In the Eye of the Tiger <2009.11.12>

These are now our last days in Bangkok and Southeast Asia.
Arriving from Trat we finally close the loop of our track through Asia which worked out surprisingly well!



I would do it again in the same way, just add some more weeks (1-2) which you can distribute over your favorite spots. Anyway there will never be enough time to see everything.

Beside shopping we dedicated one day to visit the famous spots outside of Bangkok – the province Kanchanaburi – starting with the early bird morning market.





As it is not an insider tip anymore, try to be there around 8 am, as it gets really crowded from 9 on when the tourist busses move in.





Packed with fresh fruits we are leaving to the Erawan Waterfalls – located more west 2hrs drive. It would be an ideal place for picnicking but unfortunately the wild monkeys took over the place … be aware of your belongings!





Do you like cats? Then this will thrill you for sure. Come close cheek to cheek with the biggest pussy cats on this planet … the Tiger Temple.










Run by (hopefully) Monks and foreign volunteers you can watch them daily hanging around, get feed or playing with them in the water. Hopefully all the money goes really to the Tigers but honestly I am not sure about it…







The last stop of today is the historical place of River Kwai Bridge, where thousand souls lost their life when the Japanese forced to build this rail road during WWII.





Looking back on the 2,5 months wonderful time in Asia we will treasure every moment we had along this lovely journey.

Yours Marco Polo

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Koh Kood - An Other Day in Paradise <2009.11.7>

Still too crowded? Looking for the ultimate Robinson Experience?

Here it is – just 90min by speed boat further south and you reach Koh Kood. Thailands 4th biggest island but least inhabited with just 5.000 people and no public transport!



Roads are just under development and the scooter the only way to get from one point to the other.

As we heard about that Island, we packed everything – booked the next boat and left Koh Chang for our next adventure.



As we arrived at the most southern resort the Neverland Resort we immediately fell in love with it. Coconut trees everywhere – deserted beaches and crystal clear water.








Here we spent the next 4 days with snorkeling, kayaking, searching for fresh coconuts OR just simply doing NOTHING ;-)













In the evening we dined under the stars next to beach where we enjoyed great authentic Thai cousine.







If you search privacy and 100% relaxation – this is the perfect place to be!!!



Don`t wanna leave

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The Eastern Pearls of Thailand - Koh Chang N.P. <2009.11.2>

I was thinking a lot about our next trip – the passage from Cambodia to Thailand by land.



So many stories had been told, warnings everywhere about scams and people who want to rip you off, advises to go by plane etc. Fortunately history – as of today, the trip from Sihanoukville to anywhere in East Thailand is as easy it gets.



There are 2 reliable bus services that take care of you from the pick up, over the boarder until your final destination … in our case the 2nd biggest Island of Thailand Koh Chang.

Our trip started early in the morning with the VIP bus (highest luxury standards) …





… at lunch time we passed on foot the land boarder at Koh Khong …



… and in the afternoon we were already on the ferry to Koh Chang …



… where we finally found the true island retreat to relax on the beach and enjoy truly fresh seafood.











Koh Chang changed a lot since I came here the first time 10 years ago. The number of resorts and accommodation exploded and the entire island is now accessible by road.

Thus we hired a scooter and explored the beautiful beaches around, the huge waterfall and the fishing village Ban Bao.











Koh Chang – literally meaning Elephant Island – is a national park with great diving grounds. Several Islands, some not inhabited invite for a great diving experience.



Following to local recommendation we picked BB Divers as our guides and joined for a 3 dive adventure around Koh Rung. We got great service, personal tours, good food and great diving spots … just perfect.








The last days we spent in the southern tip Ban Bao Sea Huts where you get an Maldives feeling on Overwater Bungalows with even a glass bottom inside your room.









This little fishing village provides everything you need in very small distance – shopping, dining, sleeping and most important … laid back atmosphere!



Fishermen Friend

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