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Before we start on the actual hike there is the small matter of crossing the river via a wonky cage on ropes! Wind it up and then release us!!! Cue some girly squeaks as I whizz along the wobbly rope. After arriving safely at the other side we faced a good few hours hike upContinue reading “First taste of trekking”

Wat Phan On is one of the smaller temples in Chiang Mai. It has one of the most impressive, and shiny, chedi in the city. In the temple’s courtyard there is a large tree with Buddha images beneath it. The large number of bells around the temple complex can be rung by Buddhists and touristsContinue reading “Wat Phan On, Chiang Mai”

A bit of potted history for you now folks! In the late 1800S, King Chulalongkorn made a deal with British tradesmen allowing them access to the Siam kingdom’s huge teak and rosewood forests. He also allowed them to live in Chiang Mai. However there was one condition – that they lived on the east sideContinue reading “Wat Gate Karam”

After waving goodbye to frantic Bangkok we hopped on a plane north to the cooler climate of Chiang Mai. A city full of temples and the best markets in Thailand . . .woo hoo!! We stayed in the fantastic Sakorn Residence. Set out of the centre of town, about 20 minutes walk from the marketsContinue reading “Colourful Chiang Mai”

A lot of Chinese art is deeply symbolic with particular motifs cropping up time and time again – for example the gnarled tree above, which may represent the unconquerable spirit of old age. Beautifully portrayed inanimate subjects like landscapes such as above, are also rich in symbolism, not just there as pretty background: the rocks andContinue reading “Details of Chinese temple art”

One of the commonest sights in Bangkok, apart from the endless massage shops, are the proliferation of street food sellers. On every street in long, steaming, fragrant lines, hidden beneath underpasses, knocking on your car window, running up to your tuc tuc, squeezed into every conceivable nook and cranny you will find them. Whether itContinue reading “Bangkok street food and nibble vendors!”

As you mosey around the tiny hidden back streets of Chinatown you can’t help but virtually trip over ornate temples. Whether they are peeping from courtyards or standing bolshie and brash on the street corner. Chinese temples host a wealth of decorative flourishes, from the detailed painting on the entrance gates to the exquisite, fantasticalContinue reading “Gorgeous Chinese temple architecture in Bangkok”

Dried orange slices are bagged up and ready for cooking with. Incense sticks are just some of the colourful items on sale in Chinatown Street food is so fresh it is still sizzling (or growing) Not sure what these pink and white boobies actually are?!!! Gorgeous Chinese new year decorations are heaped up in garish,Continue reading “A final few snaps from China town”

A pictorial romp through a few more markets in Chinatown. Everything is on sale, here’s coils of colourful wiring Some rather hideous water features . . . each to their own I guess!! Everyday essentials from air conditioning fans to key cutting can be found on the hot, frenetic streets. I think these are riceContinue reading “More colourful chaos in the Chinatown markets”

First hopping off point of our Chao Phraya river cruise was Rajchawong Pier, this is the easiest pier for reaching Yaowaraj – China Town. This fascinating area is a labyrinth of side streets, markets and stalls, selling everything from fresh fish, fruit and veg to all manner of dried meat and fish, dodgy sex toys,Continue reading “Yaowaraj / China Town and a multitude of markets”