Layan, Bang Tao, Phuket

Layan, Bang Tao, Phuket, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Dawn at Layan which is at the north end of Bang Tao Bay in Phuket.

The What? - The White Wat!

Fairytale Palace Wat Rong Khun Chiang Rai

The What? - The White Wat!, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The White Wat otherwise known as The White Temple or The White Palace is located just outside of Chiang Rai. It is officially known as Wat Rong Khun and is the brainchild of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat . The temple will conmprise 9 buildings when it is finished. It was started in 1997 and has been built entirely from public donations and attracts both Thai and foreign visitors. Constructed in white and glass mosaic, it is a spectacular site glinting in the bright sunshine.

A Karen Long Neck

A Karen Long Neck, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The famous Karen Padaung otherwise known as the long necks are refugees from Burma that live in Northern Thailand. There is some contoversy surrounding the way that they (or someone else) has turned them into a tourist attraction but there is no denying that they are a fascinating people and are also extremely photogenic.

Akha HIll Tribe Lady, Ikoh San Yuek, near Doi Mae Salong, Thailand

Akha HIll Tribe Lady, Ikoh San Yuek, near Doi Mae Salong, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The Akha hill tribe are said to have originated in China and migrated to Thailand, among other countries since th 19th century. There are now more than 80,00 living across the Northern Provinces. I was fortunate to catch this lady unawares in a serene pose although in actual fact she was anything but serene. She seemed to be controlling events at a small market and became quite animated when she spotted me with a camera.

Fruits of Thailand - Star Fruit (Carambola)

Star Fruit (Carambola)

Star Fruit, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Star Fruit or Carambola is the fruit of the Averrhoa Carambola tree which is a native of Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka. The fruit is widely grown in other Asian countries such as Malaysia and Thailand. They are easy to eat as no peeling or stoning is required. They are rich in antioxidants and provide a good source of vitamin C

Koh Hong(Krabi), Phang Nga Bay

Koh Hong(Krabi), Phang Nga Bay, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This is Koh Hong, Krabi. There are 2 islands called Koh Hong in the area, one on the Krabi side and the other more twards Phang Nga. I believe that "hong" literally means "room" and it is the term given to the fascinating lagoons in some of the islands of Phang Nga Bay. Some of the "hongs" can be reached, as in this case, by boat at full tide, while others can only be reached by canoe (through caves) at certain stages of the tide. Once inside these 'hongs" it is a different world as it is so still and peaceful except for the sound of the birds. I first encounterd these 'hongs' many years ago on a canoe trip and was instantly mesmerised by their sheer beauty.

Klong Toey Market, Bangkok

Khlong Toey Market is the largest market of its kind in Bangkok and being situated in one of the poorest areas of Bangkok near to the port, it is also one of the cheapest. The market sells mainly meat, fish, seafood, vegetables and and fruit and caters to both the local population as well as restauranteurs and professional cooks. Many of the products on the food stalls around Bangkok originate from here. A true Thai market, it is rare to see a European face there.

Although a fascinating market, some parts are not for the squeamish. A number of rather exotic foodstuffs such as frogs, both live and skinned as well as those great North Eastern Thailand delicacies fried locusts, crickets and waterbugs are much in evidence. Live chickens are kept in cages in one area and are slaughtered to order. In other parts live catfish, eels and other types of fish slither around next to crabs with blinking eyes and flapping prawns, while on the next stall a butcher carves up a whole pig.

The vegetables and fruit stalls carry a huge variety of very fresh and attractive goods. The bright greens, reds and yellows are just some of the colours that catch the eye. Spice stalls with bright green, red and yellow Thai curries also provide a pleasing sight. Wherever there are people in Thailand, there a food vendors and Klong Toey market is no exception. Pre-prepared curry stalls vie with fresh stir fries and pancake makers to ensure people have sufficient nourishment in their stomachs.

The market is extremely busy both with customers and porters. The porters, both male and female, scurry around the place either ferrying fresh supplies from the trucks to the stalls or transporting customers purchases. It is a hive of activity and periodically, the water truck, accompanied by a possee of people with brooms, appears to hose away the debris. The smells, sounds and sights will all stick in the memory.

Woman Porter, klong Toey Market, Bangkok

Woman Porter, klong Toey Market, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Klong Toey market is very busy and you have to be careful you dont get run over by the porters who are constantly scurrying around the place. Most of the porters are men but there are some women hauling fresh fruit and vegetables around.