Thailand

Welcome to Thailand

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia's Indochina peninsula known for tropical beaches, 
opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins  

and, ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha, a revered symbol. 

The capital city is Bangkok.

This is my first solo travel outside of my country.

Thailand is part of ASEAN.

Filipinos are granted travel visa for 30 days for free.

The only hardest part is the visa grant in our own Immigration.

The weather is the same.. humid.
Food is a little bit spicy (actually, it is SPICY!).

This is an open country, therefore clothing style are not limited. 
Of course, mosque and temples requires decency.

Not all people speaks English, but most are polite.

I flew from Clark International Airport though Sea Air 
to Bangkok International Airport.
My fare was booked 2 months in advance.
I stayed with my friends during my entire duration here.

So, accommodation was free.
Except in Chiang Mai.

After getting myself familiar with the streets of Bangkok,

and, meeting this famous Thai celebrity,

Mario Maurer.

I opted to catch the next available bus going to the Northern Kingdom 
of Chiang Mai.
There are 3 ways to get there: 
1. over night buses 
2. take a flight 
3. take the train.
I chose the easiest way: take the overnight bus in Mo Chit Bangkok Terminal.
If I can remember it well, fare was 600 Thai Baht.
I don't have advance accommodation.
There are a lot of hotel accommodation in and outside of the Old City.
I stayed in Amarapath Hostel,
just outside the Thapae gate.
It was around 600 Baht.

Chiang Mai is an Old city/kingdom inside the new city.
It has 200 temples inside. 
You may walk, rent a bicycle or rent a tuk-tuk to get around.
There is also another temple at the top of the mountain 
which is half an hour far from the city called Doi Suthep.

On the way to Doi Suthep temple.
After walking half a day inside the old city, 
I met up with my Japanese friend: Tomohiro.
We ride a tuk-tuk going to Chiang Mai University, just outside the city.
The fare was 60 Baht.
It is where we rent another tuk-tuk together with some tourist to the mountain.
I think it was 40 Baht.
There are a lot of travel operators as well that can make your itinerary.

Going up to these stairs and with this crowd.
We were here to watch the sunset,
though it is quite crowded at this time of the day.
One of my friend suggested to go here during sunrise.

This is an interesting temple on top of the mountain.

Spending afternoon here is quite great.

This is still within the same area, and under renovation?
After which, we decided to return to Chiang Mai.

Stopping over to some waterfalls along the way.

The entrance to the old city.
As it was Sunday, the streets are closed from vehicles.
And, open for street vendor.

Some friends we met a long the way.
I spent the night in Amaparath inn just outside the old city's walls. 
The hotel was for 600 Baht.
Next day, I met an Argentinian friend: Alejandra.
We rent a tuk-tuk going to the Orchid Farm and the Elephant farm.

It took around 45 minutes to reach this Orchid Farm.
The entrance fee was around 80-100 baht.
This place is beautiful.

The Elephant farm is just near the Orchid farm.
The entrance fee was around 100-120 baht.
This place has a river when you can join these folks in bathing these bathing.
For a fee, of course.

This also comes with the show. 
Around 9 am, they were all gathered in the open field 
where we watch them play soccer, basketball
 and, paint.
We just hope they were not treated badly for these training.

They have the biggest painting done by elephants.
You can buy this after the show.
After Elephant Camp, we decided to go back to Chiang Mai.

To feed the Doves.
I said good-byes to my two good friends, 
leaving Chiang Mai that evening.

Ah! The following week was the Loy Krathong.
The Water Lantern Festival on the 2nd Full Moon of November.
Chiang Mai is the most festive in Thailand.
*photo credit to the owner

I have my share of lantern and water wishes in Pathom Thani.
*To travel more.. to see the world more.*

The airfare depends on your time of travel.
Airfare through Sea Air was Php 10,000 ( round trip).
My total expenses was Php 20,000

India

Welcome to India

This is the 7th largest country in the world 
and, the 2nd biggest populated country in the world.

The capital city is New Delhi.
It's one of the most interesting country to see.

India is a vast South Asian country with diverse terrain.
From Himalayan Peaks  to Indian Ocean coastline.

The history reaching back 5 millennium.

With its colorful history and culture.

Filipinos can apply directly online for Tourist Visa.

This is a single entry good for 30 days,

given twice in 1 year.

The visa fee is $60.
The release will be after 5 business days.

There are limited list of Airports that we can do the TVOA entry.

You may visit India website for more details.

Indian Visa Online

We flew from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Mumbai, India

through an over night flight with Jet Airways.

Flight time was 3 and a half hours.

From Mumbai Airport hired a cab to the Train Station.
I cannot remember the name of the train station.
(I will update once I get the information)

We hopped in the next available train that goes directly to Vagator in Goa.
We paid for the sleeper's cabin, non AC.
Don't expect too much.

Travel time took almost 14 hours.

The train stops in Morjim and, from there hire a taxi to Vagator.

It will take 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Vagator.

We stayed near Chapora where we rented a house together with friends.

My first share of Indian Ocean sunset 
in Big Vagator Beach.

Vagator is in the state of Goa.

And, Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching 

along the Arabian Sea.

It has the 4th smallest population as well as the richest state in India.

A former Portuguese province for 450 years.

