Journeys From A Small Room

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          • Qavam House -Shiraz
          • Bishapur
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          • Yazd
          • Shah Abbasi Caravansary -Meybod, Yazd
          • Narin Qal’eh (Narin Castle)
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          • Alexander’s Prison or Madreseye Ziaeieh-Yazd
      • Turkmenistan
        • Video
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          • Turkmenbashi Gypjak Mosque
        • Blog
          • 14 day itinerary for Turkmenistan
      • Republic of Uzbekistan
        • Video
          • The Registan
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      • Tajikistan
        • Video
          • Aydar Malikmadove Traditional Musician in Tajikistan
          • Zeravshan Valley and 7 Lakes of Shing- Northern Tajikistan
        • Blog
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      • Kyrgyzstan
        • Video
          • Arslanbob to Bishkek and everything in-between
          • Taldyk pass Kyrgyzstan
          • Naryn To Kashgar
          • Arslanbob to Bishkek and the Tuu Ashuu Pass (Kyrgyzstan)
          • Arslanbob – Wild Walnut Forest & Waterfalls
          • Altyn Arashan valley- Kyrgyzstan 2012
          • Fairytale canyon “Skazka” Каньон “Сказка”
          • Bishkek Stretch Limos
      • People’s Republic of China
        • Video
          • Gaochang
          • Yardang National GeoPark
          • Matisi The Hanging Temple
          • Yarkand
          • Ürümqi
          • Hotan Bazaar
          • Wenmiao Temple & Dayun Si – Wuwei
          • Temple of Heaven- Beijing 2015
    • South -East -Asia
      • Malaysia
        • Street Art Johor Bahru in Malaysia
        • Johor Bahru Walkabout 2025
        • Arulmighu Rajamariamman Temple -Johor Bharu-Malaysia
        • Rumah Merdeka -Malaysia
        • Street Art Alor Setar
        • Kuala Lumpur Walkabout
        • Istana Sepachendera Alor Setar
        • Street Art Ipoh Part 2
        • Street Art Ipoh Part 1
        • Historical Walk Round Ipoh
        • Kellies Castle
        • Zahir Square Alor Setar
        • Historical Walk Round Ipoh
        • Kellies Castle
        • The Istana Leban Tunggal
        • Street Art in Kuala Terengganu
        • Big Year Out! Cameron Highlands-Tanah Rata
        • The Istana Leban Tunggal
        • The Big Year Out-Spice Gardens & National Park
      • Lao People’s Democratic Republic
        • Hua Phan Menhirs, Hintang
        • Plain of Jars
        • Mount Phousi
        • Xieng Khuan Buddha Park
      • Kingdom of Cambodia
        • Plain of Jars
        • Walkabout in Siem Reap
        • Bamboo Train Battambang
        • Bokor Hill Station and the Abandoned Casino
        • Bokor Hill Station and the Abandoned Casino
        • Kbal Spean-“River of a thousand lingas”
        • Xieng Khuan Buddha Park
        • Hua Phan Menhirs, Hintang
        • Mount Phousi
      • Socialist Republic of Vietnam
        • Da Lat Crazy House
        • Dalat Flower Garden Sculptures
        • Tam Thanh Mural Village
        • HellFire Pass Wampo Viaduct (Wang Po),Tham Kra Sae Sation Bridge over the River Kwai
        • Cao Dai Temple Danang
        • Vietnamese Heroic Mother Nguyen Thi Thu
        • Làng Bích họa Đà Nẵng Da Nang Fresco Village 2019
        • Da Lat Crazy House
        • Dalat Flower Garden Sculptures
        • Làng Bích họa Đà Nẵng Da Nang Fresco Village
        • Heroic mother Nguyen Thi Thu
        • Cao Dai Temple Danang
        • Tam Thanh Mural Village-Vietnam 2019
      • Myanmar
        • SHWE OO MIN PAGODA- Kalaw
        • Apeyadana Temple- Bagan
        • Faces of Myanmar
        • Lawkananda Paya- Bagan
        • Ywa Haung Gyi- Bagan
