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 Ayutthaya’s outlying temples

  First published: 22 Mar 2013
  

  Many travellers complain that the ruins of Ayutthaya, while historically important, are not all that remarkable to look at. Those expecting a neatly packaged, easily accessible and awe-inspiring historical park will likely be disappointed. Yet the city does boast a string of often overlooked but outstanding outlying ruins that require some effort to reach. If … read the full post

• Review: Imm Fusion Hotel, Bangkok

  First published: 20 Mar 2013
  

  If looking for a hotel in Bangkok with a midrange personality and guesthouse rates, the Imm Fusion might do the trick. While not for everyone, its out-of-the-way location at the far east end of Sukhumvit Road should be manageable for those looking to save some cash. This is a good example that you get what … read the full post

• Where to enjoy the Bangkok riverfront for free

  First published: 10 Mar 2013
  

  Most of the Chao Phraya riverfront in Bangkok is packed with upscale hotels and condos, dilapidated shacks, industrial shipyards and the odd parking lot. While plenty of restaurants offer patio seating along the river, most are too expensive for those on a tight backpacker budget. Few and far between as they may be, Bangkok does … read the full post

• Review: Udee Hostel, Bangkok

  First published: 04 Mar 2013
  

  Situated in an “everyday Bangkok” sort of neighbourhood, Udee Hostel is a three-year-old budget spot that doesn’t lack style. While not a good choice if you want to be in the middle of the action, Udee should fit the bill for flashpackers and budget travellers seeking a quiet and sophisticated guesthouse away from the tourist … read the full post

• Review: de Talak Hostel, Bangkok

  First published: 03 Mar 2013
  

  De Talak’s modest claim is that it’s “The Ordinary Hostel“. It’s situated in a very “local” and ordinary Bangkok neighbourhood that’s off the tourist trail, and it doesn’t rely on any over-the-top funky design schemes or novelties to set it apart. We think this deliberately unassuming theme will work well for the right person. You … read the full post

• Bangkok immigration office

  First published: 01 Mar 2013
  

  A few years ago the Bangkok immigration office moved to a gargantuan modern building off Chaeng Watthana Road, not far from Don Muang airport in the city’s northern reaches. Although the old office off Sathorn Road was far more convenient, the new one gets points for modern facilities and spaciousness. Here’s a wrap on what … read the full post

• Phrases every visitor to Thailand should know: Mai pen rai

  First published: 27 Feb 2013
  

  Beyond basics like khop khun (thank you) and horng nahm yuu thee nai (where is the bathroom?), the Thai language draws on a pool of deeply emotional/spiritual words and ideas, many of which are difficult to translate. In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting a handful of phrases that are useful, but will also allow … read the full post

• Review: Home Cuisine Islamic Restaurant, Bangkok

  First published: 24 Feb 2013
  

  We’ve passed Home Cuisine Islamic Restaurant near Haroon Mosque on Charoen Krung Soi 36 several times, and as nearby Muslim Restaurant has long been a favourite of ours, we thought we’d see how Home Cuisine compares. While far from elegant, the restaurant aims for a classier ambiance than what you’ll find at no-frills Muslim Restaurant. … read the full post

• Arawy Restaurant: great vegetarian Thai near Khao San Road

  First published: 21 Feb 2013
  

  We’ve enjoyed plenty of great vegetarian food in Bangkok, but one spot that slipped under our radar was Arawy Restaurant near Democracy Monument and a 10-minute walk from the epicentre of Bangkok’s backpacker scene, Khao San Road. If you’re in the mood for cheap, authentic and delicious Thai vegan food (ahaan jay) in a no … read the full post

• Temples, churches and shrines of Chanthaburi

  First published: 19 Feb 2013
  

  Culturally eclectic Chanthaburi in eastern Thailand has long been home to large Chinese, Khmer and Vietnamese communities and was also influenced by the Shan from Burma as well as the French, who ruled the area from 1893 to 1905. This mixed heritage is evident in both the food and architecture that line the city’s narrow … read the full post