Nov – Dec 2023

Japan to Thailand

A 36-day adventure by Judith Read more

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Trip start
November 9, 2023
Traveler Japan to Thailand
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- Monday, October 30, 2023 at 5:33 PM
- ☀️ 25 °C
- Altitude: 23 m
- Australia Wongaling Beach -17.895234, 146.09243417°53’43” S 146°5’33” E
Asian Odyssey
October 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
TravelerI'm trying to work out how to use it! I haven't left yet. Sorry if you are seeing some bodgy posts.
10/30/23Reply
TravelerI can see this from a post you made 5 days ago.
11/4/23Reply
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- Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 11:33 AM
- ⛅ 27 °C
- Altitude: 14 m
- Australia Wongaling Beach -17.897707, 146.09223817°53’52” S 146°5’32” E
Farewell Mission Beach
November 8, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Our lovely dog sitters dropping us off at the bus stop to begin our trip. Dotti most unimpressed.
TravelerHappy travels…enjoy!
11/8/23Reply
TravelerYou're so lucky with good dog sitters 😊
11/8/23Reply
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- Day 1
- Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:24 PM
- ⛅ 17 °C
- Altitude: 13 m
- Japan Takanawa 35.630727, 139.73709535°37’51” N 139°44’14” E
Hello Tokyo
November 9, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
After a delayed departure of nearly 2 hours, our flight to tokyo arrived at about 10pm. By the time we booked into our hotel we were hungry and thirsty. Fortunately there was a Yogocho (sort of food hall) across the road. As you can see, the first beer disappeared very quickly and the second one also.Read more
TravelerLove Tokyo. The place to be!
11/10/23Reply
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- Day 2
- Friday, November 10, 2023 at 8:26 PM
- ☁️ 15 °C
- Altitude: 23 m
- Japan Tōzen Ji 35.633759, 139.73721435°38’2” N 139°44’14” E
Tokyo in a day
November 10, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
We've managed to negotiate the train system without too many mishaps and travelled (it seems) from one end of Tokyo to the other. The first stop was the Tokyo National Museum which put some of Japan's history into perspective. After lunch, a trip to Teamlabs -Planet; a hard to describe immersive experience; quite beautiful.Read more
TravelerWow! In a day! What fun 😍
11/10/23Reply
TravelerBusy tourist ……..enjoy yourselves will look forward to hearing more about your trip😃😍
11/11/23Reply
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- Day 4
- Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 9:03 AM
- ☁️ 14 °C
- Altitude: 3 m
- Japan Shimizu Ferry Port 35.007584, 138.49724135°0’27” N 138°29’50” E
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Mt Fuji (almost)
November 12, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
After our hectic day in Tokyo on Friday, we were pleased to board our ship yesterday and explore our new digs for the next 2 weeks.
This morning we arrived at the port of Shimizu at the base of Mt Fuji. Our tour took us up the forested hill overlooking the port with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Unfortunately Mt Fuji was being coy hiding behind the clouds. (photo of me with Fuji above my head). We visited the Kunozan Toshogu shrine (a national treasure) where the famous warlord, Tokugawa, is buried.Read more
Traveler Nice cabin! Looks very spacious 😍
11/12/23Reply
TravelerThat looks very comfortable for your cruise!
11/12/23Reply
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- Day 4
- Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 11:53 AM
- ☁️ 15 °C
- Altitude: 288 m
- Japan Udo Yama 34.974412, 138.46600934°58’28” N 138°27’58” E
Mt Fuji almost
November 12, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Having trouble posting photos. I will try to catch up.
TravelerLove the sunglasses 😎
11/12/23Reply
TravelerLooks amazing!
11/12/23Reply
TravelerLooks very comfortable.
11/15/23Reply
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- Day 5
- Monday, November 13, 2023 at 12:07 PM
- ⛅ 9 °C
- Altitude: 50 m
- Japan Nijōjōmae-eki 35.012413, 135.75020835°0’45” N 135°45’1” E
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Kobe/Kyoto
November 13, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
A one and a half hour's drive from the port to Kyoto. Miserable rainy weather (9 degrees) wasn't ideal for experiencing the beautiful gardens surrounding the Nijo-Jo castle. After lunch the sun came out long enough to enjoy the Kinkaku-ji Temple complex (including the shimmering golden pavilion). Heavy traffic back to the ship meant that the tour guide had time to teach us all how to count to 1000 in Japanese!Read more
Traveler This is a beautiful photo 😍 love this place!
2/10/24Reply
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- Day 5
- Monday, November 13, 2023 at 3:13 PM
- ☀️ 11 °C
- Altitude: 99 m
- Japan Kinkaku-ji 35.039092, 135.72901735°2’21” N 135°43’44” E
Kyoto
November 13, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
We visited Kyoto a few days ago. A long day as it was an hour from the port. Bitterly cold and wet in the morning but fortunately the sun came out when we visited the Golden Temple- a Zen Buddhist shrine.Read more
TravelerGreat photo!
