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:

• How Thai restaurants in touristy areas get it wrong

  First published: 03 Jul 2012
  

  When it comes to Thai food, I like the real deal. Give me fiery som tam buu pla raa, nam prik bla tuu (pounded chilli paste with mackerel), or gaeng som (hot and pungent yellow curry). Particularly in touristy areas of Thailand, however, I find myself frustrated by Thai restaurants that flat out won’t believe … read the full post

• Review: Bourbon Street Bangkok

  First published: 28 Jun 2012
  

  If you think about it, Bangkok and New Orleans have quite a few things in common. Both are hot, flat cities prone to serious flooding. Both are set along major rivers that feed into major gulfs, each of which are teeming with shrimp. Both are cultural centres and premier nightlife destinations. And, most importantly, both … read the full post

• An authentic street food market near Khao San Road

  First published: 27 Jun 2012
  

  Whether it’s pizza by the slice, buckets, tattoos, fake degrees, or enough Chang Beer tank-tops to clothe a binge of backpackers, many things may be purchased on Khao San Road. Real, spicy, authentic Thai food, however, can be tough to find. If you’re tired of the over-priced, Westernised Thai food so often found on and … read the full post

• Crafting a classic Thai sweet at Baan Luk Chup

  First published: 25 Jun 2012
  

  From both a visual and figurative standpoint, Thailand could very well boast the world’s most colourful cuisine. There are the deep greens, reds and yellows of endless curries, the bursting brightness of spicy salads, and the multi-hued sauces that accompany any good seafood meal. Nothing, however, outshines the bouquets of adorable mini treats known as … read the full post

• A pocket of Thonburi culture and food behind Wat Arun

  First published: 24 Jun 2012
  

  For many short-term travellers to Bangkok, a quick jaunt across the Chao Phraya River to the splendid Wat Arun is all that’s experienced of Thonburi. Though largely away from the tourists, Thonburi is home to some of the area’s richest history and culture, and its overall laid-back, artsy and at times quirky atmosphere make it … read the full post

• Photo essay: Life in the Andaman Sea islands

  First published: 22 Jun 2012
  

  With the monsoon now in full swing in Thailand’s Andaman Sea islands, few tourists are found and bungalows are boarded up. Yet, despite the rain, locals navigate longtail boats through the waves to put fish on their tables, endure the dampness to tap rubber trees, coerce water buffalo to plough fields, take the time to … read the full post

• Durian: King of Thai fruits

  First published: 21 Jun 2012
  

  Picture a village inhabited by all the different types of Thai fruit. A group of exuberant young grapes and rambutans goof off as pretty lychees and strawberries giggle. A cheerful rose apple works in the garden as well-dressed pineapples gossip with ripe papayas about the carefree oranges, mangoes and coconuts mixing it up on the … read the full post

• Review: M Coffee & Bakery on Sukhumvit Road

  First published: 18 Jun 2012
  

  If you include all the stands slinging coffee streetside, there have to be a million coffee shops in Bangkok. Being the coffee enthusiast (read: addict) that I am, I’ve probably tried half of them. Most sell a standard mix of decent Thai coffee, overly sweet lattes, milky chah yen (Thai iced-tea), a few juices and … read the full post

• The traditional Thai bronze-smiths of Baan Bu

  First published: 17 Jun 2012
  

  In this modern age of factories and mass production, increasingly few artisans carry on the traditional ways of a craft. Like the flute makers of Baan Lao and alms bowl producers of Baan Bat, however, Jiam Sangsajja bronze studio in the tiny bronze-smith village of Baan Bu in Thonburi defies the odds by keeping its … read the full post

• Review: Om Yim Lodge, Silom

  First published: 11 Jun 2012
  

  If looking for a relaxed and comfortable place to stay with more of a guesthouse feel than the big hotels that dominate the vibrant Silom part of Bangkok, Om Yim Lodge is worth a look. Although they call it a lodge, this is truly a guesthouse that blends in to a particularly interesting row of … read the full post