As a former volunteer of the Wikimedia Foundation’s Philippine Heritage Mapping project, I have visited a number of Art Deco structures in Metro Manila and found such historical buildings interesting. For years, I have longed to see the interiors of the Art Deco heritage house of the Villanueva family along Burgos St. Finally, I had …
It was a warm afternoon when we arrived at the Phaya Thai Palace or Phya Thai Palace in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi District. It plays a significant part in the royal family of Thailand as it was a Royal Residence during the reign of King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V. When we got there, there were only …
Siargao island is no longer the secluded haven it once used to be. Over the past few years, it exploded in popularity among local and foreign tourists alike. Luckily, this beautiful island is quite big, so even though the main tourist area (General Luna) can get a bit crowded at times, there’s still plenty of …
When it comes to interesting places to dine and roam around at night, Bangkok offers a wide array of choices for locals and travelers alike. If you want to feast your mouth on a variety of food and feast your eyes to beautiful sights, then the Chocolate Ville in Bangkok is something you might want …
“Welcome to the Jim Thompson House,” our lovely Thai guide said in her deep British accent voice. This tourist destination was a place I wanted to visit during my recent Thailand trip because it sounded new to my ears. I’ve seen it listed in many must-visit lists when in Bangkok and it surely piqued my …
As our bus entered the compound of the wat, rows of men in various fighting positions filled both sides of the road at the entryway of the temple. And when I thought it was an ordinary temple like the ones I have previously visited, it turned out that Wat Bang Kung or the Thai Boxing …
Floating markets are not uncommon in Thailand. While I’ve been to this Southeast Asian country several times, visiting a floating market is something that remained unchecked in my must-do-in-Thailand list. This time around, I made sure that I visit a floating market, so my sister and I booked a tour to the Amphawa Floating Market …
Snaking through the crowded narrow alley, we braved the early afternoon heat at the Maeklong Train Market where shops are found on both sides of the train tracks. Thanks to the tarpaulins over us, they were screening us against the sun. But when the train arrived, those tarpaulins vanished in a split second to give …
Smörgåsbord. It is a word we often hear that is associated with having so many food preparations where you can enjoy a lot of choices. Merriam-Webster defines it as “luncheon or supper buffet offering a variety of foods and dishes (such as hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold meats, smoked and pickled fish, cheeses, salads, and …
During my first trip to Thailand in 2001, Ayutthaya was one of the places we visited. It was an extremely hot day and I could remember seeing ruins, stupas and chedis. But digital cameras and smartphones were not yet common at that time and all I have are a few film photos in my album. …
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was built during the 17th century during the reign of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Located at the Bang Pa-In District, 24 km south of Ayutthaya, which is about 20-30 minutes away. Roger, our guide, began his introduction of the place by letting us know that the Ayutthaya Kingdom had 33 kings. There …
Having been hooked to Korean variety shows, I saw on these travel programs where the cast visited the famous Thipsamai Restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand. I remembered scenes where there were lines outside, so it got me curious as well. My palate easily adjusts to local flavors and Thai cuisine is among the top in my …
Although I have been to Bangkok several times, it was only in 2019 that I have learned of Wat Saket through the Korean travel variety show, Thrifter’s Guide to Luxurious Travels or Salty Tour. The first trip they took for the new season in 2019 was to Thailand and they visited this less touristy temple, …
I have always viewed Wat Arun from across the river several times, sometimes waiting for the sunset and watching the lights go up at the temple. This time, I decided to see it up close, a good decision I might say. Before, I thought Wat Arun was plain gray, but when I recently visited Wat …
Elegant signature Thai architecture protruding from the long block of white walls greeted us as we approached the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, Thailand. Memories of my first visit in 2001 flooded my mind, yet I can only vaguely recall the details of every corner of the palace compound. Constructed in 1782 during the reign …