From Bangkok to Manila: A Journey Through Transition

Introduction: The Departure from Bangkok

On my last morning in Bangkok, I woke early at NanaThai Suites overlooking the serene Benjakitti Park. Watching the golden sunrise cascade over Bangkok’s skyscrapers, I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety about the journey ahead—leaving familiar Thailand for a new adventure in Manila, Philippines.

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Bangkok Morning Routine

My morning began with a quiet walk through Benjakitti Park, soaking up calmness before travel anxiety inevitably kicked in. Breakfast was a standard American breakfast, eggs and bacon—a welcome protein boost, but prices had noticeably risen from 170 Baht to 243 Baht, reminding me of inflation creeping into daily costs. The body needed the eggs most and some vitamin C.

Caveman Insight: This reflects our primal need for comfort and predictability, a brief pause before plunging into uncertainty.

Hotel Checkout and BTS to Airport Rail Link

The hotel checkout was smooth and swift. Stepping out into the lively Soi 4, I felt a pang of loneliness, heightened by the bustle of locals enjoying street-side breakfasts, a poignant reminder of being alone amid the crowd. It was only a short walk to Nana BTS. At the station, a motivational quote, “Celebrate Living,” was etched on the steps—a gentle reminder to embrace the moment.

The BTS ride from Nana to Phaya Thai cost just 35 baht, highlighting Bangkok’s affordability. Changing onto the Airport Rail Link at Phaya Thai, I scanned my token at the turnstile (ticket: 40 baht), and faced a packed train ride, forced to stand for the 30-minute journey to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Maybe some would prefer the 600 baht taxi ride from their hotel to departures.

Caveman Insight: This scenario triggered feelings of anxiety, travel fatigue and mild stress, connecting deeply to evolutionary instincts—crowded environments once meant vulnerability.

Checking in at Suvarnabhumi Airport

At the airport, the check-in queue stretched endlessly, testing my patience. I put on noise-cancelling headphones, letting chill music ease my anxiety. With hand luggage only, my check-in took a swift two minutes compared to the hour-long wait—a lesson learned about patience and preparedness.

Caveman Insight: Anxiety rises when control diminishes, tapping into survival instincts of facing uncertainty and waiting helplessly.

Boarding and the Flight to Manila

Boarding was straightforward. Seated at the plane’s rear meant early boarding and reduced my anxiety about securing overhead luggage space. Thankfully, I was spared from sitting next to an oversized sumo wrester neighbour, alleviating my stress about cramped spaces.

A snack of black coffee and chocolate cake in-flight offered comfort but little nutrition—a subtle nod to my ongoing struggle with maintaining a healthy travel diet.

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Arrival at Manila: Bureaucratic Challenges

Landing in Manila after a bumpy descent over mountainous terrain, I immediately faced the notoriously confusing VOA (Visa on Arrival) online form. Buggy, unclear, and stressful, it was an ordeal that required assistance from airport staff, reinforcing my travel fatigue and frustration with bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Caveman Insight: Bureaucratic hurdles trigger primal frustration, highlighting our desire for simplicity and ease, elements scarce in modern travel.

Manila Transfer and Check-in

Having pre-booked my driver with Trip.com (combined flight, hotel, and driver package), I skipped the hassle of ATMs and currency exchange—a valuable strategy to ease arrival stress. The 40-minute taxi ride from Manila Airport into the heart of Malate showcased Manila’s sprawling skyscrapers and bustling streets, shifting my mood from travel anxiety to curiosity.

Checking into Adriatico Suites, I felt a fresh surge of excitement—a new chapter, another chance to reset.

First Night on Manila’s Mean Streets

Stepping out into Malate, Manila’s vibrant chaos replaced Bangkok’s orderly streets. The Adriatico Square fountain burst with color, a calming juxtaposition to the intense, gritty atmosphere around it. I ended my evening at a seedy bar, absorbing the stark realities of Manila nightlife—freelancers well beyond their prime, highlighting a darker side of hedonism.

Caveman Insight: Hedonism and escapism often mask deeper emotional voids and loneliness—recognizing this is essential for meaningful travel beyond mere surface enjoyment.

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Conclusion: Beyond Just Traveling

Travel isn’t merely moving from point A to point B—it’s navigating inner landscapes of anxiety, loneliness, fatigue, and hedonism. Each step, each inconvenience, and each moment of beauty along the way links to deeper emotional truths. This journey from Bangkok to Manila was more than a physical relocation—it was a journey inward, reflecting on our primal instincts and modern challenges.

Watch the full visual journey on my YouTube channel and subscribe for more adventures. More Manila and Philippines content coming soon—exploring places beyond tourism’s beaten paths.

Caveman Mantras:

• Travel anxiety is your ancient brain predicting danger—acknowledge, but move forward.
• Fatigue reminds you to slow down; rushing is a modern mistake.
• Loneliness signals a primal need for tribe; reach out, even virtually.
• Hedonism, unchecked, leads nowhere fulfilling; balance is essential.
• Stress arises when expectations clash with reality; embrace adaptation.

Have you traveled from Bangkok to Manila, or explored the vibrant streets of Malate? Share your experiences, tips, or stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your adventures!