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Around the World 2023
  • Hen Tours

Around the World 2023

A 262-day adventure by Hen Tours Read more
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  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Kinabalu National Park

    December 4, 2023 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Today we both went on the tour to Kinabalu National Park. Our first stop was a lookout to Mount Kinabalu where there were also some market stalls.

    We continued on our way, up into the foothills, and entered the park. The walk we were supposed to do was closed due to a bees nest. We went to the botanical gardens where we saw different orchids and some pitcher plants. We then drove down to Poring Hot springs and had lunch before walking up to the canopy walkway. Unfortunately as soon as I set foot on the bridge I knew it was too wobbly and couldn’t do it. I gave it a second go but no way. Simon went and later said I made the right choice.

    I walked back down the hillside and met back up with Simon and the guide. Back in the minibus we did a short drive to go to see a Rafflesia on its first day of flowering.

    We then drove back to KK and dinner in the hotel.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur

    December 5, 2023 in Malaysia

    Up early and hotel breakfast. We got a grab to the airport and checked in. Malaysian immigration interrogated me about snow in NZ and then decided I could go on my way 😰😳😂😂.

    We arrived in KL and got a taxi to the apartment. After a short delay checking in (it was 2pm, not 3pm) we got to the room. No view of the patronas towers this time. After setting in and doing some chores we walked to the supermarket and then had dinner on food street before bed.Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Batu Caves

    December 6, 2023 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Up early and then wasted the time in a train faff because no announcement said the train only went 2 stops and then returned. Never mind, we overcame.

    We managed to catch the right train from Bank Negara and it took about 20 minutes to Batu caves. We climbed the steps, avoiding the monkeys and reached the top where the Hindu temples are.

    We walked around for a while and then sat and watched the goings on. As we descended we saw a monkey attack, grabbing food from someone.

    At the bottom, away from the monkeys, we had a drink and then walked to the art display caves. I’ve seen some things but this comes close to one of the most unusual. The whole inside of the cavern was painted in rainbow colours with statue depictions of different Hindu stories.

    Just when we thought we’d see it all we found a second cave in a similar style.

    We moved on to a different area and went in a cave with depictions from the Ramayana. Interesting, but the art cave wins.


    We caught the train back and got a grab to the Pavilion shopping centre. We found a restaurant and had lunch and then walked back to the apartment.

    In the late afternoon the rain came hammering down but by about 7pm it was light enough for us to brave food street and getting dinner.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Kampung Baru and KLCC

    December 7, 2023 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    We caught the train to Kampung Baru and walked around the traditional village that is at the base of the Patronas towers.

    We crossed the highway and walked past a cemetery to get to the Patronas Towers. We found the ticket counter and joined the queue. The first stop was the bridge between the 2 towers. Next we got another lift to the top (86th floor I think) and got a great view of KL.

    After our allotted time we caught the lift back down and had coffee in the mall under the towers. We then walked past the outdoor public pool to Pavillion and found some lunch, Korean today.

    After lunch we walked around the shops before heading back to the apartment. As we’re flying to Thailand tomorrow we decided to have dinner in.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Mai

    December 8, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    A lazy morning and check out at11am. We got a grab to the airport and had lunch. We then boarded our Airasia flight to Chiang Mai.

    In Chiang Mai we got a taxi to the hotel and checked in. We then booked a day trip for tomorrow.

    We went for a short walk around the old town and then had dinner before bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Highest Point in Thailand

    December 9, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Up early…again. Finally we had breakfast including so a multi course meal was eaten before we were collected for our day trip.

    After an hour driving around the city collecting people from hotels we started the drive into the hills. After a quick stop at a petrol station we drove to see two waterfalls.

    Next was a traditional Karen village where we had lunch and did some coffee tasting. After lunch we headed to the highest point in Thailand 🇹🇭 and then to the King and Queen pagodas.

    Our final stop was a Hmong market before we drove back to Chiang Mai. Fortunately we were the second to be dropped off so no long drive around the city again.

