Getting to Bangkok airport is the easiest thing to do. There are cabs everywhere and you'll always find one outside your hotel.
I had to wait for both my flights. I flew with one airline, I ha connecting flights in Hong Kong and all four of my flights were delayed. I'm not sure if I should give the name for legal reasons.
However, I was given a food voucher in Bangkok airport. Also for Brits, they have Boots there. I felt quite nostalgic.
I really like Bangkok airport! It has plenty of shops and restaurant areas to pass the time. It is also roomy, so even if it is really busy you won't notice it that much.
I love walking around airports and this is a good one to do it in. It also has plenty of computer areas with free Internet access. These areas have at least ten computers. Great!
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Wat Pho
Wat Pho is behind the Grand Palace and it is well worth the visit.
We couldn't get into the Grand Palace because they have a strict dress code. Make sure your legs an arms are covered. If you're wearing a dress take a sarong or two to cover up with. They do have clothes you can borrow but the line is incredibly long. That is why we didn't go in, the expected waiting time was an hour.
Wat Pho is a must. It was founded in 1781 AD. It is famous for being one of the oldest Wats in Bangkok and it has the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand.
The reclining Buddha is 15 m high and 43 m long with his right arm supporting the head with tight curls on two box-pillows of blue, richly encrusted with glass mosaics. It is so beautiful.
We couldn't get into the Grand Palace because they have a strict dress code. Make sure your legs an arms are covered. If you're wearing a dress take a sarong or two to cover up with. They do have clothes you can borrow but the line is incredibly long. That is why we didn't go in, the expected waiting time was an hour.
Wat Pho is a must. It was founded in 1781 AD. It is famous for being one of the oldest Wats in Bangkok and it has the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand.
The reclining Buddha is 15 m high and 43 m long with his right arm supporting the head with tight curls on two box-pillows of blue, richly encrusted with glass mosaics. It is so beautiful.
Khao San Road
This is famous in Bangkok for lots of shopping. It is one long street where you can buy clothing and usual touristy things. I bought a lot of dresses and a few shirts here.
We stayed in this area. I loved it there because it I walking distance to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The latter to follow in another post.
However, for those who live in Asia, particularly those used to night markets Khao San Road isn't all that exciting but you have a lot o Thailand style stuff to purchase.
We stayed in this area. I loved it there because it I walking distance to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The latter to follow in another post.
However, for those who live in Asia, particularly those used to night markets Khao San Road isn't all that exciting but you have a lot o Thailand style stuff to purchase.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Bus- Krabi to Bangkok
We reserved a place on a bus through our hotel. Excellent. A local open air 'bus' collected us to take us to the Krabi 'bus terminal'. It was a ram shackled shack and it was wonderful. We had to wait there for other arrivals.
Once everyone was there we all piled onto the bus. It was a pleasant ride until we had to get off to get another to Bangkok. We had issues with seats, I ended up in one that couldn't recline, but at least it wasn't the end of the world. It did have a.c and that's what counts!
The journey was long and dull. Folks mostly slept. I would recommend taking a little reading light in order to not disturb people with your overhead bus light.
There was a bathroom on the bus. I payed 600B. A cheap ticket indeed for such a long ride. There was a stop at about 1am to stretch the legs and buy water/food. It was a rip off but if you want water you will pay for it no matter what the price.
Once everyone was there we all piled onto the bus. It was a pleasant ride until we had to get off to get another to Bangkok. We had issues with seats, I ended up in one that couldn't recline, but at least it wasn't the end of the world. It did have a.c and that's what counts!
The journey was long and dull. Folks mostly slept. I would recommend taking a little reading light in order to not disturb people with your overhead bus light.
There was a bathroom on the bus. I payed 600B. A cheap ticket indeed for such a long ride. There was a stop at about 1am to stretch the legs and buy water/food. It was a rip off but if you want water you will pay for it no matter what the price.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Long tail boat. Ao Nang to Railay
We decided to check out the beach at Railay and not do a tour.
It is ridiculously easy. You got to the beach (any hotel will tell you). You can't miss the ticket stand. It will be 200B for a return. You climb into a long tail boat when there are enough people waiting to fill it.