        • Yangon
        • Novitiation Parade in Myanmar
        • Sankar Pagodas
        • The two Sisters-Seinnyet Nyima and Seinnyet Ama Paya- Bagan
      • Indonesia
        • Seti Darma Houses of Masks #4-Ubud -Bali 2023
        • Seti Darma House of Masks #3- Ubud-Bali 2023
        • Seti Darma House of Masks #2 Ubud-Bali 2023
        • Setia Darma House of Masks -Ubud Bali #1 2023
        • Balinese Dance at GWK Pt3 2023
        • Balinese Dance at GWK Pt2 2023
        • Balinese Dance at GWK- Bali- Pt1 2023
        • Camphuan Ridge Walk Ubud-Bali 2023
        • Chandra Mati Ladies Orchestra and Dance Troupe-Ubud-Bali 2023
        • Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple – Bali 2023
        • Pandawa Beach Bali 2023
        • Duter Orchid Garden Bali 2023
        • Taman Festival Abandoned Theme Park Art-Bali
        • The Street Art in Prawirotaman
        • Affandi Museum- Yogyakarta
        • Horse Carriage Museum Kereta Kraton in Yogyakarta
        • Taman Sari Water Palace and Sumur Gumilang
        • Geraja Ayum The Chicken Church
        • Fort Vredeburg Jogjakarta
        • Prambanan Ballet Indonesia
      • Singapore Singapore
        • Little India Street Art Singapore
        • Jewel at Changi Airport- Singapore 2020
        • Super Trees Singapore
        • Graffitti and Street Art Singapore
        • Little India Street Art Singapore
        • Chinatown Murals: Heritage In Street Art 2020
        • The Big Year Out-Singapore,Singapore,So Good they Named it Twice!
      • Thailand
        • Bangkok
          • Erawan Museum
          • Maeklong Railway Market (Talad Rom Hub)
          • Maeklong Railway Live footage
          • Siam@Siam Bangkok Boutique
        • Northern Thailand
          • Baan Dam Black House Museum
          • Chiang Saen
          • Wat Pha Tak Suea- Sangkhom district of Nong Khai
          • Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
          • Chiang Khan Crafts
          • Chiang Khan
          • Governers Mansion Nong Khai
          • Sala Kaew Ku Sculpture Park
          • Sappha Sang Won Chedi
          • Wat Pa Non Sa-at
          • Theme Park Issan
          • Classic Hot Rods and Pick up Trucks – Phayao- Thailand 2018
          • Beauru of Monks
          • Chiang Dao
          • KHAO KHO SACRIFICIAL MONUMENT
          • Incredible 30 Wats Between Nong Khai and Tha Bo
          • Pong Dueat Geyser
          • The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
          • Itthi Military Base
          • Pai -Thailand
        • Southern Issan
          • Erewan Waterfalls
          • Korat Candle Festival 2018
          • Wat Pa Salawan- Korat
          • Wat Bang Kung Samut Prakhen
          • What’s in a Wat?
          • The Korat Vegetarian festival 2018
          • Wat Pa Salawan- Korat
          • Aeroplane Park
          • Muang Ya 100 Years Market
          • Dan Kwian
          • Dragon Coffee Korat
          • Sanjao Posuea
          • Wat Ban Rai
          • Wat Pa Lak Roi
          • Wat Sala Loi-Nakhon Ratchasima
        • Thailand South
          • Ban Krut Beach-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Thailand
          • Ban Krut Railway Station & Wooden Houses
          • San Chao Phra Shiva Sankar-Prachuap Khiri Khan
          • Fishermen’s village Ban Krut-Thailand
          • Pakarang Beach: Khao Lak’s Peaceful Paradise of Sand and Sea
          • Sa Nang Manora waterfall
          • Suan Son Pradipat Beach (Hua Hin) Thailand
          • Prasae Frigate Memorial
          • Ao Nam Mao Beach
          • Tham Sam Rock Art in Phang Nga
          • Sunset at Pak Meng Beach
          • Wat Bang Khae Noi “7-piece teak Wat”
          • Muay Thai statues at Khai Bang Kung Wat and Naval fort
