Backpacking Northern India 11/45: Chatting with Pee Nong Taipake, a Thai person in India

Backpacking Northern India 11/45: Chatting with Pee Nong Taipake, a Thai person in India

Northern India, for me, mr.hotsia, has never been just an ordinary destination. It is a journey full of stories and memorable people. This time, I had the opportunity to talk with Pee Nong Taipake, a Thai person living amidst the diversity of India, whose experiences opened new perspectives for me in incredible ways.

Northern India is a vast and complex region with diverse cultures, languages, and lifestyles varying across areas. I traveled through many cities, from Bangalore, full of modernity and lush green trees,Backpacking Bangaloreto Mumbai, a bustling port city by the Arabian Sea,Backpacking Mumbaiand Chennai, a capital city rich in history and development.Backpacking Chennai, IndiaBut above all, talking with Pee Taipake gave me a deeper understanding of India from another perspective.

Pee Nong Taipake is not Indian by birth but came to live here for personal reasons and a love of Indian culture. He told me that living in Northern India is like traveling through history and diverse beliefs, especially among the Buddhist communities in the Namchi region and Sikkim, which I visited on a previous trip.Traveling NamchiThere is the Samdruptse Statue, also known as Buddha Park, a large Buddha statue standing 36 meters tall on Tendong Hill. When the sky is clear, you can see the beautiful, intricate mountain views all around. Additionally, there is Ngadok Monastery, a temple filled with murals and the history of local Buddhists. It is a peaceful place I wish travel and culture lovers could experience at least once.

In contrast to city life I experienced in Bangalore, known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” the city is filled with large trees shading the streets even during the intense summer heat. I had planned to visit the city’s IT hubs, but since most locations are spread out and require local guides, I chose to spend most of my time savoring local food, especially Bangalore’s famous biryani.Backpacking BangaloreEach restaurant’s flavor was uniquely distinctive.

When it comes to Northern Indian food, talking with Pee Taipake made me realize that food is not just about taste but also about culture and the community bonds where he lives. Pee explained that although India is a large country, each state has its own unique food and lifestyle. I myself experienced diverse breakfasts from Dibrugarh in Northeast India on a previous trip.Backpacking Northern India 6/45: Indian Breakfast at a Hotel in DibrugarhEven a single dish can tell many stories about the local area and its history.

I asked Pee, as a Thai living in India, how he feels about the diversity of people and cultures here. He sincerely replied that opening one’s heart to learn and respect differences is the most important thing. Life in Northern India is full of uncertainties—travel is not as easy as back home, and you meet people with diverse languages and beliefs—but every day makes him understand the world better.

Besides life and culture, Pee also invited me to walk through the fresh market in the small town where he lives. The market is not as large as in big cities but is full of fresh produce and the exciting aroma of spices. The market is like the heart of the community where everyone meets and talks, serving as a link between traditional lifestyles and rapid changes.

I remember that during my travels, I stopped to seethe journey to Darjeeling,famous for its beautiful mountains and cool atmosphere, which is completely different from the atmosphere in big cities like Bangalore or Mumbai. Traveling in Northern India is like traveling through many different worlds at the same time.

This interview and story with Pee Taipake made me, mr.hotsia, feel that Northern India is not just a country where you see beautiful places or outstanding cultures, but it is about meeting people passionate about life and full of hope. Even in challenging times, being with them taught me that the best journey is to open your heart to listen and gather stories from the locals.

If anyone is interested in experiencing Northern India from a different perspective, try following the videoBackpacking Northern India 11/45: Chatting with Pee Nong Taipake, a Thai person in Indiathat I recorded. I guarantee you will see India through the eyes of someone with a Thai heart and a true love for this land.