Bangkok Legacies blog

Torridon Mountains across Loch Sheildaig - North West Scotland

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:03:40 GMT

We were on a long camper-van journey up the North West coast of Scotland. Having left the remote and beautiful hamlet of Applecross after a hearty breakfast,

Merit making at nine temples in Bangkok

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:19:22 GMT

30 April 12 - Merit making on a special day gave me a chance to follow a friend to visit nine temples in Bangkok with long and interesting histories and to get an insight into Thai Buddhism, culture and practice.

These nine temples were visited within one day.

Merit making at nine temples

Come with us on this merit making journey to see nine temples and find out about their interesting histories.

Update: Getting to the Santa Cruz Church

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:26:36 GMT

29 April 12 - If you are visiting the Santa Cruz Church, please note that the ferry doesn’t stop at the church anymore. The Santa Cruz pier has been dismantled.

The ferry from Pak Klong Talat goes directly to the Wat Kalayanamit pier. From there take a walk to the Santa Cruz Church. It’s about 100m.

You’ll pass the Kuan Yin Shrine along the way. This old shrine is definitely worth visiting. Please see getting to the Kuan Yin Shrine.

The fare for the ferry crossing from Pak Klong Talat pier to Wat Kalayanamit is now 3.5 baht (from 3 baht before) per single trip. You pay your fare as you leave Pak Klong Talat and when you return.

Bangkok Travelbug May 2012 Prasat Pueai Noi – Khon Kaen's Khmer sanctuary

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:52:39 GMT

28 April 12

Welcome back to the Bangkok Travelbug. This is the last in the series of four articles on Khon Kaen and we visit some very old ruins that are almost a thousand years old.

Join us as we take a historical trip to view some of the legacies of Angkor Empire in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Prasat Pueai Noi

Find out more about Prasat Pueai Noi – the Khmer sanctuary in Khon Kaen in the May 12 issue of Bangkok Travelbug.

Read what other subscribers have said about us

Next month, we will explore Samut Songkhram province that’s just 80 km south of Bangkok. Don’t miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

A Sunday in Nonthaburi

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:48:18 GMT

24 April 12 - Last Sunday, I had a chance to go to Nonthaburia nd revisit one of my favourite places, the Sai Noi floating market. The market has expanded and so have the crowds. Still the food was tasty and inexpensive and there were lots of souvenirs available on sale.

Take a look at revisiting Sai Noi floating market for an update of the changes.

Sai Noi floating market

The next stop was a majestic Chinese temple that looked straight out from the pages of a Chinese classic. The temple, Wat Borom Rachakanchanapisek Anusorn, was built by 63 Chinese families to commemorate the 50th anniversary of H M the King’s reign.

All the material that went into constructing this massive complex of temples was imported from Chinese. Of course the architecture is distinctly Chinese.

Let’s take a virtual tour of this temple.

The grand entrance

This room has an elorate ceiling and hundreds of Buddha images embedded on the walls

What caught my eye was this thousand-hand Kuan Im image carved from wood.

Thousand hand Bodhisattva Kuan Im

Wat Borom Rachakanchanapisek Anusorn is located in Bang Kruai-Sai Noi Road, Amphur Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi.

Update: Hotels along the BRT route

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:42:00 GMT

21 April 12 - Not many visitors to Bangkok use the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) that runs from Sathorn to Ratchaphruek, a stretch that is completely off the tourist belt.

They should venture into this area as there are several hotels along the BRT route to meet various customer needs and budgets.

The advantage of the BRT is that its terminal station Sathorn is linked to the Chong Nonsi skytrain station which in turn links to the Phaya Thai skytrain and ariport rail link stations.

Travellers will have interconnections from the airport to their hotels and from the hotels to the various places of interest. They also get the opportunity of living in residential areas in Bangkok that are non-touristy.

Please see the permalink for the details of these hotels and the BRT.

Update: Hotels in Sathon

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:59:09 GMT

19 April 12 - Joining the league of five-star hotels in Sathon, the Sofitel So Bangkok towers over the Wireless intersection at the start of Sathon Road. A local bank has even set up an office on one of the floors to service high net worth clients.

However not all hotels in Sathon are in the five-star category. There are many other less expensive and even budget hotels in the area especially near the Lumphini subway station and the Surasak skytrain station around the Soi St Louis area.

