Biking tour Bangkok and PraPaDang

Behind the scene of the business and madness of Bangkok is actually a wild life and hidden jungle nearby downtown Bangkok. Today I have a trip to “Prapadang” which is actually a province in Samuitprakan. Prapadang is quite well known as “The Lung of Bangkok” just 6 kms from downtown Silom. They call it the lung of Bangkok because the river running around Prapadang is in the shape of a lung. It’s a very green area. You can actually find some wild life and the people there have the life style as it used to be 30 years ago.

This morning I started my trip from the pier and crossed the “Chaophraya river” to Prapadang by a little long tail boat. We then rented bicycles from near by the Thai boxing camp. The first stop was at the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery. The gallery was established in 2009 and displays a wide variety of “Siamese Fighting Fish” and other fish found in the nearby Chaophraya River. The buildings use traditional Thai architecture and if you are not in a rush to go elsewhere, then you should take your time and relax in the gardens while enjoying refreshments from the snack bar. Next we continue our journey along the local road to the SriNaKorn Park. When we cross the arch bridge, we find ourselves in a big park surrounding a large pool with a lot of trees and gardens. This park is more than 200 Rai and we enjoy spending some time feeding the fish in the park and if you are lucky some time you will find some big monitor lizards hanging out in the garden to.

Next station I will take you to the small bridge ally way through to the village. From here you will see why they call it the Lung of Bangkok. Here they have to leave 75% of the land to be a jungle and the other 25% they can make buildings, so this area is always green and creates a lot of Oxygen to the city. For someone who has never been here before you will find yourself get lost a thousand times, so better to go there with someone experienced. At the end of the small bridge walk way, we head towards the “Bangkok Tree House” an eco-friendly 12 room boutique hotel. It’s also a very cozy living and hip place, built from bamboo reinforced with recycled metal. This is a good place to have some lunch and take a break for a while. Then it’s time to head to the “BangPung Floating market”

  just 20 minutes away. It is open every weekend and on public holidys. The charm of this floating market and the canalside lifestyle of the local community is well worth seeing. Local products and famous food such as fish-scale flowers, herbal joss sticks, Hoi Thot (fried mussel pancake), Khanom Khrok or mortar-toasted pastry, mango, etc. are also offered on sale.

We then head back to the pier and across the Chayphraya river again as we head home after a long but interesting day out. Back just on time before crazy traffic jam of Bangkok.

Check it out on my Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=_jZh4nQzPmo&feature=youtu.be

 

Phuket weather from 10 to 15 September 2013

Time is running fast and we already are at mid September, the week started quiet good on Monday and Tuesday. As usual rain and sun shine, but them from Wednesday we had worst weather since weeks, strong wind, strong wind dusts and high waves.

Sky turned dark and clouds were tick, rain was very heavy for almost two days. Thursday afternoon weather improved and blue sky was again seen.

Andaman Sea 11 September 2013

Friday then everything turned back to normal with little rain or at least lasting not longer than an hour.

On board MV Sai Mai - Phi Phi Island 13 September 2013

Dawn at Phi Phi Island - 13 September 2013

And since Saturday morning again a great a great surprise with sunshine and basically two days without rain, wind down and the sea is flat as during winter.

Kamala Beach - 14 September 2013

Lets see what next week will bring in, however forecast are for good weather.

Kamala Beach 14 September 2013

Baan Khaolak Resort - Holidays package

Baan Khaolak Resort set directly on Nang Thong Beach close to the centre of Khaolak is only 2 km from khaolak-lumlu national park and 15 minutes drive from Thap Lamu harbour the departure point for Similan and Surin National Parks

The hotel was completely rebuilt in 2006 after being badly damaged in the 2004 Tsunami. The rebuilt hotel is very family friendly and they have made a conscious effort to make it wheelchair friendly as well.  Whether you just want to laze by the pool, go diving or snorkelling in the Andaman Sea or head of into the Jungle this resort is in an ideal location.

• With Rooms, Cottages and Villas this is perfect for families of any size 
• Set directly on the Beach, some villas open onto the beach. 
• There is a pool with a section for kids , plenty of loungers and sun shades around the pool and on the beach. 
• The resorts Spa offers traditional Thai Massage as well as other spa treatments
• The resort is wheelchair friendly, with rooms designed specifically for wheelchair users
• Wifi is available throughout the hotel

Fantastic beachfront location convenient for jungle safaris to Khao sok and Khoalak-Lumlu National parks, diving and snorkelling in the Similan and surin National Parks or sightseeing in Phang Nga and Phuket.  All with the added bonus of classic Thai hospitality.

