[Part 1]

Hello fellow Pantip users, I'm still a newbie reviewer, having only written 3-4 reviews so far.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

[Part 2] >>> Explore Switzerland in its entirety, follow the link >>>> http://pantip.com/topic/33758190

[Part 3] >>> 15 Cool Apps for Traveling in Europe >>> http://pantip.com/topic/33922875

Dream City: Hallstatt

Source: http://pantip.com/topic/33579821

A Charming Small Town: Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

This sentence describes Cesky Krumlov, a small town in the Czech Republic, as a charming place to visit. The hyperlink provided leads to a forum discussion about Cesky Krumlov on the Pantip website.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Prague, Czech Republic: A City Steeped in Romance

This sentence describes Prague, Czech Republic as a highly romantic city. The link provided leads to a discussion on the Pantip website about this topic.

This review recounts a 21-day European trip undertaken in late March 2015, encompassing eight countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. The itinerary was carefully curated after extensive research, prioritizing desired cities and significant landmarks.

This is my first solo trip to Europe, so gathering information beforehand was crucial. However, I didn't need to plan everything meticulously. Upon arrival, I realized how easy it was to navigate. Just observe and don't be afraid to ask for help. For instance, when buying a train ticket from a vending machine, I initially hesitated, observing for a while. Surprisingly, even some locals seemed confused by the machine. So, I decided to overcome my shyness and approach a less crowded machine, mindful of those waiting behind me.

Initially, the trip was challenging, but later, I met my partner who joined me, making it more enjoyable. I made new friends and gained unforgettable experiences, both positive and negative (a few minor ones). In conclusion, I was incredibly impressed with this trip.

I originally planned to write a review for my own reference, but since I'm already here, I'll share it with my Pantip friends. A lot of the information I got before I went was from here, so thank you very much, Pantip.

Each location may have many reviews, as you mentioned. I believe that everyone's travel experiences are unique, with different perspectives and experiences. This information can be used to make informed decisions. After reading multiple threads, you may start to get a clearer picture, but some people may still be confused.

Travel

The majority of my travel was by Rail Europe, as I had purchased a Rail Pass in Thailand.

Eurail Global Pass 15 days plus 2 days (during the promotion period), totaling 17 days.

> Swiss Pass Flex, 4 days

A total of 21 days for the trip, making the most of it...

For sightseeing within the city, I mostly walked, which allowed me to see more. I occasionally took trams, electric trains, and buses, but not very often.

Budget ::

Approximately 98,xxx baht for 21 days, all inclusive! Including airfare.

(Direct to Munich, return to Zurich) Train, eat, and have fun!

In Switzerland, everything is expensive, and the cost of living has skyrocketed. - -" I'm sweating.

The price was less than 100,000 baht due to two main reasons. Firstly, the Euro was at its weakest point in 11 years, and secondly, the Thai baht was relatively strong. As a result, I was able to offer a 20% discount compared to the price a year earlier. Therefore, if you are planning to purchase this product, it is recommended to take advantage of the weak Euro and potentially receive an even lower price.

Food:

Breakfast is mostly bread and coffee, rarely eaten at the hotel, which costs 10-15 euros per person ... because I leave early in the morning and want to eat food like street vendors, something like that .... I have 3-4 cups of coffee throughout the day ... Lunch is normal, but dinner is a bit heavy with beer, wine, and local food.

Accommodation: This aspect of the trip helped me save a significant amount of money. I stayed in a mix of hostels and hotels, and I must say that European hostels are generally excellent. They are clean, well-organized, and provide opportunities to meet new people from all over the world, which was a lot of fun.

Note: I have omitted the informal expressions ("^^", "When my hands get tired….I use my hands to help me talk", "But friendships can happen anywhere, I confirm") and replaced them with more formal language. I have also removed the ellipsis (…) as it is not necessary in formal writing.

However, do not be alarmed by the map, as it may appear strange, looping, and confusing. This is because I have been constantly changing my travel plans.

Rothenburg and Budapest were not originally part of the plan. We decided on the spot, which made them seem a bit far away.

Regarding other requirements, I will be traveling to Switzerland before returning home. Therefore, I plan to spend the last few days primarily in Switzerland.

