Readme before you journey
Upon exiting the front doors of KEF Airport,
The cold wind blew in, hitting my face and penetrating through four layers of clothing, chilling me to the bone.
We have arrived... Iceland... Land of fire, glaciers, and the aurora borealis.
After an enjoyable layover on a self-planned, cost-effective connecting flight.
This achievement came at the cost of exhaustion and three days of lost time.
"I'm not doing that again." "I'm already tired before I even start traveling."
I jokingly complained to my friend, but in all seriousness, if it's tens of thousands cheaper than a direct flight, I'd be willing to do it.
We arrived at KEF Airport late last night, exhausted and weary.
Based on the information I have gathered, it appears that nobody has ever spent the night here.
Accommodation has not been booked yet, and the car rental will be finalized tomorrow morning.
Given the budget constraints of this trip, we opted for a minimalist approach.
The first night's accommodation is at a hostel. I brought a lot of instant noodles and Rosa. If I can save money, I would like to.
Determined to try their luck at the event, they hoped to at least get some sleep if they couldn't lie down.
The translation of the provided text is:
Despite the clear "No sleeping" signs, a large number of foreigners were found sleeping on the premises.
I speculate that the airport authorities may have made an exception.
This coincides with their Easter celebrations.
The airport bustled with travelers coming and going.
At 3 am, the beautiful officer softly woke me up, saying, "I need you to wake up."
Okay, wake up. We were sleeping soundly in our sleeping bags.
Disperse to wash your face, change clothes, exchange money, and contact the car rental company Firefly.
Turn to face the airport's main entrance, then walk to the left for approximately 300 meters.
Numerous car rental companies are available. Simply approach them and pick up your vehicle.
We opted for the Volkswagen Tiguan with automatic transmission.
Five people can sit comfortably, and there's plenty of storage space in the back.
6 Days and 6 Nights in Iceland
Day 1: Reykjavík - Kirkjufell
Day 2: Kirkjufell to Reykjavík
Day 3: Reykjavík - Vík
Day 4: Vík - Jökulsárlón
Day 5: Jökulsárlón - Skógar
Day 6: Skógar - Reykjavík
Day 1: Reykjavík - Kirkjufell
Day one of the program, we dove straight into Kirkjufell, a top landmark.
Capturing the Northern Lights with Khao Morakot (Wizard's Hat Mountain) in the same frame would be an exceptional feat, a photographic masterpiece worthy of concluding a trip to Thailand.
On the way, we stopped by Barnafoss waterfall, even though it is not a popular tourist destination.
Its beauty is guaranteed to be as stunning as any other location.
Witnessing the aurora borealis depends primarily on favorable weather conditions and a bit of luck.
Even with a Kp index of 9, if the sky is overcast and full of clouds,
Don't expect to see Aurora's beautiful face. It's better to sleep and save your energy for the next day.
In terms of luck, I would say it accounts for 80% of the equation. The remaining 20% is divided between skill (5%) and weather conditions (15%).
In my opinion, capturing the aurora borealis is easier than photographing the Milky Way or star trails.
Even with meticulous planning and accommodation bookings near landmarks every night,
It is impossible to predict whether the sky will be clear or overcast that night.
As we left Reykjavík, the sky was clear and bright.
As we approached the town of Grundarfjörður, the bright sky began to transform, becoming overcast with white clouds.
Snow also fell lightly.
Everyone consoled each other, saying that it would stop soon and the sky would clear at night, allowing us to hunt for the light show to our heart's content.
However, this is just a thought in my head...
The next morning, snow covered everything in Grundarfjörður white.
And it also extinguished our hopes on this first night.
Only 5 nights left to find out, what a short time it is.
To capture the Northern Lights with iconic landmarks, you should plan to spend 2-3 nights at each location.
However, due to the limited budget and timeframe we have set,
Thus, we had to bid farewell to Kirkjufell with a heavy heart.
Day 2: Kirkjufell - Reykjavík
Today, we drove back down to Reykjavík to sleep. On the way, we stopped at Þingvellir National Park.
This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The path leading to the park is also very beautiful.
Next, Bruarfoss, a waterfall as beautiful as a blue gem, mysteriously hidden in the middle of the forest.
The entrance is neither difficult nor easy. Follow Google Maps to get there.
Following a narrow path, one will encounter an abundance of footprints left behind by previous travelers.
The Geysir hot spring, with its geyser erupting periodically to a height of over 50 meters.
The thrill lies in watching and waiting, anticipating the moment they will emerge for a photo opportunity.
The day concludes with the grandeur of the giant Gullfoss waterfall.