Suan Plu

Sriwattana Apartments

Sala Daeng skytrain station

Baan Saladaeng Boutique Guesthouse Cordia Residence The Inn Saladaeng

St Louis area/Surasak skytrain station

Eastin Grand Sathorn Marvin Suites Sathorn Saint View Serviced Apartment

Lumphini subway station

Baan Sabai Rama IV Hotel Etzzz Hostel Malaysia Hotel

Penguin House Sala Thai Daily Mansion

Vincent S Restaurant the 7 Rooms Hotel

For the rest of the hotels in Sathon, please see the permalink.

Update: Hotels in Silom

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:21:18 GMT

17 April 12 - The first noticeable change in the hotels in Silom is that Sofitel Silom has changed its name to Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

Sofitel and Pullman are part of the Accor a hospitality group from France. Accor has different brands of hotels catering to different market segments and customers’ tastes ranging from luxury, upscale, midscale and economy.

These brands are Sofitel, Pullman, McGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, and All Seasons. There are five more brands but these don’t have a presence in Thailand as yet.

There twelve new hotels in Silom grouped in their locations. Just click on the location link for the rest of the hotels.

Sala Daeng skytrain station

HQ Hostel

Lido Millennium Hotel

Nantra Silom Hotel

Surawongse Road

The Bavana Hotel

Decho intersection

China Guest Inn

Silom Art Hostel

Sri Mariaman Temple

Silom Village Inn

Chong Nonsi skytrain station

Café Ice Residences

Quad Suites Serviced Residence

YHA Bangkok Downtown

Mahesak intersection

Golden House Silom

Saphaipae Hostel

For the rest of the hotels in Silom, please see the permalink.

Update: Hotels in Ratchadaphisek

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:10:43 GMT

16 April 12 - We continue with our hotel updates in the Ratchadaphisek area. There are 15 new hotels added to the list of hotels in Ratchadaphisek. Here they are grouped around the nearest subway station.

Petchaburi

Unico Premier Metrolink

Phra Ram 9

Praso Ratchada Private Residence Royal Pacific Tanatawey Places

Thailand Cultural Centre

Prom Ratchada Residence and Spa Sitara Place

Huay Kwang

For You Service Apartment Galleria Subway Hotel

Suttisan

13 Coins Tower Ratchada Hotel Discovery Lodge L A Tower Hotel

Ratchada 17 Place Vacio Guesthouse BKK Watana Mansion

Ratchadaphisek

Lelert Apartment

For more please see the permalink.

Mirpur,Dhaka,Bangladesh

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:15:44 GMT

This photo of mine makes me realize that the Thunder God himself has appeared and enlightened the whole sky. Everytime I look into this picture, I feel

Sawadee Songkran 2555 (2012)

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 01:26:21 GMT

12 April 12 - We would like to wish all our friends and readers of Tour Bangkok Legacies Sawadee Songkran 2012, the traditional Thai New Year.

Let us share with you some Songkran scenes in Bangkok, not scenes of water splashing but that of the flowers of Songkran, "dork khun". These yellow flowers start to appear in late March and are in full bloom in April just around Songkran.

They are in abundance in north-east Thailand at this time. Khon Kaen even has a Dork Khun Festival during Songkran.

Songkran is also a time when Thais visit their elders to pay respect and to receive blessings from their elders.

We wish everyone a happy and enjoyable time during the holiday season from 13 – 16 April 2012. If you are travelling, have a safe journey.

To have an idea of the history and traditions of Songkran and how the festival is celebrated in various parts of Thailand, please see this colourful and informative video produced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Have a good year ahead blessed with happiness and good health!

Please answer my prayer

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:24:12 GMT

I'm a medium, one night I prayed to the four-faced Buddha and asked why my fortune is bad these last few years. He heard my prayer this time. Several years

Hello from Norway

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:33:18 GMT

Hello! I love Thailand. Torbjørn Pederse

Update – Bangkok Airport Hotels

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:17:14 GMT

5 April 12 - We have just completed the update of the Bangkok Airport hotels. After the hotels in Sukhumvit, the airport area has the highest number of hotels.

Here they are divided into nine areas including Don Mueang. Just click on the link to view the hotels.

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bang Na

King Kaeo

Lat Krabang

Pattanakarn

Rama 9

Ramkhamhaeng

Srinakarin

Don Mueang Airport

For travelers who prefer to use the Bangkok Airport Link we have included the hotels near the airport link stations.

