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South East Asia
  • Dan Want
Jun – Sep 2022

South East Asia

A backpacking adventure Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 20, 2022
    Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    It All Starts Here

    June 20, 2022 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    After months of planning it all begins here! The 8kg backpack (Osprey Farpoint 40L) is all packed and ready to go for 3 months of travelling around South East Asia, now that will be interesting in itself. Our flight with Thai Airways is due to leave at 9.25pm - 12 hours later we should be stepping into Phuket, South Thailand. Not expecting a good night sleep but a few hours will be welcome.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    First Evening, Phuket

    June 21, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    21 hours after leaving our home in UK and we’ve finally arrived at our first destination in Phuket, Thailand. The flight felt very long although we were able to get a little bit of sleep on the plane overnight, albeit not very comfortable sleep. Customs was fine and we were out of the airport relatively quickly. The first job was to find a SIM card so we could get online to sort out transfers to our hotel. After reading up prior to leaving, the best place to buy a SIM card is at the airport on arrival so we did. We are also aware that airport taxis are a rip off for tourists as you can imagine. To somewhat avoid this we agreed to keep our heads down and walk out of the airport and find a local taxi. Unfortunately the airport ground didn’t lend itself very well to that so we needed up booking a transfer on Grab, an Uber equivalent. We were actually positively surprised at the cost so proceeded to book a taxi. What turned up was some interesting looking mini bus with a gold interior and an equally interesting but friendly driver.

    Some time later and we arrived at our first destination in Phuket. Being our first hotel, we did book this sometime in advance and what a hotel it was. More like an apartment with a living space, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and ground floor balcony leading to the outdoor pool we were very pleasantly surprised!

    After settling in we left for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoyed starter, mini shrimp pad Thai and fresh pineapple juice all for £3. Later on we walked back and decided to take a late dip in the pool before calling it a night.    Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Scooting Around Phuket

    June 22, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    An early start to the day although we stayed inside for this mornings rain to pass. We then left and walked to a local scooter rental shop to rent a scooter for the day costing approximately £5. The first stop was Karon viewpoint overlooking Phuket. After taking in the views, we rode to Kata Noi beach, Kata beach and finally Freedom beach. Getting to Freedom beach was interesting as the final part of the route was off-road, like really off-road and with a screaming pillion, it wasn’t the easiest ride on a scooter! After trekking down to the beach passing a large jungle like spider, we finally got to relax and enjoy the sun on the quiet white sandy beach. It really was a little paradise cove with crystal clear warm water, white sand all backed by vibrant green vegetation set on a mountainous landscape with mostly coconut trees in the forefront. After some time to relax we packed up and rode to see to Big Buddha, I saw my first wild monkey then we rode back. On the way back we were unfortunate enough to be stopped at a police checkpoint looking to catch tourists out who did not have the correct documents including their international drivers license. Luckily for us, we did so after the police flicked through our papers we were let through without any problems. We did note that the police had absolutely no intention of stopping locals. This was purely set up to catch tourists. As I understand it, there is no official fine to be paid to the council equivalent for incorrect or missing documents. Instead it’s a small bribe/ fee to the police to allow you pass. Not ideal, but as mentioned we were fine so no issues.

    We are off to the infamous Bangla Road this evening.    Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Bangla Road, Phuket

    June 22, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Interesting experience although we didn’t go for the ping pong show in the end. We did pick up pair of very comfy elephant pants however.

    Bangla road is full of bars, clubs, loud music and questionable late night shows. Not really our scene but we were keen to have a look given it’s a really famous strip. Unfortunately we couldn’t walk more than a few steps without being pestered on happy hour drinks or shows. We quite quickly realised the only way to say no was to ignore them and not invite any conversation back.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Monkey Hill, Phuket

    June 23, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 30 °C

    We rode to and explored Old Phuket town today. We enjoyed walking around and checking out the local shops before riding a scooter to Monkey Hill. Got caught in the rain for a few minutes and with the humidity this high, there is no drying off unfortunately. We got given a bunch of bananas each although they didn’t last long at all! Monkeys rushed over at the sight to which we both decided to launch the bananas pretty quickly. Even had one jump on my back. Great experience, amazing views and more spiders! Off to Wat Chalong Temple and a night market this evening.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Elephantie Panties