Enjoy your holidays at Baan Khaolak Resort starting from

3,700 Thai Baht per person
Three days two nights

Inclusive of private return airport transfer (Phuket Airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Standard room with breakfast, tax and insurance

Single supplement 3,700 Thai Baht

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team

How to get there - from Phuket or Krabi airport need to head toward Khao Lak, as you come into Khao Lak and pass the first group of shop houses on your right the entrance to Baan khaolak is on your left.

Baan Khaolak Resort

26/16 Moo 8 Phetchakasem Road, T. Khuk-khak A. Takuapa,
Phang-Nga 82190 Thailand
For more information about Khao Lak see our travel guide

If you have been at this hotel please leave your comment

The Leaf Resort by Katathani - holidays package

The Leaf Resort by Katathani

The Leaf Khao Lak is is located in Khao Laks center at just 5 minutes walk from Nang Thong Beach and built on a flatland surrounded by many tropical trees and plant species, perfect for nature lovers. 

The property has been under complete renovation and expansion during summer 2013 and ready to welcome guests of all ages. It's a quality budget resort with a total of 92 rooms, two bars and one Thai restaurant.

• Peaceful resort immersed in the green perfect for families and couples, featuring Building, Cottage and Villa rooms.
• Coveniently located in Khao Lak center at 300m walk from Nang Thong Beach through the resort's shortcut.
• Adult Pool and Fun Pool with swim-up bar and adjacent Children Pool. Activity Center with Fitness Room, Internet Corner and Game Corner. Mini mart. Outdoor massage pavilion. Garden.
• Free WiFi in all rooms.

Swimming pools and villas

Rooms in the nature

Superior Room

Perfect for families and couples of all ages as the resort's ambience and beach are very quiet while the nearby Bang La On area has the largest number of restaurants, bars and shops in Khao Lak.

A totally nature-friendly resort where organic fertilizer is produced from compost, waste is recycled, housekeeping uses organic bio-degradable soaps to clean the resort’s surfaces, ingredients are daily sourced from local markets ensuring the most delicious organic and natural flavors.

The area is densely surrounded by over a hundred of trees and plants.

Enjoy your holidays at The Leaf Resort Khao Lak starting from

2,950 Thai Baht per person

Three days two nights

Inclusive of private return airport transfer (Phuket Airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Superior room with breakfast, tax and insurance.

Single supplement 3,000 Thai Baht

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team

How to get there - from Phuket or Krabi airport need to get to Khao Lak Beach, arrived at main center after the Khao Lak shopping center take the road left down the beach about 1 Km past the Mc Donald's.

The Leaf Resort by Katathani
40, Moo 15, Kukkak, Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak
Phang-Nga 82190 Thailand 

For more information about Khao Lak see our travel guide

If you have been at this hotel please leave your comment

Haad Yao Bungalows - Koh Phangan holiday package

Haad Yao Bungalows are directly on the beautiful and quiet Haad Yao ("long beach" in Thai) on the east coast of Koh Phangan, home of the world famous Full Moon Party.  Being Only 10 minutes from Thongsala, the main town, it is a great starting point for tours and sightseeing

The resort is located right on the white sandy beach, perceived by many to be the "perfect" Koh Phangan beach. There is some great snorkelling close to the hotel at a small coral reef just off the beach

• Small Bungalow Resort, sharing facilities withit's sister hotel, perfect for couples and families
• On the beach. 
• The long swimming pool runs the length of the resort and there is also a children pool.
• Facilities include a Beach Front Restaurant and Bar.
• Massage is available
• Free wifi 
• Only 30 minutes from Haad Rin - Home of the Full Moon Party

Classic Thai Style Bungalow with wonderful laid back Thai Hospitality in a Serene setting make this the perfect compliment to the excesses of the Full moon Party, an ideal spot to recover.

Enjoy your holidays at Haad Yao Bungalows starting from

2,120 Thai Baht per person
Three days two nights

Inclusive of return transfer from Thongsala, two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Superior Balcony Bungalow with breakfast, tax and insurance

Single supplement 2,120 Thai Baht

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team

How to get there - Firstly you need to get to Koh Phangan, there are regular ferry services from Donsak Pier in Suratthani and also From Koh Samui, make sure your ferry is arriving at Thongsala Pier. Once you have got to Thongsala you need to cross to the west coast of the Island, the taxi service is included.

Full Moon Party - The world famous Full Moon Party is held 13 times per year on Haad Rin on the west coast of Koh Phangan, just 30 minutes from Haad Yao Bungalows. Enjoy the excesses of the largest regular outdoor party in Asia and then recover in the serene peace of Haad Yai.

