We thought you guys would like to hear about Mon. He was the first person we met in Nakhon Sawan and has been the highlight of the city. At a spritely 66 years of age he's no spring chicken, but he's definitely a great entertainer. We met him when we first got off the train, he spoke a little English and insisted on hauling everyone who was sitting in his taxi out so he could take us to our hotel!!
He had The Beatles and Elvis Presley playing full blast all the way (which Nat was especially loving!). He dropped us off at our hotel and we thought that was the end of that.
That same afternoon we were abandoned by a tuk tuk driver at the top of a mountain. We had to traverse down the mountain road to get back to the hotel. Guess who happened to drive past up the road, the one and only Mon! He gave us his card and told us to give him a ring when we needed to go somewhere.
So... We gave him a call the next day and he acted as our tour guide, picking us up at about 11.30 am to show us what Nakhon Sawan had to offer. He took us too an aquarium and crocodile farm where we thought he would drop us off, but he used his pensioners card to come round the whole way with us, it was great! The croc farm was closed so he took us somewhere off the beaten track where they keep crocs on a farm so we could see some.
Then he took us to a temple that housed hundreds of monkeys. En route he stopped at a stall where he bought us all a coconut ice drink. It was delicious!! To top it all off, when he took us to the station this morning, he turned up with huge bunch of bananas for our breakfast!
Thanks Mon!
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Tuesday 26 March 2013
The Ancient Cities
Our first of three stops since you last heard from us was Ayutthaya. We weren't sure what to expect and got lost trying to find the hostel. We almost cut our losses until our tuk tuk driver eventually found the place. It was worth the wait, with a really picturesque Japanese water garden and a no shoes policy throughout the guest house, we were off to a great start. The owner was friendly and welcoming, making the hostel feel homely.
We did a bit of wandering around during the first night and eventually hired a scooter. It turned out to be the best way to get around and gave us the opportunity to hop from A to B on our own schedule. The ancient temples and monuments were huge and you could really get a feel for what it must have looked like in its hey day. In the afternoon we drove to the other side of the river to an ancient temple called Wat Chaiwatthanaram, we were recommended it by the hostel as the best place to see the sunset. It really lived up to expectations and we'd recommend going there even if its just a day trip out of Bangkok. It was a phenomenal spectacle!
That night we explored the night market, where there was a large array of food on offer. We had pad-thai and beef noodle soup to share. The pad-thai was made with fish paste and had loads of shrimps, not the safest of choices, but it's hard to order exactly what you want. The whole dish was encased in a outer layer of egg. We didn't eat the suspicious looking balls in the meat soup, but found out that they were only steamed pork balls. The island had a large Muslim community and for dessert you could choose from a great number of sweet pastries; the way in which Thai people make pancakes is great to watch also.
We hopped back on the train, next stop Lopburi. We had high expectations, this was the second ancient capital of the Ayutthaya empire. You can't pre book any hostels in Lopburi so we gambled with the Noom guest house. It was the place with the most going on. The town itself isn't hugely impressive, but is full of monkeys roaming the streets. We decided to go on a tour to a local lake that was stunning. You could hire out wooden platforms to sit on above the beach. To finish the tour off we went and watched thousands of bats leaving the safety of there caves in the mountain side as the sun set. They were accompanied by birds of prey, swooping trying to catch their dinner.
The final part of our stay in Lopburi was spent at a local bar with a Thai rock band playing. It's was an entertaining night, locals were jumping up and dancing, not very well though!
Next stop, Nakhon Sawan (the Heavenly City). We had learnt of this place from a German man we met on the train who recommended it to us. It does not feature in any of the tour guides so we knew very little about it but decided to venture there anyway! On arrival we met a taxi driver called 'Mon' and we found Nakhon Sawan wouldn't have been the same without him. He took us on a tour the second day to the aquarium and crocodile farm. The aquarium is built in the shape of Noah's Arc and cost about a pound to get in. The crocodile farm usually has a show on, which involves a daring man putting his head inside a crocodiles mouth. Unfortunately the crowds weren't substantial enough to put on a show, 'Mon' felt bad so he took us free of charge to see the monkeys.
