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:

• Daytrip: Khao Lak to the Similan Islands

  First published: 18 Nov 2012
  

  If you’re daydreaming of a trip to the Similan Islands of Thailand’s Andaman Sea in the near future, you’re in luck — the national park is open from November 1 to May 1 so a new season just got underway. Fine white sand beaches, thriving wildlife, majestic seascapes and soaring views from piles of seaside boulders … read the full post

• Photo essay: Life in Amphawa

  First published: 16 Nov 2012
  

  Although it’s just over 70 kilometres from Bangkok, a visit to the riverside hamlet of Amphawa feels like being transported to a bygone era. Farming and fishing have never gone out of style in Amphawa, and life unfolds amid the town’s canals and teak wood homes much as it has for centuries. Amphawa is best … read the full post

• Homestays of Amphawa

  First published: 14 Nov 2012
  

  The small town of Amphawa some 75 kilometres southwest of Bangkok is best known for its weekend market, which attracts urban Thais in droves. The market is well worth a trip, but a mid-week visit offers the chance to be swept up in Amphawa’s ultra-relaxed atmosphere while saving a decent chunk of change on accommodation, … read the full post

• Bangkok daytrip: Pak Nam market and Phra Samut chedi

  First published: 11 Nov 2012
  

  Wedged between Bangkok and the mouth of the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan province, the small but colourful city of Pak Nam is home to one of Thailand’s largest fresh seafood markets. Combine that with a boat ride to the historic Phra Samut chedi across the river and it’s an enjoyable half-day excursion that … read the full post

• Where to eat vegetarian in Bangkok

  First published: 08 Nov 2012
  

  Thailand is very much a meat-eating country. Grilled chicken and pork-on-a-stick vendors line the streets of big cities and small towns, and a lashing of fish sauce or chicken stock finds its way into otherwise vegetarian dishes like som tam and sauteed morning glory. Before you resolve to surviving entirely off fruit and plain rice throughout … read the full post

• Bangkok’s Erawan Museum

  First published: 07 Nov 2012
  

  My jaw dropped when I first laid eyes on the 250 ton, three-headed copper elephant that stands 44 metres tall south of Bangkok, but at that point I thought it was just a very big statue. It wasn’t until later that I learned how this massive elephant houses a melange of colour, texture, history, spirituality … read the full post

• A stroll through Chanthaburi’s old town

  First published: 04 Nov 2012
  

  Bursting with history and a distinct mix of cultures, the small eastern Thai city of Chanthaburi is among the country’s most precious undervisited gems. “Chan”, as it’s known to locals, is also the literal home to some of Thailand’s most precious gems — the city is the centre of Thailand’s lucrative precious stone trade. With … read the full post

• Bangkok’s two Little Indias

  First published: 02 Nov 2012
  

  In Thailand, cultural influences from India run deep. Thai kings are referred to as “Rama” after the main character in the Indian epic, Ramayana, and Thai religion is a blend of Buddhism and Hinduism, both of which came from India. Early influences like these are now indistinguishable from greater Thai culture, but two distinct Indian … read the full post

• Rayong’s old town

  First published: 31 Oct 2012
  

  A reaction, perhaps, to Thailand‘s push for modernisation over the past 60 years, many previously neglected historic neighbourhoods across the country have evolved of late into artsy “old towns” that celebrate rather than reject their heritage. The eastern Thai city of Rayong is often written off by foreign travellers as an uninspiring stop on the … read the full post

• A boat trip at Tha Kha floating market

  First published: 28 Oct 2012
  

  Tropical flowers reach over our tiny wooden row boat, tickling my shoulders and filling the air with fragrance as we pass. Curious children and dogs peer at us from the porches of stilted homes that hover over the water. A farmer, his boat brimming with fresh-picked pineapples, flashes a smile before making small talk with … read the full post