This could mean you wait a while but we were lucky. We waited about five minutes and got ours. The boat takes about ten minutes I think. I wasn't watching the time and it felt like a fast ride.
You will get a little wet from splash but it's not much.
Railay beach is beautiful and small. If you are staying there it is quiet and looks popular with couples, young and old, and families.
There are trees along the beach for some shade. There are a couple of places you can eat and a general convenience store. Other than that there is not much to do. It was lovely to relax on the beach.
The last boat from Railay is at 6pm and it's the same thing to get back. You give your ticket to a guy at the boats and he will direct you to next boat leaving for your destination.
It is ridiculously easy. You got to the beach (any hotel will tell you). You can't miss the ticket stand. It will be 200B for a return. You climb into a long tail boat when there are enough people waiting to fill it.
This could mean you wait a while but we were lucky. We waited about five minutes and got ours. The boat takes about ten minutes I think. I wasn't watching the time and it felt like a fast ride.
You will get a little wet from splash but it's not much.
Railay beach is beautiful and small. If you are staying there it is quiet and looks popular with couples, young and old, and families.
There are trees along the beach for some shade. There are a couple of places you can eat and a general convenience store. Other than that there is not much to do. It was lovely to relax on the beach.
The last boat from Railay is at 6pm and it's the same thing to get back. You give your ticket to a guy at the boats and he will direct you to next boat leaving for your destination.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Ao Nang
I can't compare it to Krabi town because I haven't been there. However, Ao Nang beach is a great little place. It all runs along one long road that first leads to the beach, then turns right and runs parallel to it. There are plenty of tuk tuk drivers around, so if you're feeling lazy you can grab one of those for between 20-40B depending on the distance.
I like the walk and from just about anywhere further away it will take between 10-15 mins to walk to the corner of the beach to get a long tail taxi boat.
We stayed at the top, as you come into the area at a hotel named Haleeva. The room was nice and the staff incredibly helpful. In fact, we booked our bus to Bangkok through the hotel. It cost 600B. I will tell you about that after the journey.
There are plenty of little shops to peruse. There is a Subway, Starbucks and a McDonalds for those looking for normality. This would be a mistake, Thai food is delicious everywhere!
I ate a soft shell crab curry last night at a place a stone throw away from my hotel. It was certainly tasty.
Here are two pictures: one of the beach and the other was the view from our hotel window.
Be warned, if you are a light sleeper don't stay near one of the two mosques. There are multiple calls to prayer and if you are close enough you will hear the whole prayer time. I personally think this is awesome and don't have a problem hearing this. The earliest is around 5am.
I like the walk and from just about anywhere further away it will take between 10-15 mins to walk to the corner of the beach to get a long tail taxi boat.
We stayed at the top, as you come into the area at a hotel named Haleeva. The room was nice and the staff incredibly helpful. In fact, we booked our bus to Bangkok through the hotel. It cost 600B. I will tell you about that after the journey.
There are plenty of little shops to peruse. There is a Subway, Starbucks and a McDonalds for those looking for normality. This would be a mistake, Thai food is delicious everywhere!
I ate a soft shell crab curry last night at a place a stone throw away from my hotel. It was certainly tasty.
Here are two pictures: one of the beach and the other was the view from our hotel window.
Be warned, if you are a light sleeper don't stay near one of the two mosques. There are multiple calls to prayer and if you are close enough you will hear the whole prayer time. I personally think this is awesome and don't have a problem hearing this. The earliest is around 5am.
Ferry Koh Phi Phi to Krabi
Look around for tickets as we got a single way for 250B but if you buy your ticket at the pier it will definitely cost you 300B.
There are 4 times for the ferry. Check out the blurry picture. This was taken at the pier, so the price shows all times as 300B
The ferry was direct and a little smaller than the ferry from Phuket to KPP. It was an easy ride.
When you arrive in Krabi it's easy to get a bus or a taxi into town. My friend and I stayed at Ao Nang Beach area, the taxi was 400B total and it took about 20 mins.
There are 4 times for the ferry. Check out the blurry picture. This was taken at the pier, so the price shows all times as 300B
The ferry was direct and a little smaller than the ferry from Phuket to KPP. It was an easy ride.
