The area is also well-known as home to Bangkok’s centuries-old Chinatown.

What is less well-known is that the area is also home to a walking street lined with shops, food stalls, and auto parts recyclers who stack their parts in giant piles along the alleyway, as well as some of Bangkok’s most historic temples, and street art created by some of the best artists in the world.

Here’s what I found during my 48-hours in Bang Rak.

Here’s a video summarizing my exploration of Bang Rak. Keep scrolling down for a map of the places I visited and a photoessay of the things that I found.

Bang Rak Exploration Video

Bang Rak Exploration Map

If you’re looking for a map of the street art I saw, one can be found on the BukRuk Festival website.

Home Base: The Royal Orchid Sheraton

I stayed at the Royal Orchid Sheraton hotel on the Chao Phraya River. I was lucky that I was invited there by Starwood Hotels, because that helped me to get some amazing shots of the view from the roof (taking photos through the window is just not acceptable to me).

I was also lucky because it’s perfectly located for exploring Bang Rak. The Royal Orchid Sheraton sits right beside a pier where both a river taxi (takes you along the river) and river ferry (takes you across the river)and the entrance to the Walking Street to China Town.

Of course, it’s also a very nice hotel. But I assume that you’re familiar with the Sheraton brand and already know that.

Here are a few photos of the hotel and its view.

Crossing the River to Knack Market

Knack Market is a gathering of local food vendors, musicians, and artesian and boutique shops, that takes place on the last weekend of each month in The Jam Factory, which is a unique creative space directly opposite the Royal Orchid Sheraton across the Chao Phraya River. Getting there requires only a short inexpensive ferry ride across the river from the River City Pier.

For Knack Market dozens and dozens of specialty food stands and and other artists and people selling unique products set up stands. Bangkok is known for having great street food, and rightly so. But I’ve never seen better food stalls in Thailand than in the Knack Market. I ate most of what you see below.

They have the usual assortment of Thai street food, but also a ton of other unique creations you won’t find many other places. The steak I had was amazing. I didn’t get to try the grilled cheese (pictured below), but only because I was too full by the time I found it.

Mix that with outdoors seating and two stages for live music, and you have a great place to chill out on a Sunday evening.

Strolling Walking Street

My favorite way to explore a new place is on foot. When you walk you see so many things that you wouldn’t notice otherwise.

I also love Chinese culture. I lived in Taiwan for many years so, to me, neon signs written in Chinese and Chinese food and temples make me feel right at home. So, I was stoked to learn that the Walking Street to China Town starts right beside the Royal Orchid Sheraton. The walk is less than one kilometer and is a very pleasant.

Walking Street starts with a section of lots of shops and food stalls. After that, the tourist businesses taper off and it’s taken over by mechanic shops recycling parts, that have giant piles of junk parts piled outside in the alley. It’s really something to see.

I also found one of the nicest temples I’ve seen in Bangkok, Wat Samphanthawongsaram Worawihan (pictured below). It’s one of the older temples in the city and has been beautifully maintained. I wandered the temple and grounds for the better part of an hour taking photos and didn’t see another person the entire time.

Temples and Delicacies in Chinatown

I was very excited to see Bangkok’s centuries-old Chinatown. It took me about 30 minutes to walk there. The streets could easily have been those in Taipei, Hong Kong, or Shanghai.

I’m not sure where I first heard this, but somebody had told me that you could find bird’s nest soup in Bangkok’s Chinatown, something I’d never heard of in any other place I’d visited.

I’d been fascinated with bird’s nest soup since I first read about the men who climb dangerous ladders hundreds of feet up cave walls to harvest the nests in National Geographic as a child. So, I was determined to find and try some.

In all my travels in China, Taiwan, and Malaysia I’ve never seen bird’s nest soup but, it turns out, Bangkok’s Chinatown inexplicably has tons of restaurants that serve bird’s nest soup. (I’ve marked off a restaurant on the map above that’s in an area with several restaurants that serve bird’s nest soup.)