The dotted blue line with blue dots indicates a day trip, meaning you will return to your original location to sleep.

Actual Travel Itinerary:

Bangkok > Munich > Rothenburg > Prague > Vienna > Cesky Krumlov > Hallstatt > Budapest > Colmar > Strasbourg > Baden > Brig (Zermatt, Matterhorn) > Venice > Montreux > Lausanne > Geneva > Bern > Lucerne (Engelburg, Titlis) > Winterthur > Stein am Rhein > Zurich > Bangkok

The original travel plan is different from the current one. Let's see what the differences are.

Bangkok > Munich > Prague > Vienna > Český Krumlov > Salzburg > Munich > Strasbourg > Colmar > Baden > Brig (Matterhorn) > Venice > Bern > Lucerne (Titlis) > Zurich > Stein am Rhein > Zurich > Bangkok

I will separate the threads for each city, as I plan to review them in more detail to give you a better idea of what to expect. This will make it easier for you to choose the right city for your trip. If I were to combine them into one thread, it would be too long.

[Part 2] Exploring Switzerland:

Link to Pantip topic 33758190

>> Dream City Hallstatt :: http://pantip.com/topic/33579821

>> The charming town of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic: http://pantip.com/topic/33632682

>> Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

>> Prague, Czech Republic: A Romantic Destination :: http://pantip.com/topic/33523043

Let's begin.

Day 1 (Mar. 16, 2015) >>> Bangkok - Munich, Germany: Taking Flight to the Metropolis of Munich

I must admit that the reason I ended up here was because of the cheap tickets and frequent flights. I didn't plan on visiting this city, but I thought I would take a short walk around town and relax after a long flight. However, the city turned out to be beautiful, with stunning architecture and friendly people. As soon as I arrived, looking lost and confused from the airport, an elderly woman approached me and asked if I needed help. I was immediately impressed. As someone who loves climbing towers to get a bird's-eye view of the surroundings, I couldn't resist the opportunity to climb the tower here. And I wasn't disappointed.

Town Hall in the heart of Loei city...

After landing at six in the morning, we dropped our bags at the hotel and headed straight out, too hungry to rest. We stumbled upon this restaurant by chance.

The owner recommended the veal sausage (the white ones), which were delicious.

After finishing, continue walking. If you come to Munich, you should not miss this place, Munchen Residenz. Try going in, it's beautiful.

Day 2 (March 17, 2015) >> Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

I had two days in Germany. The first day was spent walking around the city. On the second day, I decided to change my plans. I was originally going to stay in Munich, but I had already walked around the whole city. So I went to this town. It took about 2.5 hours to get there by train from Munich, with 3-4 transfers. You can find more details in this review.

http://pantip.com/topic/33525067

I made a new Japanese friend here who also came alone, so we talked all the way to the end.

This city is like a city in a novel….

March 18, 2015: Munich to Prague, Czech Republic

Just three days into the trip, we traveled from Munich to the dream city of many girls, "Prague," known as one of the most romantic cities.

From Munich to Prague, I took the train using my Global Pass. Since it was expensive, I wanted to get the most out of it.

Here....

After an hour on the train, I was just starting to doze off when someone came and started banging on the carriage, making a loud racket. Ugh, I was just getting comfortable and now I'm wide awake.

"German Federal Police"

"May I see your passport, please?" ... If they come like this, I'll give in. (I must thank Pantip for a post that warned me to be careful about people asking to see my passport, as there are scammers who do this.) But if they come with a badge, I'll give in. ... So, if they don't show it, ask to see it first. Don't be afraid... to confirm that they are real police officers.

The journey took approximately four hours... we have arrived.

I'm starving. Let's go grab something to eat.

Don't miss the Charles Bridge at dusk. Let's see how impressive it is.

Overwhelmed...so I got this picture. Speechless, just snapping away...^^

"Indeed, she is beautiful. I must admit, I am a bit envious."

Same as before, I made a new friend who is a Chinese girl... unlike other Chinese girls...

I came to study in Holland and then traveled alone.

Therefore, for those who travel alone, making new friends is not difficult... You will eventually meet them...

