Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao lies above the Menam Ping gorge on the green slopes of Doi Chiang Dao Mountain. The name means “City of Stars”, and derives from its earlier name Piang Dao, or “(at the) level of the stars”. True to the name, limestone peaks reaching a height of 2,186 m (7,174 ft) make Chiang Dao an impressive area. Chiang Dao is the third highest mountain in Thailand. The village is a quiet little picturesque area, with a quaint northern Thailand feel. It’s located in Chiang Dao national park. Chiang Dao is cover by fog almost of the year and temperature is always cool in winter and rainy season.

In 2013 when I was 2/3rds of the way through my trip across Central and South East Asia, I stopped in Chiang Dao for some rest and stunning scenery and It wasn’t disappointing. I walked along the Lisu tribe village road and deep into the country side. Along with visiting the famous Chaing Dao caves and the Phare Mahajadee Rachsamjammadhevesrivechai Temple both beautifully surronded by stunning Landscape. Nthing of course out does the Peake; Doi Luang Chiang Dao (ดอยหลวงเชียดางว)

Chiang Khan

Chiang Khan is a very old city with a unique culture and way of life. The most impressive scenes of Chiang Khan are the simple wooden houses adapted to be guest houses, coffee shops, and souvenir shops. On a beautiful day with nice weather, Chiang Khan provides a peaceful local life with a warm welcome for all visitors. Why not hire a bicycle and ride around Chiang Khan. Your ride can take you to all attractions because Chiang Khan is a small town. So, you can travel around easily by bicycle. Riding a bicycle is not only for travelling but is also healthy exercise and reduces pollution.

Bokor Hill Station and the Abandoned Casino

Bokor Hill Station in Preah Monivong National Park, Cambodia was built in the 1920s by French colonists wanting to escape the heat and humidity of the capital Phnom Penh. The main feature of the resort was the Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino. Because of the remote mountain location, building the resort was labour intensive and nearly 900 people lost their lives during construction. Besides the Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino there was a post office, shops, church and royal apartments. At the time of its operation it was known for its luxury and grandeur and was one of the crown jewels of France’s South East Asian colonies.

Zeravshan Valley and 7 Lakes of Shing- Northern Tajikistan

During my trip across Central Asia I journeyed to this amazing area of Northern Tajikistan. I will let the images speak for themselves. Yes the sky is that blue and yes the lakes are that colour! and glacial cold too! The Zeravshan Valley (also Zarafshan or Zarafshon) is situated in northern Tajikistan, embedded between the impressive mountain ranges of the western Pamir-Alai massive.“Zeravshan” – which means “Golden River” in Tajik –is the main stream which crosses the valley and which supplies its inhabitants with a most precious resource: water. The area is famous for its unique mountain landscapes and its beautiful lakes: the Alauddin lakes, the Kulikalon lakes, Iskanderkul Lake, the seven lakes of Shing among many others. While being an important tourism and recreation destination during the Soviet era of dispatch tourism, it is now an insiders’ tip among those interested in mountain trekking, alpinism and the little travelled branches of the silk road.