All because of Spices.

The day market somewhere in Vagator.

The Little Vagator Beach.

We love chasing sunset and afternoon swim.

Restaurants served most vegetarian food.

Chicken is the most meat, all sorts of meat are banned by the government.

Being a vegan is the most you can do,

with fruits and vegetables.

There is also this interesting Baba and his holy cow walking in the usual day.

Making loud music and asking for his cow's food.

There are a lot of things happening in Vagator 
day and night

Other than beach bumming and sunset watching.

Every Wednesday
you may want to shop at the day market.

At night, 
you may want to party and be merry,
or drop by at the Night Market during Friday.
Or just sleep, 
it is scorching hot in this place.

My first out of state travel.

This is Paradise Beach in the north end of Goa and south end of Maharashtra state.

It can be reach for 2 hours road trip.

We stayed here for 1 day.

We stayed in Vagator for 2 weeks,

 before we headed down South for 3 days road trip.

Pernem sunset.

This is a nice place to stay for some time.

We also visited the popular Cancuna beach for dinner.

The river that connects to the sea at the far end of Pernem.

We stayed here for one day.

Sharing the beach to no one but us.

To watch the sunset.

After beach bumming, sun bathing and sunset watching 

in the southernmost of Goa.

We returned to Vagator to pack our things.

But before that.. why not see the sunset in the northernmost part of Goa.

I always see this church in Siolim.

The Indian Women in their afternoon friendship walk in Kerim.

No need for you to see the sunset in this place,

it looks the same as the other.

And, for one last time in Little Vagator.

Time to say good-bye to Vagator as well as to our friends.

We departed with the rain pouring at 8 pm.

Taking the train for about 12 hours over night travel.

Next destination: Cochin, Kerala.

Another state down South.

The Chinese Fishing Side

Fort Cochin is a little tourist village.

Vasco De Gama lived most of his life here.

I particularly like this place.

Not so crowded and not so polluted.

Santa Cruz Basilica.

The Kerala Kathali Show.

This is a great 1 hour theater show illustrating stylized classical Indian dance drama.

Noted for its attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures,

and well defined body movements presented  in tune with complementary percussion.

And, fly from Cochin to Kuala Lumpur 

through Air Asia.

Hope to see more of it... next time.

Boracay Island

Welcome to Boracay Island

It is  a small island in the Philippines 

located approximately 315 km south of Manila  

and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island 

in the Western Visayas  region of Philippines_wikipedia.

*pcto

There are 4 ways to get here:

Easiest way is to book your flight from Manila to Boracay (Caticlan Airport).

There are several airlines that serve this route.

Second option is to fly from Manila to Kalibo, then travel for 1 hour from to Caticlan.

There a lot of van and bus transfer available.

Third option is thru fast craft from Manila or Batangas Port to Caticlan

TO GO fast craft serves this route.

You may have advance reservation or in any store outlet they have.

Last option is the RORO. Bus to Ferry to bus transfer.

You may book your reservation near Araneta Center, Cubao for this option.

Jetty Port will be your jump off point to get to the island.

Like many other International tourist destination,

an Environmental fee of P75.00+P100 Terminal Fee is charge.

And, the boat fee as I've remember is P25 or P50.

I was with a friend who works there the last time I was there 

and I only pay P25.

Boat ride will take 10 minutes.

From beach is separated by stations: 

Station has the most expensive hotel accommodation.

Station 2 is the party place.

Station 3 is quite far from this all is somewhat quite.

*pcto

Have you been to the Paradise??

With this sunset and the white sand beach..

Everything is perfect.. during OFF season.

This is a crowded island for party and beach goers during holiday and peak season.

*pcto

Ah! Hotel Accommodation is quite pricey here.

My friend found a hotel with dormitory which is good if you are traveling alone.

Tree House in Station offers this for P1500 for each day.

You may want advance reservation.

We were here after New Year and it was jam packed with people.

Our friend manage to book us a room for P3500 which is AC good for two.

You may check this link for choices:

List of Hotel Accommodation in Boracay

There are a lot of activities that you can do here aside from beach combing,

sunset watching and doing nothing.

One of the best diving and snorkeling destination in the country is here.

There is also the Back Beach that they call 

which is 15 minutes away from the Front Beach.

Kite and Wind Surfing can be done here.

We then hire a trike for P300 to get us uphill in Mt. Luho.

You may walk if you want, it is near the Back Beach.

Entrance fee is P120.

We plan to go to Puka Beach but where so lazy to do so.

We beach bum the whole day. 

Watching sunset and swimming.

We found a very peaceful and serene place 

away from crowd at the very far end of Station 3.

Our own share of little paradise.

Do you want to see the usual crowd??

This is between Station 1 and 2.

It is the best place to party and chill..

And, find your place under the sun..

See you again some time :)

Round Trip Airfare via Kalibo: P1500-P2000.

Van transfer: P150-200 one way

Terminal Fee+Environmental+Boat Fee: P200.

Trike from  Boracay Port to Hotel: P100.

Hotel: P2500 (per day)

Return Charge, Terminal and Boat: P125

Airport Terminal Fee: P200.

*pcto: photo credit to owner. 

I don't own some of the pictures. 

I have no time to take some during this travel. 

You'll understand why when you get to this place :)