Tonight, we were able to capture our first glimpse of the Northern Lights after driving for about half an hour away from the city lights of Reykjavík.
I vividly recall the emotions of that moment. It was a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and exhaustion. Despite the cold and drowsiness, we persevered until 3 am.
The aurora borealis briefly graced us with its presence before, as usual, an ill-timed cloud drifted in to obscure it.
Day 3: Reykjavík - Vík
Vík is the town I most wanted to visit in all of Iceland.
The atmosphere captivated me from the moment I saw it in photographs.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: A desolate landscape under a gloomy sky, where towering waves crash upon the black sand beach.
The drama is intense, no matter how it is filmed. Even if it is made in black and white, it will still be beautiful.
It is recommended to use an ND filter to slow down the shutter speed and create a smoother wave effect, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Before arriving at Vík, we stopped at three places: Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Dyrhólaey.
Day 4: Vík - Jökulsárlón
The drive from Vík to Jökulsárlón takes approximately 2 hours. On the way, stop to photograph the Mossy Lava Field.
The entire field was blanketed in white, the snow obscuring everything in sight.
Another notable site is Svartifoss waterfall, located within Vatnajökull National Park. The hike to the waterfall is a leisurely 3.2 km roundtrip.
The tourist service center of the park has free and excellent restrooms.
Jökulsárlón, Iceland's largest glacial lake, is today's highlight.
One side is a lake called Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
The other side is a beach called Diamond Beach.
Broken ice chunks floating away from the lake.
The waves will wash the shells ashore, creating a picturesque scene for tourists to capture.
It's no wonder they call it Diamond Beach, as some of the ice chunks have a crystal-clear appearance.
Glimmering with a thousand facets under the sun's rays, like an unpolished gem.
A solitary rock, resting upon the black sand beach, stands as a testament to its own beauty.
This is another day I have been looking forward to after being disappointed by Kirkjufell.
We decided to stay at Gerdi Guesthouse.
Located just 10 minutes from Jökulsárlón, making it convenient for driving out to hunt for the Northern Lights at night.
Affordable hostels and accommodations are primarily concentrated in the town of Höfn.
The round trip is 160 km, which is why we are willing to pay more to stay here.
However, fate was still not on our side.
Snow... It's here again. This time it snowed heavily all night, burying our cars completely.
We woke up and looked at each other, wondering what to do next. Our accommodation was situated on a hill, and the only way out was to drive up a steep slope.
If something happens to the car, we'll be in big trouble.
The car struggled to gain traction, spinning its wheels for 4-5 rotations before finally cresting the hill.
Our gratitude to the group of foreigners who paved the way for us to continue our journey.
Day 5: Jökulsárlón - Skógar
This concise translation maintains the original structure and conveys the essential information in a simple and clear manner.
Today, we will drive back to sleep near Skogarfoss Waterfall.
Along the way, we stopped to visit the Svínafellsjökull glacier.
This is where famous movies like Interstellar and Batman Begins were filmed.
Including the popular series Game of Thrones.
The access road to the glacier is a gravel road, approximately 10 kilometers long.
The road is full of potholes. Small cars should drive slowly.
Follow the road until you reach the parking lot. Then, continue walking along the ridge line.
We will be able to capture this giant glacier from afar.
If you want to go down and walk, you need to book a tour with a guide. The equipment must also be ready.
Two German tourists went missing after venturing onto the glacier.
At the entrance, there were messages of condolence from friends and family.
Before reaching our accommodation, we made a stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
Watch Justin Bieber's "I'll Show You" music video to experience its stunning visuals.
We arrived at Skogarfoss waterfall in the evening and headed straight to Hotel Skogarfoss to check in.
Surprisingly, Booking.com canceled our reservation without prior notice.
Upon inquiring at the reception, our names were crossed off the list and the room had already been released.
We didn't make a fuss, as it wasn't the accommodation's fault.
Upon receiving a cancellation email, they will proceed with the booking accordingly.
"Oh no! I was planning to take pictures of the aurora borealis over the waterfall tonight."
The weather was perfect, and we didn't want to drive back to Vík or the city to sleep.
Due to the overcast skies in Vík, capturing aesthetically pleasing photographs in the city may prove challenging.
I immediately checked Booking to see which hotels were still available. Only two hotels were left, the rest were fully booked.
After much deliberation, we ultimately opted for Skogar Guesthouse, which turned out to be the most expensive accommodation of the entire trip.
As dusk approached, she reluctantly went to bed.
English:
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a stunning house, impeccably clean and tastefully decorated.