As the sun begins to set, street performers entertain the crowds, and vendors offer small souvenirs. However, as darkness falls, the crowds disperse, leaving only couples to enjoy the romantic atmosphere. The heat of the day fades, replaced by a cool evening breeze.

For more information, please refer to the following link: http://pantip.com/topic/33523043

Day 4 (Mar. 19, 2015) Prague Exploring Prague on foot....

Allocate two days for this place. Today, I spent the whole day at Prague Castle, and I still couldn't cover it all even with a brisk walk. It opens at 9:00 am, so I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds. If you arrive a little later, you'll encounter waves of massive tour groups.

As dusk approached, around four or five in the evening, we descended to Charles Bridge and continued… until twilight. This is a time not to be missed… It is a period of great enjoyment and beauty.

To continue exploring Prague, follow the review link above. There are still 17 days left...^^ Otherwise, we won't be able to finish. Day 5 (Mar.20, 2015): Prague => Vienna, Austria

This morning, I departed early at 6:42 AM from Prague to Vienna by train, as usual. I had booked my seat from Thailand. I arrived in Vienna at 10:54 AM, only 2 minutes behind schedule. I arrived at Wien HBF station (most people in the area call it Wien rather than Vienna). HBF = Hauptbahnhof = central train station, as there are many stations in a city. I use HBF as my main reference point for booking accommodation and starting my journey in each city.

Welcome to Vienna, a city of elegance, grandeur, and the lingering scent of classical music.

Visiting Vienna would not be complete without a trip to Schönbrunn Palace, a sprawling complex that can easily occupy an entire day. While tickets to tour the palace interior are available, it is highly recommended to do so. Consider arriving in the late morning and staying until the evening. For those seeking a unique experience, classical music concerts performed by world-class musicians are held in the palace's grand hall around 8 pm. While formal attire is typically required, there are occasional exceptions made for tourists. On such occasions, seizing the opportunity to attend a concert for 50 Euros is highly advisable.

The performance lasted for about an hour, and I was completely captivated. The atmosphere was filled with the rich sounds of music, and I finally understood the depth of Moses' music. It was a truly enlightening experience.

The most beautiful time to visit the palace... Getting here from the city center: Take the U4 green line from Karlsplatz station to Schönbrunn Palace station.

Day 6 (March 21, 2015): Bratislava, Slovakia & Vienna

A day trip from Vienna to Bratislava, just an hour away, is a great way to explore the city's rich history and culture.

The train station appears somewhat antiquated, but there is no need to be alarmed. Continue walking into the historic district, or take a bus; there is a ticket booth available. However, I prefer to walk, as it allows for a more detailed and clear view of the surroundings.

Another landmark of this place.

Bratislava's Old Town can be explored on foot in about half a day. In the afternoon, we will continue to Vienna for the evening.

To be continued tomorrow ^^Day 7 (Mar.22, 2015) == Vienna > Cesky Krumlov

I spent a day and a half in Vienna, and half a day in Bratislava. I think Vienna needs at least two days to explore properly, as I didn't have enough time to see everything. I'll have to go back again sometime.

Today's journey took us from Vienna to Cesky Krumlov. We opted for a Ckshuttle instead of the train due to the large amount of luggage we were carrying. The shuttle, a typical sedan or van, comfortably accommodated our group of 3-4 passengers (excluding the driver) for approximately 1,100 CZK. While we had train passes, the convenience of avoiding multiple transfers outweighed the additional cost. The shuttle picked us up directly from our Vienna hotel and dropped us off at our Cesky Krumlov hotel, making for a seamless journey. For more details, please refer to my previous review: >>>> http://pantip.com/topic/33632682

Day 8 (Mar.23, 2015) :: To the Dream City Hallstatt

Yesterday's inclement weather, with its overcast skies and persistent rain, further accentuated the already chilly atmosphere. Today, however, I remain optimistic, believing that the weather will improve for my long-awaited trip to my dream city.