    In the evening we went for a walk around the town and had dinner before bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Chiang Mai

    December 10, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    After breakfast we walked around the old town and visited a few different temples. Shoes off, shoes on and repeat…

    We went back to the hotel and did some admin jobs and the hotel recommended we go to the train station to book the tickets I’ve been struggling with.

    So we got a grab to the station and found the ticket counter only to be told no one can book until 24 hours before. Hmm, I can see people already have reservations. No point in arguing so we got a grab back to the hotel and continued with admin.

    We had a below average, hour to arrive, lunch and then sat by the pool in the afternoon.

    In the evening we went out to the Sunday walking street, where the old town is closed to traffic and becomes a big market. We walked around the stalls and temples and then went for dinner before bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Chiang Mai to Sukhothai

    December 11, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Up early and a quick breakfast before catching a grab to the train station. We got everything on board and settled into our seats for a slow journey to Phitsanalok

    Six hours later we arrived and managed to get a grab to the hotel, an hour and a half away.

    On arrival we checked in and realised how remote the hotel is. We set out on a 1km walk to the nearest shop for water and basic supplies. On the way we saw some captive elephants and on the way back we saw a dead snake. 🐍

    After a refreshing beer we set out again to find a restaurant, the hotel doesn’t have one. The nearest one turned out to be quite nice and the food was tasty.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Sukhothai Historical Park Day 1

    December 12, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    After renting bikes last night we were able to set off at 6.15 am and cycle from the hotel to Sukhothai historical park. On the way we saw people giving monks alms at dawn and then bought tickets for today. We visited a few different Wats and looked around the central area until about 8.15am.

    We then cycled back to the hotel and went straight to breakfast. After breakfast we had showers and did some washing before going to sit by the pool and swim.

    In the late afternoon we cycled back to the park and visited some wats again. A random man started talking to us and it turned out he was a commandant in the Thai Navy. His official photographer took some pictures of us all so no doubt we’ll be famous now 🇹🇭😂😂.

    After cycling back just before dark and showering we went to the only restaurant close by for dinner.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Sukhothai Historical Park Day 2

    December 13, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Another early start and we cycled in the dark for a little while, arriving at the monks receiving alms just as they started. We watched for a while and when it was light enough set off cycling again, this time a bit further to the northern group of temples.

    We arrived at the first one just before 7am and looked around and then headed to the next one.

    After looking around we cycled back to the hotel, picking up some lunch at the 7-11 on the way. Back at the hotel we had breakfast and showers before sitting by the pool for most of the day.

    In the evening we returned to the only restaurant.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Sukhothai to Bangkok

    December 14, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Finally a leisurely start and late breakfast before sitting by the pool for a bit.

    By mid morning we returned to the room and showered and packed everything up. Our taxi came at 12 pm and drove us to Phitsanalok train station.

    After a bit of a wait the train arrived at the journey was about 5 hours. Once we arrived in Bangkok we got a grab from the station to the hotel and checked in.

    Once we’d sorted a few things out we went out for water and supplies before bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Bangkok

    December 15, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    We had breakfast in the hotel and then sorted a few things before heading out to the malls. Unfortunately a migraine took hold so we returned to the hotel and I had a sleep.

    In the mid afternoon we caught a train a few stops away and then found some lunch, which wasn’t great. We also found a pharmacy selling migraine tablets and stocked up but they were expensive. We also got our first, and free, taste of durian. It doesn’t taste anything like as bad as it smells!

    We spent the rest of the afternoon walking slowly back to the hotel, looking in the shops and buying a few supplies as we went. In the evening we had a room picnic and an early night.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Bangkok to Krabi

    December 16, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    A very early start and after a discussion with reception about our minibar usage, or lack of, we got a grab to the airport.

    We checked in and found some breakfast, not the $6 croissants though.

    The plane was a quick 1 hour hop and then a 1 hour taxi ride to the hotel. We checked in, grabbed our laundry and dropped it off before getting Simon a haircut.

    We walked around the town for a while and got some lunch before collecting the laundry and checking in to the hotel.

    After settling in we sat by the pool for a while and then went for showers. In the evening we went out for a dinner, which was below average.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    4 Islands Tour

    December 17, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Up early and hotel breakfast and then we waited in the lobby, with everyone else, for someone to collect us for our day trip.

