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Author - graham

Late Traveller and facilitator looking forward to sharing my travel journey as I backpack around South East Asia and maybe the world.

Ko Samet

October 22, 20182 min read

Getting to Ko Samet can be quite the adventure! Check out my next post for more details, but once you arrive, the WOW factor really kicks in. The beach features beautiful, clean white sand and incredibly clear blue waters; it’s truly like something out of a postcard. However, get to the beach early if you want a good spot, as it can get really busy. I went for a weekend, and although it rained quite a bit, it was still a fantastic place to be, and plenty of people still enjoyed the beach. At 32 degrees, it’s a far cry from my childhood vacations spent huddled with family on a beach in Cornwall, wrapped in towels and shivering as we tried to enjoy our annual holiday in torrential rain and 11-degree British summers. (Remember Cornwall, Mum?)Walking along the beach at dusk or simply sitting there while having dinner creates an amazing atmosphere. If you want to impress someone special, this is a great destination. There are so many restaurants to choose from, and the food is absolutely mouthwatering. I especially recommend trying the fish, as it feels perfect to enjoy it just 10 yards from the sea.

White Sandy Sai Kaw


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Wat Chaiwatthanaram

October 15, 20182 min read

Wat Chaiwatthanaram features amazing ancient ruins of a Buddhist temple located near the old city of Ayutthaya. This historical site dates back to 1351 and was attacked by the Burmese in 1569, who looted the city and took many precious artefacts, including gold. Today, what remains is a vast area filled with beautiful structures, and it’s well worth the 50 baht (approximately $1.15) admission fee.

During my weekend visit, the site was very popular, and I noticed many Thai visitors dressed in traditional costumes, available for rent from local stalls to make their photos more authentic.

I absolutely loved the place and had the opportunity to try out my new camera, capturing plenty of photos.

If you plan to visit, consider making it a day trip, as it is about 1.5 hours north of Bangkok by car. You can also travel by boat, but be sure to check the schedule in advance.

TIP OF THE POST

Ladies, if you wear short skirts or shorts, you will need a sarong or something to cover your legs, as you may be refused entry because it is a sign of disrespect. Also, do not wear anything with bare shoulders, so bring a shirt or T-shirt if you wear sleeveless tops.
Most places like this in Thailand are sacred places to Buddhists, so be mindful of their culture.

October 2018

October 12, 20182 min read

Land of Smiles


I landed in Thailand after a short flight from Singapore.

Don Mueang is not Bangkok’s main airport, but it is ideally suited for my stay over the next month, as a taxi from the airport to my apartment costs only 170 baht (£3.90). It’s important to check your accommodation’s location because the two airports are in different areas of the city. Sometimes, it can be cheaper to fly into the airport closer to where you are staying rather than travelling across the city, especially since traffic can be quite heavy.

Muang Thong Thani

My plan is to immerse myself in the local culture. I found an affordable apartment in an area that is mainly inhabited by Thai residents, which means it’s a bit off the tourist path.

I need to learn the language quickly, as not many people here speak English. That said, there are many great outlet shops nearby, a large food court, and plenty of local food stalls, similar to those in Singapore, situated close to the apartments.

If you walk down any street, you are sure to find a coffee bar or a street vendor selling all kinds of delicious food. In many places, you can simply sit down and order food, not to mention the occasional bar or two.

TIP OF THE POST

“Try the street food or local stalls under the apartment blocks, first they are cheap and delicious, second you feel more comfortable, people tend to stare at you when you are not a local and being a farang (Caucasians) you tend to stand out anyway.”

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Chinatown

October 10, 20182 min read

Amazing shops, stalls and street food that is tasty, spicy and unique to Chinatown.

Just walk out of Chinatown MRT down Pagoda Street, and you will be met with a choice of Chinese food to take your breath away. Sit out at any of the stalls, grab a beer and watch the world go by as you wait for whatever delicacy you have ordered. Or, if it’s evening, sample some live music on the street corners.

Take a walk to New Bridge Road and find more of the same. Everywhere you go, food is on the menu and with so much choice it’s hard to choose somewhere, so my advice: take a walk down Smith Street and sample something from Chinatown Food Street, where you can try Satay skewers, stingray, or roast duck, among others.
Well worth it in terms of price, although you will pay more than your usual Hawker centre located in each area in Singapore; it’s well worth it for the atmosphere, smells and traditional flavours, not to mention the quick, efficient service.
If you find the heat and busy street too much, (it can get very busy, as it attracts a lot of tourists every day) then opt for one of the Air-conditioned restaurants around the stalls, you will pay a bit more, but the quiet comfort and cool air is certainly worthwhile.

Below Beef Fried Noodles with Garlic Lettuce

Singapore F1 Grand Prix- Day 3

October 10, 20181 min read

So, the final day
More racing, obviously: the parade of drivers, the main race and podium, as well as more music, including Simply Red, Dua Lipa, and the final act to close the whole 3-day event, Martin Garrix.

On the whole, a great 3-day event and an amazing fireworks display at the end of the race, which, of course, was won by Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

October 4, 20181 min read

A beautiful city where cultures mix, I first visited in December 2016 and found it very appealing.

I love the food, and Malaysia is one of the places where you can experience fusions of everything. KL is no exception, so prepare your taste buds for new flavours and favourites.

The food here is not the only amazing thing. For a predominantly Muslim country, they are tolerant of others, certainly tourists. I have met many people who comment on the diversity of their friends; many will go out to eat with others even though they may not eat the same things.

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It also has perhaps the most impressive tall building I have been to. The Petronas Towers, or Asian Twin Towers as they are known, are a huge feat of steel and glass and were once the tallest buildings in the world.