Transportation: Same as before, using Ckshuttle for about 3 hours, going straight. If by train, it's about the same, but with 2-3 transfers... Don't worry about changing trains in Europe, it's very easy, like the BTS Skytrain.... But I have a lot of luggage, I'm traveling alone, and I have limited time, so I want to save as much travel time as possible and save my energy...^^

For more details, please refer to the review I have already done: http://pantip.com/topic/33579821

Upon arrival...ahem, this is the first image I captured...the heavens were on my side (P.S. I actually checked the forecast beforehand, and the European one was very accurate).

The accommodation here is relatively more expensive than other places, ranging from a few thousand baht to ten thousand baht per night. I chose a place around three thousand baht, but it is located deep within the local residential area, not in the tourist district. It's about a two-kilometer walk, so I can consider it sightseeing.

Bags packed, let's hit the road! What are we waiting for?

As before, there is a new addition here, a Taiwanese girl... who came to Europe but met new Asian friends, both Japanese, Chinese, and Taiwanese... importantly, she is a single woman again... isn't it strange? There are a lot of women traveling alone... so it could be an inspiration for many Thai women who are still hesitant... let me tell you that traveling in Europe is easy and safe (walking in safe places, not in secluded areas, and avoiding risky places because it's not our home, we don't know).

Please try!

As I mentioned, this trip was not about deprivation... instead, I ate to my heart's content. I walked a lot, got very hungry, and craved a change of scenery, wanting to breathe in the fresh air deeply. I sat down to jot down the details of the places we visited... because after all, photographs can never replace our own memories. However, the photos I took made me feel more connected to the experience when I looked back at them. Therefore, sitting still, looking around, and taking in the details—the air, the people, the sky, the tourists... wow, just looking at the pictures feels like I'm transported back to that same spot...^^ Give it a try!

Let's move on, we're not even halfway through the trip yet. Let's go quickly, shall we? ^^

Day 9 & 10 (Mar.24-25, 2015) > Budapest, Hungary: Following the Heart's Desire

After a stay in Hallstatt, the journey continues… In fact,

The original plan was to travel to Salzburg, Munich, and Strasbourg. Train and hotel reservations had already been made, and it was too late to cancel them. After much deliberation, I decided to go with the flow and visit the places I truly desired. I canceled my reservations, accepting the financial loss of 1,400 baht for hotel expenses and approximately 1,000 baht (30 euros) for the TGV train ticket from Munich to Strasbourg, which required a reservation.

When plans change suddenly.

Therefore, my new plan is to change to Hallstatt > Budapest > Colmar > Strasbourg > Baden ……> ……..

After spending money unnecessarily, I decided to save some by booking a sleeper train from Budapest to Basel. Sleeping on the train cost an additional 50 Euros for a two-person sleeper car… with strangers. I'll tell you more about the train later.

I stayed in a hostel in Budapest for 5 Euros! Yes, you read that right, 5 Euros. It was close to the metro and tourist attractions, with average quality. It was easy to get around and clean enough, as I was only sleeping there for a short time. I spent most of my time exploring the city.

The sleeper train saves travel time, allowing you to sleep on the train. The cost of a sleeper berth in Budapest is very low, and you won't have to pay for another night's accommodation if you travel during the day. This compensates for the free night you lost (these costs are already included in the trip expenses).

Global Pass Train

For those who are not familiar with Eurail pass, you may wonder why you have to pay extra after purchasing it. Normally, you can board trains without seat reservations unless it is specified. However, with the Global Pass, you are required to purchase a 1st class ticket. Therefore, you can enjoy a comfortable journey in the first class. However, if a specific train requires seat reservations, you can go to the ticket office at the station and say "Reserve seat". The additional cost is around 1,000 baht or less.

Upon arrival, without prior planning, I had to quickly search for tourist attractions. I had a few photo spots in mind, so I made some educated guesses and asked locals for recommendations. Although I didn't explore extensively, I managed to capture the desired shots.

Another place that helps you understand this city quickly is the museum, especially in European cities. Highly recommended.

Here are some famous paintings (we may not know them, but they are very famous there. Artists in the past were very good at painting portraits).

Day 11 (Mar.26, 2015) >> Slept in Colmar, France

We are halfway there.

