Category Archives: Southeast Asia
Life as an Islander
As we left the nice, cool mountainous area of Chiang Mai, we were ready for the heat and beach time in the southeast central part of Thailand. Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand and is part of the province of Trat. Again, we were lucky to have the chance to experience Thailand as a semi-local with our friend, Ben, who lives in Trat. We worked together in Vietnam and he lived in Thailand before he moved to Vietnam. He loved it so much that he decided to move back! We can definitely believe why. He’s gotten to know the locals on a different level because of how well he can speak Thai, which I am so jealous of (the ability to easily learn languages). Trat is a small coastal town with a fisherman’s feel. The people were so friendly and truly sincere.
On our second day, Ben took us to his favorite noodle soup place. Thai food uses so many herbs and spice that it bursts in your mouth. This particular soup was made from a pork broth and ramen-type noodles with vegetables and sensational spices. We also had another soup dish loaded with dumplings, shrimp, squid and those wonderful Thai herbs and spices. What made this experience even more special was when Ben noticed one of his Thai friends sitting a table with his huge family. It’s a small town, so everyone seems to know everyone and they’re actually sincerely welcoming. At the end of our meal, we found out that the gentleman had paid for our meal! It’s times like these where living in a small town has its perks; truthfully gracious, open and pleasant people who want to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Koh Chang’s people were not much different. Although much more tourists come here for the beach, the locals were still very nice and helpful. Koh Chang is not one of the most famous islands in Thailand, but it was still stunning, mountains surround every view and beautiful beaches line the edge of the mountains. It lays right off the southeast coast of the mainland right next to Cambodia. In fact, when we took the ferry from Trat, which is only an hour ride, we could see some land far away, which was Cambodia. As a matter of fact, some Cambodian people work on the island. These four days were spent as a true beach holiday (weekend for Ben) laying on the beach, playing in the water, some snorkeling and playing volleyball. What a great ending to an amazing 10 days in Thailand!
A Taste of Thailand
Thailand – a country full of extreme differences. On our last day in Thailand, we had to wake up at 5:30 to catch our flight out of Bangkok. Within five minutes we saw a couple walking home, two long-legged, well-dressed lady boys who were surprised to see us, one said “Oh my gosh, just you two together!?!” and lastly two monks with their brass bowls collecting their alms from faithful Buddhists.
I wasn’t sure of what to expect from traveling through Thailand because I’ve heard mixed reviews from friends. But, we had a really unique experience because we have friends who live there. We had the chance to see how foreigners experience Thailand as well as some locals. I was especially surprised at how clean the cities, large and small, were.
Thais are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I’ve met while out here in Asia. Everywhere we went, people smiled and cheerfully helped us out. They also had their own unique fashion style. I almost felt like it was leaning toward the Japanese style of guys with lots of spiked hair and girls with their colored orange/red hair, just without all of the gaudy make-up.
People here are definitely used to having foreigners around, whether they live in Thailand or are just visiting. They’ve definitely perfected the tourists’ route. Bangkok is a huge modern city that is the center for traveling throughout Southeast Asia. Their backpacker district is huge and blows Saigon’s backpacker area away. Expensive shopping areas are all over the city as well as great transportation – bus, subway, skytrain, taxi, tuk-tuk and canal ferries – but traffic is horrendous. Temples are beautifully decorated with crystals, jewels, gold, intricate details and elaborate statues. And the nightlife is a must experience, but can be contradicting in many ways. {Actually my friend from high school, Henry Trejo, and some of his friends are in Southeast Asia for six weeks trying to bring back beauty, Beauty Creates Beauty.}
Enjoy as narrate the highlights of our ten days in Thailand!
A Fine City
We spent four days on one of the wealthiest islands in the world. Singapore is a country set in Southeast Asia but has the atmosphere as that of the West and reminded us a lot of America, but mostly New York City because of the unbelievable diversity. However, all of the streets are clean, they have fines for everything, great transportation, amazing food and everyone speaks English! Everyone we talked to said they were “Singaporean.” But, what does that mean, exactly? It’s like saying I’m just American, yet I am Vietnamese-American. People from Singapore come from all over Asia, mostly the Middle East, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. These cultures are so different and Singaporeans do a good job at keeping them alive.
China Town in Singapore
I have never been to India, but Little India in Singapore seems like a perfect first world India including all of the smells and colors of such a culture. Randy actually bought a lot of cooking ingredients from stores there.
Like any other China Town, shopping is their staple, for me anyway. It never fails that China Town has the best cheap souvenirs and sometimes clothing. You can’t go wrong with the food, either. The hot milk tea reminded me of a cold winter in Japan, yet it was nice and warm but raining in Singapore.
It’s a city filled with temples, mosques and churches that share the same block, the most modern architecture, dozens of shopping centers, museums, casinos and even nature. Sometimes it felt as if we were visiting an artificial country, where everything is almost perfect. The beach was nice, but the sand was imported. The shopping malls were huge with the lowest and highest-end designers. Transportation was always reliable and clean (but they don’t have lockers!). People were so nice and weren’t afraid to share their stories.
Our time was limited, but I think Kristi and I got a good taste of Singapore and unfortunately, Randy had to leave a day earlier. Here are some things not to miss out on!
- Shopping on Bugis Street – the Largest Street Shopping in Singapore
- Night Safari
- Visit Marina Hotel
- Eat crab at East Coast Seafood
- Walk around China Town and Little India
Little India
Crab from East Coast Seafood
Places to stay in the Philippines
Rustic yet Charming
June 22, 2010 | Author: Shauna Vo
Krystal Lodge was the perfect place for two travelers who wanted a unique experience in the Philippines, Coron Island in Palawan to be exact. Sandra researched a place to stay and found Krystal Lodge, a unique hut that seems like it floats on water. Click here to read more on ourkoreanteapot.com.
Coron Island – Philippines
Beneath the Surface – Calamian Island Group
May 14, 2010 | Author: Shauna Vo
The most beautiful lake/lagoon was Seven Islands. We went snorkeling and SCUBA diving there! Even if you don’t get a chance to dive here, the snorkeling is just as amazing. Fishermen destroyed this part of the ocean with cyanide about eight years ago, our dive master said. Click here to read more on ourkoreanteapot.com.
Pristine Philippines
May 13, 2010 | Author: Shauna Vo
Every little plant, fruit or animal represents all the colors of the rainbow in this utopia. Blue skies, lush green forests, red, yellow and green fish, huge tortoises, purple jellyfish, pink coral and the bright orange sun create a magnificent paradise that exists at the northernmost part of Palawan in the Philippines. Click here to read more on ourkoreanteapot.com.
Looking for a creative mind to fulfill your design needs? Shauna Vo is also a freelance graphic designer who specializes in web and print design. Feel free to browse her portfolio at