Adventure - Talkingthailand

A Day Trip to Krabi

Chris and I took a day trip to Krabi, a little over 782 km from Bangkok. A long way to go for a day trip, especially as we were only going for lunch!

We’ve had some crazy ideas in the past, but this has got to be the craziest. (Until, we do it again somewhere in Europe that is!)

I’d gone round to Chris’ house one day for a few drinks and we started talking about how great it would be to take a day trip somewhere. We decided on Krabi and a few more drinks later, we took the bull by the horns, and just booked it, all for the ridiculously cheap price of around £20.

The day arrived. We met at the skytrain at 6.30 a.m, made our way to the airport, and at 8.55 a.m took off on our way south.

We arrived in Krabi at 10.15 a.m and went looking for the market, so we could start our day with food in our bellies. We had Massaman, a Thai dish with chicken, potatoes, onions, peanuts and a combination of spices. It’s so tasty, we had 2 rounds along with a plate (or 2) of catfish.

Things to eat in Thailand — Catfish. Photo credit: Chris Wotton

Once fed and watered, we took a songthaew to Ao Nang beach.

Ao Nang has a laid-back vibe filled with many restaurants and shops along its short promenade. It also has the most beautiful stretch of sand, flanked by gorgeous cliffs, palm trees, and blue water with views out to Koh Poda.

Apart from lunch, another thing on our agenda was to paddle in the sea. The feeling of the cool water on our feet was refreshing. We wished we had taken our swimming gear because the ocean was inviting us in for a dip!

After a while, we headed off in the direction of the nearest bar. One with a rooftop, so we could sit and enjoy the views with our afternoon drinks. It was heaven!

We soon moved to a new bar with equally fabulous views out over the water. This day was just perfect.

All too soon, our day trip to Krabi was coming to an end. We went back to Krabi town and then caught the bus back to the airport.

Once back in Bangkok, we took a taxi to Devilish, one of our favourite hang-out places, and had a late night dinner. We talked about our day and realised we had travelled 1,600 km and been out for 17 hours!

It was one of the best days out I’ve ever had. Mind you, it took a good few days to get over it! But, it was worth it and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

The Best of Chulachomklao Fort, Bangkok

Whenever I take photographs, I usually take a lot. And when I mean a lot, it can sometimes be over 100 shots. I just can’t help it, especially when I go somewhere that I find interesting. There’s always some angle or colour, animal or bird, bridge or reflection – anything that catches my eye.

When I am writing posts for Talkingthailand or Morrisophotography, I go through all the photos I have taken from a particular day and group them into “post pics,” “best pics,” “black & white” etc. Apart from the main subject I am writing about, this process gives me ideas and inspiration for other posts.

Photography is a very subjective thing. What I class as “the best of” might be quite different to what you think. That’s what makes it interesting don’t you think?

With that in mind, here is my compilation of the Best of Chulachomklao Fort, in Bangkok.

Do you take a lot of photos when you go somewhere? What do you do with them?

Chulachomklao Fort, Bangkok

When I lived in Bangkok, I did my fair share of exploring. A colleague told me about Chulachomklao Fort, around 29 km south of Bangkok. It sounded interesting, so I decided to visit.

Getting there was fun, I only knew that I had to take the 145 bus to Pak Nam market, then take a boat across the river. The boat chugged its way around a small island towards the pier in Phra Samut Chedi District. You’ll see lush greenery and birds gathering to grab whatever titbits they can from the local fishermen.

It always seems a bit of an adventure when you don’t really know the way, so I just went with the flow. I had to find a market on the other side which wasn’t too difficult after I’d asked a couple of people. From there, I had to locate a truck which would take me to the fort.

Chulachomklao Fort was built in 1884 during the reign of King Rama V. Its main purpose was to defend Thailand against enemies and those seeking to colonise.

I wandered around the gun park where you can see all the different types of artillery and other weapons that were used when the fort was active.

This proud statue of King Rama V stands at the front of the fort.

