{"id":1103,"date":"2023-01-08T06:25:46","date_gmt":"2023-01-08T06:25:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/?p=1103"},"modified":"2023-01-08T06:25:46","modified_gmt":"2023-01-08T06:25:46","slug":"sabbatical-week-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/?p=1103","title":{"rendered":"Sabbatical Week 6"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Opening thought<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people asked me what’s my goal of this trip. Other than doing something for myself, it’s also me trying to inspire Asians to travel more in Asia. Backpacking isn’t just for Europeans, and travel doesn’t have to be expensive either!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Randomly, if you see some fat old guys strolling around in Asia. They are typically Americans, perhaps uneducated ones too. Europeans are usually on the opposite – Young, energetic, self aware and engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yay. It’s 2023! The hostel I was staying for the past 3 days is unfortunately full again. That means no sleep in for me, and loads of coffee to be functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cute coffee shop near my hostel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Latte for $90 THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Someone else’s food, the coffee shop really knows how much make food<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Took a Grab taxi ($160THB \/ 3) to the pier because a German said we could ride the ferry to the floating market – which isn’t true!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After about almost 2hours ordeal, we finally arrived to the Floating market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tried some Isan sausages finally $20THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Grilled bananas for $30THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Skewers for $20THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Feasting! I think I over ordered stuff. the Pork slice was $120THB, Fried chicken was another $40THB. Corns $60THB, Pineapples $50THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Walked around a bit around the market<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Seen this part from a youtube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Found a cute coffee shop ($70THB) with a green house attached. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Took a bus back to the MRT which took us back to the hostel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The guy with the white shirt apparently works for our hostel and is designing a transit route that connects the floating markets to the MRT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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sky line from the train<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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amazing sunset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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$100THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Went out for dinner with the Germans one last time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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$85THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally decided to move out of Bangkok and gradually north to Ayuthaya. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Started by taking a Grab ($34THB) to the Bangkok Railway station and waited in line to get a ticket ($20THB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3rd class train<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Slowly started moving. I didn’t realize Thailand also uses narrow gauge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Yep<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Green fields along the track<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Upon arrival, I was able to hit up with two Polynesian French to split up the cab fare ($20THB). Though the driver got really confused since I stay at a slightly different location than the French.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Checking in to my hostel (private, $750THB) was also not without pain. I was the only guest stayed in the hostel, the owner was surprised that I showed up, and was completely unprepared (took him 15min to boot up his computer, and the credit card machine was broken too.) He also tried to charge me the full amount when Hostelworld already deducted partial payment from me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am not sure if it’s still recovering from COVID that caused the chaos. I don’t believe it’s Thai culture to “scam” me, I am going to leave it he’s genuinely confused. Given it’s a hostel and it’s only bookable from Hostelworld, I am a bit shocked still. He also charged me $70THB for essentially using his laundry machine\/detergent where I still had to dry and fold my laundry myself. (my previous hostel charges $50THB per kilo for laundry which I believe is the standard hostel pricing in Thailand)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The owner also forgot my towel. The room didn’t have a window either. This is where I miss about Vietnam… cheap quality lodging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyhow, figured I’d walk a bit to see the little town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saw this ramen place, can’t resist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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$88THB for a bowl of ramen is a steal! The draft beer (Asahi $78THB) is equally great<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The ramen turned out to be pretty solid, though the chachu was not as soft as I would like. Broth was good, so was the running egg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunset in town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Found this Thai BBQ. I ordered two beef skewers, the owner gave me an extra for the New Year, how lovely!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Random temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Night market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I got some Asian pineapple (Dwarf Pineapple) for $50THB.. it’s just so much better than the American ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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grilled coconut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Thais stand still for the national anthem <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At this point I was pretty exhausted. I think part why I escaped Bangkok is really to have some alone time and plan my trip a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally got some time to do some actually solo traveling. Got some ruins to visit and a boat tour for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Started off by having some nice Thai coffee. The owner beautifully decorated the table and even built wireless charging himself. What a legend. He’s a software engineer too<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Rent a bike from the hostel for $100THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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lazy puppies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Honestly, the ruins aren’t in very good shape and they are nowhere as well preserved or finely constructed as Angkor Wat<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Elephant ride. Though, I am not a supporter of such practice, then again I see no difference than hiring a human powered 3-wheeler <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Done with my temple tour, time for coffee ($110THB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Orange flavored coffee. not my favorite<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

and lunch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This boat noodle soup is really superb! for only $50THB! what a treat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

with a short break, time for the boat ride ($300THB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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First stop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The boat ride itself is meh (full boat, quite cramped). The view is pleasant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bottle arts?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Under maintenance – second stop <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A catholic church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Last stop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The guard was trying to get us to buy tickets (it should’ve been included in the boat price) because of the scam where they’d recycle unused tickets for sale again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nice for picture taking<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The ruins really aren’t refined. Perhaps I am just tired of religious sites<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One last picture, the boat driver really wanted us to take<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A gator? river snake? not sure. But surely i won’t put my flesh in the water<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I was quite tired at this point and decided to just do a take-out (partially due to I just didn’t feel like waiting in line)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Food was $80THB, but my dumplings were forgotten. oh well. I got the beers from the supermarket plus a water for only $140THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I delayed booking my flight to Chiangmai so much (only managed to book a few hours before departure, lol) that I had to pay $200THB extra ($1800THB). I guess I really should plan things better now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Travel day again! Took a minivan from Ayutthaya to the DMK airport ($75THB). Some nice lounges even at the domestic terminal. (Perhaps also a reason why I favor air travel from time to time)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Without due, the plane took off and headed towards CNX<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About just under an hour, the plane was about to land<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My hostel was quiet, despite me spending hours researching for the best hostel. I somehow ended up with the somewhat pricy, yet not very social hostel. (I think lack of hostel activities and host engagement is the big thing) literally 5 other hostels within the same block only charges half of the cost… more is less?