          • Phra Ramrajnivet Palace or Ban Puen Palace
        • Phuket
          • Garden center #2 In Phuket
          • Bougainvillaea Garden Center in Phuket
          • Thailand! Bang Tao Beach II
          • Ma doo Bua l มา ดู บัว ภูเก็ต
          • Karon Beach -Phuket 2021
          • Sai Kaew beach-Phuket
          • Blue Elephant Phuket 2021
          • Promthep Cape – Phuket-2021
          • Ao Yon Beach and Bay
          • Tha Rua Shrine-Phuket
          • Chillva Market- Phuket
          • Naiharn Beach – Phuket
          • Laem Ka Noi Beach
          • Hat Patong Beach
          • Ban Bang Niew Dam and reservoir Project
          • Bang Wad Dam and Reservoir
          • Chalong Pier and Marina – Phuket
          • Street Art and Art Village Rawai- Phuket
          • Thailand! A view of Rawai beach from the other shore!
          • Thailand! Chalong Bay Beach
          • Khlong Katha Reservoir
          • Promthep Cape- Phuket-Thailand
          • Friendship Beach
          • Fruits de Mer
          • Abandoned Villa- Old Town Phuket
          • Old Coconut Plantation
          • Phuket Philatelic Museum
          • Phuket Mining Museum in Kathu-Phuket 2020
          • Abandoned Building- Kew Aung Tai Temple-Rawai
          • Abandoned Chalong view villas
          • Ton Sai Beach Koh Phi Phi
          • Phi Phi Walkabout at Ton Sai Village and Bay
          • Koh Racha Island-Phuket
          • Koh Hey Coral Island
          • Friendship Beach street Art Gallery
          • This is Phuravarna.. The Abandoned Retreat
          • Unfinished Phuket Provincial Hall
          • Wat Chalong or Wat Chaiyathararam – Phuket
          • Big Buddha Phuket
          • Phuket Town Street Art
          • Kri Bima Suci Indonesian Tall Ship
          • Phuket Guan Nabon Shrine
          • Steam Machines from Phukets Mining Industry
          • Rawai Boats
          • Ekman Garden Resort -Sichon- Nakhon Si Thammarat-Thailand
          • Ao Talet -Khanom-Nakhon Si Thammarat-Thailand
  • Camera Bag
    • Cameras with their lenses
    • Cameras
      • Canon 70D
      • Canon Eos M5
      • Canon 1100D
        • Canon 1100D update
        • This was my review for Jessops back in 2012
        • Camera Kit 2012/13
    • Lenses
      • Tamron Zoom Telephoto AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus
      • SIGMA 70-300 mm F4-5.6 DG APO MACRO
      • Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM on the Eos M and M5
      • Canon Efs 55-250mm stm on the Eos M and M5
      • Canon Efs 18-135mm stm on the Eos M and M5
      • Canon Efm 18-55mm stm on Canon Eos M and Eos M5
      • Canon Efm 15-45mm stm on Canon Eos M and Eos M5
      • From DSLR to mirrorless and back to DSLR again!
      • From Canon 70D to Canon M5
      • Canon 70D
      • Canon 1100D
      • Canon EOS M
      • Canon Eos M -Asian Openbill
      • Canon M and real World Use
      • Images Taken with the Canon Eos M
      • Images Taken with the Canon Eos M5
      • Canon 1100D update
      • Canon Eos M5
    • Accessories
      • This was my review for Jessops back in 2012
      • HAMA TRIPOD STAR 61
      • Manfrotto Compact photo mono pod MMC3-01
  • Published Photographs And Articles
    • Annette Johnson at Redbubble
    • The process behind the production of Taman Sari;
    • My photo chosen as Group header image on FB-2019
    • Photography as a Therapy
    • Ævar Guðmundsson- Icelandic Photographer
    • Horst At The V and A
    • Viviane Sassen
    • Border Life in Nong Khai
    • John Gerrard At The Thomas Dane Gallery
    • Article for Street and People Photography Group 2017
    • 3rd place in SaPP (Street and People Photography) Competition “People commuting through the city)
  • UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SPOTLIGHT PROJECT