11/18/23Reply
TravelerLove this photo. Brings back the memories 😊
11/19/23Reply
Stunning photo! [Anne Johnson]
11/20/23Reply
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- Day 6
- Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 9:30 AM
- Altitude: 32 m
- Japan Kochi castle 33.561203, 133.53164333°33’40” N 133°31’54” E
Kochi
November 14, 2023 in Japan
Sorry to bombard you with posts. Have finally worked out if I resize the photos, I can post at least one photo. Kochi a rather sweet town on the island of Shikoku. The historic castle and grounds were lovely. It was once the strong hold of a notable Shogun.Read more
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- Day 7
- Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 6:45 PM
- 🌧 1 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- United States Point Latouche 59.90189, -139.6509459°54’7” N 139°39’3” W
Transmission temporarily suspended!
November 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 1 °C
The ship's wifi doesn't want to post photos at the moment. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have more success.
TravelerThanks for letting us know 👏
11/15/23Reply
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- Day 9
- Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM
- ☁️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 8 m
- Taiwan Shuangyuan 25.030653, 121.48745125°1’50” N 121°29’15” E
Taipei
November 17, 2023 in Taiwan ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
We spent a day in Taipei 'living like a local ' - (the tour description). First off an 8 km bicycle ride along the river front. This was followed by a trip to a food market which had an amazing array of mysterious products. We then proceeded to a local restaurant for a tasty bowl of beef noodles and other mysterious items. After lunch we visited Chiang Kai-shek's memorial which was enormous and rather beautiful in its austerity. The final stop was at the main city temple where locals call in to seek guidance with their life's decisions.Read more
TravelerThe food sounds extraordinary 😋 and enjoying your pics too 🥰
11/20/23Reply
TravelerThanks Pen, I enjoyed looking at all the unfamiliar things in the market. And having trip penguin is making take more photos than normal.
11/20/23Reply
TravelerThat would be a big bike ride here in our climate, but looks cooler there - great to immerse yourselves in the culture & lifestyle
11/20/23Reply
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- Day 11
- Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 12:35 PM
- ⛅ -6 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- United States Point Latouche 59.90189, -139.6509459°54’7” N 139°39’3” W
Naha, Okinawa
November 19, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ -6 °C
Okinawa is Japan's version of Hawaii and also the location of a decisive battle towards the end of WWII in the Pacific. Dominic chose to go on a tour of the battle sites while I opted to learn the traditional dyeing technique of Bingata. Bingata is a similar process to batik except wax was substituted by a starch mixture. My effort will be revealed in a couple of days once it has cured and I have washed out the starch.Read more
TravelerLooking forward to seeing the results. A very interesting process.
11/19/23Reply
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- Day 11
- Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 5:20 PM
- 🌙 -7 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- United States Point Latouche 59.90189, -139.6509459°54’7” N 139°39’3” W
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Two Sea Days
November 19, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 -7 °C
After a hectic week of visiting various ports it was very relaxing to have 2 days at sea. We were happy to laze around in our cabin reading in between toddling off for cocktails and meals. One thing we did manage to do on one of the sea days was a cooking class which we really enjoyed. The theme was the 5 tastes (sweet, sour etc) and applying it to your home cooking. And matching wines to enhance these tastes. More drinking and eating....Read more
Traveler Looks fun!
11/20/23Reply
Traveler Very much the part 👏
11/20/23Reply
TravelerSounds fabulous! You’re rocking this cruising thing!
11/21/23Reply
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- Day 12
- Monday, November 20, 2023 at 2:28 PM
- 🌬 27 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- Vietnam Mũi Chut 12.214084, 109.22311912°12’51” N 109°13’23” E
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Nha Trang
November 20, 2023 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌬 27 °C
Nha Trang is our first port of call in Vietnam. It is set in a very pretty bay surrounded by lush hills. It was formerly a resort town during French colonial days and also during the Vietnam/American war. However, development of hundreds of highrise hotels and apartment blocks has somewhat spoiled the charm. The pics show some weird development across the bay including a gigantic Ferris Wheel. It seems it's a giant theme park. Sorry about the quality of the pics.
Oh yes, by the way, we haven't called into Alaska on this trip but for some reason the route map is showing that we have.Read more
Traveler 😳
11/20/23Reply
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- Day 13
- Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 4:41 PM
- ⛅ 30 °C
- Altitude: 18 m
- Vietnam Bén Cát 11.02223, 106.56407911°1’20” N 106°33’51” E
HCMC Views from the bus
November 21, 2023 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
The 3 hour trip home from the tunnels was fascinating although very slow with chronic congestion as the infrastructure is not keeping up with the growing prosperity of the population (more people able to afford their own transport). Another indicator of increasing prosperity is the proliferation of pet shops in the shopping areas and eating opportunities.Read more
TravelerWow!!! 😱
11/23/23Reply
TravelerChaos!