    June 23, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Shoes off with covered legs before you can wonder inside the beautiful Wot Chalong temples. The architecture was amazing both inside and out. After exploring the temples and taking in the culture we rode to a local Thai market spotted on the way before finally heading off to the more popular Chillva night market. We tried so much delicious food but passed on the fried insects this time. Finally the heavens opened towards the end of the evening. Once it stopped, we rode home although straight back out to get some steroid cream for Jess’ mosquito bitten butt. The evening was lacking drama to be fair.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    Koh Phi Phi

    June 24, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Left Phuket to arrive at Koh Phi Phi Island by ferry. Arrived with cloud and a bit of rain so checked straight into our hotel. Mooched around the island exploring the local shops and markets before heading to the viewpoints which were stunning - the photos don’t do the views justice. Out to the beach bars for drinks and to watch the evening fire shows before finally calling it a night at 3am. The next morning we hired a longboat to explore some more of the coastline and snorkelled including at shark point although we didn’t spot any sharks (pictures to follow separately). Having had a great time and not wanting to stop, we returned to hire a kayak straightaway to explore monkey bay on the north side of the island as the sun was setting. Finished with a nice dinner and a mooch around the battered streets one last time before calling it a night ready for the early speedboat in the morning. Next stop Koh Lanta.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    Koh Lanta

    June 26, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Departed Koh Phi Phi for Koh Lanta this morning - 30 mins on the speedboat. Greeted at the doc by an interesting scooter/ tuk tuk contraption and for 50THB (£1.20) we couldn’t resist a laugh on the way to our hotel. As a motorcycle design engineer, this bolt on contraption sent shivers down my spine but we arrived safely. Off to hire a scooter and explore the island including old town Lanta and Long Beach before returning back ready for a private late afternoon Thai cooking class with myself Jess and the chef. We chose four dishes (chicken and prawn golden bags, steamed fish, seafood and tamarind sauce and massaman curry with rice) and learned to cook them all from scratch. A great experience and by far the best food we’ve ever cooked.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    Koh Lanta II

    June 27, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Unfortunately the four island day trip we had booked into got cancelled due to to few bookings. A shame but instead we extended our scooter hire and explored more of the island, treated ourselves to a relaxing massage and had takeaway dinner and drinks in a quiet bar overlooking the sunset. The owner was so keen to welcome us in and after chatting more it was a real shame to hear how most businesses have closed due to the lack of tourism over the last two years. We stumbled upon this place by chance after arriving at numerous bars which all turned out to be closed. The many beach front bars usually busy were now derelict and we were the only ones around - two of three individuals at the bar all night. Very quiet although really nice to see a bit more of the real Thailand only spotting a handful of tourists all day. Now off to Krabi and AO Nang beach.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Krabi & Ao Nang beach

    June 28, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Left Koh Lanta for Krabi town this morning. Didn’t spend long in Krabi but walked along the river and looked around Wat Kaew temple overlooking Krabi. A short taxi ride to Ao Nang beach where we’ll be staying for the next 3 days. Despite the cloud, today was hot so we spent some time on the beach although the sea was also warm so didn’t help to cool off! A two course Thai dinner and drinks, dessert, cocktails and a half hour Thai massage all for £12 this evening - actually quite pricey on the beach front.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Ao Nang Tour

    June 29, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Another island tour was booked after the Koh Lanta island tour was cancelled. Whilst on an island, Jess developed some chest pain. Only getting worse, we eventually got to a hospital to get Jess checked over and thankfully nothing unusual was found. She was starting to feel better after being given some pain relief and the chest pains eased. After a four hour wait courtesy of our travel insurance company, we’re could finally be released after they agreed to cover costsRead more

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    Tiger Cave Temple

    June 30, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    A slow start to the morning given Jess’ hospital trip yesterday however Jess was feeling much better the following day. We had planned to take the day easy, however we also wanted to see the Tiger Cave Temple. Unfortunately this required 1260 steep steps which in this humidity was just unbearable. As a dripping mess, we eventually got to the top and the views were stunning. The huge white and gold temple photographed from the base now looked so tiny.Read more