    Pick up was prompt and we drove to the pier, in the back of a yute. We then checked in and boarded the speed boat. We arrived at the first island and had to disembark into the ocean on rough ground- at last the water shoes came in handy!

    We walked for a few minutes and came to the beach, people were rock climbing. We had realised that there were box jellyfish 🪼 around until the end of December so decided no swimming today. Later, when we asked about them we were told they just make you itch! People also said they’d seen jellyfish when they swam.

    After about 45 minutes we clambered back onto the boat and we moved to the next island, a hat, sparse sandbank crowded with people. Again we scrambled through an increasingly choppy sea.

    Back on the boat we went to look at a rock shaped like a chicken head 🐔, it was getting so choppy and it looked so little like a chicken head I didn’t even take a picture.

    Next was snorkeling, but not off the island as advertised, instead off the boat so I sat on the choppy sea while some people had a swim.

    We then moved to the last island (yes, you’ll have counted 3 islands on the 4 islands tour) where we had lunch and chance for a swim.

    By now the wind was pretty strong and it was a rough ride back to the pier. Once back on land we got the yute transfer to the hotel.

    During the afternoon I had developed the grumbling appendix pain I had before and spent the rest of the afternoon in bed. In the evening we went to the supermarket and had hotel room dinner.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Krabi

    December 19, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Still worried about appendicitis pain but it is very gradually decreasing.

    After breakfast we took some laundry to be done and got some supplies from 7-11. Back at the hotel I tried to sort out my audible account. After 2 hours on the phone I’m no wiser but potentially 50 books lighter.

    We then spent time by the pool. In the evening we went out for curry again.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Krabi to Bangkok

    December 20, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Yet another early start, up and packed ready for breakfast at 6.30am.

    Our taxi was prompt and we got to the airport early due to taxi speed. I was subject to the usual special attention at the airport, there’s something about my backpack that makes people want to inspect every single thing inside it.

    After a lengthy delay we finally took off for the 1 hour flight back to Bangkok. We booked a grab, which was the next fun part of the day. He decided the pick up point was somewhere of his choosing and then kept calling to ask why we weren’t there. After sending him a picture of where we were, he drove right past us! Eventually he came back around and after further problems he got to us. He managed to find the hotel successfully.

    All the delays meant we were able to check in straight away. After a cuppa and checking the mini bar in anticipation of check out problems, we went out for a walk and supplies and then had a room dinner before bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Bangkok to Ayuthaya

    December 21, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Our grab came on time and we made it through the early morning traffic to the train station. Signage wasn’t the best (none existent) but we found the gate in time.

    After some confusion over seats on the train the conductor decided I should stay where I was and the hour journey passed without any other issues.

    In Ayutthaya we managed to get a grab, although we had to move to the driver specified pick up point as apparently the tuk tuk drivers won’t let grab drivers pick up at the train station 🤷‍♀️.

    At the hotel there didn’t have our booking written down so weren’t expecting us. Fortunately they said there would be a room for check in at 1.30pm. After applying sunscreen we set out walking and spent the next few hours around the different temples. A stroke of luck at last, all entrance fees were free today as part of a new year celebration.

    On the way back to the hotel we had some lunch and then checked in to our small Thai style villa. After relaxing for a while we set out to see the sunset at a far away temple. After a tuk tuk faff we made it to the temple just before sunset and had time to look around.

    We easily found a tuk tuk back and after a drink walked around the night market and went for dinner. Dinner was an expensive disaster, wrong item brought out, replacement meal intentionally ruined with salt. Never mind, there’s other places.

    We called in the 7-11 for water before going back to the hotel and bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Ayutthaya

    December 22, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Woke up to an email letting me know the NZ government now considers Hat Yai a no travel destination. As that’s the only land crossing for the train that kind of ruins everything. Still we can’t go so the morning was spent looking at alternatives. Flights to Penang booked, we can meet ourselves in Georgetown.

    We eventually had breakfast at showers and went to get some cash. Just as we were setting off on a tuk tuk hunt one approached so we arranged our morning tour of the outer temples and saw quite a few reclining Buddha.