11/23/23Reply
Brings back memories! [Sue Shannon]
11/27/23Reply
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- Day 14
- Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 6:34 PM
- 🌙 9 °C
- Altitude: 421 m
- United States Cheney Reservoir 37.751, -97.82237°45’4” N 97°49’19” W
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
November 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 9 °C
Our ship navigated the busy river up to our dock 45 minutes from the centre. In the afternoon we travelled to the Chu Chi tunnel complex. The tunnel complex was one of many developed by the Viet Cong during the American war. Thousands of Viet Cong guerillas lived in these tunnels in the forests and were able to launch attacks in enemy territory. We ventured down one of the tunnels and it was extremely uncomfortable. It's hard to imagine living for months/years on end in these conditions.Read more
TravelerAgreed!!
11/23/23Reply
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- Day 16
- Friday, November 24, 2023 at 9:08 AM
- Altitude: 11 m
- Thailand Hat Phattaya 12.937823, 100.88304912°56’16” N 100°52’59” E
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Last stop Pattaya (sort of)
November 24, 2023 in Thailand
After another enjoyable sea day cruising the Gulf of Siam, we docked at our final port. Notionally Bangkok but actually closer to Pattaya, the port was in the middle of nowhere! We took a bus into Pattaya and spent a few hours walking along the sea front where they were preparing for a huge festival of fireworks commencing last night and going on for a few days.
We then proceeded to our designated pick up point called Terminal 21. It is an unbelievable shopping mall despite its name and we spent another couple of hours enjoying the a/c and the quirkiest mall ever!
Final night on the ship and a farewell dinner with friends. Sad to say goodbye to shipboard life but looking forward to the next leg of our journey.Read more
Traveler What a photo!!!👏
11/25/23Reply
TravelerHuge ship. How many people/passengers?
11/25/23Reply
TravelerThere are about 700 pax on board. This is a mid-sized ship that would normally accommodate about 1200 guests. However on this ship, the cabins are twice the size of normal cabins. And there is lots of space in all the common areas.
11/25/23Reply
TravelerSounds great! Looking forward to hearing more 😀
11/25/23Reply
TravelerLooking good!
11/25/23Reply
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- Day 18
- Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 10:55 AM
- ⛅ 27 °C
- Altitude: 309 m
- Thailand Chiang Mai 18.796571, 98.98269818°47’48” N 98°58’58” E
Chiang Mai
November 26, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
We have arrived in Chiang Mai just in time for the Yee Peng lantern festival. Lanterns are available for purchase and you can write your wish on the lantern. Information on whether they will be released into the night sky is conflicting (they cause an aviation hazard). We shall see tonight what happens as it is full moon tonight when the main activities take place.Read more
TravelerGorgeous colours 😍
11/26/23Reply
TravelerHow wonderful, such a lovely idea
11/27/23Reply
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- Day 19
- Monday, November 27, 2023 at 9:37 AM
- ☁️ 24 °C
- Altitude: 312 m
- Thailand Ban Mai Langmo 18.799034, 98.97298218°47’57” N 98°58’23” E
Pattaya to Chiang Mai
November 27, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
The trip to the airport went smoothly although we were a bit worried at the beginning when the driver got lost twice trying to get out of the port! I was impressed by the fleet of robotic vacuums cruising the airport terminal. An easy flight to Chiang Mai, an early dinner at a local food hall and to bed. I have caught a rotten cold.Read more
TravelerBugger about the cold 🥶
11/26/23Reply
TravelerRobots vacuums indeed !
11/26/23Reply
TravelerGet better soon! Did you take the magic horseradish pills? I don’t leave home without them!
11/27/23Reply
TravelerI wish I had. I meant to ask you the name of the magic pills before we left. I get complacent and think I will never get sick. We've had a couple of lazy days so am feeling a bit better now.
11/27/23Reply
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- Day 19
- Monday, November 27, 2023 at 6:24 PM
- 🌙 26 °C
- Altitude: 314 m
- Thailand Night Bazaar 18.787883, 98.99374218°47’16” N 98°59’37” E
Scenes from Chiang Mai
November 27, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 26 °C
Chaos reigned last night in the old town as people congregated waiting for something to happen. The launching of the lanterns was cancelled and many people made their way to the river to set their offerings (little boat like arrangements with candles) on their journey. It was all too much for us and we decided to head back to our district for dinner. Tuk tuk drivers were taking the opportunity to make too many bucks so it was a hot 3km walk back. The first beer was delicious...
