Travel Reports & Pictures

Travel, Holiday and Vacation Reviews and Photos from Bars, Restaurants, Hotels, Resorts and Destinations around the World.

Thailand

Thailand, this country in South East Asia has for everyone the right destination. At north vales and mountains with evergreen Forrest dominate the landscapes.  North Thailand is the right choice for culture and temple fans. Many tourists come for rafting, hiking or to see the minorities near the golden triangle. My travel favorites in this region in Thailand are Pai, Phrae and Chiang Mai with great waterfalls at the Doi Inthanon national park.
The north east of Thailand as well knowed as Isaan offer traditional country life and beautiful landscapes with neon green rice fields. The right choice for culture tourists, traveler and honeymooner in Asia.

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Bangkok Thailand

In central Thailand are many holiday and honeymoon destinations which are interested in old temple architecture. My favorite historical temple cities here in this part of Thailand are Sukhothai and Ayuttaya. As well many nature tourists and traveler come to central Thailand to visit the wild national parks like the Khao Yai or the Kanchanaburi province with nice hillsides and the river Kwai. Bangkok, the capital, is a good intersection for backpacker and tourist on an Asia round trip.
The Gulf of Thailand have some great tropical islands for beach life fans and Thailand beach holidays who like to hang around in a cozy beach hut direct on a paradise beach. Koh Chang, Ko Samui, Koh Tao or Ko Pha-Ngan is the top destinations for traveler and people who like beach holiday. Pattaya is the party and luxury resort center of this great country in SE Asia.
The south has many beaches and holiday areas at long the Andaman coast. My favorites are Koh Phi Phi which belongs to the Krabi province and Phuket, the party and tourist area in south Thailand. But wherever you go, you will find everywhere friendly and hospitable people. The prices for a cheap Guest House are about 100-250 Thai Baht and can reach up to 15000 or more for a five star luxury resort. In Thailand you have the choice! Here are travel reports of some destinations from my travel tours through Thailand in Southeast Asia:
North Thailand & Isaan:
Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Pai, Lamphun, Ban Nai Soi, Nong Han (Udon Thani), Phrae, Chiang Khong, Chiang Dao.
Central Thailand:
Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Ayuthaya, Bangkok.
The Gulf:
Trat, Mairood, Koh Maak, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Chang.
South Thailand:
Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Sichon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Patong Beach, Phuket Town, Chumphon, Phang Nga, Ranong.
Other Reports and Pictures of Thailand:
Padi Scuba Diving Courses, Diving on Koh Chang, Songkran Festival, Pictures of Wildlife, Travel Tour South and Central, Travel Trip to the north, Pictures of Temple’s.

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Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai

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Thailand’s highest mountain is a great alternation to temples and markets in Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai city you can take the public bus from pratu Chiang Mai to Chom Thong. From Chom Tong it’s easy to reach the Doi In by Sawngthaew. If you want to have it a bit easier than you can book a daytrip tour from CM town. Another option is traveling by car; the Doi In is about 80 km away from CM. Many tour operators drive to the most beautiful spots of the Doi Inthanon National Park in northern Thailand. The most magnificent sights are the 2509 meter high apex of the mountain, the Great Holy Relics Pagoda of Nabhamethanidol – Nabhapolbhumisiri, Karen and Hmog hill tribe villages, Doi Inthanon Royal Project and great waterfalls.

The highest Mountain in Thailand:
The highest spot in Thailand is very famous for the beautiful nature. About 400 bird species, moss, orchids and many rare animals like Gibbon Monkeys and Asian black bears are at home at the apex of the Doi In in Chiangmai. On the apex there is a visitor center and a coffee shop where you can rewarm yourself. If you come here than it’s recommended to bring a jacked or a warm pullover, the temperatures here at Doi Inthanon are around 10 degrees Celsius.

Wachirathan Waterfall

Wachirathan Waterfall

Waterfalls at Doi Inthanon:
The most visited waterfalls at Doi Inthanon are Wachirathan Waterfall, Nam Tok Mae Pan, Siriphurn Waterfall and the Nam Tok Mae Ya which is with 280 meters the highest in this 482 quadrate kilometer big national park in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province. My favorites are the Mae Ya and the Wachiratan which exhibit some shops for fresh coffee and other beverages.

The Great Holy Relics Pagoda of Nabhamethanidol – Nabhapolbhumisiri:

This spot was one of our highlights at Doi Inthanon National Park. The Royal Thai Air Force constructed the beautiful stupa to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej in December 1987. 5 years later the Royal Air Force builds the Phra Mahathat Naphapholphumisiri to honor HM Queen Sirikit’s 60th birthday in 1992. At the Great Holy Relics Pagoda are beautiful flower gardens which are really worthwhile to visit. The small restaurant invites tourists for food, drinks and to buy souvenirs. This place becomes very beautiful when the fog lying over this spot on the Doi Inthanon near Chiang Mai.

The Garden at The Great Holy Relics Pagoda

The Garden at The Great Holy Relics Pagoda

Karen villages:
Many day trips stop at one of the hill tribe villages of the Doi Inthanon, here you can watch the all day life of the Karen and buy some handmade souvenirs. For us it was not that interesting because we were already at a Karen village at Ban Nai Soi near Mae Hongson. But still, it’s a nice destination for all who want to see the traditional life of Karen minorities here in the northern Thailand.