    • University of Pennsylvania Spotlight-Ships Graveyard, Moynaq, Uzbekistan
    • University of Pennsylvania Spotlight-Najmeddin Kubra Mausoleum, Uzbekistan
    • University of Pennsylvania Spotlight-The Seven Bulls of Jeti-Oguz
    • University of Pennsylvania Spotlight-Independence Monument, Tashkent
    • University of Pennsylvania Spotlight-Kyrgyz National Philharmonic
    • University of Pennsylvania Spotlight-Tilla-Kori Madrassah, Uzbekistan
    • University of Pennsylvania Spotlight- Yzmykşir Fort, Turkmenistan
    • University of Pennsylvania Spotlight- Nokhur Cemetery
  • Artists and Photographers
    • “Comparing Apples”
    • Pyrographic Dahlia
    • Rawai Sunday Afternoon
    • Giraffa Camelopardalis No.2
    • Giraffa Camelopardalis
    • Common Rose butterfly (Pachiiopta aristolochiae)
  • Macro World Photography
    • DIY Diffuser No. 1
    • DIY Diffuser No.2
  • Photography Challenges
    • Trees,some of the most famous landscapes in the world feature a tree.
    • Landscape Get Low
    • Art Handmade Your artistic interpretation
    • Portrait: Head shot
    • Landscapes: Abandoned
    • Artistic Sparkle!
    • Landscape Reflection
    • Find a high perspective to shoot this landscape
    • Faceless Tell someone’s story without showing their face!
    • Red
    • Landscape Urban-scape
    • Portrait Hands
    • Portrait Child Candid or posed
    • Portrait Environmental Show a subject in their natural habitat. Their place of work or hobby
    • Artistic Transportation
    • Shoot a landscape that packs as much color as you can find
    • Artistic Patterns
    • Artistic Food
    • Landscape Night Owl
    • Time Lapse Photography
    • The Writing is on the Wall for Artists!
    • Old World Film Stills
    • Time Lapse Photography no.2
    • Trees,some of the most famous landscapes in the world feature a tree.
    • Landscape Get Low
    • Art Handmade Your artistic interpretation
    • Portrait: Head shot
    • Landscapes: Abandoned
    • Artistic Sparkle!
    • Landscape Reflection
    • Find a high perspective to shoot this landscape
    • Faceless Tell someone’s story without showing their face!
    • Red
    • Landscape Urban-scape
    • Portrait Hands
    • Portrait Child Candid or posed
    • Portrait Environmental Show a subject in their natural habitat. Their place of work or hobby
    • Artistic Transportation
    • Shoot a landscape that packs as much color as you can find
    • Artistic Patterns
    • Artistic Food
    • Landscape Night Owl
  • Peaceful Moments
    • Rawai Sunday Afternoon
    • Peaceful Moments Pt1
    • Peaceful Moments Pt2
    • Peaceful Moments Pt3
    • Peaceful Moments Pt4
    • Peaceful Moments #5
    • Peaceful Moments #6
    • Peaceful Moments #7
    • Peaceful Moments #8
    • Peaceful Moments #9
    • Peaceful Moments #10
    • Peaceful Moments #11
    • Peaceful Moments #13
    • Peaceful moments #14
    • Peaceful moment #15
    • Peaceful moments #16
    • Peaceful Moments #17
    • Peaceful moments in Rawai
    • Peaceful Moments #Churches
    • Peaceful moments at Cape Panwa
    • Peaceful Moments from Karon Beach – Phuket
  • Australia
    • Nelsons Head Lighthouse Nelson Bay-Australia
    • Kurri Kurri Mural Walk 2025
    • Port Stevens Estuary Walk-NSW-Australia
    • Birubi Point-Worimi Regional Park and Stockton Beach sand dunes -Port Stephens-Australia
    • Tilligerry Habitat-NSW-Australia 2025
    • Fingal Beach Australia
    • Lankum Beach-Prachuap Khiri Khan Province-Thailand
  • South Korea
    • Cheongsapo and Lighthouses Busan-South Korea
    • Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk 청사포 다릿돌 전망대
    • Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk 청사포 다릿돌 전망대
    • Gyeonghuigung Palace in Seoul

