Neil Armstrong famously said ‘that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind’. Annually, we visit Whitby and climb the 199 steps up to the Abbey. This year, we have super-charged ourselves and tackled the near 600 steps up to Wat Phousalao. There are definitely more than 550 steps to reach the Golden Buddha at Wat Phousalao in Pakse, Laos. The exact number … Continue reading Wat Phousalao, Pakse
Our third day took us off the main island to the east, close to the railway station. We used the ferry to cross the river, the pier is just a hundred metres from the station. Our visit to Wat Maheyong would be the final tick of the big six, or at least the ones covered on the multi-temple ticket. Wat Maheyong was built in 1438, … Continue reading Ayutthaya – Temples, Day Three…
The ancient city of Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years. The city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced to retreat southwards from Sukhothai by their northern neighbours. Across those 400+ years, thirty-three kings of various dynasties ruled the kingdom. In 1767, Ayatthaya was occupied and destroyed, much of it razed to the ground by the Burmese. The … Continue reading Ayutthaya – Temples, Day One…
After crossing the border from Laos back into Thailand we had a night’s stay in Nong Khai rather than take the overnight train. The thought of arriving into Bangkok at 5a.m. didn’t appeal. Our train departs just before eight, so just time for breakfast before we board the third class compartment for a near nine hour journey. The windows are all open, and the back … Continue reading Nong Khai to Bangkok…
Our first wander around Vientiane has an air of familiarity, yet we have never visited here before. Nestled on the Mekong and with French colonial architecture and wide boulevards in a grid pattern it has shades of Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. It also shares that same tired look, a little shabby, almost neglected, around the edges. Victory monument or Patuxay as it … Continue reading Vientiane
Okay, there were more than two we visited today but we feel that this pair deserve a mention, well worth a look if your time in Luang Prabang permits. Wat That Luang was the cremation site for Laos royalty up until 1975. Built on a low hill in 1817, close to the banks of the Mekong. If you are imagining grandeur then sorry to disappoint, … Continue reading Two more temples…
During the daytime Pai is very quiet, the handful of streets that make up the centre of this smallest of towns are hardly bustling with visitors. Like a ski resort, everyone has gone out for the day, it is by night when it comes alive. After a cool start where you can see your breath in the early morning sun we wander into Pai. Like … Continue reading Pai – sleepy by day, party by night…
A mere 344 steps – and the hundred baht entry fee – are all that stands between us and panoramic views over the city of Bangkok from the top of the Golden Mount Temple. It is a climb that we have made once before, hopefully we pass our fitness test this time out. The start of our circular ascent is alongside some ponds and water … Continue reading Stairway to Heaven…
Oldest On the Bus 