Palio :: Little Italy in Khao Yai

I've been itching to travel to this place for a long time and finally the hub gave in to my request. We woke up a little late and did a quick google maps search before heading to our destination.

• First stop, at the bus station in front of Future Park, Rangsit (near Tesco). T and I waited for quite a while for the bus to arrive from Bangkok. The Pakchong! trip costs us 108.00 Baht each for a 3 hours travel. Not bad huh? The only setback was, we can't stop if we see some interesting stuffs on the roadside. But the good thing is, we spent less for this trip because we only had a single destination!
  

It was a Buddhist holiday called Makha Bucha that day so as expected the roads where bit congested in few cities that we passed by. Yet we felt so much relaxed knowing it's all part of the adventure. We were seated at the end row and the bus was full packed with others standing in the middle aisle.

• While in Pakchong! (exclamation point indicates the rising sound of chong! =) the locals can't fully understand if you say it in a monotone) we just walked backwards from Kasikorn Bank towards another short ride called Songtaew. A Songtaew is an open air type of transportation of either a pick-up truck or a delivery truck which can be found almost everywhere in Thailand. Within 15 minutes we arrived at our destination in Palio. Fare was just 25 Baht each, I guess.
  

Palio can be seen as a small village in the outside with each corners promising a beautiful treasure to be uncovered. It was such a lovely and romantic place akin to the picturesque Italy which I saw from the movie "Letters to Juliet". Finally, I have uttered the word... grazie (^_^) I know that was just the beginning of my Khao Yai travel affair. And more grazies are sure to come. Oh Lord, I pray that someone could drive us there next time. Promise I'll be a terrific tour-guide =) haha!

The weather was perfect that day. 2:30 pm at Palio, Khao Yai.

I fell in love with the windows and the blue sky. Obviously, I got my eyes on blues.

Took this one with the aide of a tripod.

At my fave shop, Jim Thompson! Care for tea?

Appreciating the view of a small piazza in front of us.

Thai Silk in its glory.

Window shopping for some wines and chocolates.

K and D's Wedding Photos :: Part 2

This is just the continuation of K&D part 1 wedding photos.

Halal cake in pink and green design.


Scented candles for give-aways.

Exploring the Ancient City :: Phitsanulok 2

The very enterprising little boy. Though we can't fully comprehend what he was saying, surprisingly he made us bought most of his goods that day.
Maris brought us to Kaeng Song waterfalls for a lunch date with new found friends. It's a place were you get a good chance to eat out, relax, mingle, have a good time and appreciate nature.

Food! We had Somtam Thai (Thai papaya salad), Moo yang (roasted pork), Kai yang (roasted chicken) for our picnic lunch. Matched with fresh veggies and chili sauce. Yum!

And oh, the Kaeng Song waterfalls!

Hubby enjoyed the motorcycle ride and the company of thrill-seekers like us.

Too tired of the road trip. Now is the best time to relax. A couple of hours massage beside the Nan River and along the way to Phitsanulok Night Market.

Can't stop myself from clicking at each photo ops, like there's no turning back again.
Location of the old train station and the cotton candy man.

That You May Find

Everything happens for a reason.

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Nan River, Phitsanulok.

Exploring the Ancient City :: Phitsanulok

Thinking of traveling could either be exciting or tiring. But it depends on how you see things that comes along your way. For me, getting a chance to explore places is a gift from God. I seek friendship everywhere and protection for a safe and smooth travel. Life is a constant journey. Nomads that we are.

Me and my husband were truly grateful for Maris. Our generous host and a dear friend that you can always count on. Thanks for guiding us around your kingdom.

Buddha image in Wat Yai viewing it from outside its doorstep and Chao Phraya Chakri Monument.

This tram showed us around Phitsanulok [pit-sa-nu-loke] downtown area and city attractions. A very relaxing way to get to know this Ancient City in less than an hour. Fare is 20 baht for children and 30 baht for Adults. Schedule routes on weekdays is at 9:00- 15:00 hours and weekends & holidays at 8:00 to 17:00 hours.

Back view of Wat Yai.