Experience the Haewol Skywalk: A Glass-Bottom Adventure in Busan

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: ASEAN, South -East -Asia, south-east asia, Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Haewol Skywalk- Haeundae-Busan South Korea
April 2025
Perched above the waves in Busan’s iconic Haeundae District, the Haewol Skywalk is a glass-bottom walkway that lets you stroll above the sea with uninterrupted views of the coastline.
Built with thick, transparent panels, the walkway gives the illusion of walking on water—perfect if your craving a little thrill without full-on adrenaline. Below, waves crash against the rocks. Ahead, you get panoramic views of Dongbaekseom Island, the Haeundae skyline, and the endless blue of the East Sea.
The name “Haewol” means sea and moon, hinting at the walkway’s appeal at dusk. At sunset or under moonlight, the skywalk becomes a serene, almost surreal spot—ideal for photos or quiet reflection.

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Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk 청사포 다릿돌 전망대

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: ASEAN, South -East -Asia, south-east asia. Leave a comment

Another Sky walk, this time the Daritdol, which is not far from the Haewol skywalk, well not by clacker train anyway.

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk opened in August 2017 is located at one end of the beautiful Cheongsapo fishing village in Busan. The 72.5m long and 20m high observatory in the shape of a blue dragon stretches out impressively over the ocean. You are able to see the ocean under your feet from the transparent glass floor for the thrilling experience of walking on the sea.
From the observatory, you can enjoy panoramic view of the Songjeong and Cheongsapo coastlines, particularly beautiful during sunset.

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Exploring Busan’s Sky Capsule: A Coastal Monorail Adventure

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: ASEAN, South -East -Asia, south-east asia, Uncategorized. Leave a comment

The Busan Sky Capsule is a charming elevated monorail that glides along the coast at Haeundae Blueline Park, running between Mipo Station and Cheongsapo Station.

We boarded at Cheongsapo Station, and while waiting, wandered down to photograph the lighthouses—totally worth it.

It was a slightly late birthday present, but exactly what I wanted. The ride was fabulous, with sweeping views over the bay that made it feel special from start to finish.

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Why Gyeonghuigung Palace Is a Must-Visit in Seoul

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: South -East -Asia. Leave a comment

Tucked behind busy streets and modern buildings, Gyeonghuigung Palace is one of Seoul’s quietest treasures—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.

Unlike Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, where crowds and cameras are constant, Gyeonghuigung gives you room to breathe. When I visited, maybe a few people were scattered across the grounds. No tour groups. No rush. Just wide-open courtyards, soft footsteps, and the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time.

It ended up being my favorite palace of the whole trip. I could’ve stayed all day—soaking in the stillness, chasing light across the stone walkways, and enjoying that rare kind of peace you almost never find in a city this alive.

Gyeonghuigung isn’t the biggest, flashiest, or most famous palace in Seoul—and that’s the whole point. It’s a quiet pocket of beauty in the middle of the fast lane. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

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Exploring Muang Lung Cut Nut Shop at Bamboo Market

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: Southern Thailand, Thailand, Thailand South. Leave a comment

From my visit to Suan Phai Kwanjai Market (Bamboo Market) in Khuan Khuan district of Phatthalung during our road trip in December 2024.

we saw this Muang Lung Cut Nut Shop (Ko Daeng) is a well-known snack shop from Phatthalung Province, famous for its traditional bean candy. The owner has been selling at OTOP product fairs nationwide for over 30 years, preserving the ancient method of making cut bean cakes. These snacks are made fresh and served hot, earning a loyal following among customers.

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Pakarang Beach: Khao Lak’s Peaceful Paradise of Sand and Sea

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: Southern Thailand, Thailand, Thailand South. Leave a comment

Pakarang Beach, tucked along Khao Lak’s coastline in Phang Nga, Thailand, is a serene spot that hasn’t yet been overrun by crowds. Its wide stretch of soft sand and shallow, clear water make it perfect for a quiet day by the sea. The beach is lined with casuarina and palm trees, giving plenty of shade and a laid-back vibe.