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    Na Mueng Waterfalls - Koh Samui

    July 1, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Left Ao Nang at 7am for a transfer and speedboat to Koh Samui. Arrived at 1pm and straight out to hire a scooter. Rode to explore the popular Na Mueng waterfall 1 which was lovely but decided to trek up to the less popular waterfall 2. The second has a pool with views overlooking Koh Saumi. After a bit of a hike and scrambling over rocks we finally arrived. The views really were something else.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Ang Thong National Marine Park

    July 2, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Another early start to catch a speedboat to Ang Thong National Marine park in the gulf of Thailand off the coast of Koh Samui. A bit of cloud cover was welcomed today given we were out sea kayaking and at the blue lagoon (emerald lake) this morning and trekking up to a viewpoint over looking the islands in the afternoon. Despite the clouds, the heat and humidity was high and the 260m ascent in this climate demanded quite an effort although not to my surprise the views were stunning. After relaxing on the boats’ deck back to mainland it was street food curry for dinner and cocktails on the beach front to end the day.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Koh Tao - Time to Dive

    July 3, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Another early start by speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao which is most famous for snorkelling and diving sites with its huge range of marine life including; whale sharks, turtles, sting rays, bull sharks, trigger fish and many many more colourful reef fish. After a quiet day mooching around exploring the island with a bit of beach and pool time in between it looks to be a really nice little island and is the most developed so far. We even tried Thai curry pizza which was amazing! 3 day open water PADI diving course starting tomorrow and once successfully completed we’ll be qualified to dive to 18m as a pair.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    PADI Qualified Advanced Divers

    July 6, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Before the trip started travelling we booked onto a PADI open water diving course in Koh Tao. The three day course when successfully completed will allow us to dive to a depth of 18m. We both passed and enjoyed it so much we decided to rearrange our plans to stay in Koh Tao to complete the advanced diving course. The course was really insightful learning the equipment, new skills, navigation techniques, buoyancy control, air management and dives included a ship wreck, a choppy night dive, deep diving and lots of reef dives. We are now qualified to dive anywhere in the world up to 30m unsupervised. It has been a week full of diving, theory and tests and something we’ll definitely get back to in Indonesia.

    I didn’t manage to get many photos, just a few towards the end of the course although we saw a huge range of marine life over the week. We just missed out swimming with a giant whale shark that was spotted swimming underneath our boat as unfortunately we weren’t quite geared up in time. Nevertheless a great week to conclude our time in South Thailand. Off to North Thailand next.    Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    Last Night in South Thailand

    July 9, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Early ferry from Koh Tao back to Koh Samui ready for an early flight to North Thailand in the morning. A relaxed day exploring the island by scooter (albeit a little drizzly) until we came across what is best described as a western shopping mall with shops, bars, restaurants an outside night market and even a band playing on stage for what looks to be a Thai charity motorbike event.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    Chiang Mai Temple Run

    July 10, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Flew into Chiang Mai this morning, Thailands largest northern city. A nice change of scenery from the southern islands and good to see a bit more of the real Thailand. We spent the afternoon exploring old town Chiang Mai by scooter visiting temples before heading out to a huge night market this evening. We must have walked for miles and still didn’t see it all. Amazing street food, drinks, music and all sorts of local handmade items.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Into the Mountains

    July 11, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Decided to take a ride into the Chiang Mai mountains on our trusty little scooter visiting Doi Sethup viewpoint and Doi Sethup national park. After riding up the mountains we spotted the roads beginning to get wet although not due to rain but instead driving through cloud. The road was very twisty although good fun to ride (albeit on a 125cc) so much so Jess decided to have a go on the way down. Finished the evening at another local night market.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    Elephant Sanctuary

    July 12, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    We spent the morning feeding, walking alongside, playing in the mud and bathing a family of elephants at ‘Into the Wild’ elephant sanctuary. Really nice to finally see elephants free roaming around a huge rescue sanctuary instead of being tied up inside a cage of which we have unfortunately seen a lot of. It was a bit of a trek back into the mountains but a great experience and fair to say Jess was in her element!Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    Route 1095 to Pai

    July 13, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    We decided to take on the infamous route 1095 from Chiang Mai to Pai. Taking approximately 3 hours (in the dry), the 1095 has 762 turns, hairpins and corners weaving through the mountain range.

