I found that its atmosphere and people are similar to Thailand. I felt at home. People were so friendly and helpful. Their fruit even tastes like ours.
Can you tell us about being mugged in Brazil?
Pai: I went to see the beautiful sunset from Sugarloaf Mountain. On the way home, just after I got off the bus. I heard some people following me. I thought they were neighbours but then a guy stepped in front of me and he said the word, “bag” in Portuguese. He took it from me and ran away. I lost my camera and mobile phone. The area was generally safe, but there was a carnival nearby at the time. So there were more strangers in the area. I usually don’t travel alone after sunset. It’s a risk for a woman to do that.
Are there any places that you would like to visit again?
Pai: Many places. Brazil is one of them. I was there for only eight days. The country has many interesting places to explore, especially the Amazon Rainforest.
What are the benefits of travelling?
Pai: It helped me become a better person. I used to be very shy and afraid of trying new things. Travelling opens you up to new experiences and attitudes.
How is your book different from what you posted on Facebook and your website?
Pai: The posts provide information about how to get there, but the book gives details of my journey.
You’ve travelled to 60 countries so far. Where do you plan to go next?
Pai: I’ll go to the Philippines in February. I plan to visit Mount Mayon and the beaches.