Unlike more developed beaches, Pakarang feels almost untouched. It’s great for long walks, collecting shells, or just sitting to watch the sunset. The nearby coral reef (pakarang means “coral” in Thai) adds a splash of natural beauty, especially at low tide when coral fragments dot the shore.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful place where you can hear the ocean and escape the rush, Pakarang Beach is one of Khao Lak’s hidden gems.

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Discover Hat Yong Ling: A Secret Beach Escape

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: Southern Thailand, Thailand, Thailand South. Leave a comment

Hat Yong Ling feels like a secret you’re glad you found. It’s not flashy or packed with beach bars—it’s quiet, curved like a crescent moon, with soft sand and that line of casuarina trees whispering in the wind. You walk out, and the sea is warm, calm, and inviting. You don’t need much here—just a towel, maybe a book, and time to let go.

On weekends, you’ll see Thai families setting up picnics under the trees, kids chasing crabs in the tidal pools, laughter echoing over the sand. It still feels local, untouched. And when the sun gets too strong, the pine forest behind the beach pulls you in. The shade is cool, and if you follow the trails, it’s just you, the trees, and the soft crunch of needles under your feet.

Hat Yong Ling isn’t just a beach—it’s a pause button. A place that reminds you how good simplicity can

feel.

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“Peace, Nature, and No Crowds: Discovering Koh Bae Na Beach”

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: Southern Thailand, Thailand, Thailand South. Leave a comment

Finding Tranquility at Koh Bae Na Beach

Tucked away in Thailand’s Trang region, Koh Bae Na Beach feels like one of those places you stumble across by accident and never forget. Located in the Andaman Sea (part of the Indian Ocean), it ranks 21st out of 53 beaches in Trang, but honestly, numbers don’t do it justice. It’s about 34 km from Trang city, with the nearest settlement, Hat Chang Lan, just 2.8 km away.

What makes Koh Bae Na special is how untouched it is. No resorts. No beach bars. Just nature at its best. The setting is a beautiful mix of rugged cliffs, mountain slopes, thick greenery, and that perfect turquoise water. The sandy beach runs for about 800 meters, with a gentle slope into the sea—no sharp rocks, no need for aqua shoes. Just soft sand under your feet.

When I visited back in 2023, the nature walk circling the small islet wasn’t finished yet (word is, it’s complete now). We had the whole beach to ourselves for hours, aside from a small family of beach dogs—mum, dad, and two playful pups—all very relaxed and friendly.

What stood out most for me was the calm. It was one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. With the tide out, I could stroll across the pontoon path without feeling like I was about to fall in every few steps. The views were stunning, with crystal-clear water on one side and thick jungle on the other.

There’s also a wooden staircase leading up to a viewpoint on one side of the islet. I didn’t climb to the very top, but I could already tell the view was going to be spectacular.

If you love nature, solitude, and quiet adventures, this place will hit the spot. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, or just sitting and soaking up the scenery, Koh Bae Na is a gem worth exploring.

Enjoy the journey—I know I did.

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Experience the Giant King Kong at Sampao Thai, Phatthalung

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: Southern Thailand, Thailand, Thailand South. Leave a comment

From my road trip round Phatthalung province in Feb 2025
Sampao Thai: A Creative Landmark in the Heart of Patthalung
“Sampao” is an ancient Thai word meaning “cargo vessel.” Traditionally, Sampaothai referred to Thailand’s large, beautifully designed cargo ships that transported goods from one place to another.
One of the most striking features of this place is the giant King Kong, a character beloved by many—especially children, who are sure to be thrilled by its towering presence. The creativity behind this attraction is truly impressive. The owner has built both a massive wooden Sampao and an enormous King Kong made entirely of straw, depicting the giant ape in the act of pulling the vessel across the lush green rice fields.
Visitors can climb onto the Sampao and the King Kong structure, offering a fantastic opportunity for up-close photos while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of the endless green fields and majestic mountains in the background.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience—fun, artistic, and full of imagination.

