THAILAND
Country Overview:
"Thailand, a captivating blend of vibrant cities, tranquil villages, pristine beaches, and idyllic islands, holds a special place in my heart."
Every time I return to Thailand, I'm reminded of its irresistible allure. The warmth of the Thai people, the seamless blend of modern amenities and ancient traditions, and the sheer diversity of experiences on offer make it a truly remarkable destination. From the bustling energy of Bangkok to the serene beauty of Chiang Mai, and the sun-kissed shores of Phuket to the tranquil islands of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand has something to captivate every traveler. And let's not forget the food – a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. Despite the challenges it has faced, Thailand remains a must-visit country, beckoning me back time and time again.
*Currently living in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai / Bangkok / Ayutthaya / Pattaya / Chiang Rai / Krabi / Phuket / Koh Tao
I quarantined in Bangkok in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read more about that experience here.
Cables, Cables Everywhere
Unlike Beijing, Thailand, or at least Chiangmai, has yet to bury all of the electrical cables underground. At some point, you just start not to notice them and accept the fact that all your photos will have them.
Crypto Street Art
Unsure what’s behind the door, but was surprised to see random art of several prominent cryptocurrencies.
Moved Into New Condo
Got tired of my old condo so I moved into a new one. 2 stories, located downtown, and a great view. I'm still sorting everything out — organizing, buying dish soap, etc — but I’ll post pics once everything is in order. Also bought a new TV and sofa, so I think I’ll be in Chiangmai for a while longer
Wat Huay Pla Kang — Chiang Rai
Wat Huay Pla Kang sits on a mountain top surrounded by an array of green hills in the heart of Chiang Rai. Wat Huay Pla Kang is known for its unique architecture, built in Chinese-Lanna style with white walls.
The giant figure is Guan Yin, the Buddhist ‘Goddess of Mercy.’ A flight of stairs lined with Chinese dragons leads to the image. Seated on a pedestal of Lotus flower petals, the Guan Yin statue rises 90 meters into the air.
Wat Rong Khun — “The White Temple” of Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun, perhaps better known to foreigners as the White Temple, is a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. It is owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed, constructed, and opened it to visitors in 1997.
When completed, the white temple compound will have nine buildings, including the existing ubosot, a hall of relics, a meditation hall, an art gallery, and living quarters for monks.
The principal building, the ubosot, is an all-white building with fragments of mirrored glass embedded in the building's exterior. The ubosot embodies design elements from classic Thai architecture such as the three-tiered roof and abundant use of Naga serpents.
Fun fact: It’s not really just a “wat” (temple), despite the monks; it’s more of a wildly expensive and expansive art exhibition.
The circular gold image is a giant wishing well, and I’m standing on “Scorpio” written in Thai. Each of the 12 zodiac symbols has a section around the well and I guess it’s even better luck to toss it in when standing on your zodiac sign.
On The Way to Chiang Rai
Rained for 3 days in Chiang Mai, so decided to come to Chiang Rai for a week. It’s about a 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai and has lots of cool sites along the way. Stopped at this ancient temple as well as a temple with a giant gold dude above it. No idea who it is, but interesting since it’s in the middle of no where.
Back in Chiangmai
After nearly a month away (2 weeks Phuket & 2 weeks Bangkok), I’m back in Chiangmai. Nice to be back at my condo and an actual desk to work at, although I’m looking to move places somewhere closer to the city center.
Korea Town - Bangkok
Korea Town wasn’t as cool as Chinatown, but it was worth checking out. It is located in some open-air mini shopping center, and full of Korean BBQ and Korean fried chicken restaurants.
Tichuca Rooftop Bar - Bangkok
Tichuca Rooftop Bar located on the 46th floor of the T-One building in downtown Bangkok. Did I pay $8 for 1 beer? Yes. Was it worth it because of the view? Absolutely.
For whatever reason, had to do a COVID ATK test and wait 5 minutes for results before being allowed to take the elevator upstairs. Seems reasonable, but only bar I’ve encountered in Bangkok to require that.
Happy Chinese New Year from Bangkok!
It’s not that odd being in Bangkok for Chinese New Year, as I usually traveled to SE Asia during the holiday when I was living in Beijing.
Of course, I had to go to Chinatown yesterday to check out the festivities. As expected, lots of people, lots of red, and lots of girls in Qipaos.
Tried to find boiled dumplings, but somehow failed. Chinatown needs to step up its dumpling game. Instead, I found a Canton restaurant and had dim sum, pork ribs, cabbage sauteed in a vinegar / soy sauce mix, and an oyster omelet over bean sprouts. Delicious.
Sightseeing on Sunday in Bangkok
1 — Khao San Road
2 — Wat Chana Songkhram Ratchaworamahawihan (built in the 1700s)
3 — Phra Sumen Fort is the northernmost of Rattanakosin's original forts, located at the mouth of Khlong Rop Krung (the moat) where it meets the river. The surrounding area was subsequently developed into Santichaiprakan Park, which opened in 2000.
4 — Bronze equestrian statue dedicated to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who ruled from 1853–1910. Wasn’t allowed to get out of the car to take pictures, so taxi driver did a few loops and I had to shoot through the window. The building pictured is the north façade of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, built in 1908 as an audience hall for the palace.
On the northern corner of the square is Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, the primary residence of current King Vajiralongkorn (who throughout COVID has frequently been living in Germany), on its southwestern edge is Paruskavan Palace which hosts the headquarters of the National Intelligence Agency and Metropolitan Police Bureau. To its south is the headquarters of the Royal Thai Army's 1st army region.
Other pictures are from CentralWorld Mall adorned with Chinese New Year swag.
Photos From Around BKK
First three “good” food pictures are from Din Tai Feng, a famous Taiwanese dim sum restaurant, and the 4th is my white whale — Taco Bell. I didn’t have it for years living in Beijing, and finally found a Taco Bell when I went to Tokyo around 2017. Didn’t have it for another four years, and then lo and behold, I’m 300 meters away from one in Bangkok and it was every bit as tasty as I had remembered it.