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 …
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 …
On August 8, 1967, five countries banded together to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. Now, the ASEAN marks its 50th year and it has grown into 10 countries, which now includes Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. I realized that I have visited all …
One of my favorite foreign cuisines is the Thai cuisine. When I was working in Manila Hotel, I would always take the table closest at the Thai food station in Café Ilang-Ilang whenever I eat buffet. Last year, during my Thai trip, I brought home ingredients for a Tom Yum soup, scoured the internet for …
Getting from one city to another by plane may be the fastest way but traveling by train can be a whole lot of fun. I’m the type of traveler who loves to see the scenery, that is why I always prefer the window seat. And train travel gives me that opportunity, less the bumpy ride …
When one has a day job and has to take some time off to travel to some foreign destination, the journey is often scheduled near the weekends to make the most of it. That’s what I always do. Several times, I time my trips during the Holy Week when business in the Philippines are mostly …
No, we’re not getting enough of yummy chicken delights in Bacolod City. While we boast of a Manokan Country (“manok” is the Filipino word for chicken) where delectable grilled and barbecued chicken abound, we still welcome other chicken treats – fried, roasted, simmered, glazed, or cooked in any other way. [UPDATE 2023: The restaurant has …
A traveler’s pair of feet is a necessity in one’s quest for exploration. I love to feel the coarse sand under my feet as I walk barefoot at a beach. I feel the stones and the water current massage my feet when I hiked the falls of Baler, Quezon. I stretch my foot muscles whenever I …