When you arrive in Krabi it's easy to get a bus or a taxi into town. My friend and I stayed at Ao Nang Beach area, the taxi was 400B total and it took about 20 mins.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Ko Phi Phi- evening entertainment
Our first two nights on KPP were quiet because it was a Buddha festival. The third night Pam and I met up with a few people and had a blast! We took in a fire poi show, a reggae bar that doesn't play reggae music but it does have a boxing ring. Volunteer fighters got a free drink. One of our party gave it a try. Good for her! Then we partied on the beach. A great night with awesome people.
I learned that a regular night on Ko Phi Phi is loud, busy and fun filled. The line of beach bars in Ton Sai village provide a plethora of choice in dance music.
This means that you will hear music until very late in just about any hotel you stay in.
I learned that a regular night on Ko Phi Phi is loud, busy and fun filled. The line of beach bars in Ton Sai village provide a plethora of choice in dance music.
This means that you will hear music until very late in just about any hotel you stay in.
Ko Phi Phi Day two/three
Day two...was spent in bed due to my throwing up all night and most of the day. Methinks it could have been heatstroke. Who knows. Luckily I was somewhat alright for day three. Yay!
Friday, 3 August 2012
Ferry to Koh Phi Phi
We stayed at a backpackers hostel, which was great. We got a free upgrade to our room, so we had a private ensuite.
We booked the ferry through the hostel which meant it was 400b instead of 600b at the pier. Also transport to the ferry was included. Great!
The ferry was about two hours.
We booked the ferry through the hostel which meant it was 400b instead of 600b at the pier. Also transport to the ferry was included. Great!
The ferry was about two hours.
Lament for Teddy
In a valiant effort to save me from the hordes o monkeys descending upon us, Teddy pulled out his ninja skills to take them on in order to let me run away. Alas, Teddy didn't make it, he's with the monkeys now. 
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Adventuring
On Wednesday we went white water rafting. It was so much fun! Obviously I couldn't take any pictures. It rained a lot as well. That was no problem though as I was really wet anyway :-)
After that was swimming in a waterfall after a mini trek.
Then elephants and monkeys. Bus is here for the ferry, have to go.
After that was swimming in a waterfall after a mini trek.
Then elephants and monkeys. Bus is here for the ferry, have to go.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
We made it!
Teddy and I made it to Bangkok and to the hotel at 5am. We were exhausted and promptly slept!
Upon the morn there was breakfast and figuring out with Pam that we planned too much and so we are abandoning Chiang Mai for an earlier arrival in Phuket.
That means more time on the beach, can't complain about that. Haha.
Teddy couldn't quite believe we were back at the airport again.
Upon the morn there was breakfast and figuring out with Pam that we planned too much and so we are abandoning Chiang Mai for an earlier arrival in Phuket.
That means more time on the beach, can't complain about that. Haha.
Teddy couldn't quite believe we were back at the airport again.
Monday, 30 July 2012
At the airport
Teddy can't take all the waiting! He's dreaming of the place we should be. Poor thing, he is so tired!
Long time no blog
Hey there,
I know, I dropped off the face of the planet technologically speaking, it was lovely!
People kept saying things like "you didn't know about the invite, well it was on Facebook" I would reply with my having no Internet. To be honest, it has been wonderful not having the urge to check my emails etc. on a half hour basis.
The reason for the post...my vacation to Thailand. My friend arrived earlier today and I'm on my way. The airline I have used has been terrible! Both flights have been late. However, I shall reserve true judgement on their services until my return trip to Taiwan.
I'm pretty excited, but that is slowly being washed away with tiredness. As I write this there is a little kid running laps around me. Awesome!
It is midnight, my flight may be ready to board at 1am. Which means I won't be at my hotel until silly o'clock. Thus, I intend to grab as much sleep as I can on the rest of this journey. It takes an hour in the cab from Bangkok airport to the city centre....zzzzz.
Oh yeah!
So expect some posts when I have wifi at the various places we'll be visiting.
Love
xxxxx
I know, I dropped off the face of the planet technologically speaking, it was lovely!
People kept saying things like "you didn't know about the invite, well it was on Facebook" I would reply with my having no Internet. To be honest, it has been wonderful not having the urge to check my emails etc. on a half hour basis.