Four-faced Buddha
prayers not answered

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:32:36 GMT

I made my sincere prayer and wish for help. And even made a promise once my prayer has been answered. Apparently the four-faced Buddha did not answer/does

Hotels in Sukhumvit – another update

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 03:53:53 GMT

4 April 12 - I missed out these hotels at the last two stations of the Sukhumvit line as I was under the impression there weren’t any. This is because these hotels are classified under Bangkok Airport hotels.

Not only are they near Suvanabhumi Airport but they are also near skytrain stations which give quick access to and from the city centre. Here are the hotels grouped under the nearest skytrain station.

Bang Na

13 Coins Resort Bangna Avana Hotel Brighton Bangkok Suites

HTel Resort La Salle Suite Thomson Residence Hotel

Bearing

189 Resort The Monmanee Hotel Suvarnabhumi Tepp Serviced Apartment

So if you like to be far away from the busy tourist areas and still have easy access to public transport, these hotels could be just the place for you. Avoid taking the skytrain during the morning and evening peak hours.

Khon Kaen's Silk Route

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:03:45 GMT

Thanks for the insightful story about the silk industry in Khon Kaen. I always thought that in this day and age, silk would have been processed in a modern

Bangkok Travelbug April 2012 Amphur Chonnabot – mudmee Thai silk

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:01:07 GMT

30 March 12 - This month we visit a district in Khon Kaen province that’s famous for its special brand of Thai silk, the "mudmee" Thai silk of north-eastern Thailand.

We will get a chance to see the entire process of dying, re-reeling the raw silk, weaving the coloured threads into beautiful silk fabrics that are finally displayed in retail stores in the district.

In the process it becomes clear why the silk is called "mudmee".

Find out more about Amphur Chonnabot – mudmee Thai silk in the April 12 issue of Bangkok Travelbug.

Read what other subscribers have said about us

Next month, we visit Prasat Pueay Noi - Khon Kaen’s Khmer sanctuary. Don’t miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Update: Hotels in Sukhumvit

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:48:12 GMT

28 March 12 - There are 48 more new hotels added to the hotels in Sukhumvit. This brings the number of hotels to 261. Most of them are concentrated in the busy Nana, Asoke and Phrom Phong areas.

However more hotels are coming up further away from these busy touristy areas. Here is the distribution of these 48 hotels according to their proximity to the nearest skytrain station.

Nana (17)

Asoke (6)

Phrom Phong (8)

Thong Lor (4)

Ekamai (4)

Phra Khanong (2)

On Nut (5)

Bang Chak (1)

Punnawithi (1)

With the extension of the skytrain line from On Nut to Bearing, hotels are also sprung up in Bang Chak and Punnawithi. These areas though further away are less touristy and provide a more local flavor.

We can expect more hotels in the coming months along the skytrain line near the newer stations.

For more details, please see the permalink.

Pray for my true love

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:15:36 GMT

Today is March 28 and I prayed to the four-faced Buddha in February during a trip to Bangkok. I prayed for a boy friend that is my true love to appear

Update: Hotels in Siam

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:27:59 GMT

20 March 12 - We continue with our hotel updates with the hotels in Siam. The nine new additions are grouped according to the nearest skytrain station and/or major junction.

National Stadium

Holiday Inn Express Siam Hotel The Lit Bangkok Hotel

The Station Guesthouse

Siam Interchange

Kempinski Residences Siam

Ratchaprasong/Chitlom

Golden House Royal Maneeya Residence

Ploenchit

Far East Inn Moonite Boutique Hotel

Okura Prestige Hotel Oriental Residence

Please see permalink for the rest of the hotels in Siam.

Update: Hotels in Pratunam

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 11:57:26 GMT

18 March 12 - Eight more new hotels have been added to the list of hotels in Pratunam. These hotels are grouped around the Pratunam junction and near the Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link station.

Pratunam junction

Blutique Hotel Ideal Hotel Pratunam

Novotel Bangkok Platinum Hotel Prince House

Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link station

Boutique Hotel Cozy Villa Hotel

Europa Inn Grand Alpine Hotel

For the rest of the hotels in Pratunam, please see the permalink.

Bangkok hotel deals – on the other side of Bangkok

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 06:03:01 GMT

12 March 12 - Bangkok hotel deals provide a list of boutique, budget and cheap hotels on the Thonburi side of Bangkok which is relatively non-touristy, very green in some places and with several historical sites.

This hotel and travel guide gives the historical background to some of the places where the hotels are located in areas that are out of the usual tourist belt.

Places of cultural and historical interest are highlighted, so are green and natural areas and public transport where applicable.