    He dropped us off and we went for lunch, I got involved in a large portion of pineapple rice. In the afternoon heat we relaxed.

    In the evening we walked around the big new year market before dinner and bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Ayuttaya to Bangkok

    December 23, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    So much for a lie in! No early start needed and yet I’m ready to go at 3.30am! Well, at least I’ve learned that it’s not work that gets me up early.

    After doing some admin, having breakfast and packing we headed to the bus station for our transport back to Bangkok. We scrambled into the next van to Bangkok, defending our paid for luggage seats and set off. It only took about an hour and we reached the bus terminal where it was ‘suggested’ we catch a train the rest of the way. Surprisingly, this turned out to be very easy and we reached the hotel in no time.

    No early check in though. We left the bags and went for lunch near the Siam centre. We walked back down Sukhumvit Road and reached the hotel by 3pm.

    Later we went to the supermarket and bought dinner, including delights such as passion fruit.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Markets around Bangkok

    December 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Up early and room breakfast before being collected for our day trip. After an hour of zooming around Bangkok we headed south to the railway market. Seeing the driver buy a bag of weed before setting off only added to the excitement of the hour or so drive!

    Eventually we reached the market and we were evicted from the van and led to the railway line, told when to meet and when the trains came and left to get on with it.

    We found a safe place for the 9am train and waited. As it approached the market stall holders quickly pulled in their wares and almost everyone stood back. After waiting for a few tourists the train came through, very very close and then everything returned to normal.

    We found our stoned driver and we moved on to the floating market. Next we had to climb into a long tail boat and zoom down the Khlongs. Water was going everywhere but we made it to land. Only to find we had to clamber into a paddle boat and be paddled around the market for half an hour.

    Finally, we made it through. We spent the next hour walking around the land portion of the‘floating’ market before returning to the van.

    Hooray, a different driver home. It took a couple of hours to get back to the hotel where a much needed cuppa was had.

    After a little rest we caught a bus to Khao San Road and had a look around. Not missing much by not staying there.

    Despite on bus confusion we made it back easily and had Christmas Eve dinner in the room, splashing out on some hummus!    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Bangkok to Bangkok 🙄

    December 25, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Today was supposed to be our overnight train ride but instead we’re in Bangkok. We finally managed to have breakfast in the hotel and then packed up and got a grab 1km down the road to the Holiday Inn. We left our bags and went to catch the bus.

    After waiting for an hour and no bus we got a grab to the pier to start our walking tour. Our first stop was supposed to be a temple inside the royal palace. However, Simon didn’t bring trousers, again, and by the time he’d bought some I wasn’t in the mood for fighting the cruise shippers to look at things.

    We set off on the next bit of the walking tour and visited a narrow alley way housing a whole Bangkok community. Interesting to see how people live, 1 small room with a mattress, a shared outside tap, shared cooking facilities.

    We then walked around the amulet market, there were more amulets than any town can possibly need.

    We then went to cross the royal park and finally the new trousers came in handy as Simon couldn’t go in wearing shorts. We then walked towards the democracy monument and caught a bus back to the new hotel.

    Our room was ready so we got into the room and had a crisp sandwich for Christmas lunch. In the afternoon I sat by the pool for a while.

    In the evening we walked around a street food market and had dinner in a mall.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Day off in Bangkok

    December 26, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Eggs and mushrooms for breakfast, along with pancakes with cream and chocolate sauce.

    Mid morning we walked around a mall and then back to the hotel for relaxing and luggage sorting. We had lunch in the room using up the last bits of food before our flight tomorrow.

    After some Harry Potter watching we went out for dinner. We had some Chinese noodles and walked around the mall a bit before more Harry Potter watching.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Bangkok to Georgetown

    December 27, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We managed to get the hotel breakfast before our 7.30am grab to the airport. We checked our bags and made it through the various checks.

    The Airasia flight was on time and we reached Penang early to find we had to fill in forms urgently to enter Malaysia. We made it through and got a grab to the hotel.

    We checked in and had a cuppa before going for a walk. In the evening we walked around Little India and had dinner before bed.    Read more

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