Wild Junket » Thailand

Daily Travel Snapshot: Koh Tao, Thailand

Nellie Huang — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 01:30:15 +0000

A view of Koh Tao from above. This beautiful islet is just a short boat ride away from Koh Samui, Thailand.

Daily Travel Snapshot: Bangkok, Thailand

Nellie Huang — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 01:30:54 +0000

The majestic Wat Phun temple shimmering in gold by night, along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand.

Paradise Renewed: Thailand’s Ko Samui

Nellie Huang — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:51:21 +0000

The sea was a shade of aqua blue, the sand pale pearly white and the surrounding foliage a blanket of emerald green. There was silence except for the sound of the lapping waves. I was on the island of Ko Samui and the last thing I had expected to find: tranquility.

It was all around me – everyday I awoke to a view of the turquoise sea; I would spend the day watching the water-buffalo swim before me and by evening, the ocean lulled me to sleep. At Upni Duniya, I saw a side to Ko Samui that few could imagine – laid-back, languid and unspoiled.

Samui is after all Thailand’s biggest island and it has been known as a backpacker’s party island for years. As a traveler seeking offbeat destinations, I had avoided it like a virus for decades. Having been away from Southeast Asia for the last two years, I hesitated when I was offered the chance to visit Ko Samui. Was I ready to face the tourist-clodded beach towns and disturbing signs of sex tourism?

I decided to give Ko Samui a shot and clearly it won my heart over. Beyond the raucous streets of Chaweng, I stumbled upon rare patches of quiet fishing towns, endless fields of coconut palm tree and remnants of its heritage and culture. The strings of charming villages and empty beaches definitely outweighed the few gritty towns that have given Samui its bad reputation. Those seeking to steer clear of the crowds, these are some offbeat towns and beaches.

Baan Taling Ngam – The Virgin Coast

The Virgin Coast, poised on the unspoiled South-West corner of the island, runs for miles without a single resort in sight. Due to its craggy shoreline, there is minimal construction here; instead you’ll find wide sweeps of coconut plantations and forests that cover hill slopes rendering the area extraordinarily green.

Taling Ngam has seen the least change of any area on the island, as though time has stood still. Many traditional wooden Southern style houses can be seen still standing in compounds with other out-buildings of the whole extended family. The rivers and bays harbor long-tail boats that bring in a daily catch of fish, while shellfish are collected by hand along the shore.

Choengmun Beach

Choengmun, a town that retains a tinge of authenticity, is home to a quiet bay and the massive Buddhist Kuan Yin temple. The temple itself is a reason worth visiting Choengmun for. With less than ten resorts stretched out across the turquoise beach, Choengmun makes an excellent base for those seeking tranquility. In the town market, chowhounds will be able to feast on colorful street food and outrageously flavorful local grub.

Ko Tao

Among the 450 islands that dot Thailand’s shoreline, Ko Tao is said to be one of the most beautiful isles complete with white sandy banks, sparkling clear sea and the ubiquitous longtail boats. Thanks to its proximity to Samui, many visit Ko Tao and its neighboring Nang Yuang Island (pictured below) on a day-trip. In recent years, it has attracted a loyal following of scuba divers and curious backpackers. Its convenient location close to the party isle of Koh Phangan puts it on every Thailand beachbummer’s itinerary.

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My trip was made possible by Upni Duniya and Thailand Medical Blog Contest, but all opinions are my own.

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Photoblog: Celebrating the Lights Festival in Bangkok

Nellie Huang — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 08:37:59 +0000

Shrouded in a golden glow, Bangkok seemingly puts on a glamorous coat and a mystical air by night. Starkly contrasting with its usual daytime chaos, the city represents a whole different world come sunset: its golden temples shimmer in gold and its river banks calm and tranquil. Floating along Bangkok’s Chao Praya River, I soak in the peaceful undercurrent of Asia’s cultural capital. It’s a special occasion for the Thais: Loi Krathong – one of Thailand’s biggest festivals - takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. Thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, I was recently in Bangkok to witness the celebrations of Loi Krathong in full swing .

It’s not everyday that we get to be part of such an important event and not to mention floating along the city’s arterial river as everyone flocked to the riverbank to catch the event. Along the river, we got to see the city’s iconic landmarks from a different angle – the majestic Royal Palace and the stunning Wat Phun bathed in gold.

