Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

WARNING: This place is not recommended for cheapskates just like myself. 'kidding. :)

The last day in Thailand was probably the most expensive one. My sister and I went shopping at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. To get to the docking area (where the boats to the said market were found), we rented a car (THB 5,000.00 all-in for one day). It was an hour and half ride from Bangkok. When we got there, we hopped on a speedboat. The boat ride supposedly cost THB500.00 per head, but we got it as a freebie from our pricey car rental.

We bought some herbal teas and spices. The prices were quite steep and our expert haggling skills were not working well on Thai vendors. We also shelled out for a painting for a price I had never imagined paying for. I thought it was a painful purchase but it was all worthwhile after I met the painter myself.

The ride (and shopping) lasted for an hour. What made us really curious was not the merchandise sold around, but the water we were cruising on. It was definitely murky and questionably sanitary yet it didn't smell stenchy. It made us think how incredible the water/disposal/sewage system was.

If you plan to go Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and if you are a frugal traveler like me, always remember that you're going - not for the unwise shopping spree but - for the experience. Believe me, you won't regret splurging every cent on this one.

The Grand Palace+Wat Pho

Fascinating architecture at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It was undeniably amazing, no kidding, even bordering on flashy (haha!). But then, I could not help but feel alienated with all the grandeur. I guess I was looking for a familiar sight or something, anything I could relate to. There was none.

Strolling along the majestic structure, with swarms of tourists, did not stop me from being lonely and homesick. Bangkok was a festive and exciting spectacle. I know I said it was love at first serving of pad thai, but the Philippines - with its raw beauty and warm, funny people - would always be my first great love. #itsmorefuninthephilippines pa rin!

Ta Prohm, Siem Reap, Cambodia

I had never heard of Ta Prohm until a friend told me about it earlier this year. He said it was one of the places I should not miss. So, I made sure our tuktuk driver would drop us off right after Angkor Wat.

And true enough, when I got there, I was like, "take all my money!". It was the best- much, much better than Angkor Wat - as far as my opinion was concerned. There was something about the marriage between architecture/or what is left of and nature that sparked my being. It definitely felt like I was transported somewhere magical.

Hunny the Mini Globe Trotter presents: Angkor Wat, Cambodia

 

Back in 2002 (when I was still in sophomore year in high school), I used to browse through old travel books about Asia in the school library. One time, I chanced upon an article about Angkor Wat (which was the topic of our homework at the time) and instantly, I was fascinated with its interesting history and unique architecture. Since then, it had been my dream to set foot in that renowned temple.

Last month, another wish was granted. I was able to stroll around the temple grounds and basked in its architectural beauty. Though some areas were closed due to restoration activities, all in all, it was worth eleven year wait and every penny of my travel fund.

Who knew that Asian history homework was some kind of premonition?

Surviving Palaui.

 

*photos in random order.

To tell you the truth, this was not the best of Palaui Island. Survivor USA had rented most (meaning, the more popular areas) of the island. My boss, a new friend and I had already checked in a hotel- and were tired from the loooooong and scary (no streetlights along the way) roadtrip - when we found out about this. But anyhow, despite the bad news, we jumped on a boat and still explored the open islands: Snake Island, Nangaramoan Beach (part of Palaui) and Crocodile Island.

The mini-getaway was unexpectedly fun, despite that it was cut short (SURVIVOR had to film in a bit. And the staff had instructed that all tourists should vacate the vicinity a.k.a. Nangaramoan and that there should be no boat activity during the duration of the filming. gah). Yeah, it felt like I missed a lot of the good stuff. I honestly wished there was more places to see, more landmarks to cover and more beautiful pictures to take. 

I know in my heart (tsar.) that Palaui Island is worth another visit. I swear I will be back soon, once the reality TV series packs up and leave. :)

-HC