So, I found a place that serves this elusive delicacy and ordered one.

It was pretty underwhelming. The soup had a jelly-like texture and was more-or-less bland except for a slight sweetness.

No matter how much time I spend around Chinese-influenced cultures, I will probably never completely understand Chinese food.

Afterward I wandered the streets in search of Chinese temples and architecture. I was not disappointed.

Art Hunting in Bang Rak and Talat Noi

During my visit I was asking the hotel employees about things to do in the area. They told me about the Bukruk Urban Arts Festival, which invites urban artists from around the world to decorate the walls of Bang Rak and the neighboring Talat Noi neighborhood.

So, on my second day I loaded the map from Bukruk.com on my phone and went art hunting. I discovered that there was a lot more street art in the area than just the murals listed on the map. My guess is that the art created for the festival attracted local artists to the area to show off their own work. So the streets and alleys are rich with artwork.

Here is what I found during my expedition.

Traditional Thai Dinner and Dance at Thara Thong

I returned to the Royal Orchid that night to try the food in the Thara Thong Thai Restaurant and to check out their traditional Thai dance show.

I ordered a whole bunch of dishes, from curries to vegetables to some dumpling-type things. I’m not much of a foodie, but I have definitely eaten my share of Thai food and this was as good as anything I’d eaten in the country and the spiciness was very well attuned to my Western palate (a lot of Thai food is too spicy for the average Westerner).

The dining room has a raised floor with sunken areas beneath the tables for your legs, so you can have the feeling of sitting on the floor without the discomfort of actually sitting on the floor. Three dances performed an elegant Thai dance at the end of the small dining room to the quiet clang of traditional Thai music.

It was a fitting end to my visit to Bang Rak.

Do you have any Bangkok travel tips?

If so, share them in the comments below!

The post I found some pretty awesome things to do in Bang Rak appeared first on XpatMatt.

The golden spires of the Thailand’s ubiquitous Buddhist temples juxtaposed with their exotic tropical surroundings and the country’s diverse geography of emerald jungle, aqua waterfalls, white sand beaches, and craggy cliffs, have enchanted visitors tourists who travel to Thailand for decades.

Some prefer to spend their time in the popular destination taking photos of temples and markets, while others tend toward the exciting mix of outdoor adventures available in the country’s mountains, rivers, and oceans such as Thailand hiking and climbing. We, however, prefer a mix of both. The following are our favourite excursions for mixing culture and excitement in the Land of Smiles.

Trekking and Temple Hopping in the North

Chiang Mai is often referred to as the gateway to the North. The city is known for the temples and markets within, and the caves, waterfalls, and trails in the surrounding mountains, which are some of the Himalayas most distant foothills.

Many of the oldest temples were built in the Lanna Thai style, dating back to the 13th century when the Lanna Thai Kingdom existed in northern Thailand. Wat Phra Singh temple in Chiang Mai’s one of our favourites and is a must see when you’re in town and inevitably wandering through the Old City.

Chiang Mai is also a popular jumping off point for multi-day treks through the surrounding mountains, but we prefer to traverse the country’s mountains on the back of a mountain bike. Bikes are readily available in the city, reasonably-priced, and local operators offer several tours that visit waterfalls, lakes, and remote villages and temples.

Elephant tours are also quite popular, but are also considered unethical by many because it’s almost impossible to keep an elephant working all day and also allow it to eat as much as it needs to stay healthy (elephants normally eat basically the whole time they’re awake). So, if you’d like a close encounter with Thailand’s most iconic animal, we recommend heading instead to the nature park, where you get up close and help to clean the tenants.

Climb the Cliffs of Krabi

Limestone cliffs, sheltered beaches, and majestic caves have blessed Krabi with one of the most spectacular skylines in Thailand and created an ideal environment for climbers. Hop aboard a ferry or long boat from Ao Nang Beach in Krabi to Railay, and you’ll find a remote adventure-lovers paradise.