Next to the annual Songkran water festival, Loy Krathong is the next biggest event of the year, celebrated in full fervour throughout Thailand. “Loi” means “to float” and a “krathong” is traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk. A krathong is usually decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks. A coin is placed within the krathong as an offering to the river spirits.

On the first night upon arrival, with the full moon shining right above our heads, our bunch of bloggers got to experience the traditional Thai festival. Each of us first lit up our krathong’s incense and candle and then set it afloat onto Bangkok’s biggest river, the Chao Praya. The festival is believed to originate in an ancient practice of paying respect to the spirit of the waters.

As we sailed along the choppy waters of the Chao Praya River, brightly lit float boats specially decorated for the Loi Krathong festivities were on display. Bangkok’s stunning landmarks were blanketed in a golden glow as they stood by the river’s edge in their full glory. From the water, Bangkok’s sheer beauty was evident.

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Follow me on my junket through Bangkok and Ko Samui on the Thailand Medical Tourism Blog Contest website. This trip was made possible by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

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5 Best ways to get around Bangkok

Nellie Huang — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:41:00 +0000

This week, we head all the way back to Southeast Asia, where intoxicating smells, sights and sounds await. Today’s guest post, by Ross Fraser, guides us on how to navigate the chaotic streets of Bangkok, and find our way amidst the shimmering temples, floating markets and skyscrapers.

Bangkok: a thriving and vibrant capital, and home to over 6 and a half million inhabitants. Its perma-busy street life is, of course, part of its charm. But it’s also part of its problem. How can you navigate such an endlessly chaotic and confusing metropolis – especially if you’re short on time, and – more importantly – short on local knowledge?

The answer, of course, is to grab a guide: there are many excellent local guides offering a half day’s excursion here, or a historic building tour there. But, for our tastes, these guides tend to stick too rigidly to the beaten path and, if anything, only add to the congestion at the city’s tourist honey pots.

Take my advice – hire your choice of transport, complete with a driver, get off the well trodden tracks, and tell your private chauffeur to show you his Bangkok. Chances are it’ll be a million miles away from the tourist guide ‘must-see’s, and will offer a far more memorable – and authentic – slice of life in this often misunderstood mega-city.

Flickr photo by jensen_chua

1) Take a tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are, essentially, half rickshaw, and half scooter. As one of the most unique transport modes in the world, this quirky transport tool gets you around fast and easy. They’re nippy, cheap and agile enough to squeeze their way down many routes simply off limits to Bangkok’s fleet of Mercedes taxis.

Bargain your price down before you set off – not after the ride – and try to head out of the pollution-filled city centre. A good option is to head for the Phra Sumer Fortress on Phra Arthit (Sun Street). Then head to the exotic thrills of the Amulet Market, where glistening charms and finely worked gems are for sale. Don’t let the Tuk Tuk driver suggest ‘stopping at a few places on the way’ though, as this will usually mean shops where sales pressure is high (as is the commission to the driver!).

Flickr photo by Ian Fuller

2) Try a taxi

For longer journeys, a taxi still remains the best bet for comfort, speed and safety. Taxi drivers are also your best bet at jumping the queues at the busiest tourist spots. Head for Woeng Nakorn Kasem, the ‘thieves market’ of the Klong Thom Quarter. This is the place to pick up antiques and traditional Thai and Chinese goods – and it’s especially great for porcelain and delicate silk screens. So you’ll need a taxi to carry your fabulous, and fragile, new gift back to your hotel! Available taxis have a red light illuminated. Taxi hire starts at 35 baht, and thereafter, it’s around 2 baht per kilometre. Tipping isn’t required, but you can ‘round up’ the fare.

Flickr photo by tomasu.co.uk

3) Use your feet

There is much to explore, away from the crowds, is you simply stroll in the other direction. Bangkok’s riverside is the most alluring spot in the city. The tree shaded avenues leading to the water are lined with classic colonial-style buildings. Start your wanderings at the Saphan Taksin BTS station. Walk away from the river and take the first left into the Shangri La Hotel, and stroll along a peaceful stretch of open river front. This will take you to the lovely Assumption Cathedral, at the heart of Bangkok’s old colonial trading quarter.

A short trip down Soi 38 takes you to the Oriental Hotel, where Somerset Maugham, among others, worked on many of their novels. Another great way to spy the wonderful hotels and villas lining the river is to take a river taxi.