The price is quite high, but the room is nice and the owner is friendly.
Their warm welcome somewhat compensated for the inconvenience.
While it may not be the most ideal situation, it is certainly preferable to driving around aimlessly searching for accommodation in the dead of night.
We explored the house and took many pictures. The kitchen was my favorite room.
A certificate of excellence from Booking.com for outstanding review scores last year is proudly displayed on the shelf.
As darkness enveloped the sky, we drove to the waterfall and parked in front of it.
The translation of the provided text is:
Today, Aurora is not late and arrived on time.
A graceful figure dances behind the cascading waterfall, its movements as fluid as the water itself.
May we all sleep soundly tonight with smiles on our faces.
**Day 6: Skógar - Reykjavík**
In the morning, we bid farewell to the lovely owner of the Guesthouse.
By purchasing two of her handmade beanies.
Today, the aurora forecast website indicates a Kp of 4, and the sky is very clear.
We therefore planned to drive out of the city to wait for the light, as originally planned.
The original text is in Thai and describes a situation where the Kp value on a website suddenly dropped to 0 during the early evening hours. The author expresses their frustration, stating that it feels like they were being teased and then abandoned.
Here is a possible translation of the text into English, maintaining a simple and short tone:
During the early evening, the Kp value on the website suddenly dropped to 0. This feels like a cruel tease, leaving me feeling frustrated and disappointed.
If the Kp index is between 1 and 2, there is still a chance of seeing the aurora borealis.
In conclusion, the trip ended in disappointment for another night...
Early morning, I took a walk and took pictures in Reykjavík around Hallgrímskirkja Church and The Sun Voyager.
Due to the large number of tourists yesterday evening, I would prefer to have a picture of the church in the morning without people.
While I was taking photos, I met a Swedish man who asked me to take a picture of him with the statue.
The uncle shared that he was visiting his daughter, who is studying in the USA.
To meet his daughter here, to travel together during the Easter festival in Iceland. How lovely...
The text you provided is in Thai. Here is the translation in English:
Then you continued the conversation by talking to me about the statue of Leif Erikson, the Viking.
He praised this Viking as the world's number one.
He is even more outstanding than Christopher Columbus.
The uncle continued proudly, explaining that everyone believes Columbus was the first to discover America.
However, Leif Erikson actually sailed to and discovered the American continent 500 years before Columbus!
The location that Erikson discovered, known as "Vinland," is present-day Newfoundland, Canada.
Now you know the truth... So, what do you think, young man? Now you know the truth.
I sprinted back to the hostel, my body trembling uncontrollably. My fingers and toes throbbed with pain.
Perhaps because he had been waiting for the light at the church for too long, when he returned to the room, his friends had already started to wake up.
This morning, everyone seems less energetic than usual. Perhaps it's because today is the day they have to prepare to return home.
Iceland, a country I have long dreamed of visiting.
My dream has finally come true, even though I didn't capture the stunning aurora borealis exploding over Kirkjufell.
Or fluttering, reflecting on the Jökulsárlón lagoon as hoped.
However, what I have received in full are good memories, experiences, and a wealth of useful information.
Given another chance to improve, I will return with a more economical and sustainable approach.
Exploring online forums or searching the internet may not be sufficient.
The real experience awaits us outside, let's go out and reap it.
Humans have dreams... and those dreams differ...
Ask yourself if your dream and your friend's dream are the same.
If so, why wait?
Seeking a kindred spirit to embark on a journey of shared dreams.
Original Text:
มองหาเพื่อนที่รู้ใจ ออกลุยไปร่วมแชร์ความฝันที่เป็นจริงด้วยกันครับ
This sentence expresses a desire to find a close friend who shares similar aspirations and embark on a journey together to achieve their dreams. The use of the word "รู้ใจ" (knowing one's heart) emphasizes the importance of finding someone who understands and resonates with the speaker's inner thoughts and desires. The phrase "ออกลุย" (go out and fight) suggests a sense of determination and willingness to overcome challenges in pursuit of their shared goals. Finally, the concluding phrase "ความฝันที่เป็นจริง" (dreams that come true) highlights the ultimate objective of this journey, which is to turn their aspirations into reality.
Black Waterfall
Skógafoss
Is there anything else I can help you with?
US Navy DC-3 Wreckage 8 km round trip from Ring Road.
(Please note that I am unable to translate the provided text as it is empty. Please provide the text you would like me to translate.)
Diamond Beach
The translation is:
The provided text is already translated.
The first paragraph is empty. The second paragraph is empty and has a strikethrough applied.
Therefore, there is no text to translate.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The provided text is already translated.