The journey from Budapest Keleti to Zurich HB, then to Basel SBB, and finally to Colmar takes a total of 14 hours. However, the sleeper compartments are comfortable, allowing for some sleep during the journey. Departing at 9:14 pm, the train arrives in Zurich at 8:20 am. Continuing on to Colmar, the train arrives at 11:07 am the next day. As you can see, it is possible to arrive and continue sightseeing even with a late arrival. This is a good option for those with limited time, as it saves time.

The double sleeper train cabin, which can accommodate two people per room, eliminates the need to climb up and down. The reservation fee is 50 Euros. A single sleeper cabin is more expensive, while a multi-person cabin is less expensive.

>> Understand the different types of sleeping classes here >> http://www.eurail.com/plan-your-trip/guide-eurail-train-reservations/seat-sleeping-accommodation-types

Not quite!

Upon boarding the train, the ticket inspector informed me that I could disregard the assigned seat number and proceed to carriage 9. I was perplexed by this instruction.

...Entering the room, I was surprised to see it was a Couchettes compartment, with four beds, two on top and two on the bottom. I had booked a Sleeper compartment, though. ...

Or... two people sleeping in this room is still okay.... Come on, there are three passengers in this room! They are Swedish and Hungarian....

"No, no, no... I paid for two beds, how can I share with three people?" He walked to the regular ticket checker in the carriage and waved. "Hey, why are there three people sleeping here? I booked two beds." The answer was, "There are no compartments of the type you booked." And that was it.

"Ugh, what now?" I thought, bewildered, as I walked back for a while...

"Both of them said they had booked a double sleeper as well, leaving everyone in the room confused."

"Excuse me, ticket officer. I paid for two tickets, not three. If it were three, it should be cheaper, right?"

"Okay, okay, I'll write you a refund," he said with a grimace. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? You know I get tired of typing..." He then muttered something about his limited English skills.

Finally, the train departed. They took my passport and ticket, which confused me. I guard my passport with my life! How could they take it? What if it gets lost? I was scared. I asked my two roommates, and they said it was normal for overnight international trains. Phew, that's a relief.

The next morning, I returned the ticket and received a refund. The cashier smiled at me again. "Thank you very much," I said in return, smiling back. We understood each other, but the refund slip was written in German. I sighed, unable to read or translate it. I decided to ask a Swedish person nearby what it said. After all, I wasn't afraid; Europeans are known for their honesty.

Upon arriving at Zurich HB station, I immediately went to the ticket office to request a refund of approximately 15 Euros. The staff was incredibly helpful and assisted me with everything. Their friendly demeanor, characteristic of Swiss hospitality, made the experience even more pleasant.

...Refund... They said they can't do it here. They said that wherever you reserve the seat, you have to refund it there. Oh, I booked it from Austria. What should I do? I'm not going back there either...

He then wrote down the address for me and told me to send the letter to the OBB (Austrian Federal Railways) ticket office. He said they would then refund the money to my card. Thank you very much for your help.

Time to move on. Zurich HB > Basel SBB

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

...The Basel SBB station is quite chaotic. To board a French train, you need to change trains to use their train. The platforms are clearly separated, so it takes some time to find your way around. There are signs, so don't worry. ...

Upon reaching the station, I explored my options for onward travel. I could either walk or take a bus from the station. I opted for walking.

From Basel to Colmar, it's only half an hour... we've arrived...

Let me try it. Finally, I'm here. ... 1.25 Euros each. Oh! It's delicious!

I will continue later ^^

Day 12 (March 27, 2015) - Strasbourg, France - (Colmar - Strasbourg - Baden)

I finally made it to Strasbourg... After a sudden change of plans, I lost my free ticket and accommodation booking, so I switched to Budapest instead.

My original plan was to take the high-speed train from Munich directly here, which would take about 3 hours, which is very fast for such a long distance.

As usual, the weather forecast is crucial for photographers. Today, the sky will be clear only in the morning. The rest of the day, including the previous day and this afternoon, will be cloudy with possible rain. Therefore, I had to choose between Colmar and Strasbourg. In the end, I chose this place.