You’ll also see the entrance to the bunkers which house the disappearing guns.

Inside the bunker, there is a long open corridor..

with doors leading to low underground tunnels..

and the guns at the end.

The disappearing guns were used only once in 1893 when the fort protected the sovereignty of Thailand from French invasion.

They were designed to be hauled up by their hydro-pneumatic system for firing and lowered again afterwards.

Also at the fort is H.T.M.S Maeklong. She was in service for 60 years and deployed during WWII.

It’s fun to scamper about on her decks!

You get good views across the Gulf of Thailand too!

As you move around the park, you’ll come across this ordinary telegraph pole.

It was constructed in 1869 as the first telegraph cable between Bangkok and Paknam. Unfortunately, the service was unsuccessful. 6 years later, the Thai Department of Defence constructed an underwater telegraph line for messages concerning sea traffic to be transmitted.

There is also a lovely mangrove walk you can take.

With some Macaques for company.

If you ignore them, which you should, they won’t take a blind bit of notice of you.

There is more nature to be seen if you’re lucky.

After I’d seen everything, I made my way back to the pier and across the Chao Praya River towards home.

If you’re ever in Bangkok and want to see something just a bit different, Chulachomklao Fort is a fabulous place to visit for the day.

For more places to go in Bangkok, check out the following posts.

A Guide to Nature in Bangkok

Places to Visit in Bangkok – With a Twist

Cycling Around Chiang Rai

When I was in Chiang Rai, I hired a bicycle and explored the gorgeous countryside. What surprised me was the lack of people, there was hardly anyone around, even the people who lived there seemed to be missing. So, I had no problems cycling on the roads, I wouldn’t have dared in Bangkok!

First stop was Wat Huay Pla Kang and an enormous statue on the hill, which is so large, I could see the top of its head from my accommodation, some 2 kilometres away. Locally known as the Big Buddha, it’s not a Buddha at all. This impressive hillside statue is a depiction of the Goddess of Mercy from Chinese Buddhism – Guan Yin also known as Kuan Eim (กวนอิม) or Prah Mae Kuan Eim in Thailand.

As you approach the temple complex, the huge statue looms over the countryside.

There are several buildings there and this 9-tier pagoda is guarded by a couple of golden lions at the base of the staircase leading up to the entrance.

The day I visited it was delightfully empty of tourists, so I happily scampered around the grounds taking photos of all the temples. This white temple is reminiscent of the more famous Wat Rong Khun, also in Chiang Rai.

It’s the statue of Guan Yin that takes your breath away. It’s colossal, standing at 90 metres high with 23 storeys. If you want, you can take the lift up inside the statue where you get spectacular views of the countryside.

I didn’t, I just walked up the stairs, flanked by white dragons,

and strolled around the base of the statue.

The views of this green and mountainous region of Chiang Rai, even from the top of staircase, are just as impressive.

You can also get a good view of the other temples from up on the hill.

Smaller Buddha statues surround Guan Yin.

It’s free to visit Wat Huay Pla Kang. However, if you want to go inside the statue of Guan Yin there is a small fee of 40 Baht (Just over 1 GBP) – a small price to pay to experience this fabulous attraction.

Next stop was Wat Rong Suea Ten or the Blue Temple, a gorgeous, blue building with ornately carved gold decoration.

It is quite simply, stunning! I have never seen anything like it in Thailand before.

Part of the temple was under construction, but you can still see how beautiful it is.

There are many statues around the complex too – all a fabulous shade of blue.

The gold decoration is lovely!

There are other interesting elements to the temple. The tiger refers to a time when tigers could be found in the area. The name of the temple – Suea Ten – means “dancing tiger.”

I actually preferred it to the White Temple, if only for the lack of tourists!

I only wish I’d have gone inside because it’s arguably more beautiful than the outside – if that is at all possible. There’s always next time!

Onward on my trusty steed, I cycled away from the Blue Temple towards my next destination of the day. Bypassing glorious countryside on the way.