The reason for the post...my vacation to Thailand. My friend arrived earlier today and I'm on my way. The airline I have used has been terrible! Both flights have been late. However, I shall reserve true judgement on their services until my return trip to Taiwan.
I'm pretty excited, but that is slowly being washed away with tiredness. As I write this there is a little kid running laps around me. Awesome!
It is midnight, my flight may be ready to board at 1am. Which means I won't be at my hotel until silly o'clock. Thus, I intend to grab as much sleep as I can on the rest of this journey. It takes an hour in the cab from Bangkok airport to the city centre....zzzzz.
Oh yeah!
So expect some posts when I have wifi at the various places we'll be visiting.
Love
xxxxx
Sunday, 15 April 2012
SanYi Township
SanYi 三義
Today I went to a town called SanYi in Maioli county with my friends Sue, Nik and Eric. It took about thirty minutes by train from Taichung. A one way ticket with assigned seating is NT$60 but a local train in the style of an underground/subway/mrt will set you back NT$50. There are regular trains that take you there.
SanYi is famous for woodcarving. We walked along the main street and went into an amazing shop. The owner said most of the other woodcarving shops have moved closer to the highway in order to get more custom.
After walking around for a while we took a cab to the Sheng-Hsing Train Station (勝興車站). A cab straight from the train station will about NT$180-200.
Sheng-Hsing train station is an old station that is no longer used. It was completed in 1905 and was the highest station (402 m.) in Taiwan built along the "Old Mountain Railway". The railway track was too small for newer larger trains, so in 1987 a train stopped there for the last time.
A stones throw away from the old station is a tunnel. It is about 725m in length. We walked through the tunnel. It was great but I would recommend taking a torch (flashlight). I slipped a couple of times due to me wearing flip flops, so sturdier shoes than flip flops would be a good idea. Oops.
Also, we found bats in the tunnel. There were recesses in the walls of the tunnel, in one of the larger recesses there were quite a few bats. I would estimate 20-30. Eric took a picture with the flash. The squeaking got pretty loud after that. I crouched when he took the picture just in case they took flight. All was ok though.
Some highlights of the day include; eating a strawberry flavoured sausage (the orange one tasted better), the bats, seeing a giant spinning top, eating yummy mint ice cream and seeing unusual paper mâché masks.
Upon our return to Taichung we went to Bystro for dinner. I have to say that it is one of my favourite restaurants in Taichung.
All in all it was a great Sunday!
Love to all
xxxxx
Today I went to a town called SanYi in Maioli county with my friends Sue, Nik and Eric. It took about thirty minutes by train from Taichung. A one way ticket with assigned seating is NT$60 but a local train in the style of an underground/subway/mrt will set you back NT$50. There are regular trains that take you there.
SanYi is famous for woodcarving. We walked along the main street and went into an amazing shop. The owner said most of the other woodcarving shops have moved closer to the highway in order to get more custom.
After walking around for a while we took a cab to the Sheng-Hsing Train Station (勝興車站). A cab straight from the train station will about NT$180-200.
Sheng-Hsing train station is an old station that is no longer used. It was completed in 1905 and was the highest station (402 m.) in Taiwan built along the "Old Mountain Railway". The railway track was too small for newer larger trains, so in 1987 a train stopped there for the last time.
A stones throw away from the old station is a tunnel. It is about 725m in length. We walked through the tunnel. It was great but I would recommend taking a torch (flashlight). I slipped a couple of times due to me wearing flip flops, so sturdier shoes than flip flops would be a good idea. Oops.
Also, we found bats in the tunnel. There were recesses in the walls of the tunnel, in one of the larger recesses there were quite a few bats. I would estimate 20-30. Eric took a picture with the flash. The squeaking got pretty loud after that. I crouched when he took the picture just in case they took flight. All was ok though.
Some highlights of the day include; eating a strawberry flavoured sausage (the orange one tasted better), the bats, seeing a giant spinning top, eating yummy mint ice cream and seeing unusual paper mâché masks.
Upon our return to Taichung we went to Bystro for dinner. I have to say that it is one of my favourite restaurants in Taichung.
All in all it was a great Sunday!
Love to all
xxxxx
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