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:

• Trang’s botanical gardens and jungle canopy walkway

  First published: 17 Dec 2012
  

  Most travellers briefly pass through south Thailand’s Trang province en route to one of the Andaman Sea islands, perhaps grabbing a kopi or stopping by one of the area’s many waterfalls along the way. In search of something different, we recently gave the Trang Peninsular Botanical Gardens (Thung Khai) a shot. We were expecting plants … read the full post

• Review: Silom Art Hostel, Bangkok

  First published: 13 Dec 2012
  

  Opened just a few months ago on a sidestreet off lively Silom Road in Bangrak, Silom Art Hostel probably wins the prize for the most colourful accommodation in a city known for its bright and eclectic nature. If you prefer your hostel to be almost over-the-top funky but also comfortable and secure, the Art Hostel … read the full post

• Bangkok’s Assumption Cathedral

  First published: 09 Dec 2012
  

  One of a few striking 200-plus year old churches in Bangkok, Assumption Cathedral is the centre of Catholicism in Thailand. The church is nestled in a historic area off Charoen Krung Road near the Chao Phraya River and is worth a visit whether worshipping or just sightseeing. Named after the biblical name for the death … read the full post

• Christmas in Bangkok 2012

  First published: 08 Dec 2012
  

  Old Saint Nick looked a bit thin last year thanks to the tropical heat (or mistaking chillies for candy canes), but he was still sighted in Bangkok riding in trains, ho-ho-ing beneath highway overpasses and soaring above the skyline in a magic flying-elephant-powered tuk tuk. Here’s where you can catch up with Santa for Christmas … read the full post

• Street food on Silom Soi 20, Bangkok

  First published: 07 Dec 2012
  

  Apart from pad Thai, smoothies and kebabs on Khao San Road, ordering street food in Bangkok can be frustrating if you don’t know the Thai lingo. Menus are usually posted only in Thai and many basic dishes — like som tam and noodle soup — come with a range of options that can leave travellers dumbfounded. … read the full post

• Bangkok’s Wat Yannawa

  First published: 05 Dec 2012
  

  The glittering rooftop spires of Wat Yannawa are difficult to miss when approaching Saphan Taksin BTS station or Sathorn express boat pier along the Chao Phraya river. Like Wat Kalayanamit further north, Wat Yannawa receives few foreign visitors despite it being historic, ornate and easily accessible. With its elaborate hall of relics and unique wiharn … read the full post

• Photo essay: Loy Krathong, Bangkok

  First published: 02 Dec 2012
  

  Streets are being swept, dilapidated krathongs make there way out to sea, and people are recuperating from one of Thailand’s most beautiful festivals. The Big Mango celebrates this holiday like it does most of them — with the cracking of fireworks, the blasting of music and a carnival-like atmosphere along the Chao Phraya river. Here’s … read the full post

• Warp54 Studio, Bangkok

  First published: 29 Nov 2012
  

  Historic Charoen Krung Road in Bangrak has long been home to fantastic Asian antique art galleries, but Belgian painter Chrisian Develter and partner Peter Smits contribute a fresh breath of artistic air at Warp54 Studio. Not far from the old Portuguese embassy on Charoen Krung Soi 30, Warp54 occupies an airy teak wood warehouse constructed … read the full post

• Swimming Rama (pork with peanut sauce) near Chatuchak

  First published: 27 Nov 2012
  

  Chatuchak market is best known as a sprawling maze of trendy clothes and souvenirs, but some notably good food is also found in its vicinity. Head for nearby Or Tor Kor gourmet market for a taste of high quality fruit, sweets and prepared Thai foods, and while there, don’t miss a Malay/Indonesian cum Chinese cum … read the full post

• King’s birthday festivities in Bangkok, December 5

  First published: 25 Nov 2012
  

  Doubling as Father’s Day, the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (aka Rama IX) on December 5 is one of Thailand’s most important holidays. Although celebrated throughout the kingdom, festivities are centered around Bangkok‘s Ratchadamnoen Road from Democracy Monument to the Grand Palace. Being among the throngs of Thai people as they honour the King is an … read the full post