    We collected our bikes the night before with the intention to set off nice and early however the heavens opened. Hoping the rain would pass we held on but without luck so we eventually poncho’d up and set off. Unfortunately the rain decided to follow us so we now we had a real challenge on our hands. On the plus side, the roads were pretty empty. After a few stops we finally arrived in Pai, checked in to our hotel and rode straight out to relax in a local natural hot spring bath. Later that evening we walked to the local quirky night market and tasted some delicious food before having another Thai massage.

    The following morning we checked out Pai canyon before heading back to Chiang Mai. Fortunately the rain held off for the most part making for a great ride with stunning views we could now enjoy! That’s one ride that won’t be forgotten.    Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Chiang Rai in white, blue and black

    July 14, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    After a 3 hour bus journey from Chiang Mai we arrived in Thailands northern city of Chiang Rai last night just in time to look around the night markets once again. The following morning we hopped on the scooter to explore some of the infamous temples - the white temple, the blue temple and the black houses, each stunning in their own way. Afterwards we rode out to explore Big Buddha of Chiang Rai standing 90m tall - the views from the top looking over Chiang Rai and surrounding mountains were awesome. After a long day, we opted for a change in cuisine and went for Italian pizza and pasta and although still really good, it couldn’t compare to local Thai food we’re getting use to. We finished the night chatting to another couple in a reggae bar although not a late one as we’re flying to Bangkok in the morning.Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia

    Bangkok

    July 16, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    What a city! I wasn’t sure what to expect but in the few days we’ve been in Bangkok, we’ve seen such diversity from high end designer outlets to unfortunate sightings of families living under shacks along what looks to be a sewage stream. The place is crazy with scooters and tuk tuks everywhere. We’ve seen scooters carrying more than most car boots or families of five, or a fridge or containers lashed to 10 feet tall. Their traffic light system is interesting as both green and red apparently mean go and zebra crossings… no idea what they’re for. Despite this, it’s a great city with so much to offer.

    We’ve visited the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, temples, Khao San road, Chatuchak market, red light districts, Baiyoke revolving observation deck overlooking Bangkok, Centralworld mall, Lumphini park and enjoyed sunset cocktails at Octave rooftop bar. A packed few days but an amazing city to explore. Another few days left in Bangkok before we call and end to Thailand and move on to Laos.    Read more

  • Dan WantDan WantSouth East Asia
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    Triumph Thailand

    July 18, 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Took some time out to visit the three huge Thailand Triumph factories just outside of Bangkok. Amazing to see where the majority of bikes are built along with manufacturing of key motorcycle components, little of which now unfortunately remains in the UK.

    The three factories are mainly split by manufacture (injection moulding, casting, pressing, bending etc.), fabrication (main chassis) and assembly lines. Not only are the factories massive but the scale of some of the machinery is too. Crankcases and cylinder heads are cast into steel tools weighing 8 tonnes (approx. £1m each) where each tool is loaded into machines the size of small office blocks all to produce a component that can be held with two hands.

    Just before flying out I finished a small project that should have started manufacture about now. I explained this to an old colleague I used to work with who was kind enough to walk us around and funnily enough soon into the tour we actually saw the part being made (which is great as all must be going to plan!). A really good feeling seeing a part I was directly involved with (a set of stainless steel fuel tank protection crash bars) actually being manufactured by a small team of guys in a little production run. Also great to see the part on a checking fixture so I thought I’d go and have a look. I spotted the part wasn’t quite manufactured correctly to the engineering drawing requirement in one area but then spotted NG (no good) stamped into the side. This confirms the part isn't quite correct and that it has been rejected effectively - good to see high standards of quality control first hand. I had to resist the urge to chat to the production guys explaining we designed the part they were actually making so instead we walked past like any other tourist of which they never knew. I could talk all day about the experience but I’ll save that for another time. In short it was amazing to see and I’m so glad I went. Bonus that Jess enjoyed it too.    Read more

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