Railey is known for its powder-white beaches and limestone rock formations that attract climbers from around the world. More than 700 rock climbing routes make Railay one of the world’s most varied and picturesque climbing destinations. The deep water free-climb (climbing without ropes safely above the open ocean) is one route everyone has to try at least once.

Then sneak away from East Railay Bay, where development has begun to take over, and head to Phra Nang Bay. Fine flour-like sand, crystal-clear water, and jagged cliffs make this one of the most attractive beaches in the country. It’s also home to Phra Nang Cave and the unique phallus shrine that resides inside of it.

Nearby Tonsai Bay is like something out of a movie — a more hippy version of Railey where climbing remains unspoiled, life is simple, and attachment to civilization is minimal. Electricity is only turned on for a few hours a day, Internet access is limited, and the atmosphere is as laid-back as you’re likely to find. We love the Countryside Resort and it’s affordable tidy bungalows for affordable prices. Their Mountain View King Suite offers one of the best views in Tonsai.

Take in the Sights at Phanom Rung

If you’ve travelled to Angkor Wat, you’ll notice similarities in Thailand’s Phanom Rung Historical Park in the eastern Buriram Province, near the Cambodian border. Sitting atop a 402-metre-tall extinct volcano, the ancient khmer temple is at once remote, historical, and spectacular. The moderate hike to the temple only takes about 15 minutes, but will get your heart pumping.

Phanom Rung was constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries as a shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The structure went through a 17-year-long restoration process and officially opened as a historical park in 1988. The temple is much smaller than Angkor Wat and doesn’t get as crowded, but we recommend arriving early in the morning to experience it when the warm glow of the sunrise and hypnotic sounds of the awakening jungle create a mystical atmosphere. Plan on spending at least two to three hours exploring the park and snapping photos of the paddy fields below.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Phanom Rung in early April, be sure to attend the Phanom Rung Festival. Traditional Brahmin ceremonies and light and sound shows at the temple provide an experience unlike anywhere else in Thailand.

Visitors often don’t realize how big the country is before they travel to Thailand. While these some of our favourite highlights from the country, they are just a small sample of activities from a few corners of the jungle-covered, beach-lined nation. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll find no shortage of outdoors adventures and cultural activities.

The post Travel to Thailand: Explore Majestic Temples and Experience the Outdoors appeared first on XpatMatt.

As a traveler, these are the types of experiences we grow to crave.

The Night Dive

I turned around in the water and saw my other two dive buddies, clearly thinking the same thing I was – I want to see the white glitter! Despite the fact that it was dark, and we had big square masks separating us, I could see the looks in their eyes.  Simultaneously, we all pointed our flashlights toward our chests, nearly extinguishing the lights, and started twirling, running our hands from side to side, and kicking around in the water, stirring up the plankton, which created a white glow. The bioluminescence was incredible, falling around us like white glitter, following our every move.

With every swish of the fin, we were putting on shows for each other. Somewhere a few meters away, our dive master realized we were squirreling around, mostly because he could no longer see us, and tapped his tank – the universal diving sign for “pay attention!” We giggled a bit into our breathing apparatuses.

Encountering Octopi

I had been jealous of some of the other dive groups, as they had seen an octopus or two during our dives in the Similans.  I had never seen one before and was dying to know what they looked like. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted an uncharacteristically white sea creature.  Immediately, he started morphing like a chameleon to black, then to purple, before settling on a nice beige that would allow him to blend in with the rock. I finally understood what all the fuss was about.  The changing colors put any art I could create to shame.

The Cherry on Top: Manta Rays!

“You’ve got a better chance at winning the lottery than seeing one, but it just might be out there,” a dive master said during our final dive briefing. He was talking about the manta rays – something we had all hoped to see, but never took as a given. It was my final of 18 dives for the trip, and I had yet to see one.  I was hoping today might be the day, but my expectations were managed.