I was heading to Wat Tham Phra (Buddha Images Cave). Along the way, I spotted a small golden chedi and a gateway with lions standing on stone plinths on either side.

I cycled a little further and saw a huge Buddha carved into the rock and steps leading up to a cave. This wasn’t the one I was heading towards, according to the map I was still two clicks away. I turned around and went to investigate.

I parked my bike and tentatively walked up the steps taking care not to slip on the moss. At the top was a door leading into the cave. This was Wat Tham Tu Pu.

My heart was thudding. I half expected to see some poor soul, who had made their home there, or a snake in the shadows, none to happy that I had disturbed it. I saw neither, but I still felt a litle spooked. In the darkness, I was met with a pair of eyes staring back at me – it was a Buddha statue – but that only became apparent as my eyes got used to the darkness.

It was really eerie in the cave, so I didn’t hang around very long. I was happy to be outside in the light again!

Still feeling a bit unnerved, I cycled away as quickly as I could! Before long, I arrived at the last port of call – Wat Tham Phra (Buddha Images Cave).

A larger cave and not as scary with a number of Buddhist statues and altars inside.

The people there were preparing for some kind of celebration, so I had a quick look inside and then left to go back to the homestay. More gorgeous views along the way.

I arrived back at the homestay after cycling some 10 kilometres around Chiang Rai. I spent the evening with a cold beer or two and relished in the quiet surround sound!

A Trip to Wat Rong Khun

In Chiang Rai, I took a trip to the White Temple. I wasn’t sure how to get there because I was in the middle of nowhere and I hadn’t seen any people, let alone taxis. But, I needn’t have worried because the lovely Son, the owner of the homestay, called her driver to take me there.

I imagined the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) to be located in a forest setting, far from any towns or cities, so I was surprised to find it was a long way from any forest. After driving for around 20 or 30 minutes, we came to a crossroads with rows of shops on either side and on the opposite side – the White Temple. Not exactly, how I imagined it. Still, it was one of the most beautiful temples I’d ever seen.

Wat Rong Khun was built by Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997 as an offering to Buddha. He says, “Only death can stop my dream, but cannot stop my project. I believe the work will give me immortal life.” The construction work continues and it should be completed by 2070 – a lifetime’s work!

It’s very unique with a white exterior which represents spirituality rather than being focused on material things.

Every inch of the temple is covered in fragments of mirrored glass which make it dazzle in the sunlight.

The main temple is reached by crossing the bridge of “the cycle of rebirth”.

On either side, there are reaching arms of those who were tempted by desires in life. The idea is that if you can cross the bridge (go through life) and forego these desires, you will achieve happiness.

At the other side of the bridge, you will come to the “Gate of Heaven” guarded by statues of Death and Rahu.

In front of the main temple, there are more interesting statues as well as other intricate architectural features.

You’re not allowed to take photos inside the temple, but the decor changes. Instead of images from Buddhist mythology, you are now faced with demons and images from the current era. Characters from famous films and modern-day idols like Michael Jackson. It’s all very strange and not something you see every day in a Thai temple.

In the temple grounds, there are other buildings.

All of the buildings in the complex are white apart from this golden one which houses the rest rooms. The gold colour symbolises the body.

There are other interesting things that may catch your eye.

It’s also a place for people to make merit and remember lost souls.

To make a wish.

To enjoy the nature.

Or to take a break in the shade.

If you are ever in Chiang Rai, go and experience the White Temple for yourselves. It really is a beauty!

I had a couple of more things on my itinerary. I took a taxi to town and had lunch right next to Chiang Rai’s clock tower – constructed by Chalermchai Kositpipat again!

My final destination was Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong.

As this temple is at the highest point of the city, you’ll get lovely views from up there.

I got back to the homestay and had an another relaxing evening, my only company were the insects who had come out for the night. After my day exploring, it was soothing to listen to their sounds in the dark night. It made such a wonderful change, my usual night time sounds were the beeping horns on the busy Bangkok roads.