Doi Inthanon National Park is a great trip for all Nature fans in northern Thailand. The tour prices are about 1000 to 1500 Thai Baht including lunch and drinks. For us it is one of Chiang Mais main attractions and a worthwhile trip for all tourists in Chiangmai in the North of Thailand.

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Royal Theatre in Luang Prabang

Cultural Performance in Luang Prabang

Cultural Performance in Luang Prabang

If you want to see Lao Cultural performances than is the Royal Theatre in Luang Prabang a worthwhile destination on your Laos trip. Three times per week are a show of traditional Asian Dance with included the famous fingernail dance here at the Theater next to the national museum in LP in north Laos. The Baasii ceremony is for many tourists a highlight of their holiday in South East Asia. Traditional Folk by a live band emphasize the palak palam show here in Luang Prabang at the Royal Theater. The beautiful costumes of the actors fit to the performance of the Asian Saga. We saw a nice show and the admission fee of 8 to 20 USD is worthwhile. I can recommend a visit at the Theatre in Luang Prabang for all tourists who like to learn sth. about the culture of Laos and for all who want to have a bit variety of temples and Mekong landscapes.

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Chiang Dao in north Thailand’s Chiangmai province

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Landscapes near Chiang Dao

Landscapes near Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province is a small village which is very famous for the holy caves “Tham Chiang Dao”. Many day visitors and traveler come from Chiang Mai to see the long cave system with many holy Buddha images here in north Thailand. On the entry of the Chiang Dao cave are many shops with food, drinks and herbals. The entry fee was in 2009 20 which is used for electricity for the caves. Some caves like the Thum Pranon have lights so you can walk easily through the old and mystic paths. If you are lucky you can see some bats. For other caves you will need a guide with a gas lamp. The guides here in Chiang Dao know the history and speak good English; the price was 100 Thai Baht for a cave conduct.

Chiang Dao Caves

Chiang Dao Caves

On the way to the main attraction here in this town which is about 80 km away from Chiang Mai you can visit many nice Buddhist temples which invite you for meditations and to make some great holiday pictures of your travel trip through northern Thailand. Accommodation is widespread here in Chiang Doa, direct in town are many guest houses. We slept at Rim Doi Resort a bit out of the city which had clean rooms for a good backpacker price of 350 Baht per night. If you stay longer and want to explore the environment around Chiang Dao in north Thailand than are the Pha Dang National Park and the beautiful Wat Pla That Doi Mornjing nice options for pleasant day trips. The best way to come around is by car or motorbike. You will enjoy the landscapes and the charm of Asia in this non touristic and travel area in Thailand.

A mystic lake in front of the caves at Chiang Dao

A mystic lake in front of the caves at Chiang Dao

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Doi Suthep/Doi Pui Mountains in Chiang Mai

The campground on the apex of the Mountain

The campground on the apex of the Mountain

The national Park of the Doi Suthep and the Pui Mountain is home of about 300 bird species, many flowers and many tourists’ attractions which are easy to reach from Chiang Mai in north Thailand. The most visited places here are the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple, the Phra Tamnak Phu Phing Palace of the Royal Family and the Monthathan Waterfall. The apex of the Suthep Mountain is 1676 meter high. On the 1688 meter high apex of the Doi Pui in Chiang Mai is a great place for picnic, rest or camping. You reach the campground of the Doi Pui if you follow the street at long the winter Palace to the Hmog hill tribe’s villages here in northern Thailand. On the way to the top you will recognize many beautiful temples, waterfalls and viewpoints which are a bit quieter than the main sights of this area. Another attraction of the Doi Suthep area is the Zoo of Chiangmai which you can find on the foot of the hill. Nearly every sight is easy to arrive by songteaw Taxi, Car and motorbike. Racy tourists and traveler can rent a Mountain bike in Chiang Mai and can climb the top by bike. For me are the Doi Suthep and the Doi Pui Mountains one of the highlights of northern Thailand. It is a nice possibility to flee from the pollution in central CM and come close with the nature of South East Asia.

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Phrae in North Thailand

Phae Meuang Phi National Park

Phae Meuang Phi National Park

The Phrae province in the north of Thailand is one of the less visited provinces in the Kingdom. Just some traveler, backpacker and culture tourists come here to watch the beautiful Asian temple and the Phae Meuang Phi, which is one of the landmarks of Phrae in Thailand. The oldest temple is the Wat Luang from the 12th century. My favorite temple of the Phrae province was the Wat Phra Suthon Mongkon Kiri. You will recognize this great holy place because of the huge reclining Buddha image witch you can see from the highway to Phrae.

