From Thailand to Siberia: May’s Winter Journey to Lake Baikal

Posted: March 22, 2026 by Ovi

In this post, May shares her journey from Thailand to Lake Baikal, exploring its frozen landscapes through photos and personal experiences.

Sawatdee kha! I’m May from Bangkok, Thailand—a businesswoman, photographer, traveler, and occasional model.

Meet May

“Travel is the most valuable thing to do.” – May

Some time ago, May traveled to Siberia, Russia, where she explored the frozen expanse of Lake Baikal. Known as the world’s deepest lake, Baikal holds about 20% of the planet’s fresh surface water. In winter, its surface transforms into a vast sheet of crystal-clear ice, stretching endlessly and reaching up to a meter thick in places. At over 25 million years old, it is also considered the oldest lake on Earth.

Starting point: Irkutsk, Siberia
Temperature: -25 degrees C.
Ice thickness: 1 meter

Icy Photos of Lake Baikal

Through her camera, May documented the frozen landscape of Lake Baikal. From the cracks in the ice to the wide, snow-covered horizon, each photo shows a different side of Siberia’s winter.

“It reflects like an optical instrument and responds to changes in the weather so sensitively that it seems like a part of the sky rather than of the land. And along with all that, Baikal is distinctly Asiatic: if a camel caravan could somehow transport Baikal across Siberia to Europe, and curious buyers unwrapped it in a marketplace, none would mistake it for a lake from around there.” – Ian Frazier, Travels in Siberia

Fun On the Ice

From walking on the frozen lake to unique winter experiences, Baikal isn’t just about the scenery—there’s plenty of fun to be had on the ice.

Cocktail in the Ice

One highlight of May’s trip was enjoying a cocktail at an ice bar on the lake—a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Warm Up with Traditional Baikal Fish Soup

After exploring the frozen lake, May tried a local specialty—a hearty fish soup made with fresh Baikal fish, perfect for the Siberian cold.

до свидания (Goodbye)

Lake Baikal left May with unforgettable memories of icy landscapes and unique winter experiences. For anyone seeking adventure in the world’s coldest corners, it’s a place unlike any other.