Asian adventure 2011: taking it easy in Bangkok

eric
February 14, 2012
by
driedfruit

After the adventures of the past week we decided to take it easy and relax in Bangkok in anticipation of a busy end to our trip in Hong Kong. We started our day with the large breakfast spread at the hotel-- they had options to cover Continental, American, Thai, Chinese, and a few other styles. Best of all the restaurant was outside on the 20th floor. After breakfast we made our way the couple blocks through the crowded streets to the metro station, quite grateful that we had not tried to … [Read more...]

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Asian adventure 2011: where we stayed in Bangkok

admin
February 13, 2012
by
bangkok3

For Bangkok we booked two nights in Lebua at State Tower and our experience was decidedly mixed. Our room was quite large with a separate sitting area, small kitchenette, and a small balcony off the bedroom providing a great view of the river (unlocked once we signed the waiver). The room had a nice modern style with a comfortable bed and reasonably strong free wireless. The bathroom was large with a tub and shower, though we were a bit disappointed in the Crabtree and … [Read more...]

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Asian adventure 2011: Sunday daytrip from Chiang Mai

admin
February 12, 2012
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After a good night's sleep we met our guides in the hotel lobby for our second day of touring. Our plan for this day was to visit several waterfalls north of Chiang Mai, and since we got an early start our guides started us at the Mae Sa Orchid Farm. The grounds are rather small but very green and filled with all kinds of orchids. Each visitor even gets a pin with a live orchid upon entrance. Due to small the size we were happy to get in and out just as a larger group was … [Read more...]

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Asian adventure 2011: Saturday daytrip from Chiang Mai

eric
February 3, 2012
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The scenic national parks and surrounding countryside was a major reason we chose Chiang Mai as a destination. From the beginning I knew we wanted to see some of the many waterfalls in the region, and to do that we would be best served booking a private tour, especially with someone that could suggest additional sites. After some research I contacted a half-dozen tour guides by email; three responded, and two of those had additional ideas. After a few emails we decided on two one-day tours with … [Read more...]

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Asian Adventure 2011: Garra rufa

leandra
February 2, 2012
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I had some time after my cooking class before Eric returned from the elephant park, so I ventured out to find the nearby Fish Spa recommended by my cooking instructor. Upon arrival I carefully mentioned that my feet were pretty ticklish, so I wasn't sure how long I was going to last in the tank. One of the women washed my feet and directed me to the "starter tank" with the smallest (and less aggressive?) fish. I will be perfectly honest -- the sensation at first was incredibly weird and … [Read more...]

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Asian adventure 2011: Elephant Nature Park

eric
February 1, 2012
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While Leandra took a cooking class I visited Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand. There are a number of "elephant experience" tours around Chiang Mai but I really liked that this group focuses on rescuing elephants that have been injured, blinded, or abused. These elephants don't do tricks, and you don't ride them, but you do have ample opportunity to interact with them. The park is about an hour north of Chiang Mai, and the day tour … [Read more...]

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Asian adventure 2011: Chiang Mai cooking class

leandra
January 26, 2012
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We both love Thai food, so when the opportunity came up for me to take a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai I was all for it. Unfortunately, this meant I had to miss the Elephant Nature Park experience, but I'll just make Eric take me the next time we're in Thailand. :) Yui and her husband pick you up in a powder blue VW bus - which is pretty awesome. Her classes max out at eight people but for my session there were only three of us - me and two girls from Brisbane, Australia. Because there … [Read more...]

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Asian adventure 2011: Chiang Mai temples and markets

admin
January 24, 2012
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Chiang Mai is the northern economic and tourist hub and second largest city in Thailand. The terrain is rather hilly leading to slightly cooler weather than points south. While not vertical like Bangkok, we were surprised by the bustle and size when we arrived. Temples Chiang Mai is known for it's temples and we managed to visit a handful of them in our five days. The Chedi Luang complex in Old Town was stunningly beautiful with lots of smaller temples - some of which women were not allowed … [Read more...]

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Asian adventure 2011: where we stayed in Chiang Mai

admin
January 22, 2012
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lemeridian

Chiang Mai: Le Meridian We've stayed at a few Le Meridian hotels in Europe since they are part of Starwood. In our experience they are chic-looking with good locations, but their service can vary considerably. As a business-style hotel, they nickel and dime you for everything and that was definitely the case in Chiang Mai. Though a bit bland with a lot of white, the room was generally pleasant with a good bed. The bathroom has a window to the room that can be closed via blinds above the … [Read more...]

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Asian adventure 2011: Similan Islands

eric
January 18, 2012
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We'd read that Thailand's Similan Islands had some great snorkeling that shouldn't be missed, so we emailed the hotel concierge for some advice. Our hotel recommended Andaman Leisure Phuket (ALP), and after researching a number of other possibilities, we booked them through our hotel with a price that included pick-up and return from the hotel. We were transferred in a normal car - just the two of us - but everyone else showed up in a bus, so I'm guessing that was because our hotel was a little … [Read more...]

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