Ireland

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 03:56:58 GMT

A great site. Really looking forward to seeing some of the lesser known sites in my next visit to Bangkok

Hi from Singapore

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:26:55 GMT

I find the information extremely useful as it introduces me to a view of Thailand that I never saw or knew about. I love traveling to Thailand but going

Update – Bangkok budget hotels

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:23:38 GMT

7 March 12 - We are in the process of updating the Bangkok budget hotels starting with the two areas that have the bulk of these cheap hotels, Chatuchak and Khaosan.

Here are the new hotels added to the list of budget hotels in these two areas.

Chatuchak

Chew House Kaset Guesthouse Pannapat Place

Poonchok Mansion Ratcha 17 Palace

Ratchavipa Residence Ravipha Residence

Khaosan

Amarin Inn Center Point Plaza Hotel Dang Derm Hotel

Erawan House Green House Hostel Hello Hostel

Hi Baan Thewet Khaosan Holiday Guesthouse

Lucky House Marco Polo Hostel Nappark Hostel

Penpark Place Sawadee House Sivarin Guest House

Taewez Guest House Tubtim Bed & Breakfast Wild Orchid Villa

If you have experienced a Bangkok budget hotel that’s really good value for money, tell us about it at the Bangkok budget hotel review.

Thank you Lord Brahma

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:40:40 GMT

I went to the Erawan Shrine back in 2009 asking for the return of my ex. I did a vow like many others. Within three days my prayers came true. The next

Treasures of Nonthaburi

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:19:30 GMT

6 March 12 - Nonthaburi province is just north of Bangkok. Except for Ko Kred, it doesn’t get very many visitors, even though the province is as old as Ayutthaya.

It’s home to a rich mix of ethnic groups some of whom have lived there for centuries which has resulted in a rich mix of culture and art.

We have consolidated four articles on Nonthaburi for your reading pleasure and convenience.

Treasures of Nonthaburi which features a tour of the cultural and artistic attractions in the province.

Museum of Nonthaburi which preserves the history, arts and craft in the province.

Ko Kred the island in the Chao Phraya River famous for its pottery.

Sai Noi floating market a very local and non-touristy weekend market that’s a little known treasure of the province.

Visit these places and explore the treasures of Nonthaburi. Here’s an updated list of the hotels in Nonthaburi

13 Coins Tiwanon Impact Arena Buddy Oriental Riverside Pakkred Hotel

Grand Rawadee Luxor Hotel Novotel Bangkok Impact Hotel

Pretty Resort & Spa Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel

TUB Mansion

Taling Chan floating market
not to be missed!

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 03:25:29 GMT

Eric, you have narrated it so well! It was like going down memory lane again! Taling Chan certainly is an experience. It is a must visit on the itinerary.

Look forward to the Travelbug

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 03:50:11 GMT

I really look forward to the Bangkok Travelbug for the monthly dose of literary delight penned by an eagle-eyed and meticulous writer. The prose in

Hello from Singapore.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:27:02 GMT

A very informative and illuminating article model royal barge builder. Little did I realise that the models are not just a labour of professionalism,

Model royal barge builder – exquisite Thai craftsmanship

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:05:05 GMT

27 February 12 - The model royal barge builder specialises in making Suphannahongse royal barges, the Thai Royal Barge, with painstaking skill and fine detail producing works of art that are fit for kings.

Acharn Paisal Nettasut has been practicing this handicraft for almost 50 years and here is a sample of his craftsmanship.

He can turn blocks of wood from this.

To this…….

Model of the Suphannahongse Royal Barge

Please see the permalink for more.

Bangkok Travelbug March 2012 Khon Kaen City attractions

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 03:09:45 GMT

26 February 12

Last month we had an overview of the history, art and culture of the Issarn, the north-eastern region of Thailand. We continue with our visits to Issarn with a feature on some of the attractions in Khon Kaen City.

Khon Kaen, which is about 460 km from Bangkok, is a medium sized city with a population of about 150,000. It’s pleasant, relatively uncongested with all the modern facilities a visitor would require.

Bueng Khon Nakhon – the first settlers to Khon Kaen came in 1789 to
start a township on the shores of this lake

Here is one of Khon Kaen’s famous sons.

Surely you know him

Find out more about the Khon Kaen City attractions in the March 12 issue of Bangkok Travelbug.