Haad Yao Bungalows

54/6 Moo 8 Haad Yao
Koh Phangan, Suratthani 83100 Thailand
For more information about Koh Phangan contact us

If you have been at this hotel please leave your comment

MV Sai Mai - Private Diving Liveaboard Cruise to Similan Islands, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock - Day 2

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5-6

We took it easy and got up around 8:30 as we decided together the night before, one of the great benefits of a private boat charter is the fact of not having to follow a strict schedule, it can be tailor made to suit the personal needs and preferences.

There's nothing better then having the chance to wake up in a tropical paradise, which in this case was Similan Island #4 where we were moored during the night, and have right away a nice refreshing dip in the turquoise sea.

After a generous and delicious breakfast prepared by our cook and a few minutes of relaxation we set up our diving equipment. Once ready we gathered for a quick but detailed dive briefing from Jason and around 10:00 the captain finally dropped us at the entry point of of the first dive of this fantastic cruise, on Island #7. As usual Similan Islands offer the best conditions with good visibility and lots of fish, Stefano and Giovanni are very experienced divers so we easily managed to do a very nice 60 minutes dive without having to worry about air consumption.

After we got back on board, dried out and exchanged the typical comments about the exciting dive, we climbed to the upper deck and quickly after that we saw the caring cool Ms. Rat coming up the ladder with a tray full of ham & cheese sandwiches as previously requested by Stefano and Giovanni who prefer to eat light things for lunch, as anyway on Sai Mai there are always plenty of fruit and snacks available so it's impossible to get hungry.

In early afternoon we decided to move and more in the northern bay of the Island #8 also known as “Donald Duck Bay” due to a granitic boulder which shape really reminds the head profile of a duck .

Duck head shaped boulder

This part of the island is nothing short of spectacular, the beach is white, the water is turquoise and everything is surrounded by majestic boulders of granite rock formations scattered and arranged in a very particular way and mixed with the lush vegetation of the island. It's like if a giant hand put them there for some reason, and all this makes an amazing play of colors.

After we rested for a while in the shades to let the hottest time of the day to pass we decided to set foot on the island to have a look around, wo with camera and sunglasses at hand we jumped on the dinghy boat always available as support on Sai Mai and the seaman accompanied me and Giovanni to the beach, while Stefano preferred to stay on board to chill out and enjoy the views.

Island #8 is equipped with some Bungalows, tents and other facilities provided by the National Park to receive the numerous visitors of the day trips departing from Khao Lak. They also built a trail that allows to reach the top of the highest pile of granitic boulders, from which you get a breath taking view over the bay. 

View point over Donald Duck Bay

The trail itself is very interesting because sneaks through the narrow passages and tunnels between the boulders.

Narrow pathway through the rocks

After an hour spent taking awesome pictures and getting our skin cooked under the heat we decided to return on board because here in Thailand sun sets quite early around 18:30 and we planned to do one more dive before it got dark.

As soon as we rejoined with Jason, Stefano and the crew we untied the mooring and moved towards the nearby Similan Island #9 which also delimits the northern end of the archipelago. Short briefing, all ready and jump for the second dive of the day, this time on the site called “Breakfast Bend” on the north-east corner of the island.

Also this one has been a pleasant dive, the site is characterized by a slope that starts from the surface and meets the flat and sandy bottom at a depth of about 20-25 meters, on the slopy part there are many coral pinnacles creating the perfect environment for the typical varieties of tropical reef fish.

Later in the dive, while we were at a depth of 20 meters on the sandy bottom, our attention was seized by a strange and heavy rectangular shaped object partially buried in the sand, on which grew a thin layer of coral. Shape, size and texture made us one think of a small metal hermetically sealed box. Unfortunately the air in our tanks began to run low and we were now close to the no-decompression limit so we had to abandon our short "archaeological" experience and ascend to make the safety before surfacing.

The fanciful hypotheses on the possible identity and contents of the "mystery box" have been funny subject of discussion almost for the entire cruise.

After admiring the typical breathtaking sunset that the sea always gives at the end of a sunny day, we sat at the table to taste a delicious Thai dinner. Quality of food on Sai Mai can match the best Thai restaurants in Phuket. Don't necessarily need to do a long cruise to experience this. it's easy to try the daily Sunset Cruise and Dinner on MV Sai Mai.

Panyee Bungalow Restaurant - Phang Nga Bay

Last Saturday we did an inspection tour at Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island to refresh a bit our best seller private tour. This time we left from Tadang Pier near Phang Nga Town, with the longtail boat went to see Koh Ping Ngan, James Bond Island and last stop was for lunch at Koh Panyee.