About 20 minutes into the dive, I heard frantic tapping – it could only mean something amazing was nearby, and some other divers had just seen it.  Hoping we weren’t too far away, I spun around several times, looking up, into the blue, just about everywhere all at once. Then, like a plane gliding overhead, it soared over us, flapping its giant wings like an angel of the sea. If it were possible to cheer under water, the ocean would have erupted in roars and shrieks of delight from several dozen divers.

There’s something truly amazing about viewing sea life on their own turf.  I was merely a spectator, along for the show, keeping my distance but admiring everything I saw, taking in every moment with gusto. As a traveler, the ocean is another part of the world that I want to see every inch of.  If you’re like me, the Similan and Surin islands are sure to impress.

*Special thanks to Wicked Diving in Khao Lak, a great choice for anyone looking for an awesome diving trip in Thailand’s Similan Islands. 

The post Scuba Diving the Similan Islands in Thailand appeared first on XpatMatt.

Ziplining Beside the Chompoo Wildlife Sanctuary

Image by arwcheek

I’ve never gone ziplining (soon to be remedied) but I am in love with them. They are one of the most low-impact and exciting forms of eco-tourism out there. They require few materials, prevent people from disturbing the surrounding environment (after they’re set up) and look like an amazing way to the nature.

Flight of the Gibbon is a pretty class act. They run a well-constructed 3km system of ziplines that connect 24 tree platforms beside the Compoo Wildlife Sancturary, about two hours outside of Bangkok. They will pick you up in Bangkok, hurl you across lines as long as 300m, then take you for a trek through the jungle, and drop you off for around $110 USD per person. Or, if ziplining isn’t your style, you can monkey around in their treetop obstacle course for $65 USD.

Biking from City to Shore

Image by Irvine-

This tour by Grasshopper Adventures, a well-known bicycle tour company in Asia, will take you by ferry and train out of the city cycle along the Gulf of Thailand in fishing communities. You will see mangroves, salt pans, fish farms, and, if you’re lucky, a water monitor or two. At the least,  you’re likely to encounter some mudskippers, those little cuties. The tour has received rave reviews on Trip Advisor.

This tour costs $200 USD for one rider, $100 USD each for two riders, and $85 USD each for 3 or more riders. Be warned, the 52km bike ride does require some physical ability.

Rafting Beneath the Bridge on the River Kwai

Image by FelixR

Surprisingly, the infamous bridge from the 1957 movie is very close to Bangkok. Although many companies like this one offer tours that will transport visitors to Kanchanaburi and then allow them descend the river by canoe, kayak, or bamboo raft, most of the tours are bundled with elephant rides. Many people feel that the elephants used on such tours are not treated well, and they encourage visitors not to partake in them. So, if you would rather take the trip on your own, you can catch the bus to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal. Busses depart every 30 minutes and tickets for seats on air-conditioned busses run about $3 USD each. Once in Kanchanaburi  you can rent your preferred mode of river transport from one of several local shops.

If you’re in Asia and looking for flights to Bangkok then be sure to check out my travel hacker’s guide to finding cheap flights.

Lead image by arwcheek

The post Getting Out of Bangkok: Three Awesome One-Day Trips appeared first on XpatMatt.

Phuket (province and island), Thailand

Location

Phuket is the name of a city, island, and a province (which includes Phuket island and several surrounding islands) in southern Thailand on the west coast in the Andaman Sea.

Major Cities

Phuket city is the capital of, and largest city in, Phuket province with just over 75,000 residents.

Climate and Geography

Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island. It’s 48 km long, 21 km wide, and covers about 543 square kilometers (not including the small surrounding islands, which are also part of Phuket province). Phuket is located in southwest Thailand, about 863 km south of Bangkok, in the Andaman Sea. Approximately 70% of the island is covered with small mountains that run north-south along the west side of the island. The tallest of these mountains is Mai Thao Sip Song at 529 m. The remaining 30% of the island is comprised of the plains and, of course, sandy beaches. The island is surprisingly deprived of fresh water, with just 9 brooks and creeks and no rivers.

