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:

• 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

• Lalai Sap Market, Silom

  First published: 19 Jul 2012
  

  Patpong night market and the surrounding area on Silom Road is highlighted in most guide books as one of Bangkok’s best places to shop and eat on the cheap. Always seeking something off the tourist path, however, we’ve found what we reckon is a better market right in the Silom area where you’ll likely be … read the full post

• Review: Rom Ngao Indo-Chin Restaurant

  First published: 17 Jul 2012
  

  After weeks of eating nothing but explosively flavourful and meat-heavy Thai food, the simplicity, freshness and veggie-prominence of Vietnamese cuisine is like a breath of fresh air. If looking for an inexpensive, local-style Vietnamese restaurant in Bangkok, Rom Ngao Indo-Chin restaurant just over the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi is an excellent choice. Rom ngao … read the full post

• Review: Ree Ree Khaosan Restaurant

  First published: 15 Jul 2012
  

  Looking for a good lunch spot after climbing the majestic (and steep) tower of Wat Arun? Tucked in a funky Thonburi neighbourhood behind the temple, Ree Ree Khaosan Restaurant puts out outstanding authentic Thai food in a comfortable and accessible package. We checked Wat Arun off our sightseeing list some time ago, but we still … read the full post

• A Portuguese-Chinese snack near Bangkok’s Santa Cruz Church

  First published: 13 Jul 2012
  

  After the fall of the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767, a diverse mix of foreign communities — including the Portuguese and Chinese — settled along a now historic stretch of Chao Phraya riverfront in modern Thonburi. Still produced today in a centuries-old bakery near Santa Cruz Church, the Portuguese, Chinese and Thai influenced … read the full post

• Santa Cruz Church: a relic of Thailand’s first Europeans

  First published: 11 Jul 2012
  

  Bangkok has many churches, but none carries a historical legacy equal to that of Santa Cruz Church on the Chao Phraya River’s western bank in Thonburi. An artifact of Thailand’s first European settlers — the Portuguese — the church also symbolises the religious freedom and cultural tolerance that’s been a hallmark of the Thai kingdom … read the full post

• Bangkok’s Wat Kalayanamit

  First published: 09 Jul 2012
  

  When cruising up the Chao Phraya River, the massive ochre-roofed wiharn of Wat Kalayanamit on the western bank in Thonburi is among the most attention grabbing structures on the riverfront. Unlike nearby Wat Arun, this imposing, ornate, historic temple doesn’t attract many foreign tourists, but — underrated as it may be — Wat Kalayanamit is … read the full post

• Review: Saphai Pae Hostel, Bangkok

  First published: 08 Jul 2012
  

  A short walk from Surasak BTS (sky train) station between Sathorn Road and Silom Road in one of Bangkok’s largest gem selling districts, Saphai Pae Hostel is among the city’s best budget options for those wanting to avoid the debauchery of Khao San Road. Like many of its neighbours on Surasak Road, the nine-storey building … read the full post

• A drive from Khao Yai to Wang Nam Kiew

  First published: 04 Jul 2012
  

  When seeking mountains in Thailand, most automatically head for distant northern destinations like Chiang Rai and Pai, but many are unaware of just how stunning the Khao Yai mountains northeast of Bangkok actually are. Not limited within the borders of Khao Yai national park alone, this vast region boasts some jaw-dropping scenery, which we enjoyed on … read the full post