Now Available on Amazon Prime and Coming Soon to iTunes
Become the ultimate local traveler in Thailand- just like Libby! Read on to learn more about Libby’s journey in Thailand from Bangkok’s hipster bar to a hill tribe coffee farm in the mountains of Mae Hong Son.
BANGKOK
Bangkok is the heart of Thailand with a population of over 11 million. The vibrant city is famous for its historical architecture, proudly radiating alongside its modern constructs. There are many activities to explore and experience in Bangkok, especially when the new generation Thais are creating their own narrative of tourist attractions.
Source: fb.com/nomchang
Nomchang Cafe
You will find many chic cafes along Sukhumvit Road, one of them being Nomchang Cafe. The toasted buns will surely warm your taste buds and don’t forget to try their milk-based beverages as it is the perfect pairing for a hot day in Bangkok. It was one of Libby’s first stops after she arrives and her first taste of something sweet in the city before she meets Kiki.
Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat)
Ranked #4 in the world, Pak Khlong Talat is the largest flower market in Thailand. This 24-hour market houses many species of flowers grown in Thailand and imported, from beautifully handmade garlands for offerings to wholesale flowers bringing in florists from all over the country. Despite it being the mecca of blooms, the market also has many fruit and vegetable vendors, as well as food stalls because no Thai market is complete without access to ready-to-eat meals.
Chao Phra Ya River
We’ve mentioned Bangkok being the heart of Thailand, so naturally Chao Phra Ya river is the blood that pumps the city. Visitors can find restaurants, markets, and even see the livelihood of Thais all along the river. Catch a ferry ride or a long tail boat taxi as a means of transportation when exploring Bangkok. Did we mention that the river can get you some of the best views of famous Wat Arun?
Yaowarat
Also known as Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat is a hub for some of Thailand’s best street food and one of the many places in the country where you can get a glimpse of century-old Chinese culture like the Chinese opera and lion dances. For locals, it is actually cheaper to eat out than to cook at home and Yaowarat offers some of the most delicious and affordable food you can find in Bangkok, and even the most bizzare like fried insects. It was certainly an interesting source of protein for Libby.
Soi Nana (The Grounds of the Wallflower)
Soi Nana is a hipster neighborhood in Yaowarat, and nestled in the alley of Soi Nana is the Grounds of Wallflower, flower shop by day and rooftop bar by night. Guests will feel “cool and hip” just by walking into the building. A must-try are the specialty cocktails using ingredients right from the flower shop below! Learn more about Soi Nana here
MAE HONG SON
“The City of Three Mists” or Mae Hong Son, is located along Thailand’s northwest border and is a true hidden gem among must-see cities in Thailand. The province is known for the breathtaking views in the high mountains covered by a sea of clouds, Lanna culture, and landmark temples. Many other attractions include hot springs, hill tribe villages, trekking, rafting, and even an annual reggae festival.
Su Tong Pe
“Su Tong Pe” is derived from a northern tribal language meaning “wish fulfilled”. The bridge was built across rice paddies that separated the temple from the local community, and was meant to ease the accessibility for monks to fulfill their morning alms. Su Tong Pe bridge is the longest bamboo structured bridge in Thailand that connects Kung Mai Sak temple to the local village. As you walk along the bridge, you will discover an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding rice fields and mountains. And it was here Libby started her morning giving alms to 30 monks.
Mae La Noi District
Mae La Noi is a charming district nestled in Mae Hong Son that is rich in culture, history, and coffee.
Herntai Resort
While Libby was in Mae La Noi, she stayed with Net and his dog Platu. What you didn’t know is Net’s house is a farmstay resort which is constantly being added on to. With acres of rice fields belonging to his family and luscious green mountains surrounding the area, Hertai is the ultimate getaway from the crazy city life.
Lawa hill tribe- Ban Dong Village
About an hour drive up the hill from Net’s home at the bottom of the Mae La Noi valley, Ban Dong Village is home to about 1000 Lawa people. This is where Libby meets Nee, Rose and Sook – a sibling trio entrepreneurship trying to build their family business and lessen the village’s dependency on outside resources. If you visit, you will have a chance to explore multiple unique activities originated by local wisdom of “La wa” hill tribe. The interesting part is “tuan”, which is a cultural handicraft activity passed down for generations and don’t forget to try some of their delicious gooseberries.
Sook Coffe & Farm Stay
Learn to live like a local at farm stay, and experience the unique taste of coffee from Bandong Village. Nee, Rose and Sook are so exciting with their recent farmstay development and would love to share the experience with everyone. Don’t forget to buy Sook Coffee, a famous local brand, for your souvenir!
Natural Indigo Dyeing in Sakon Nakhon
SAKHON NAKORN
Sakon Nakorn is one of the most religious and traditionally influenced provinces in Thailand. Despite its political history, Sakon Nakorn was the centre of North-Eastern region (E-Sarn) culture of Thailand for decades. Famous for ancient religious places, Sakon Nakorn is also one of the best destinations to experience the ancient Siamese civilization.
Indigo Dye Walking Street Market
Libby spends an evening here with Mew exploring the most sought out indigo dye weekend market in the country. The market can be overwhelming because of the many vendors lined up and down this mile long stretch of road but the experience is well worth it. With the beauty of colorful clothes, made and created by the local wisdom of local Sakhon Nakorn people- it will be hard not to want to take each one home.
KALASIN
Also located in the northeastern (E-Sarn) region of Thailand, Kalasin is also famous for its ancient and spiritual themed tourist attractions. Geographically, Kalasin is full of natural attractions as dinosaur fossils and footprints, but is also renowned for their premiere craftsmanship of Thai silks.
Religious Holidays and Talay Toong
During major religious holidays, the people of Kalasin will come together to make “toongs” which are small handicrafts similarly shaped like spider webs made from colorful string and stinks. They are believed to bring good luck, ward off bad spirits, and are often strung up along temple awnings. They are also meant to connect the heavens to the people and are often used as offerings during prayer instead of incense and candles.
In May’s home of Kamalasai district in Kalasin, there is a spiritual park called Phra That Ya Ku, where religious ceremonies and performances are often conducted in front of the ancient stupa. During these celebrations, the park is filled with handmade toongs filling the fields with a sea of vibrant colors. Libby and May, along with 800 local women dance in unison at Phra That Ya Ku as an offering during the Macha Bucha festival.
A Glimpse of the Chumphon Coast
CHUMPHON (The Gateway to Southern Thailand)
Known as the gateway to the south, Chumphon consist of numerous unseen beaches and is riddled with thriving natural areas waiting to be discovered. Unlike other famous beaches in Thailand, Chumphon is a place where you can relax on its beautiful beaches, go snorkeling among lively coral, but with far less commotion.
Uncle Check’s Crab Bank
A former fisherman who turned to be a Crab breeder, Uncle Check’s self-made duty is to regrow the crab population in the fishing area of Chumphon. Find out how uncle Check uses a local wisdom inspired method of breeding the crabs at his welcoming place.
Watch The Local Traveler in Thailand on Amazon Prime here.