First Day in Chiang Rai

In June 2018, I spent a wonderful 4 days in the north of Thailand, I went to Chiang Rai.

I’d wanted to go to Chiang Rai for ages, not only to visit the White Temple, but also to see Phu Chi Fah (the Sea of Mist.) I later realised that I was going at the wrong time of year to see the mist, the best time is around February. So, apart from the White Temple, there wasn’t much else I planned to do. For this reason, I wondered whether it would be best to stay in the town or somewhere in the countryside. In the end, I chose to stay at Ban Lom Jen Homestay which is about 12 kilometres outside of the city.

It was the best decision I could have made. I found myself in such beautiful surroundings.

With not a soul in sight.

When I arrived, the owner, Son, greeted me and showed me to my room. She told me that this was the first day of the season and I was the only guest. Could this day get any better?

I dumped my bags and took a short walk to explore my surroundings.

The Kok River was nearby, so I walked along the path taking in the beauty of the place. It was so peaceful.

To add to the serenity, this huge, white Buddha statue was a lovely sight.

The lovely colours of the countryside – all different shades of greens and browns.

This was my first time in Chiang Rai and I was amazed at how beautiful it was – and I hadn’t gone any further than across the road from my accommodation. I couldn’t wait to see more. I returned to my room and ate satay chicken and drank a couple of bottles of Singha beer. After dinner, I sat outside and wrote for a while before picking up my book. It was so peaceful sitting there as day turned to night. All I could hear was the sounds of the insects. It was a really good start to my trip.

I was so taken aback at just how stunning Chiang Rai was, it inspired me to write a couple of posts about what I saw.

Get Inspired About What You See

Poetry in Motion

A Day Out at the Beach

Last May, I took a trip to Fleetwood with my sister and my niece.

One day, we went to Lytham St Annes and we walked on the beach. As well as keeping my little 4 year old niece amused, we made it our mission to walk out to the sea.

As we walk away from the promenade, views of the piers and beach huts on either side of us..

The RNLI Lifeboat Station on guard for anyone who needs their help..

We walk along the sandy expanse, relatively empty save for some folks we meet along the way..

The promenade gets smaller..

But, there’s always the zoom for close up views..

Finding things on the way..

Not quite sure what this structure is, maybe some sort of breakwater..

Further out still..

What’s that over there?

Workers working on the shoreline?

Or, hazy views?

Writing in the sand..

We walk for at least 30 minutes and still no sea..

Apparently, the sea here goes out very far and comes in very quickly, so if you plan to walk the sands in Lytham St Annes, you must know the time of the tides.

We gave up in the end, turned around, and walked back towards the promenade.

Even though we didn’t make it to the sea, it was good exercise and we had a lovely time together.

Have you been to Lytham St Annes? What did you do there?

A Photo Walk Around Amsterdam

Back in Amsterdam again in August last year, Chris & I had a grand day out. Here’s what we did – in photos.

Things to do in Amsterdam — Centraal Station architecture

I know we can’t go much further than our front doors at the moment, so I hope that these photo walks are a welcome change from all the doom and gloom. Stay safe people! Much love and peace x

Valencia’s Gardens of Turia

Jardines de Turia or the Gardens of Turia in Valencia is a must see when you visit the city.

The River Turia has its source in the Montes Universales in the Iberian System of mountain ranges in Spain and it ran right through the city of Valencia into the Med up until 1957 when there was a massive flood which destroyed much of Valencia. To prevent from future floods, the river was diverted around the city. The old course of the river has since dried up and its been turned into a recreational space for everyone to enjoy. (Source: Wikipedia)

The sunken park is around 9 km long and it’s possible to walk (if you’re so inclined) or cycle all of it.

In Valencia at the beginning of this year, I took a walk from my hotel to the City of Arts and Sciences to meet my friend and I decided to walk the 3 km along the dried river bed.