4) Boats and River Taxis

If you really want to creep up on the ‘real’ Bangkok, the ‘klongs‘ (canals) are the place to head for. River taxis and ‘tail boats’ ply the Chao Phraya River, connecting the centre with the outlying local suburbs on the Thonburi side. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company have boats stopping at Sathorn Pier, and on to sites such as Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and plenty of markets and shopping streets along the way. You can buy an all-day pass for around 80 baht.

Alternatively, hire a private tailboat for a tour of the Thonburi side of the river, with its network of ancient canals, weaving past floating kitchens, old wooden houses and water hyacinth floating on the surface of the water. Agree on the price before departure (expect to pay around 400 to 500 baht per hour), and hire a boat at the Tha Chang ferry pier near the Grand Palace.

Flickr photo from Dean Croshere

5) Take public transport

Bangkok’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) offers a cheap, punctual and efficient way to explore the city. The Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems connect the main shopping, entertainment and business areas of the city. The Skytrain, especially, offers wonderful panoramic views of the city.

Head to the Dusit area – a lovely, leafy suburb of elegantly planned villas, wide boulevards, and palatial complexes, laid out by King Rama V at the end of the Nineteenth century. It’s peaceful at weekends, as it’s home to Thailand’s Government buildings and embassies, and the wealthier residences, but you can visit the Vimanmek Teak Palace and neo-Baroque splendor of the Abhisek Dusit Assembly Hall. The Zoo and Chitralada Palace – where the Thailand Royal family live – are also worth a visit.

Flickr photo by Ian Fuller

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This guest post was written by Ross Fraser who is a passionate traveller and travel blogger and has spent quite a bit of time during his travels in Bangkok.

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Top 6 Extreme Vacations

Nellie Huang — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:55:16 +0000

Adrenaline junkies alert! Tired of conventional travel, cultural tours and no-thrills vacations? Forget about backpacking through Europe or beach-hopping in Central America. These days, there are plenty of exhilarating activities out there, enough to fuel up your bodies and get your heart racing. Gear yourself up for some wacky adventure as I bring you some of the most adrenaline-filled trips around the world that’s guaranteed to make you feel alive again!

1. Spelunking: New Zealand

Spelunking – also known as caving or potholing – is the thrilling sport of exploring wild cave systems. It might involve lots of climbing, rappelling and crawling depending on how big the space is. In New Zealand, there are plenteous undiscovered underground systems that can make spelunking fanatics go wild. From cave tubing to swimming in an underground waterfall – the Ruakuri Cave and Waitomo Caves are some of the best in the country to explore.

Flickr photo by ccheviron

2. Drag Racing: Australia

If you’d always wished you were a Formula 1 racer, then drag racing might make your fantasy come true. The heart-pumping car race was first started in the US, but now there are plenty of legal racing schools all over the world. Using slick, power-packed racing cars, you’re guaranteed to have your groove on. These schools provide safety instructions, explicit guidelines and familiarization practices. Ken Lowe Race Cars holds schools at Willowbank Raceway in Queensland. Include a drag-racing package in your Australia holidays and you’re in for a fast ride.

Photo from draglist.com

3. Shark Diving: South Africa

Imagine getting face to face with the great white shark, inches away from his grinding teeth and massive body. At Shark Alley, near the fishing village of Gansbaai, South Africa, dive operators organize these shark diving expeditions that allow you to swim in a cage in shark-infested waters. The sharks are curious animals and tend to come close to the cage to examine you. It’s definitely going to scare any daredevil out there!

Photo from white-shark-diving.com

4. Dirt-biking: Thailand

In the jungles of Chiangmai and Phuket, there are plenty of adventure tour outfitters that organize activities from dirt-biking to zorbing, off-road buggie rides and paintball. Dirt-biking is especially thrilling along the jungle trails, mud paths and up into the hill tribes. There’s plenty of rugged terrain to ensure even the most experienced riders’ skills are tested but just as thrilling for many is seeing parts of Thailand not seen by most tourists. Chiang Mai X-Centre can organize these tours as part of your holidays in Thailand.

Flickr photo by therealneurox

5. Expeditions to Remote Lands: Antarctic

Expeditions to the isolated Antarctic are getting more popular among extreme travelers. These cruises bring curious visitors into the end of the world, where wildly low temperatures and out-of-this-world landscapes await. Expect to spend your time watching penguins, kayaking amidst icebergs and getting up-close and personal with massive ice sheets.