My destination was Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, and I took a stroll through the old town... where the houses are similar to those in Colmar, but with a more modern feel... If you ask why I chose Strasbourg... the answer is in the picture...^^

From Colmar to Strasbourg, it takes only half an hour... drag your luggage and leave it at the locker at the station...

Exit the station and walk straight through the park in front of the station. Continue straight for about 300 meters to reach the old town.

Upon arrival, we headed straight to the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.

Size compared to humans...

The weather is great, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

This angle looks familiar... It's the same angle seen in many postcards, with houses resembling those in Colmar.

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

The weather is starting to change. The clouds are starting to come in.

If you have the time, I highly recommend spending a night here. This will allow you to explore the area at your leisure throughout the day. I personally regret not doing so.

It's time to switch to nature mode and head to Switzerland. Departing from Strasbourg at 3 pm to avoid rush hour traffic, the train will arrive in Baden, Switzerland around 5:30 pm, a journey of 2.30 hours. Change trains at Basel SBB as usual...

Upon arrival, I immediately checked my luggage. It's better to be light, as the camera alone is quite heavy.

Start from a high angle first....

Translation:

Baden is a small town that is not well-known to tourists. I happened to be passing through, so I decided to stay the night. I didn't have much time, so I hurried through the town. It's a pity, because it's a very pleasant town to walk around. The old town is also beautiful. I really should have spent half a day here so that I could have walked around at my leisure.

Day 13 (March 28, 2015): Baden - Brig - Zermatt - Matterhorn

This sentence describes a journey on March 28, 2015, starting in Baden and ending at the Matterhorn, passing through Brig and Zermatt.

Today's journey began in Baden, where we left our luggage at the hotel before heading to Zermatt and the Matterhorn. According to the weather forecast, the skies would be clear only in the morning, so we set off from Baden early. We arrived in Brig around 9:30 am, after a 2.5-hour train ride.

The reason I am staying here is because I need to go to Venice, Italy tomorrow. I don't want to change trains, so I am taking a direct train from here. I also need to reserve a seat, so I am staying here so that I don't have to wake up early.

Matterhorn >>>

After leaving your luggage at Brig, you will need to change trains at Visp to reach Zermatt. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. To reach the Gornergrat viewpoint from Zermatt, you will need to purchase an additional ticket, as the Global Pass and Swiss Pass do not cover this route. However, you will receive a discount. Today, I used the Swiss Pass Flex 4 days, which requires validation at the ticket office before use.

The weather is perfect for skiing, and the slopes are packed with skiers of all ages, from children to seniors. Everyone seems to be an expert skier.

The weather is good, around 5 degrees with wind... For Thai people, it's quite cold. Brrr...

As the afternoon progressed, the Matterhorn became obscured by clouds, precisely as the forecast predicted. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, it is highly recommended to check the weather forecast beforehand.

After finishing, we went for a walk in Zermatt in the late afternoon until evening. We left Zermatt at 6:00 PM and headed to Brig.

Day 13-14 (Mar. 29-30, 2015) >>> Venice, a global sensation.

Initially, this wasn't part of the plan. The intention was to explore Switzerland thoroughly. However, since we were already here, we decided to visit this world-renowned tourist destination. What's all the hype about? We had to see it for ourselves.

Today's journey: Brig to Venice, a direct route taking 4.56 hours (09:44-14:40). Venice has two train stations. To reach the island of Venice directly, take the Venezia S.Lucia station (the other station, Venezia Mestre, is located on the mainland before the bridge. If you arrive at the wrong station, there are connecting trains available). The seat reservation fee is 12 CHF for the Global Pass.

Typically, I book hotels near train stations to avoid lugging my luggage long distances. However, this sometimes means being further away from tourist attractions. After checking in and leaving my luggage, I immediately set out on foot.

Due to the large number of images, I am afraid it will take a long time to load. I will move it to another thread.

Follow [Part 2] The second half of the trip, Switzerland, is available at http://pantip.com/topic/33758190

Thank you for following. This trip has brought us a piece of friendship. Every time I watch it, I can't help but smile.

Follow [Part 2] The second half of the journey, exploring Switzerland at http://pantip.com/topic/33758190

Link to Pantip topic 33758190