Koh Panyee from North East

Koh Panyee is a tiny Muslim village built on stilts next to a small cliff that is an island itself, despite the small dimension the island has two very different souls. The south side is taken by tours package restaurants, where all massive tours to James Bond come to have lunch and do some shopping at souvenirs shop. While the north side, near the cliff, is where can see the island and village life there, at the extreme north east side, we found the Panyee Bungalow Restaurant. There were some local people from Phang Nga Town, small tour groups and some independent travelers that made their way to the piers and then to the island.

Koh Tam Loe

Panyee Bungalow Restaurant

So we decided to give a trial and we ordered the House Dish, snapper fish cooked three times, the fish is fried, then passed again in the pan with chilly paste and then in sweet and sour sauce. The staff asked if we liked spicy or more sweet...surely spicy.

Food is ready..and a lot

Then prawns Tempura, mixed vegetables in Thai style with soy sauce, fried rice with sea food and steamed rice. Everything was fresh, tasty and in large portions, we couldn't eat all because too much for two people.

Souvenir shop at restaurant

Terrace on the sea

Fish cages next to the restaurant ..fresh sea food

Must say that Muslim cuisine is always a bit sweet so ask for fish sauce, salt or lemon if like a more bitter flavor or simply ask to not add sugar.

The Island is traditional and so won't have any pork on the menu and alcohol is banned.

We think all was good from staff to food, location to kindness and so we are now using this as "our" restaurant for the private Phang Nga tour.

Panyee Bungalow Sea Food Restaurant

A note about the name, the owner Mr "Bao" is planning to build first Koh Panyee bungalows next to the restaurant, may be next year. In the hope he can make his dream come true he started with the name "Panyee Bungalows".

Diego at Panyee Bungalow -what great day !

If you have there at this restaurant please leave your comment.

Phuket Weather 6, 7, 8 and 9 September 2013

First week of September passed and can only say that everything was normal, from flash floods to hot sunny afternoons. This is the month of rain that can be slow, lasting all day long, or just heavy and crazy for one or two hours.

First have a look to our river at Kathu Waterfall,  heavy rains at night he was running much faster then previous months and water level is rising.

Kathu River on 6 September 2013

During week end we also went around Phang Nga Bay for an inspection tour at the island where we do our special private Phang Nga bay tour, all day the Sun was playing with clouds and rain could be seen at distance, luckily we haven't got any and really enjoyed the fresh air.

Phang  Nga Bay on 7 September 2013

James Bond Island - Phang Nga Bay 7 Sept 2013

On Sunday was time for bicycles, we participated at Phuket Old Town Bike day organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand in Phuket, meeting was before dawn and thought nobody was there as rain was really heavy, but then by the time we started , at 7:00 am, only grey clouds soon we reached Kathu Chinese shire sun was out, everyone was soon dry and we did last part to the dam easy and faster.

Meeting point at 6:00 am - 8 Sept 2013

Kathu Chinese Shrine - 8 Sept 2013

HuaiKhwang Night Market - Bangkok

When I go to a country that I have never been to before, I normally try to do as a local does, eat like local eat and shop where a local goes, so tonight I have been to HuaiKhwang Night Market. It’s one of the biggest wet local markets in Bangkok. As a local Thai people who actually live in Bangkok more than 15 years like me. I don’t even feel like this could be some place that for a tourist ever wants to see, but as I said if you feel like be in the country and get to know about the way for life of the local people here instead of the tourist attractions place.  “Why not!?”

  HuaiKhwang Market is actually spread out along Ratchadaphisek road. You can easily get to this market by Subway (MRT) at              HuaiKhwang station. From there you can walk and wander around the place which miles and miles away on every corner or the little small ally and side walk. Here is where all the local people go to get food for cooking, lot of great Street Food. Everything here is so fresh and sometimes I can just find myself that also here must of the stuff are incredible cheap too. It seems like everything got brought here from everywhere in Thailand. No matter what and how local and strange of Thai ingredient food need, you can probably find it here.

A good time to visit here is from 6 pm till 10 pm. It will get busy after work as everyone goes home and need to get dinner or something to cook at home or even shopping for clothes, kitchenware and all kind of things. Also if you walk farther away from MRT station around a kilometer you will find yourself in the middle of a playground and basket ball court. Here is more like for young local people to hang out play football and basketball. It is surrounded by lot of mobile clothing shops. It’s a good place for shopping for cheap fashion clothing. After this if you feel hungry why don’t you try some Street Food here?

When people talk about “Street Food” most of the people will think about some kind of cheap and dirty restaurant which all kinds of rat and cockroaches running around in the kitchen, but here in Bangkok Street Food actually feeds most of the population in this city. I also usually eat out. It’s just better and cheaper here. Some of the Street Food here even tastes better than in the big restaurants. So, for someone who is here in Thailand for the first time, I would recommend you to start with something that has been cooked hot before you take it. Well from here I hope you enjoy your shopping and tasty food.