Wat Kriang Krai Klang is a monastery/school near by, although the only monk we saw was having a crafty fag. There were tonnes of monkeys, as soon as we stepped out the taxi they swarmed it made it their home. It was a great end to a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
We hope you've enjoyed our latest addition to the blog, next stops are Phitsanulok, Sukothai, Lampang and Chiang Mai.
We did a bit of wandering around during the first night and eventually hired a scooter. It turned out to be the best way to get around and gave us the opportunity to hop from A to B on our own schedule. The ancient temples and monuments were huge and you could really get a feel for what it must have looked like in its hey day. In the afternoon we drove to the other side of the river to an ancient temple called Wat Chaiwatthanaram, we were recommended it by the hostel as the best place to see the sunset. It really lived up to expectations and we'd recommend going there even if its just a day trip out of Bangkok. It was a phenomenal spectacle!
That night we explored the night market, where there was a large array of food on offer. We had pad-thai and beef noodle soup to share. The pad-thai was made with fish paste and had loads of shrimps, not the safest of choices, but it's hard to order exactly what you want. The whole dish was encased in a outer layer of egg. We didn't eat the suspicious looking balls in the meat soup, but found out that they were only steamed pork balls. The island had a large Muslim community and for dessert you could choose from a great number of sweet pastries; the way in which Thai people make pancakes is great to watch also.
We hopped back on the train, next stop Lopburi. We had high expectations, this was the second ancient capital of the Ayutthaya empire. You can't pre book any hostels in Lopburi so we gambled with the Noom guest house. It was the place with the most going on. The town itself isn't hugely impressive, but is full of monkeys roaming the streets. We decided to go on a tour to a local lake that was stunning. You could hire out wooden platforms to sit on above the beach. To finish the tour off we went and watched thousands of bats leaving the safety of there caves in the mountain side as the sun set. They were accompanied by birds of prey, swooping trying to catch their dinner.
The final part of our stay in Lopburi was spent at a local bar with a Thai rock band playing. It's was an entertaining night, locals were jumping up and dancing, not very well though!
Next stop, Nakhon Sawan (the Heavenly City). We had learnt of this place from a German man we met on the train who recommended it to us. It does not feature in any of the tour guides so we knew very little about it but decided to venture there anyway! On arrival we met a taxi driver called 'Mon' and we found Nakhon Sawan wouldn't have been the same without him. He took us on a tour the second day to the aquarium and crocodile farm. The aquarium is built in the shape of Noah's Arc and cost about a pound to get in. The crocodile farm usually has a show on, which involves a daring man putting his head inside a crocodiles mouth. Unfortunately the crowds weren't substantial enough to put on a show, 'Mon' felt bad so he took us free of charge to see the monkeys.
Wat Kriang Krai Klang is a monastery/school near by, although the only monk we saw was having a crafty fag. There were tonnes of monkeys, as soon as we stepped out the taxi they swarmed it made it their home. It was a great end to a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
We hope you've enjoyed our latest addition to the blog, next stops are Phitsanulok, Sukothai, Lampang and Chiang Mai.
Saturday 23 March 2013
First Stop Bangkok
We've now been in Thailand's capital for a night and a day. The hustle and bustle of London is of no comparison to Bangkok, hundreds of people everywhere 24/7, street vendors, beggars and tuk tuks. We've learnt to cross roads in the Thai fashion (walk out and don't stop!!).
We are staying in a small B & B, basic but good value for money. The Tuptim is on Rambuttri Road a slightly more understated version of Khao San Road but by no means quiet! Everyone is friendly and welcoming which we have found is a Thai trait.
On the first full day we visited the Grand Palace (Bangkok's Vatican equivalent!). It was a soaringly hot day and to respect the Buddhist culture we had to wear trousers and have our shoulders well covered, which resulted in both of us almost over-heating! It was well worth it though as the palace is beautiful and lavishly decorated; buildings made from gold and jewels made it a spectacular sight.