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Discover Local Culture at Pa Phai Sang Suk Market

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: Southern Thailand, Thailand, Thailand South, Uncategorized. Leave a comment

From our road trip to Phatthalung district in December 2024

Pa Phai Sang Suk Market (ตลาดป่าไผ่สร้างสุข) is a unique cultural and recreational market in Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand. Located within the Kwanjai Bamboo Garden, this area was once used for bamboo cultivation, breeding, and charcoal production, with an attached learning center.

Opened in January 2017 through the collaboration of the Kwanjai Bamboo Garden and the Kin Di Mi Suk Network, the market was designed around the concept of “enjoying food and simple happiness in a modest way.”

The market is divided into five zones:

Pa Phai Sang Suk Market – A vibrant marketplace offering local food, rare desserts, fresh vegetables, fruits, and handmade products at reasonable prices.
Relaxation Area – A peaceful space for visitors to unwind.
Children’s Activities Zone – A family-friendly area with interactive activities for kids.
Learning Zone – A section dedicated to the educational aspects of bamboo cultivation and traditional practices.
Pleasant Bamboo Forest – A green space that enhances the natural beauty of the market.
With its emphasis on local culture, sustainability, and community engagement, Pa Phai Sang Suk Market is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the authentic charm of Phatthalung.

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Discover Hula Beach: Thailand’s Untouched Coastal Retreat

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: Southern Thailand, Thailand, Thailand South. Leave a comment

Discover the Untouched Serenity of Hula Beach

Nestled in the tranquil Ko Kho Khao region of Thailand, Hula Beach is a breathtaking sanctuary for travelers yearning for pristine beauty and unspoiled tranquility. Stretching for several kilometers, this serene beach boasts fine, golden sand that feels luxuriously soft underfoot, while its crystal-clear waters invite visitors to take a refreshing dip.

Hula Beach offers a range of simple pleasures. Whether you’re basking under the tropical sun, strolling along its peaceful shoreline, or sharing a quiet picnic with loved ones while gazing at awe-inspiring ocean views, every moment here feels like a step into paradise.

However, Hula Beach’s charm lies not just in what it offers but also in what it intentionally does not. Visitors will find few modern conveniences here: no lifeguard services, no bathroom facilities, and a strict no-dogs policy. This minimalistic approach preserves the raw, untouched beauty of the landscape, making it the perfect escape for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

One of Hula Beach’s most fascinating aspects is its status as a hidden gem within Thailand’s extensive collection of beaches. Unlike the more commercialized destinations that often draw crowds, Hula Beach has retained its charm and tranquility thanks to its secluded location. This isolation has allowed the beach to become a haven for wildlife, attracting ecologists and nature enthusiasts alike. The pristine environment also offers a unique opportunity to experience Thailand’s coastal beauty in its most natural state.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where the only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional rustle of palm fronds, Hula Beach is your ideal destination. Just be sure to plan ahead and pack accordingly—this slice of paradise invites you to embrace its simplicity and leave the modern world behind.

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Seashell Hunting Adventures on Ko Kho Khao

Posted by Annette Johnson on July 24, 2025
Posted in: Southern Issan, Thailand, Thailand South. Leave a comment

Beach Walk Experience on Ko Kho Khao 🌅

Stunning Scenery – The island’s beaches stretch for miles, offering soft golden sand, gentle waves, and breathtaking sunsets.

🐚 Seashell Hunting – The quiet shores are perfect for collecting beautiful shells, as the beaches are relatively untouched by mass tourism.

🦀 Wildlife Encounters – You might spot crabs scurrying along the sand, migratory birds, and even dolphins offshore if you’re lucky.

🌴 Peaceful Atmosphere – Unlike the crowded beaches of Phuket, Ko Kho Khao offers solitude, making it perfect for meditation, photography, or a romantic stroll. 🏝 Local Charm – Along the walk, you may encounter small fishing boats, beachside cafés, and traditional wooden houses nestled among the palms. These are some of the things I saw on my walk!

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