Travelfish correspondent David Luekens

Usually found exploring Bangkok's side streets or south Thailand's islands, David Luekens is an American freelance writer & photographer who finds everyday life in Asia to be extraordinary.
Website: http://bodhidharmaseyes.com

Posts by David Luekens:

• Exploring the Chanthaburi coast

  First published: 07 Aug 2012
  

  Chanthaburi province’s gulf coast in eastern Thailand lacks the fine white sands and cerulean blue waters of nearby Ko Samet and the Ko Chang archipelago. Yet its empty beaches stretching into the horizon, hidden inlets and peninsulas, charming fishing villages and handful of attractions all make a trip along the Chanthaburi coastline a worthy adventure … read the full post

• Namtok Chet Sao Noi, Thailand

  First published: 05 Aug 2012
  

  I’ve seen more than a few of Thailand’s waterfalls. Some are disappointing, others live up to expectations, and still others surprise, but it will take something very special to upstage Chet Sao Noi waterfall north of the town of Muak Lek in the Khao Yai region as my favourite. It’s not Thailand’s tallest, widest, or … read the full post

• Tuk tuks in Thailand

  First published: 04 Aug 2012
  

  The unofficial symbols of Thailand, nimble three-wheeled motorised transport machines known as tuk tuks may be found clamouring through the streets of most Thai cities. Looked upon as novelties by many foreign visitors but as useful options for transporting people and supplies by locals, tuk tuks are as popular today as ever in Thailand. The … read the full post

• Review: Bug & Bee Cafe, Silom

  First published: 02 Aug 2012
  

  Bug & Bee Cafe on Silom Road offers standard Thai dishes, Italian and Japanese inspired vegetarian fare, French-style crepes with a Thai twist, and a host of fusion dishes that aren’t afraid to test the limits of cuisine-blending experimentation. Add a host of baked goods and extensive coffee, bubble tea and smoothie menus, and Bug … read the full post

• Ajahn Mun shrine at Wat Pa Suthawat, Sakon Nakhon

  First published: 29 Jul 2012
  

  One of the founding fathers of the Thai Forest Buddhist Tradition, Ajahn Mun Bhuridato (1870-1949) revitalised Buddhism in Thailand by living in a way that reflected the historical Buddha’s lifestyle as closely as possible, and many believe enlightenment to have been his reward. Throughout his years, Ajahn Mun wandered in untouched jungles while devoting himself … read the full post

• Khao niaow bing and other Thai sticky rice goodies

  First published: 28 Jul 2012
  

  Walk through just about any authentic food market in Thailand and you’ll notice vendors selling plump portions of something hidden under hearty dark banana or bamboo leaf wrappers. Sometimes (as I once found out unwittingly) these leaves contain grilled fish or fish curry cakes, but more often than not a sweet or savoury sticky rice … read the full post

• Chaiyaphum’s Pa Hin Ngam National Park

  First published: 26 Jul 2012
  

  The rural Chaiyaphum area in northeast Thailand boasts rolling green hills, cool air, and some of Thailand’s finest natural beauty. Despite this, few foreign tourists make it here due to the region’s remoteness and difficulty of reaching, but if you’ve got your own wheels (or aren’t afraid to spend a little cash to do something … read the full post

• Getting a Thai visa in Savannakhet, Laos

  First published: 24 Jul 2012
  

  Set along an expansive and picturesque stretch of the Mekong River in southern Laos, the ultra laidback border town of Savannakhet is a great place to pick up a Thai visa. The Thai consulate here is far quieter and more relaxed than the embassy in Vientiane, and spending a couple of days lounging riverside while … read the full post

• Baan Chang Thai arts and muay Chaiya school

  First published: 23 Jul 2012
  

  Painting, kick boxing and puppetry may not seem to go together, but at master Kruu Lek’s Baan Chang Thai arts and muay Chaiya school, expressive art and mindful boxing synthesise seamlessly. Simultaneously teaching an ancient type of muay Thai known as muay Chaiya along with several forms of traditional Thai art, the school is highly … read the full post

• The Khao Yai farm and wine trail

  First published: 20 Jul 2012
  

  It’s not quite up there with Tuscany, Bordeaux or Napa, but Thailand’s Khao Yai wine region (aka “Asoke Valley”) in the cool air of Muak Lek near Khao Yai national park offers some refined varietals from a handful of vineyards peppered among family farms, country roads, green hills and fields of sunflowers. Most foreign travellers … read the full post