From a green and gold Buddha statue, the next stop of the day was the floating market. A must see! There is some great tut on offer, but the gem of the afternoon was a waterside restaurant (if you can call it that?!); crispy pork in spicy fried rice, mouthwatering and for just 90p! We have had some tasty food so far, with some more time in Bangkok I'm sure we could find some really great local places to eat, but as of tomorrow we will be starting our journey North.
The best way to go from A to B is by far the river taxi service that runs up and down the Mae Nam Chao Phraya. We sat next to the captain/driver who was possibly the most relaxed cool dude in the world. He didn't even look over his shoulder to berth when he was sitting 30 odd metres away from the point of embarkation (shame he was a Liverpool fan!).
China Town was, urrmmmmm, interesting. Dump galore. Best bit was Lottie finding a massive lizard! I don't think that there is anywhere in the world so ram packed full of stalls and shops. Although, unlike the more tourist areas (such as Khao San and Rambuttri) the keepers don't really pester you but go about their own business.
Our next stop is Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. We get the train tomorrow at 11.20, where we will be chilling with locals in 3rd class for a insubstantial 30p! See ya soon, our next update will come shortly! Xxx
We are staying in a small B & B, basic but good value for money. The Tuptim is on Rambuttri Road a slightly more understated version of Khao San Road but by no means quiet! Everyone is friendly and welcoming which we have found is a Thai trait.
On the first full day we visited the Grand Palace (Bangkok's Vatican equivalent!). It was a soaringly hot day and to respect the Buddhist culture we had to wear trousers and have our shoulders well covered, which resulted in both of us almost over-heating! It was well worth it though as the palace is beautiful and lavishly decorated; buildings made from gold and jewels made it a spectacular sight.
From a green and gold Buddha statue, the next stop of the day was the floating market. A must see! There is some great tut on offer, but the gem of the afternoon was a waterside restaurant (if you can call it that?!); crispy pork in spicy fried rice, mouthwatering and for just 90p! We have had some tasty food so far, with some more time in Bangkok I'm sure we could find some really great local places to eat, but as of tomorrow we will be starting our journey North.
The best way to go from A to B is by far the river taxi service that runs up and down the Mae Nam Chao Phraya. We sat next to the captain/driver who was possibly the most relaxed cool dude in the world. He didn't even look over his shoulder to berth when he was sitting 30 odd metres away from the point of embarkation (shame he was a Liverpool fan!).
China Town was, urrmmmmm, interesting. Dump galore. Best bit was Lottie finding a massive lizard! I don't think that there is anywhere in the world so ram packed full of stalls and shops. Although, unlike the more tourist areas (such as Khao San and Rambuttri) the keepers don't really pester you but go about their own business.
Our next stop is Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. We get the train tomorrow at 11.20, where we will be chilling with locals in 3rd class for a insubstantial 30p! See ya soon, our next update will come shortly! Xxx
Monday 11 March 2013
On your marks, get set, go!
This adventure will start when we land in Bangkok on March 21st. We are then planning to travel in a clockwise direction exploring Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The journey may include Myanmar as the government are now allowing access to foreigners since 2010. With mixed reviews, we are still undecided and will have to make up our minds during the Southeast Asia stint.
We are currently in the final preparations, buying the essential 'bits and bobs' a backpacker needs to explore Asia, New Zealand and Oz. Lots and I are itching to get out there as the date of departure is getting tantalisingly closer. We will keep you updated with posts and pictures throughout the trip.
All that is left to say is goodbye, enjoy the summer and bring on Bangkok!
We are currently in the final preparations, buying the essential 'bits and bobs' a backpacker needs to explore Asia, New Zealand and Oz. Lots and I are itching to get out there as the date of departure is getting tantalisingly closer. We will keep you updated with posts and pictures throughout the trip.
All that is left to say is goodbye, enjoy the summer and bring on Bangkok!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)