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Southeast Asia Summer 2023
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  • Lani

Southeast Asia Summer 2023

Vietnam, Cambodia, Siam Reap, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapur, Indonesia Read more
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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Maeklong Station

    July 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    The Maeklong Railway Market is the place to go for a shopping experience like no other. Here is everything you need to know before you visit this market in Thailand.

    You will hear the train long before you actually see it, as the average speed on the track is 30kmph (19mph). The vendors and merchants collectively and coolly begin to move their belongings and umbrellas away from the tracks as the train barrels forward, honking on its horn every now and then to warn people of its approach. This is why the market is also known as the “umbrella pulldown market”.

    First Durian Coffee. Tastes strange but good.
    And now I wait for the train and the spectacle.    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Floating Market Damnoen Saduk

    July 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    This 100-year-old market, the most famous in the country, is now primarily a floating souvenir stand.
    It is rainy season and therefore hardly any tourists are here. Funnily enough, the vast majority of tourists are the Thais themselves.
    Behind the market are quiet canals in residential areas that you can explore leisurely with a rented boat about 100 baht per person.    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Ayutthaya Wat Mahathat

    July 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    As one of the most visited sites in Thailand, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Siam kingdom in Thailand from 1350 to 1767. The entire old city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are hundreds of temples and ruins to visit. The Ayutthaya Historical Park, with the temples, palaces, monasteries, and statues is atmospheric and easy to navigate.

    It’s about 80 kilometers (50 miles) by road from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and the minivans from Bangkok to Ayutthaya are one of the easiest ways to go from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. It takes about 2 hours to go from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by van and there are LOTS that go backward and forwards each day. Most vans have air conditioning and some have WiFi. They depart throughout the day from various bus stations like Mo Chit, Khao San, and Makasan, so you will be able to find a van that is leaving from close to where you’re staying in Bangkok. If you arrive at a bus station to take a van to Ayutthaya then you’ll need to confirm the price and pay in cash.    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Ayutthaya#2 Moments

    July 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Moments. Turning away from the flow.
    The place is beautiful. The ruins and the big Buddha are impressive. Still, I have been to Angkor Watt. And nothing compares to Angkor Watt.
    Therefore, in the 2 temple complex, it is mainly my snapshots that touch me.
    It is the moments, away from the masses. Guided by the now and here.
    My best and happiest moments on this trip I always had alone, against the flow, against the crowd. Leaving the path regularly, that is my life. In private as well as in professional life. And even if these paths are often bumpy, the road to take easier, it is the moments in which I am happy. And grateful to see the world a little differently.    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    I had the courage

    July 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Today was a long day, since 14h I am on the road. It is not the time to take a cab, the streets of Bangkok are closed. Just as I at BCM want to take the BTS, a motorcycle taxi driver approaches me.
    At first I refuse, but change my mind. 300 Baht he wants to Ekkamai. That is CHF/Euro 7.50. Really usurious. Twice as much as the cab this morning.
    100 baht more as the TukTuk yesterday! Whole 7x as much as the BTS.
    But I do it!

    Well, he puts on a helmet, I don't get one. Then it goes up to 65/h.
    Like a flea, from one lane to the other. Snaking through the traffic jam. I hold on, not sure if I'll survive. But I've never been home that fast.
    The scenery was sensational. The wind in my hair too.
    In a quiet moment I can film a little.    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Bangkok Resume

    July 25, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Unintentionally wanted I have now stayed 5 days in Bangkok. I love this city. Regularly I was an hour or longer on the road to get to a place.
    In Switzerland we live in other dimensions. In one hour I would be in Zurich. And it would never occur to me to go to Zurich for some street food... Here I do it.

    The days were wonderful. I almost always slept in, walked over 12,000 steps a day, saw a lot, shopped for nothing, and ate wonderfully.

    The city is incredibly noisy, but relaxed. The people extremely nice. There are several large shopping centers, none attracted me. The alternating alleys and skyscrapers offer enough wonderful architecture, green spaces, street life, culture, history....