It may be a dried river bed, but it’s actually very beautiful with many species of flowers and trees, fountains and ponds, and attractive bridges which give easy access to the many parts of the city and the wonderful attractions on offer in Valencia.

As I walked along on that crisp January day with the perfectly blue sky above, there were lots of people around.

Some were cycling..

Many were walking, like me…

There were others engaging in a spot of aerobics…

And some, sitting and watching the world go by…

It is such a lovely place to do all these things. It’s so close to the bustling city, but it’s so peaceful and relaxing. Mind you I went in January, so I can imagine there would be hundreds more people around in the high season.

Even so, when in Valencia, you should take a walk through the Gardens of Turia – you’ll be glad you did! 😉

Christmas in Hikkaduwa

After leaving Bangkok on 18th December last year, I spent 10 days on the shores of Hikkaduwa on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.

Since first visiting Sri Lanka in 1993, this place has always been a favourite destination of mine. I just love the culture and the people and it’s one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I have ever been to.

At the airport, I was picked up by my driver, Sameera, and we drove 2 hours south to Hikkaduwa on the west coast. Not only does Sameera do airport runs, but he also offers tours all around Sri Lanka. Check out Sameeratours if you are considering visiting.

I arrived at my guest house, got changed and walked all of 3 seconds to Funky de Bar where my friend works. It was so nice to sit down with the Indian Ocean in front of me, devouring devilled prawns, washed down with a glass of refreshing white wine.

And that’s where I stayed for the rest of the day watching the surfers ride the waves and the stunning sunset in the sky. Let me tell you that the waves in Hikkaduwa are big which is why the place is so popular with surfers. Mere mortals like you and me, beware – there are dangerous rip tides close to shore plus the waves can whip your legs out from under you and trap you in their watery embrace. Take it from someone who has experienced it – I felt like I was in a washing machine (not that I have ever been in a washing machine), but it wasn’t a very pleasant experience and I was coughing up salt water for a while afterwards! I had to sit back down on the beach and calm myself!

The next day, I wrote some articles and in the evening I went to the Bookworm Library for Sri Lankan curry. I had been here the previous January, so I knew of this small place and I knew that the food is absolutely divine. Small plates of delectableness – jack fruit curry, lentils, potato curry, pumpkin curry and, my absolute favourite, aubergine curry. I love this place so much, I went 5 nights out of 10!

Thursday was Funky de Bar’s weekly party where everyone has a fun night dancing and listening to music, loud enough so your heart feels like it’s going to burst out of your chest. Funky de Bar on Thursdays is the busiest bar along this stretch of beach – you see the same old faces all out for a good time. It’s lots of fun!

The following day, I took a walk to a restaurant called Sunset because I’d heard their sandwiches were really good. I ordered a chicken sandwich, but it was far from delicious. It didn’t even look that nice. Two limp pieces of white, unbuttered bread with small, diced bits of chicken and not even enough meat to fill it. It was so disappointing. I found out later, you need to ask for a Jaffle – which is the Sri Lankan version of a toastie and much tastier!

The next few days were spent much the same, writing in the morning, afternoons on the beach and dinner and drinks in the evening. It really is such a lovely way of life – if only we didn’t have to work to earn money!

Christmas day arrived and I did exactly the same as I had up until then – work, beach and bar. I was asked later if I minded spending Christmas day on my own and I really didn’t. I love my own company and even though my friend and I had fallen out over a misunderstanding, I was perfectly happy on my own.

On the last night and friends again – Nalin and I went for dinner at the Shiny Lakeside Resort for more devilled prawns. It is a lovely spot, although both times I have been here, it’s been dark! Next time, I’ll go during the day, so I can see what the lake actually looks like 😉 Afterwards, we went back to the beach and had a few drinks. It really was a lovely way to spend the last night.

More devilled prawns at Shiny Lake Resort

After all that, I flew back to the UK. Sri Lanka, I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I will! See you next time!