I love noticing how tuk-tuks evolve in design according to city/ province/ country in Southeast Asia. These unique tuk-tuks or local taxis were parked right beside the Nan River.

People offered their donations and asked for blessings in front of the Buddhist monk.

The shrine of King Naresuan the Great and another temple inside Wat Yai compound.

Pilgrims in need of shoes or slippers can find/buy it right outside the temple gates.

For many of the visitors, they consider each visit a lucky day to bet. So they pick their lottery tickets and have them blessed by the monks.

Of course a tour will never be complete without trying out some kanoms (Thai desserts) locally made in Phitsanulok. To be shared with friends and neighbors. On the left are different types of sweets and native delicacies and on the right are Sugar Cane saps placed on bamboo containers. Pure and simply natural.

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For more information about the tour, you can inquire at Thai Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phitsanulok office at Tel. no. 0-5525-2742 to 3.

More Discoveries in Siem Reap

T bargaining with the sales lady at the market near Angkor Wat.

I noticed that almost every goods in Cambodia are sold in $1 with a conversion rate of 40 Thai Baht per dollar. Sometimes I find it cheap but actually the exchange rate is more higher than the normal bank rate of 34 Thai Baht only. Although it is quite convenient for tourists to use USD currency in shopping, more likely you will avoid ending up with less worries in disposing small bills like the Cambodian Riel. One tip though, if the salesperson tells you that what you are trying to buy is $1, don't forget to haggle. The most, you can get three pieces of those goods for only $2.

Khmer tuktuks in Siem Reap. Wider and more comfortable than Thai tuktuks.

You can find this motorized rickshaws everywhere in Cambodia. Fare price as usual starts from $1 up depending on the distance.

T watching soccer game projected on LCD screens along with fellow FIFA fanatics.

Unlike in Philippines, FIFA was aired live on Cambodia's local channels that time. Most of the people were out on the streets cheering for their teams. The match was between Spain vs Switzerland that day.

Exploring the Ancient City :: Angkor Wat

Granny with her grand daughter, collecting water bottles along the Cruciform Terrace.

The thought of seeing Cambodia's magnificent archaeological treasure -- the Angkor Wat is something I desire. It was only last June that I had a quick chance to visit the Holy City with no other than my dear husband. We went there for a visa run as our old visas had reached its end and it has to be replaced with a new type.

Our entry point was in Poipet via Sisophon which is just about 160km away from Siem Reap City. The main transportation going there is thru private taxis which cost around $35-$50 (1 way) with 3-4 hours travel. Surprisingly the roads are well paved but alas, speed limit never exceeds 60 kph.

Finding a hotel or a guesthouse to stay that very same day was so easy. Sadly I can't remember the name of the place. I reckon, it was right beside the signage of Siem Reap Night Bazaar.

T and I, in front of the Battle of Lanka corner.

It was an unbelievable experience for us when we went there. But I believe that if things are meant for you, nothing can go against it. We didn't realize we were running out of time. It was 4:30 pm when we came. The tour counter had closed for the day tour inside Angkor Wat. I went to seek suggestions from the guide and politely explained that we were leaving early morning back to Poipet. The lady suggested that by 5:30 pm, the temple gates are open to public and the $20 entrance fee is being waived. Whoa, big savings! The only setback is that the surrounding tall jungle makes Angkor Wat a bit dark and flat for photographs near sunset. Still we're thankful for the great opportunity of catching a glimpse of this 'must see' destination.

Sunset in Angkor Wat. To causeway and entrance.

Wait, here's the catch. Since we were the only ones left behind the guard on duty talked to us in Khmer and T replied in Thai. Weird huh? Fortunately he (the guard) understood the language and was fluent in English too. He bargained to us that if we were interested he could show us around for a tip of 300 Thai Baht. Oh, we were so ecstatic by the modest offer. I gladly handed out the tip and within 20 minutes we finished touring the North, East and South tower windows. I was breathing heavily during most of the climbs on its narrow steps which reminds my body that it needs much exercise this time. For the most part, we were so blessed to reach our goal that day (^_^).

Inside the Temple