Read what other subscribers have said about us

Next month, we visit Amphur Chonabot – Khon Kaen Thai silk district. Don’t miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Suvarnabhumi Airport sights

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:06:18 GMT

Since early 2011, I’ve noticed attempts made to soften the hard metallic atmosphere in Suvarnabhumi Airport. Let me share some of these photos with you.

Visitors on entering the departure hall will definitely see this beautiful floral arrangement right in the centre of the hall.

Flowers galore

It’s a favourite photo back drop for many visitors.

These huge statues are at the rear of the departure hall before you enter the immigration control. They are the giants from the Ramakian masked dance drama which is adapted from the Hindu Ramayana epics.

After you have passed the immigration control and the security checks, this is what you’ll encounter. To my mind, it’s the centrepiece of Suvarnabhumi Airport and it’s has been there since 2007.

It’s a huge sculpture of the angels and demons "Churning the Ocean of Milk" to gain immortality, another chapter from the Ramayana epics.

Another view of the spectacle

It’s only after you have gone to your respective departure gates that you may have a chance to view three smaller and very pretty decorative displays, two of which are from northern Thailand.

Parasols of Bor Sang, a district in Chiang Mai famous for their hand-made and hand-painted umbrellas

Sabatchai war drums

Yi Peng lanterns of Lanna, northern Thailand are lit and floated to the sky during the Yi Peng lantern festival, on the night of the full moon in the 12th Lunar month which coincides with the Loy Krathong Festival.

Yi Peng lanterns of Lanna

The next time you depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport take some time to enjoy these displays which give insights to Thai culture, handicraft and festivals.

Read more about the history of Suvarnabhumi Airport at our permalink.

Hello from Spain

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:58:27 GMT

Thanks for the good information. Nice web site

Daniel (Singapore)

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:12:39 GMT

Hi Eric, Helpful and wonderful site you've got. Thanks for the heads up and wishing you all the best

Try using Bing instead

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:47:25 GMT

7 February 12 - Recently there has been some controversy over Google’s dominance in the search function,related internet applications and concerns over personal privacy.

We have been using the Google search box all these years and thought perhaps we should give our readers an alternative search engine to assist in their searches.

So we have included a Bing search box in our search page to do just that.

Try them both for the same search term and see which one gives you what you are looking for.

Bangkok Travelbug February 2012 Khon Kaen National Museum – the Issarn heritage

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:12:22 GMT

30 January 12

This month we start our exploration of the north-eastern region of Thailand or Issarn as it is locally called. There is no better place to have an overview of Issarn history and culture than the Khon Kaen National Museum in Khon Kaen city.

This museum doesn’t just cover the history of Khon Kaen but the entire north-eastern region dating back several thousand years. For this reason, I chose Khon Kaen National Museum as my first stop in my visit to the province that is in the heart of Issarn.

Khon Kaen National Museum

There is evidence of civilisations in Issarn dating back 5,000 years in the Bronze Age. There are also a few other surprises.

Bronze tools

Find out more about Issarn heritage in the February 12 issue of Bangkok Travelbug.

Read what other subscribers have said about us

Next month, we visit Khon Kaen city attractions. Don’t miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Year of the Dragon 2012 in Chinatown Bangkok

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:25:49 GMT

23 January 12 - Today is the first day in the Year of the Dragon. Chinese New Year is celebrated in a big way in Bangkok and many other Thai cities where there is a large Thai-Chinese population.

One of the most enjoyable places to visit in Bangkok during this festive season is Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Many Thais visit Yaowarat during Chinese New Year to pray at the various temples and shrines, walk along Yaowarat Road to view the decorations and taste the wide variety of food offered by the street vendors.

Let’s take a tour of Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown and enjoy the Chinese New Year atmosphere.

Wat Triamit and the Yaowarat Heritage Centre attracts many visitors
at this time

The Odean Gate, the start of Yaowarat Road

Worshippers at the Golden Shrine Foundation shrine behind Wat Traimit

Goddess of Mercy Shrine at Thian Fa Hospital

Yaowarat Road under streams of red lanterns

Welcome to the Bangkok Chinatown Festival 2012

Here come the goodies!

Little buns made from sweet dough fried in special pans

Fancy some?

Pa tong ko – deep fried dough

Sugar cane juice

Sweet deserts

Lunch at my favourite Teo Chew porridge stall

What I settled for

Here’s something really special. It's called "kanom jin boran".

The person of the left draws out the dough and the next person strings it into thin noodles

The third person wraps crushed sweetened peanuts in the noodles

They are too good to miss. Have a happy and prosperous Year of the Dragon.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:15:18 GMT

18 January 2012

On 23 January 2012 we usher in the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, the black water dragon, the symbol of power and dignity.