Every morning I am intrigued by the number of Grab drivers waiting to pick up breakfast orders from the cafe at the bottom of our hotel. Who is ordering; local locals, expat locals or tourists?Read more
TravelerWalked 3 km, oh dear! Not good. And good question about the breakfast deliverers! 🤔
11/28/23Reply
TravelerLove all the colour and celebration.
11/28/23Reply
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- Day 20
- Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 9:05 PM
- ⛅ 22 °C
- Altitude: 322 m
- Thailand Ban Mai Langmo 18.797356, 98.97062918°47’50” N 98°58’14” E
Changmai by night
November 28, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Thought we were at a fairly respectable and low key bar having some beers until I went to the toilet.
Traveler😂
11/30/23Reply
TravelerThat’s hysterical -obviously a problem there!
11/30/23Reply
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- Day 21
- Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 10:11 AM
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 429 m
- Thailand Ban Mueang Rae 19.230253, 98.4428619°13’49” N 98°26’34” E
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Road trip to Pai and Mae Hong Song
November 29, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We organised a car and driver to take us on a 3 day trip into the mountains near the Myanmar border. Mr Kwanchai speaks English well and is very knowledgeable about this area. We enjoyed our first day calling at some waterfalls, a witch themed coffee shop, a geyser in the middle of nowhere and up 1000 steps to a giant statue of Buddha (well it seemed like it!). Pai was gobsmaking. We had never heard of it, but there were thousands of tourists, mostly backpackers and the place was rocking. The night walking street went for half a kilometre and was full of street food stalls selling everything from chicken paws to falafels to cup cakes. Lots of bars, restaurants and cannibas lounges lined the streets. And it had a good vibe, not sleazy.Read more
TravelerWow! What a great time you had 👍
11/30/23Reply
TravelerGreat idea to get a driver & see the sights -looks interesting
11/30/23Reply
TravelerLots of great 👍
12/1/23Reply
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- Day 22
- Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 9:28 AM
- ☁️ 21 °C
- Altitude: 636 m
- Thailand Ban Mai Saha Samphan 19.37101, 98.40263619°22’16” N 98°24’9” E
Pai to Mae Hong Son
November 30, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Another day through beautiful mountain scenery stopping at view points along the way. First stop just out of Pai was a Chinese village. Many of the visitors enjoyed dressing up in clothes for hire. After the war in China many Chinese people who had fought with the Kuomintang moved to Northern Thailand and their influence is still felt in the region today. Next stop a pagoda where Buddha's head miraculously seeps holy water. (Sorry no pic). Further into the mountains we visited an extensive limestone cave system which had some lovely formations. Each group was escorted by a guide holding a lantern so was a bit more atmospheric than caves lit by electricity. During our travels we came across many Thai and western motorcyclists on tour. This motorcyclist had thoughtfully provided helmets for his passengers.
Mae Hong Song was a gentle little town with the night market along side a lake with lots of food stalls. Seating was provided on mats and low tables and it was a bit challenging to find a comfortable way to sit and eat.Read more
TravelerVery interesting about the Buddha seeping holy water. Did you get to see the Madonna Delle Lacrime in Syracuse, the statue with Our Lady crying real tears?
12/2/23Reply
TravelerNo, the basilica was closed the day we were there. But we did spend a few hours across the road at the excellent archaeological museum.
12/2/23Reply
TravelerLove all the dress ups!!
12/2/23Reply
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- Day 23
- Friday, December 1, 2023 at 9:18 AM
- ⛅ 24 °C
- Altitude: 403 m
- Thailand Ban Pha Bong Nuea 19.171638, 97.9896819°10’18” N 97°59’23” E
Last night in Chiang Mai
December 1, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
A long drive back to Chiang Mai through more spectacular mountain scenery only stopping for lunch and a couple waterfalls.
A slap up Japanese dinner to finish off a most enjoyable 3 day trip.
TravelerLooks amazing scenery & food!
12/3/23Reply
TravelerAgree with Sarah, beautiful scenery and yummy looking food 😋
12/4/23Reply
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- Day 24
- Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 7:55 PM
- 🌙 24 °C
- Altitude: 400 m
- Thailand Chiang Rai 19.905459, 99.83459319°54’20” N 99°50’5” E
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Chiang Rai by night
December 2, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 24 °C
Chiang Rai is smaller and quieter than Chiang Rai but just as hot. The night food market is just around the corner from our guest house. Not only a great selection of food stalls but entertainment as well.Read more
TravelerYou didn't have far to walk. We liked both Chang Mai and Chang Rai. We even stayed at Chang Kong on the Mekong border with Lao.
12/3/23Reply
TravelerLove all these open night markets and eateries 😍
12/4/23Reply
Traveler Entertainment! Wow! How lucky are you.
12/4/23Reply
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