Flickr photo by goneforawander

6. Volcano-Climbing: Guatemala

Walking amidst 300degC lava can be quite a mind-blowing experience especially when you know that the volcano you are climbing can erupt at any minute. Among the active volcanoes in the world, Volcan Pacaya in Guatemala is perhaps the most accessible and popular volcanoes to visit. Within 2 hours of climbing from the base, you’ll have reached the peak, where fumes and red-hot lava surround you.

Reference: Shermans Travel

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8 Adventurous Spots Around the World

Nellie Huang — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:22:46 +0000

One of the many reasons why people travel is the challenge it poses. Diving into shark-infested waters, climbing the towering peaks or trekking through dense jungles – they all jolt adventure travelers to life. As my blood rushes with every adventure, I am reminded of the meaning of travel. Once again, based on my own experience and observations, here’s my round-up of 8 adventures and where best to do them.

1. Mountain Trekking – Nepal

Home to the highest peak in the world, Nepal is the playground for climbers and trekkers interested in pushing themselves to the limit. There are numerous trekking routes to explore the Himalayas – the most popular being the Annapurna Base Camp Trail. Many find themselves tested both physically and mentally, returning home with a fulfilled sense of accomplishment.

Flickr Photo by McKaySavage

2. Hiking through the Amazon Jungle – Ecuador

Few places in the world offer such raw adventure: trudging through the thick foliage of the Amazon in the sultry heat and stumbling upon wildlife and primitive tribes give modern-day travelers a taste of jungle life. Definitely the highlight of our trip through South America, a multi-day jungle trek brings you close to nature and back to basics.

3. White-water Rafting – New Zealand

New Zealand has always been known as adventure travelers’ stomping ground. Queenstown, famed for the variety of heart-pumping activities, promises some of the best white-water rafting opportunities in the world. From Kawarau River for the beginners, to Shotover River suitable for the experts, there is something for every rafting enthusiast. Rapids range from Class II to V. Holidays to New Zealand are sure to get your adrenaline pumping and make you feel truly alive.

Flickr photo by Tim Gillons

4. Skydiving – Florida, USA

There is no other extreme sport that is more jaw-dropping or adrenaline-pumping than jumping off a plane, at an elevation of 1500 feet. There are over thousands of skydiving spots around the world, but many claim skydiving in Sebastian, Florida as one of the most scenic. The dropzone is situated directly on the east coast of Florida, offering a freefall over the beautiful Sebastian Inlet and Atlantic Ocean. Anyone can do it – no physical fitness required!

5. Scuba Diving – Australia

The world’s biggest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia, has an amazing diversity of marine life never seen anywhere else– from huge barracudas, to schools of reef sharks and the famous green turtles. This dive mecca has always been on the top of many scuba enthusiasts’ bucket list. For the outdoor lovers, Australian holidays definitely provide the kind of action and adventure that few countries do.

5. Sand boarding – South Africa

Just 40 minutes away from Cape Town stands the majestic Atlantis Dunes, attracting professionals and amateurs around the world. Its pure white dunes are extremely popular thanks to the perfect sand boarding conditions and the magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. Its gentle slopes make it an excellent spot for beginners.

6. Caving and jungle adventures – Borneo

Borneo is the Asian epicenter of adventure travel, drawing in travelers with the opportunities to do caving, wildlife watching and many other activities. The deep cave systems of Gunung Mulu National Park are some of the best systems to do caving: remember to explore the enticing Lang Cave and Clearwater cave. Outdoor enthusiasts will love to explore the surrounding jungle or climb the Mount Kinabalu peak.

Flickr photo by Stephane Enten

7. Sea Kayaking – Thailand

Southern Thailand, specifically around Koh Phangan, offers out-of-this-world kayaking experiences, suitable for both first-time paddlers and the serious marine explorer. Unique and remote limestone islands sprout from the sea, making kayaking through the inlets an exploration on its own. Many of these isolated islands feature dramatic sea caves and sheltered, pristine beaches that can only be reached by kayaks.

Flick photo by Steve Cornish

8. Rock Climbing – Jordan

The eerie desert of Wadi Rum – with its psychedelic rock formations and vast wilderness – provides some of the best terrains for rock-climbing.

There are several routes, with the longest and toughest being the Towering Inferno. Combine a climbing trip in Jordan with a camping trip with the Bedouins – guarantee to lure you deep into the desert’s soul.

