Now that feels damn good!

A recent article for a local tourist magazine features photographs shot by yours truly. Yep it is official, I am a published travel photographer. Sorry, but that is SOOOO cool! Check it out. The online version even includes a link back to this blog.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park, in the heart of Bangkok, was established by King Rama VI. The park, named after the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, was established on royal property near the out skirts of town in the 1920's. Lumphini park covers 142 acres. Inside the park you will find the variety of venues, outdoor gyms, gardens and a man made lake that are linked by a path system of approximately 1.5 miles.Lumphini Park is home to Thailands first public library and houses a dance hall as well. The Palm Garden is the sight for the annual Concert in the Park music festival put on by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. Every Sunday from mid December through the first week of February, visitors are invited to enjoy free classical music and opera concerts, starting at 5:30 PM.

In the evening, as the sun sets and the temperature drops, Luhmpini Park is transformed from a sanctuary from the crowded streets and hustle of urban  life into a sprawling outdoor fitness oasis. The nearly empty pathways and outdoor gyms that seem to be forgotten refuges from the  otherwise hurry-up pace of Bangkok begin to fill with fitness enthusiasts.  Joggers find the unimpeded  1.5 mile loop around the perimeter of the main park far more inviting than the busy and obstacle laden sidewalks and side roads. Tia Chi, Yoga and Aerobics classes  can be found through out the park and the outdoor gyms, the Thai version of muscle beach in California start to come to life. This transformation is mezmerizing and something to witness.

If you find yourself suffering from culture shock or just need a place to regain your composure after a long day  in Bangkok, find Lumphini Park. It really is one of the cities most beautiful open spaces and place where you will find it quite easy to forget that you are just one of over 11,000,000 people in the sprawling metropolis. An easy walk from a couple of the BTS stations and near many other attractions the park is also a nice place for short break in a busy day of sight seeing and touring.

 If you have any questions or comments please click the comments section below. Click here to see more photos.

Khao San Road, Bangkok Thailand.

Khao San Road in Bangkok is, by far, on the short list of places you must see while in the city of Bangkok. Described as the Gateway to Southeast Asia, Khao San Road is the backpacker/hippie Mecca for “budget minded” travelers from around the world. The street is packed with 20-somethings carrying more for a backpacking trip than I brought with me to move over here. The cultural diversity is astounding, I know Bangkok is an international city, but you will hear 15 languages in a three minute walk down the street. Packed with street vendors peddling everything from freshly roasted bugs, useless trinkets and fake ID's from other countries around the world to silk suits and quality silver jewelery, Khao San has something for everybody.

More challenging to get to than  some of the must-see attractions because it is not located close to any of the major public transportation services, but it is worth the cab fare or extra five minute walk from stop N13 on the water ferry system up the Chao Phraya River. We got to hit all 13 stops, so it took us about 35 minutes, but the Buddhist Wats and the Grand Palace, in addition to many other sights that line the banks of the Chao Phraya, make this unique form of public transportation a really very pleasant and opportune way to reach Khao San Road.

Once at Khao San the options are endless. Grab yourself a bag of freshly roasted grass hoppers from a cart-pushing street vendor or a gourmet meal. Literally, it’s all here; internet cafes, an open-air McDonalds, tailors, trinket and silver vendors, street bars, gourmet eateries, night clubs, tattoo and massage parlours, market stalls and some of the best people watching you will find anywhere in the world. This is the corner of the world where the East has graciously welcomed and tamed the West. 

The party, which is pretty much what the 1km long stretch of Khao San Road is, has become so globally renowned that it has spilled out on to nearby streets and alley ways. Because it is so diverse and touristy it has the potential to be a slight bit more seedy or should I say risky than most of your other tourist sites, but this is still Bangkok, keep track of your valuables; don’t carry your documents in your back pocket; keep your wits about you and you will have a great time.

No matter what you are looking for, day or night, Khao San Road will not let you down as far as urban sightseeing, shopping and dining are concerned. The electrically social and jovial energy of Khao San road is the result of the Western nostalgia and Thai tradition coexisting in a balance that embraces both in an energetic party atmosphere that welcomes the seasoned travel and Asian newbie alike. I would recommend spending at least an hour or two if not a day exploring Khao San and the long list of other sights, like Democracy Monument that are within walking distance of this must have experience. Hope to see you soon.

If you have any questions or comments, please click the “Comments” link below.

Thai Marketing

Marketing can be very challenging. Throw in a language barrier and it can be near impossible. This guy at a street bar on Khoa San Rd. (Cow-a san), seems to get it. Clear and to the point, don't you think?

Bangkok101

Simon, a friend of ours and one of the people who helped Colleen figure out the ups and downs of living in Bangkok while showing her around and taking her on some great holiday weekends to places like Phuket, is a writer for Bangkok101. Check it out.