Following on from my post last week about my day trip to Krabi, here are a few more photographs to whet your appetite 🙂
I hope you enjoyed the day out as much as I did 🙂
Images of Krabi
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.
Catfish. Photo credit: Chris Wotton 
Chicken Massaman. 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!
Images of Bangkok
There are many things to see in Bangkok – The Grand Palace, Jim Thompson’s House, Khao San Road and much more. While these places are awesome, I sometimes looked for the not so obvious. There are many things hidden around the city, you just have to look for them!
I hope you enjoy this short video of my images of Bangkok.
You never know what you might find!
The Changing Seasons – July 2020
It’s time again for my monthly roundup in The Changing Seasons post, hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch.
Since lockdown was eased some more, I took a trip to Newark to visit my friends – Doyle and Mel. It was so lovely to see them and their kids again. Mel and I went out to the garden centre and, on the way back, we went to the marina in Farndon and had a cheeky drink by the river.
The following weekend, I went to Rotterdam to visit Chris.
The journey there was surreal, everywhere was like a ghost town, devoid of people!
We had such a fun weekend, as we always do when we get together. Chris was an exceptional tour guide and he took me to new parts of the city. It was such a lovely couple of days making new memories!
The next weekend, my sister and I ventured out for a few Sunday afternoon drinks. It was just so lovely to be able to sit in a pub garden in the sunshine again!
I finished July with drinks and a book on my balcony watching the colours of the sunset fill the sky 🙂
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
- Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
- Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
- Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
- Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
- Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
- Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them
Life On the Streets of BKK
Bangkok is many things to many people, but one thing that’s constant is the streets are always full of different things going on. It’s busy, it’s chaotic, but it’s such an exciting city. There is always something to see, to find, to simply enjoy. For the 4 years I lived there, I became the city girl I never knew I was!
Wherever you may wander in Bangkok, street vendors are a part of daily life, selling food and drinks to passersby. Unfortunately, the powers that be have removed some of them to make way for a “new” Bangkok – one where the streets are devoid of these people simply trying to make their living. For me, and I’m sure countless others, this is a tiny part of what makes Bangkok so appealing.
These condo blocks are all over Bangkok. Home to many people, you’ll see satellite dishes amidst balconies full of drying clothes.
There are many little shops like these selling flags, framed photos of their King – past and present – and other patriotic items.
And, down every little alley, you’ll find someone going about their daily business.
While Bangkok is generally a tourist destination, there are certain areas of the city where tourists flock. Banglamphu which is home to Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri is teaming with backpackers and holidaymakers alike. But, some days are pleasantly quiet making it more pleasurable to explore.
Over in Sathorn, business people are heading out to lunch.
Others, painfully making their way through the notorious Bangkok traffic.
Or, taking a breather in the relentless heat.
There are kids chatting to friends while they wait for their ride home.
And gentlemen walking home from the shops.
Another thing I love about Bangkok is that many of its streets are lined with trees.
There is street art hidden down alleyways.
There are so many vantage points.
And things to photograph.
Then, there are the canals upon which the modern city has developed. It’s fascinating to think that these waterways were the main routes around the city all those years ago – some of them are still in use.
Not far from downtown Bangkok, you’ll find streets with no life! You’d be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere other than the international metropolis that is BKK!
If you’re ever in Bangkok, you won’t have far to go to find a little street life!
For more Bangkok street life, check out these posts.
Bangkok City Views
When I lived in Bangkok, I used to walk around the city with my camera a lot. There are many things that compel me to take a photograph. It could be a distinctive architectural feature, an ornate temple or a dilapidated building.
There are endless photographic subjects to be had in Bangkok and I had lots of fun looking for them! For me, it’s exciting because you never can tell what you might find!
Here are a few things that caught my eye!
This juxtaposition of 5-star hotel – Lebua – and the Leo beer advert.
The reflection of the buildings opposite the Eastin Grand Hotel in Sathorn.
The purple colour and zig-zag feature of the Mode Sathorn Hotel on Sathorn Road.
The colour and ornate decoration of Wat Bowonniwet on Phra Sumen Road.
Chong Nonsi Bridge for just being different and it’s good for a spot of people watching!
Chong Nonsi BTS Station under blues skies and white clouds with a glimpse of Bangkok’s infamous cables.
The high-rise Regis Hotel in Sathorn with its glass windows and reflections of the clouds.
I am not sure what this building is, but the brown bricks, arched windows and golden dome on the roof caught my eye. It was worth a close up!
More cables, people and a palm tree as the neon lights of the city flicker on at dusk!
There are many buildings like this in Bangkok where people have made their homes. It’s very humbling!
For more things that catch my eye around Bangkok, check out these posts
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.
The Changing Seasons – June 2020
The Changing Seasons post, hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch.
Still off work, I went to meet my mum, sister and niece in the park for a picnic. It was lovely to spend time with them, enjoying the sunshine, playing Frisbee and looking at the birds. For me, the simple pleasures are always the nicest.
The biggest news of the month is that I have moved into my own place. A lovely little duplex apartment near the town centre. I was anxious about moving whilst in lockdown, so I waited until things had eased a bit. Then I was worried about finances, so I waited some more. In the end, I decided to take the risk and just go for it. I have always said, if I become unhappy I will do something about it. I loved living with my brother and his fiancé, but it was time to move on.
One of the things I was looking forward to was cooking for myself again and eating the things I like to eat. So far, the following dishes have been on the menu.
I am so happy now, I have regained my independence which is so important to me. I wonder though, how the hell I ended up back in my home town after living in Thailand for so long. I miss living in Bangkok every day, but I am happy where I am for the time being. I have a good job, my own place, and family and friends not far away.
Let’s see what the future holds. I am enjoying travelling along my new path for now. Even more so because I know I have the resolve to change my life and move on again if need be!
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
- Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
- Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
- Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
- Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
- Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
- Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them
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!