    Now it's on to tomorrow. And totally in the here and now, I should be concerned with the next few days. The only thing I know today is that tomorrow 11.40 am my flight to Trat goes. With destination Koh Chang.    Read more

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Airport +Pier Trat/Ferry Koh Chang

    July 26, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    It was hard for me to leave my small apartment in BKK.
    And I was much too early at the airport.
    Like everywhere currently in Thailand, it has almost no tourists. Also the traffic was ok. I ordered a cab via Grab and needed from Ekkamai to Suvarnabhumi just under 40 minutes. With luggage and early in the morning I did not feel like taking the BTS.
    Online check in and baggage check took less than 5 minutes. The security check another 10 minutes. So I was already 1h after departure from the apartment at the gate.

    Today would have been originally my flight home. Unexpectedly I have the luck to have next month also still free. And therefore I dropped the return flight and bought a ticket to Trat instead. Bangkok-Airways flies to this idyllic airport. The airport is not much more than open bamboo buildings. There is a tiny open waiting area where the airport staff hands you your suitcase directly. There were not 20 passengers on the plane.
    For 2000 Baht, which is about 50 CHF /Euro I saved myself a long bus ride. On the approximately 1 hour flight, there was even a warm Malzeit, water and cafe!
    Destination was Koh Chan. Directly behind the waiting area you can find minivans that take you from the airport to the pier, then onto the ferry and on Koh Chan directly to your accommodation.
    This for about 500Baht. (CHF/Euro 12.-)    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Koh Chang: Paradise Cottage

    July 26, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    I have accommodated myself in a simple accommodation. I wanted to go to the sea, a bungalow directly on the beach, hammocks, a pool, a small nice bar and good food. And as always, I do not like to pay extortionate prices.

    My accommodation is a bungalow in Paradise Cottage, Lonely Beach.This small resort is run by a super sweet Thai. My bungalow costs incl Air Con and WiFi around 790Baht (CHF/Euro 20) per night. This is expensive, but understandable due to the beachfront.
    I'm staying here for sure until August 30.

    For the next few days I have rented a scooter. With it I can explore the island from tomorrow!

    Today I was with it only to 7/11 driven. Water and a Megapack of my hot-loved Seaweed chips!    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Koh Chang, #1

    July 27, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Part 1: First day island vacation. Intoxicating in the truest sense.
    Waking up to the sound of the sea, a shower, good jazz music and a breathtaking view. And a sensational iced coffee.

    It's cloudy and warm, with isolated patches of blue in the firmament.... What luck, once again.Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    #1 Kai Bae Beach

    July 27, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    I am on the road with the scooter. The beach is located on the west coast of Koh Chang. For over an hour I've been completely alone on this beach. The water is wonderfully warm. Meanwhile, the sky is blue and almost cloudless!Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    #1 Lunch by the Chill

    July 27, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    A beautiful hotel. And about 10 times more expensive than mine. For around CHF/Euro 200 a night you can stay here.
    The lobby is beautiful and was the reason I stopped.

    I tried the restaurant. This is also very expensive. Around 900 baht for a Nam Tok (spicy sliced mead salad with ground roasted rice, dried chili, shallots, spring onions, Peppermint with a Tai dressing) and a Daiquiri with strawberries and mango.
    It tasted delicious, both😎    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    #1 Dinner @ home

    July 27, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Laab Gai❤️

    Chicken chopped, cilantro, mint, scallions, onions, chilies, rice grains(roasted), limes, fish sauce. With rice.

    I come to the bar in paradise . An older Thai man sits there, where otherwise the sweet Thai woman sits.
    I am hungry and study the menu card. I feel like a salad, something light and fresh. WS I am looking for I do not find. The older man asks me what I prefer: Thai food or Western food.
    Sure Thaifood!!!
    I explain him what I ag and he suggests me a menu, which is not on the map. And I order it.
    He asks me my level for spiciness. I medium for Thai. He looks at me in disbelief and goes to the kitchen again.
    What comes next is just unbelievably good.
    This gives me an idea: I could order my lived Thai donats, rice and mango for my breakfast tomorrow. Real Thai food halt🤷🏽‍♀️.    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    #2 ❤️Klong Kloi Beach❤️

    July 28, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    All the way to Malaysia along the Gulf Coast, that's my plan. And I started on the east coast on Koh Chang.