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It’s getting dark, still prime time for a walk!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Time went by quickly while strolling around the old town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time for night market!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I got myself a dumpling duck noodle soup for $70THB which was really good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some light social hours later, it’s time for bed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Slow day for me, leisurely got up and trying to figure out if I can do a food tour. A tour guide came in our hostel and was looking an Aussie that booked a bicycle tour. I ended up tagging along ($1500THB, definitely a bit over the Backpacking budget.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tagging along<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The biking route is a bit out of town, took us almost 45min to pick up all the passengers. There were two Americans and another Dutch on the tour. The Americans are from Guam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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E-bike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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More temples<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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I didn’t take many photos, in part the tour itself isn’t super interesting. The countryside is nice, and certainly it’s nice experience. We probably spent more time just chatting between guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Objectively speaking, I don’t think the value is worth $45. I also didn’t think there’s anything bad either. I probably would have enjoyed more had I just simply gotten my own transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Took a break at the hostel, and decided to head out for dinner:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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50THB for crab wonton noodle soup is a steal! though i had to wait for half an hour for my dish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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99THB for a yuzu beer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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satay for $50THB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After that I went to a jazz bar, never been to one before. It’s surprisingly pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Day 6<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally a full activity day – Samoeng loop. First thing was to get a motorbike from a shop that’s about 15min walk to the hostel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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24h for 250B isn’t bad. 3kB deposit is steep though<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As usual, more temples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Then I went to the Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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for only 20B, it talks about the princess help united the north and south. Unfortunately, pictures aren’t allowed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then I went to this Orchids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Not much to see, full of packaged tourists however.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then it’s waterfall time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The waterfall park is quite large. 10 view points. 1.5k meters one way. $120B entrance fee with the motorbike. Definitely worth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then it’s the all famous elephant camp!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bought a basket of elephant food for $100B (+200B entrance fee)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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My lovely elephant!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A bit more ride to the Mon Jam viewpoint<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chit chatted with a Singaporean from Hong Kong about racism in the USA. The world seems to have rather negative view about the racial relations in the States. It’s ain’t perfect, I just personally have not experienced such negativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Continued to view point on the loop road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Later I stopped by a Rose Garden<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I think it’s off season, but still maintained well!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Finally drove to town for the on last stop for the day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At this point, I was really tired. Ordered some take outs. Khao Soi noodles (Northern Thai noodle soup!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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(85B including tips and delivery)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I later on ordered a mango sticky rice as desert. (80B. I could have just walked to the night market in less than a minute and saved 30B) w\/e Had 3 beers ($6) to help me sweeten the day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Woke up relatively early to return my motorbike, and strolled around the lovely old town again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chiang Mai definitely has this magnetic power to get you. Perfect weather, cute little houses, shops, friendly locals. Even visitors are eager to make a connections. (Kept bumping into the same people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moved to a hostel which had a private room available. It’s Saturday night, so can’t be too picky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Just outside of the town center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Locals playing with the pigeons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Starbucks or Starbuds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Paid $50B for this random temple! (Wat Chedi Luang)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Giant tree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Sleeping buddha, not sure about the significance <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mango lights, almost thought they were real.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The wall since 12xx.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Saturday market! It’s really massive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The market energy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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First market food of the day $25b fried mushrooms, squash and banana leaves<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Some Shaomiao for $20B. Not my favorite.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Had some Thai BBQ ($120B), some of the worst food I’ve had so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I did try some crickets. Not too bad. A nice couple gave me for free as a challenge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Doesn’t taste bad, it’s just very little amount. ($50B) I am convinced not to get anything from night markets <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Got to meet up with a German girl. We talked around more to sample more things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I didn’t sample this.. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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I got some mulberry smoothie! $40B<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some coconut crackers ($25B) and fortunate cookie ($40B) like thingy. I forgot to take pictures of those.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it’s cocktail hour. This was by far the best cocktail I’ve had. Super cool ambient too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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250B for some of the best cocktails I’ve got. The bartenders are super artistic in what they do.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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It’s pretty late when I got back to my hostel, heard some loud noise. Turned out there’s a motorbike accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I was pretty pissed that the wifi didn’t work and water wasn’t provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Week 6<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Day<\/td>Food&Drink<\/td>Lodging<\/td>Transportation<\/td>Other (tickets\/tours etc)<\/td><\/tr>
1<\/td>$25.23<\/td>$0.99<\/td>$5.01<\/td>$0.00<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>$11.47<\/td>$22.06<\/td>$2.47<\/td>$0.00<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>$11.97<\/td>$22.06<\/td>$2.94<\/td>$11.76<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>$8.68<\/td>$10.14<\/td>$55.90<\/td>$0.00<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>$10.27<\/td>$10.14<\/td>$0.00<\/td>$44.32<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>$11.86<\/td>$10.14<\/td>$7.35<\/td>$12.94<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>$19.71<\/td>$15.94<\/td>$2.35<\/td>$2.29<\/td><\/tr>
Total<\/td>$99.19<\/td>$91.47<\/td>$76.03<\/td>$71.32<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td><\/td><\/td>Grand Total:<\/td>$338.00<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
The bicycle tour definitely threw my budget to the roof. It’s a nice week nevertheless<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Opening thought Some people asked me what’s my goal of this trip. Other than doing something for myself, it’s also me trying to inspire Asians to travel more in Asia. Backpacking isn’t just for Europeans, and travel doesn’t have to be expensive either! Randomly, if you see some fat old guys strolling around in Asia.… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 6<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1103"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1103\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1234,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1103\/revisions\/1234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}