On Monday 10 February, 16 Wilberforce students embarked on an incredible 2-week journey to Thailand.
After a long leg journey which included a stop off in Doha, students and staff touched down in a bustling Bangkok, where they were greeted with an explosion of sights, sounds, and smells that made them feel like they were truly at the heart of Thailand. Towering skylines and buzzing street life created the perfect backdrop for their first exploration through the landmarks of Bangkok, before sitting down to an authentic Thai meal. Rhys Yeaman shared “My experience travelling around Bangkok was amazing, it allowed me to try a diverse range of Thai Food. I found that the flavours from the food in Thailand were much more prominent and that everything that’s made is cooked fresh. I also found that the fruit is extremely fresh and is a really good price.”
The next few days saw the students visit the Museum of Bangkok, Grand Palace before visiting Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn in Bangkok. This stunning Buddhist temple offered a serene space for reflection and gave everyone a deeper understanding of Thai culture and spirituality. Konrad Orzechowski reflected; “We went to Wat Phra Kew to see the laying Buddha statue, one of the suggested attractions. The entire premises was beautiful as it was filled with traditional architecture and lots of statues of Buddha.”
As the group journeyed further into Thailand. They sampled local delicacies at bustling food markets and wandered through the lively streets of Chinatown, stepping far out of their comfort zones to try new foods. Elizabeth Wilson captured the essence of the adventure: “We went to China Town, where we tried new foods, not all that I liked but I’m still glad I got the opportunity to try it.”
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was the partnership with local schools, including a visit to Anuban Phitsanulok School, Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University as well as the Ban Nong Kula school. There, the group engaged in traditional arts, crafted sweet treats, and even took part in a dance competition. The partnership in education was a feature on the news that night. Olivia Milner said: “I absolutely loved going to the schools and meeting the Thai students, they were so grateful and friendly. It was noticeable that each child loved attending school and were very welcoming to us college students.”
After landing in Phitsanulok, the group toured the local markets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and tasting delicious street food. The adventure continued with a visit to a hidden restaurant, owned by a chef who had previously worked with the prince who is now the King of Thailand. This unique dining experience was followed by a bike ride around a national park, where students enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and beautiful landscapes, followed by a lovely traditional Thai meal.
After days of exploration, it was finished off with a private yacht and a thrilling speedboat trip to Phi Phi Island gave everyone the opportunity to relax, reflect, and appreciate Thailand’s breathtaking natural beauty. Elizabeth Wilson explained the difference “Bangkok was a busy city, where there was constantly something happening outside. So, when we went into Phitsanlok it was a nice change as it was a lot quieter, and I got a sense of what a typical village in Thailand was like. Phuket was beautiful however you could tell it was where a lot of the tourists went as I felt it accommodated international people more, such as more restaurants suited to British people.”
As the trip ended, the group were tired but content, their hearts full of memories. Principal Colin Peaks, Deputy Principal Suzanna May and Faculty Head Adam Bolder, expressed their pride in the group: “A huge congratulations to everyone. They got involved in every aspect of the trip, and we are so proud of them. It was a pleasure to travel with such an amazing group, and we hope they treasure these memories and friendships for years to come.” Thailand proved to be a life-changing experience for all involved, and the lessons learned, friendships made, and memories forged will undoubtedly stay with everyone for years to come.