    The Koh Chang archipelago consists of 52 paradise islands, which are under nature protection.

    With steep, jungle-covered mountains, Koh Chang (Elephant Island) has retained its wild, remote character.

    This is one of the most beautiful beaches, ever.
    The west coast is by far the most developed part of the island. The reason is the beaches that line the coast. And yet it is so pristine. If you like to experience the real and original, you should definitely visit this beach on Koh Chang    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    #3 Another day in paradise

    July 29, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Another day in paradise. I have extended by one night and will not travel further until tomorrow.
    It is now winter. Monsoon time. The wind is always blowing. The sky is mostly cloudy. Nevertheless, it is pleasantly warm. I am almost the only tourist and absolutely in love with this corner of the world.

    Wild, pristine, peaceful, friendly. Elephants in front of the 7/11 and monkeys on the street.
    Covid has done a lot to the island. In contrast to Koh Samui, Koh Pagnan or Phuket, the island was a kind of insider tip before Covid. If you are looking for luxury, you are wrong here. Who likes jungle, waterfalls, beaches, Mangeoven forests, the wild and honest, is right here. If you like diving and snorkeling, you have to come here.

    After Covd, still only a few people come here. A few remote workers enjoy a special workplace here with spectacular views. Many establishments are closed. Not a few say "business for sale. The island has few own inhabitants. They are Thais from other parts of the country who did business here. During Covid they could not pay the rents anymore and left the island. Once again, I will have a hard time leaving a place tomorrow....    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    #4 Salak Phet

    July 30, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    I could stay much longer on this island. Adding a day to explore the east of the island was the right thing to do. It is windy but never rains. The drive took an hour and the always new views, are enchanting. I keep stopping or taking exciting turnoffs. The Ice Coffee must not be missed!Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Byebye Koh Chang

    July 31, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    The island was exactly what I needed. Tranquility, roughness, a little hippie vibes. Nature. No tourists. Good food. Very chilled out.
    One of the most beautiful places I've ever had the pleasure to visit.

    I'm thinking about coming here again at the end of the year.

    It is time to say goodbye to the island. Today morning I leave. In 21 days I will meet Chun in Singapore. 21 days are flying by and I am running out of time. Is time to move on to Malaysia. But I still have a personal mission to do in Hua Hin first😊    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Pattaya!

    July 31, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    I don't like to travel more than 7 hours, so, on the way to Hua Hin I make an overnight stay in Pattaya.
    Via 12goasia.com I bought a ferry and bus ticket from Koh Chang to Pattaya for 650 Bath.

    I am from paradise. No matter where I would be now, it would not be good! The hotel is a last minute super deal on Booking.com. It is not the paradise, but very good.

    Who knows me, knows that I am planning the longest trip of my life: Life after work. Also that Thailand as a destination is my favorite.
    I like the north of Thailand very much. I could live well in Chiang Mai, but I would miss the sea there...
    Although I like Bangkok, I would not like to live permanently in a big city. During my research I came across Hua Hin. The first resort of Thailand. And by no one less than the King.
    There is a large community of expads living here.
    I will meet with realtors and have them show me properties, houses, apartments. I want to get a feel for the real estate market.

    And by the way, it's winter. Winter and still 29degrees warm. I have experienced 3x rain on the whole trip. Short and heavy. Then it was over again.
    If that means winter I am right here.    Read more

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Traveler

    Happie 1. August

    August 1, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Slept in.
    At 7:30 I stand at the bus station and get my ticket Pattaya -Hua Hin.
    The ticket I only pick up, because I already bought it online a few days ago. So there would have been more than enough time to get another Ice Coffee. The first time none of the stands sell coffee.... Also hardly anything has open.... Not only Switzerland but also Thailand celebrates a national holiday!
    30 days on the road. I'm celebrating today! And I'll be on the road all day.

    I never had so much space in a bus!    Read more

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