We wish all our friends and their families good health, happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Dragon. Have a good Dragon Year!

Happy Lunar New Year

To our Chinese readers,

Gong Si Fa Cai

To our Vietnamese readers,

Chuc Mung Nam Moi

Good luck and all the best!

Bangkok Travelbug January 2012 - Don Kai Dee Benjarong Village

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:31:16 GMT

10 January 12

Welcome back to the Bangkok Travelbug. We hope 2012 has got off to a great start for you. I am sorry for the late delivery of the January issue.

This month we return to Samut Sakhon to visit a very special place that produces the exquisite Benjarong porcelain.

Benjarong

Don Kai Dee Benjarong Village doesn’t just sell Benjarong porcelain. Visitors are welcome to tour the facilities and to try making and painting the Benjarong porcelain.

What’s more there are comfortable homestay facilities as well.

Homestay at Benjarong Village

Find out more about Don Kai Dee Benjarong Village in the January 12 issue of Bangkok Travelbug.

Read what other subscribers have said about us

Next month, we visit Khon Kaen – the Issarn heritage. Don’t miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Mookerheide, Mook

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:07:32 GMT

Mookerheide is a part of a region of nature that’s in the middle of the woods. It lies by the Maas River which is called La Meuse in Belgium and France.

Hello from Malta

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:07:11 GMT

Thanks for the interesting information your site provides, keep up the good work. Claud

2011 A Christmas of Hope

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:42:31 GMT

21 December 2011

Even as we close this dismal year of natural calamities and other pressing problems, this Christmas let us find our peace and renewed hope for the year ahead.

Hope

Deny me all the good of earth –
All joy and soul-rebounding mirth,
All wealth and rank and love’s great days;
But leave one thing by which to cope
With ebbing life’s dim evening rays –
Leave me but hope.

Max Ehrmann, author of Desiderata

May the shining star over a humble manger in Bethlehem one dark December night more than 2,000 years ago provide a guiding light and a glimmer of hope to the uncertainties in the future.

Have a warm and peaceful Christmas with your families and friends and a New Year that brings fresh hope and vigour in all your lives.

Best wishes for 2012!

Eric Lim
Bangkok Travelbug
Tour Bangkok Legacies
December 2011

Returning the favour

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:10:38 GMT

My first visit to Bangkok was in late October 2009 and I requested for a smooth job change and also to forget my ex then, who has bugging me for three

Memories - Australia

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:15:30 GMT

Hello Eric, I am so pleased I found your site. I travelled to Bangkok many times when I was younger and it still has a special place in my heart. My

Bangkok Travelbug December 2011 – Tha Chalom – the fishermen’s patron saints

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:20:10 GMT

3 December 2011

Traditionally the Bangkok Travelbug features scenes of Christmas in Bangkok for the December issue. This year it just wouldn’t be appropriate in view of the natural calamity that has hit much of Thailand

By late-November the death toll from the terrible floods in Thailand since August stands at 666. There are still 17 provinces flooded at varying levels.

Almost five million people are still affected from the floods. Samut Sakhon a coastal province stands to receive waters from western Bangkok through canals that would drain into the Tha Chin River.

Besides several industrial estates, Samut Sakhon produces more than half the seafood that is consumed in Thailand or exported. For this reason we feature in this issue Tha Chalom, the fishing community in Samut Sakhon and their patron saints.

Fishing boats of Tha Chalom

Find out more about Tha Chalom in the December 2011 issue of Bangkok Travelbug.

Read what other subscribers have said about us

Next month, we visit Khon Kaen – the Issarn heritage. Don’t miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Model Warship Builder – a master craftsman

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:34:07 GMT

30 November 2011 - The model warship builder, Khun Manoth, lives in the Phrayaprasit community located at the end of Soi Sam Sen 28 with his collection of wooden sailing ships and a long history of model ship building.

Trace the career of this remarkable craftsman and admire some of the intricate models of 16th – 18th C European warships in his collection.

USS Bonhomme Richard

Tami - Texas, USA

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:43:16 GMT

Have just arrived for a three year stay. So happy to have found your most informative page. I'll be referring to it quite often while making my way around

Four-faced Buddha help me

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:04:21 GMT

I came across with the four-faced Buddha just two weeks ago. When I was in my deepest depression, I felt so sad, no hope, no nothing. Didn't even know