Photoblog: Shimmering Bangkok

Nellie Huang — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:59:07 +0000

Bangkok, despite its notorious traffic congestion and noise pollution, is almost like an Asian royalty decked out in subtle shimmer. From its gorgeous golden temples and pagodas, to the intricate craftsmanship of its glittering art and craft, let Alberto bring you on a Photo Tour through Thailand’s Capital of religion, architecture and culinary delights.

Wat Saket ( Temple of the Golden Mount)

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)

Golden Bodyguards of Wat Pho

Stunning Figurines at the Chatukchak Market

Assortment of Thai delicacies – deep-fried insects

Colorful desserts to quench your thirst

A vendor on the street with tribal hats for sale

Check out our gallery of Thailand here.

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Thailand’s Songkran Celebrations muted by Riots

Nellie Huang — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:07:58 +0000

Widespread violence has broken out once again in the Thai capital of Bangkok. Anti-government protesters, loyal to Thaksin Shinawatra, the exiled former prime minister, clashed with armed soldiers and local residents on Monday.

Thai soldiers fired automatic rifles in the air and sprayed tear gas in a bid to end days of mass demonstrations. Two members of neighbourhood watch groups were shot dead. Four soldiers were wounded by gunshot. The rest of the injured suffered from teargas inhalation, bone fractures, and gunshot and shrapnel wounds. – Telegraph.co.uk

Since the government declared a state of emergency on Sunday, the most celebrated festival in Thailand, the Songkran (celebrated from 13 to 15 April), has been a quiet event as many of the official celebrations have been cancelled. The political turmoil has overshadowed the festivity.

As the Bangkok Post states, ‘The tough crackdown on the red shirt protests caused safety concerns city-wide. Most people chose to stay home rather than risk being caught in the turmoil.’

The Songkran Festival, or the Thai new year, is an important event for the devout Buddhists of Thailand as revellers typically throw water over one another in the severe summer heat. People roam the streets with buckets of water, or water guns, turning it into a water fight. The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, capturing the water after it had been poured over the Buddhas for cleansing and then using this "blessed" water to give good fortune.

Unfortunately, the annual celebrations have come to a halt this year. Thailand’s Foreign Office is still advising travellers heading to Thailand to “carefully consider their plans.” It adds that the political situation in Thailand remains “volatile and unpredictable”.

Let’s hope these violence will come to an end soon, and the Land of Smiles can regain its peace once again.

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AirAsia’s new Gimmick: turning Bloggers into Pilots

Nellie Huang — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:47:56 +0000

With several budget airlines appearing in the headlines lately, they are coming up with more new and innovative stunts to pull in the crowd. Now this new one will definitely catch you wide-eyed and salivating!

Malaysia’s top budget airline AirAsia has launched a contest, ‘So You Wanna be a Pilot?’, opened to the public, giving 10 contestants to live their dreams in the sky. As quoted on AirAsia’s online blog, Just blog and be a Pilot. Simple rules right?

All contestants need to do is to send in a blog entry from 1 April 2009 to 15 May 2009 and convince AirAsia why they deserve this opportunity! No experience or training is necessary. Obviously the contestants must meet a set of minimum requirements, as set by the Department of Civil Aviation and AirAsia standards for pilot acceptance.

10 winners will be selected, entitling them to attend the first round of selection for AirAsia’s new pilot intake program and spend a day with a select group of pilots at AirAsia Academy. A place in the pilot training program is not guaranteed, but applicants will have a chance to dig further into the profession and maybe even have a go at computer pilot simulation series. But this is still a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all those who dream of flying in the skies.

These are the criteria of the contest:

Competition is open to all from aged 18 to 28 as at date of submission of entry
Passed SPM (or its equivalent that is recognized by the Malaysian Government) with at least A2 in English and Mathematics and B3 in Physics taken at one sitting. (Those from the Arts stream should have at least an A2 in General Science); or possess a Diploma/Degree in Engineering or Science-related disciplines with CGPA 3.0 and above and at SPM level scored at least a B4 in the subjects mentioned above taken in one sitting.
Good command of English and Bahasa Malaysia both written and spoken.
Must be physically and mentally fit with good eyesight (visual acuity of at least 6/60 without optical aid, correctable to 6/6 and not colour blind. Should be able to successfully pass a medical examination up to a Class 1 standard conducted by a Department of Civil Aviation Authorised Medical Examiner (DAME).
Minimum height of 163 cm (5ft 3in).
Be prepared to sign a training bond with a surety.

Check out more details on AirAsia’s blog here.

Contact blogteam@airasia.com for more details.

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