Wat Phra Suthon Mongkon Kiri Temple

Wat Phra Suthon Mongkon Kiri Temple

The Phra Suthon Mongkon Kiri temple is a nice daytrip with by motorbike if you stay here some days. Another nice destination for temple fans is the Wat Phra That Cho Hae temple about 10 km out of town which is famous for the Phra Jao Than Jai Buddha. But our highlight on this travel trip to Phrae was the Phae Meuang Phi national park with his pillars of earth and stone which look like huge mushrooms. The Meuang Pi park is easy to reach by taxi, if you want to save money you can go as well with the bus from the bus terminal at the center. Some view points and rest stations invite for a picnic. Inside the town are some possibilities to stay. Thip Vong Place, Paradorn Hotel, Maeyom Palace Hotel and Nakhon Phrae Tower are just some of the accommodation options here in this city in north Thailand. We sleep at a friend in a wooden house a bit out from the historical moat near the market. Prae is a great destination for all people who like temples and beautiful landscapes and a nice travel stop for backpackers on their way through SE Asia. From here you can easy travel to: Lamphun, Chiang Mai, Laos… Have fun and enjoy your backpack tour!

A Buddha @ Phra That Cho Hae temple

A Buddha @ Phra That Cho Hae temple

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Wat Phra Singh Temple, Chiang Mai

Wat Phrasingh, Chiang Mai

Wat Phrasingh, Chiang Mai

The Wat Phra Singh temple was building in 1345 and is one of Chiang Mai’s most visited temples. This temple housed the most important Buddha statue of Chiang Mai, the Phra Singh Buddha. Many tourists walk to this beautiful and historical Wat in CM in Thailand.

A big Buddha in Chiangmai

A big Buddha in Chiangmai

The holy stupa of Wat Phra Singh in Chiangmai, north Thailand is build in Lanna style. The small chapel next to the stupa implies some great wall paintings. Some paintings here at Wat Phra Singh are from 1870. The scene on the south wall shows the famous Thai saga of the golden swan. Many believer, tourists and backpacker come to see and render homage to the big Buddha in the main hall of the Phrasing Temple. For me the Wat Phra Singh is one of the most superb temples in old Chiangmai in north Thailand. A visit here is a worthwhile excursion for all people who are interested in religious buildings. Please show off your shoes and don’t wear “beach clothes” if you come here, for many people it’s a holy place and not a tourist attraction!

Temple in Chiang Mai

Temple in Chiang Mai

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Travel Trip from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang over the Mekong River

The Mekong in Asia

The Mekong in Asia

In September 2009 my wife and me was traveling from Chiang Mai in Thailand to Luang Prabang in Laos PDR. The minivan picked us at our guest house in CM up and brings us over Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong in north Thailand where we slept one night at the Namkhong guest house near the Mekong River. On the next day we took a ferry to Huay Xai to get our Visa for Laos, after some hours here in this cozy village our slow boat starts for the first day of our Mekong trip.

A boat in Laos.

A boat in Laos.

It was six hours on small wooden banks to Pak Beng in north Laos. Here we took a walk in the evening through this small town direct on the Mekong bank in north Laos. After one night at the Phetsokxai Hotel we took the second travel part: 7,5 hours from Pak Beng to Luang Prabang. On this day we just checked in the Vanechalearn Hostel and took dinner in a nice restaurant on the Mekong before we went to bed. Our Lonely Planet travel guide for Laos did a good job on this trip. The last days we spent in LP to explore this UNESCO listed city.

A street in north Laos

A street in north Laos

We visited many temples and markets but our highlight was for sure the Tat Kuang Si waterfalls about 32 km out of LP town. From Luang Prabang we took a plane of Lao Airlines back to Chiang Mai in north Thailand. It was a good travel trip, especially the tour over the huge Mekong River. I really can recommend to do this if you have time on your backpack trip through South East Asia.

Landscapes around Luang Prabang.

Landscapes around Luang Prabang.

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Pak Beng in north Laos PDR

Landscapes at Pak Beng on Mekong River.

Landscapes at Pak Beng on Mekong River.

Pak Beng is a small city in the Udomxai province of Laos PDR. This village is on the half way from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. Many tourists come for one night for a break of their Mekong river tour from Thailand to LP in north Laos PDR. The most hotels and guest houses here in Pak Beng are on the bank of the Mekong. We slept at the Phetsokxai Hotel near the boot landing. At this idyllic place in Laos you can see the traditional life of the locals. Many peoples of Pak Beng are fishermen. It’s the right travel destination in South East Asia for all backpacker who want to see some quiet places on their travel tour. Here you can relax and feel the spirit of the Mekong River in the heart of this great country. For more travel tips about PB take a look in your SE Asia travel guide. If you want to read new reports of this travel block, look here.

Locals @ Pak Beng

Locals @ Pak Beng

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Lao Airlines, Laos PDR

A plane of Lao Airlines in Luang Prabang

A plane of Lao Airlines in Luang Prabang

The Lao airlines operates nearly every airport in Laos PDR with domestic and international flights to many destinations in Southeast Asia. We flown from Luang Prabang in Laos to Chiang Mai in september 2009 with Lao Airline. The fee was about 100 USD. On board of the plane was enough space between the seat rows. The board service was friendly and helpful. The food was fresh and totally enough for a flight of 50 minutes, the service employees came two times for serve drinks. I will choose Lao Airline again for flights to Laos PDR. We enjoyed the traveling with this small but nice airline.

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