The climate in Phuket is as tropical as they come. The temperature varies little and the year-round average high fluctuates around 32°C and the low around 24°C. Dry season is from November to April and the rainy season, during which it rains 270 – 400 mm per month, lasts from May to October.

Description

Phuket is a spectacular destination for all manner of tourism, adventure travel included. Unfortunately, this is not a secret. Phuket was chosen one of the world’s top five retirement destinations in 2005 by Fortune magazine and, with its own international airport, is also one of Thailand’s most visited, and thus most expensive, destinations. Fortunately, even the most expensive place in Thailand won’t break the bank.

The biggest draws on Phuket are ocean-based. Scuba diving here is huge. Phuket and the surrounding islands have brilliant underwater ecology with both hard and soft reefs, caves, wrecks, and a variety of marine life. Most dive shops are located at Chalong Pier. Sailing and yachting also bring a large number of visitors to the island and Phuket hosts numerous numerous races, including the King’s Cup Regatta.

Water board sports abound on Phuket. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding (on a cable) are all readily available. What few people seem to know, though, is that Phuket has great surfing. The west coast has more breaks than you can count, local surf shops rent boards by the hour (about $5 USD) and day (about $15 USD) and also offer lessons (about $20 USD), and the Phuket Surfing Contest is held at Kata beach each year in the early fall.

**Rip tides are common in the ocean around Phuket, especially during monsoon season, and caution should be exercised at all times in the water**

On land Phuket has several protected areas including the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-hunting area in the north, which protects 20 square kilometers of rainforest. There is also Sirinat National Park on the northwestern coast is 90 square kilometers and includes Nai Yang Beach where the sea turtles lays eggs from November to February. These turtles are said to be giant but specific information was unavailable at the time of writing. Human-related activities have been contributing to a decline in turtle populations, and their visits to the island have been decreasing.

The mountains of Phuket are excellent for climbing, rappelling/abseiling, and hiking/trekking. Most of the popular beaches are in the south, such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi, Nai Harn Beach, and Rawai Beach. Also worth checking out is Koh Sire, an island connected to Phuket by a causeway, which has a sea gypsy colony.

Activities

• Surfing
• Stand-up paddle boarding
• Scuba diving (wreck, reef, cave)
• Snorkeling
• Snuba Diving
• Surfing (all levels)
• Sailing
• Kitesurfing
• Windsurfing
• Parasailing
• Paragliding
• Hang gliding
• Bungee jumping
• Kayaking (sea)
• Canoeing (sea)
• Hiking/trekking (all levels)
• Ziplining
• Rock climbing (all levels)
• Rappelling/abseiling
• Mountain Biking (novice to expert)
• Horseback Riding

On a Budget?

• Like the rest of Thailand, rooms in Phuket are very reasonable. Among the cheapest hostels is the Sea Blue Hostel & Gueshouse, with dorm beds for less than $5 USD per night. For a bit more, you can enjoy the awesome views at the Gypsy Room Patong Backpacker House (about $8 USD per night for a dorm bed).

A full list of Phuket hostels is available here.

Phuket hotels are also quite reasonable.

• Even thought Phuket is expensive for Thailand, it’s still cheap compared to most places and meals in local restaurants can be purchased for $1.50 to $3.00 USD.

Have Insurance?

I like to use World Nomads. It’s not too expensive and signing up is fast and straightforward. They also have pretty good coverage for sports equipment like surf and snowboards, but it varies depending on your country of origin, so be sure double check. You can get a free quote on their website.

Photos

[nggallery id=40]

Images (in order) courtesy of JTeale, *sean, AkumAPRIME, jhecking, mynameisharsha, Neil Rickards, Mike (NO captive birds) in Thailand, Eustaquio Santimano, Socceraholic, Yuxuan.fishy.Wang, Ali Catterall, and Dennis Wong on Flickr.

Suggested Reading

Click on the images for more information

Map

View Larger Map
The information on this page was provided by My Phuket Info. If you want to know more about Phuket they are the people to ask.

Phuket Town Vacations

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