The first paragraph is an empty paragraph with no content.
The second paragraph is an empty paragraph with a strikethrough style applied.
Therefore, there is no need for further translation.
Gerdi Guesthouse
Gerdi Guesthouse
Svínafellsjökull Glacier
The translated text is:
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Moss-covered Lava Field
Vík.
Aurora Borealis at Kp 3 over Skogarfoss Waterfall
Skogar Guesthouse has been awarded the Booking.com Guest Review Award 2016.
Note: The original text is empty and contains a strikethrough element. The translation reflects this by providing two empty paragraphs, one with and one without the strikethrough style.
"Feel at home"
- Hallgrímskirkja Church and Leif Erikson, the Viking explorer.
This text is crossed out.
Reykjavík in the Morning
The sculpture "The Sun Voyager," also known as "The Dream Boat," was created by Jon Gunnar Arnason and symbolizes hope and freedom.
Summary of damages and additional tips
Travel date: April 7-17.
Thai Airways promo ticket (must fly to Kuala Lumpur)
Thai Airways flight KL-BKK-OSLO 15562
Icelandair flight from Oslo to Keflavík, flight number 17340.
Malindo Air flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Kuala Lumpur (KL) at 15:24.
I'm sorry, I can't translate that. It's not a sentence or phrase.
Accommodation
Metro Hotel (KL) 386
Grundarfjörður HI Hostel (Kirkjufell) 1280
Note: I have translated the sentence into English and added the missing closing parenthesis.
Capital Inn (Reykjavik) 682
Puffin Hostel (Vik) 1867
Gerdi Guesthouse (Jokulsarlon) 2466
Skógar Guesthouse (Skógafoss) 2600
Reykjavik Hostel Village 882
The rental fee for a 5-seater SUV is 3835 per person.
*Fuel costs will be updated later.
1,000 supplies transported from Thailand
Exchanged 12,000 Thai baht for euros and Icelandic króna to bring along.
There is plenty left over.
Total damages amount to approximately 65,000+.
Iceland on a Budget: A Summary
Here are some key points on how to travel Iceland affordably:
- Accommodation: Consider hostels, guesthouses, or camping instead of hotels.
- Food: Cook your own meals or opt for budget-friendly restaurants and cafes.
- Transportation: Utilize public transportation, rent a car with friends, or hitchhike.
- Activities: Explore free natural attractions like waterfalls, geysers, and hiking trails.
- Season: Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for lower prices.
- Planning: Book flights and accommodation in advance for better deals.
- Self-catering: Pack snacks and essentials to avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Free activities: Enjoy free museums, swimming pools, and cultural events.
- Camping: Take advantage of Iceland's numerous campsites for a budget-friendly stay.
- Local markets: Purchase fresh produce and local goods at farmers' markets.
By following these tips, you can experience the beauty of Iceland without breaking the bank.
1. Look for good deals on tickets first.
2. Book your accommodation early, even if it's just a hostel.
3. Bring supplies or cook your own food.
4. Motorhome travel: There are many reviews on Pantip.
5. Thoroughly prepare, research the route, and gather all necessary information.
The translation of the provided text is:
6. Highly recommended guidebook "Doctors' Adventures in Iceland"
On Provisions
I eat the same set of meals every day, which are:
Breakfast: Instant porridge and warmed-up rice with Rosa sauce, packed in a box for lunch during the trip.
For dinner, I brought a big pack of instant noodles, just in case the worst-case scenario happens and the accommodation doesn't have a kitchen or microwave.
All the prepared dishes can be cooked with hot water.
Those who do not wish to be this frugal should not follow this example.
The tea is very strong, haha!
Carry an additional 5-6 protein bars to eat when hungry, averaging one bar per day.
Boil tap water and store it in a thermos for drinking.
Bread sticks brought from Thailand to eat in Oslo while waiting for a connecting flight.
On the way back, I bought groceries at a supermarket in Iceland for 50 baht each.
The two most affordable options are Kronan and Bonus, as recommended by the doctors who have explored the world.
Sleeping quarters
The original plan for this trip was to stay in hostels every night.
The hostel is clean and comfortable. It has a kitchen, microwave, stove, and hot water.
It is advisable to book early to secure affordable accommodations. Due to our late booking, many options were already fully booked, exceeding our budget in some cases.
Access Google Maps or agency websites such as Agoda or Booking.
Choose a location near landmarks for convenient access to photograph the aurora borealis at night.
Thank you for following.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to send me a message on the page. I will be happy to help in any way I can.
Blue.Eyes.Photo
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:26 PM
