Tag: things to do

The Top 5 Things to do in Turkey’s Magical Cappadocia

Have you ever wanted to be in a fairy tale? Well here is your chance because Cappadocia is a Have you ever wanted to be in a fairy tale? Well here is your chance because Cappadocia is a whimsical magical place you have never seen before. From admiring unique land formations to exploring valleys to exciting adrenaline pumping activities – Cappadocia will not leave you disappointed. I was there in Nov 2019 for only 3 days (I wished I had at least a week there) and here are the Top 5 things to do!

1) See Amazing Views from Above by riding on a Hot Air Balloon

Going on a Hot Air Balloon Ride is one of the top if not the most sought after activities to do in Cappadocia. Prices are steep and can go up to 200-300€ in the Summer. I went during the low season in November and I paid 170€ through a booking on Viator. However, when I was there, the hotel owner said that he could have gotten a lower price for me if I had liaised directly with him. I booked my ticket online as I will only be there for 3 days and I wanted to secure my seat in advance. If you are going during the winter months, have more than a few days to spend there and would like to save some money, you can try your luck at buying the tickets in person. 

On the day of the balloon ride, I was especially nervous but not because of the ride but because I was afraid that the weather might not be optimal and the ride would be cancelled. And if that would happen, the tour would be rescheduled to the next day. There was a real possibility that the ride would not take place during the time I was there. So if you are planning on going on the ride, please try to do it on the first day you’re day to avoid disappointment.

I thought that I would have to wake up really early at 4 or 5 am but was picked up at 6 am instead and was even the first to get on the minibus to the lift-off point. At the waiting area, some refreshments were provided and were adequate. Everyone huddled around the fire as It was also really really cold in the morning, maybe about -5 degrees Celsius – the fire provided much relief.

It was a magnificent sight to behold watching them heat up the air inside.

Altogether, there were 26 people on board – 4 compartments with 6 people each and two pilots. I can’t complain about the number of people on board because that was what I paid for. If you want something more private, be prepared to fork out quite a large sum of money.

It is vital that you get a good spot either at the outer ring or at the corners to get an interrupted view.

Finally a shot without anyone else in it.

Every minute was well worth the money spent. I definitely do not regret taking the ride. One more item checked off the bucket list!

2) Get your Heart Pumping by Driving an ATV

What better way to cover the vast terrain of Cappadocia than to ride an Atv. I have never driven an ATV before this tour and that made me more excited than ever to do it.

I booked a Sunset Atv tour on Viator with Cappadocia Adventure Atv at about 34€. For 2 hours, this was a really good deal. Moreover, there were only two other people besides me on the tour.

I was geared up with a helmet and face mask and off I went to do a practice ride. The accelerator was just a push of the button with your left thumb and brakes were operated by both hands. I have both a car and motorcycle license but this felt a little strange.

A minute into the start of the tour and I lost control of the Atv for a second. The tour guide was worried and wanted me to sit behind him. But I couldn’t give up and continued trying. If you haven’t ridden an Atv before, there’s just a slight learning curve at the beginning and after that you will be fine.

The highlight of the tour was riding to the sunset viewpoint at Love Valley.

The view of the sun setting was just spectacular and while I was enjoying the view, I savored a cup of warm wine sold by the people in the car.

Combing the valleys on an Atv is one of the fastest and most thrilling ways to explore Cappadocia. The road may be bumpy and sometimes hard to maneuver around but I promise that you will have an awesome time. If you have a Gopro, bring it along to record the journey, they provide helmets with the attachment. 

3) Be Adventurous and Explore the Valleys on your own

Going on tours gives you the utmost convenience in having everything planned out for you. However, there is always that sense of excitement, adventure in exploring on your own.

I met Ahmet who was my tour guide on the Atv tour and because we shared a commonality in speaking broken Thai, we became friends. He offered to bring me around on his Atv on my last day to explore the valleys that are not populated by tourists and I’m so grateful for that.

We walked through what used to be water channels

Climbed into a cave house.

Exploring without a tour has its own advantages. Give it a try if you have the time, you will not regret it.

4) Take the Green Tour

If you do not have a lot of time to spend in Cappadocia, joining a tour would allow you to see the most in the shortest amount of time. The Green Tour costs a reasonable 40€ for a whole day pack with sight-seeing.

One memorable stop was at Derinkuyu Underground City. It is the biggest underground city in Turkey and the deepest in Cappadocia. It was interesting to see how small the rooms and passageways are and interesting to note how people then were much smaller than us right now.

We also visited Selime Monastery. According to our guide, he said that Star Wars was shot here. I can see the resemblance but I don’t know how true this is.

This was the most scenic part of the tour. We did a short hike at Lhara valley The trees were lush and in abundance – a stark contrast to the sandy eroded landscape I’ve been used too.

The last stop of the trip was to Göreme Panorama Viewpoint. From this viewpoint, you’ll get to see clear extensive views of Pigeon Valley. The valley is aptly named because of how people who used to live there used the small holes to attract pigeons and after which they utilized their poop as fertilizers.

This day’s tour was very informative. I got a glimpse into the lives of people who lived there and got a chance to revel in the most amazing landscapes on earth.

5) Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum – A Museum like no other

If you do not want to go on a tour and also do not have means to hike and explore the valleys and it’s structures on your own, Göreme open-air museum is a destination you do not want to miss.

The museum is accessible with just a 20 min walk from the center of Göreme. A complex of monasteries each with its own church is an amazing example of rock hewn architecture.

The only downside to this is that you would have to pay 75TL to enter. But of course the money is well spent considering the convenience and accessibility to this amazing place!

Cappadocia is an amazing place to visit if you are interested in embarking on a thrilling adventure to discover vast landscapes and rich histories. It is definitely a place not to miss on anyone’s itinerary to turkey!

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10 Unique things to do in Bangkok Thailand

1) Visit the Abandoned Airplane Graveyard

When will you ever have a chance to explore an abandoned Boeing airplane ever in your life? Well now you get to have your chance. It is not a place where you have to secretly crawl through a fence or climb over one. It is as simple as giving 200B to the family who lives at the grounds. While 200B may seem like too much for a place that is supposedly abandoned, perhaps you can treat it as a donation to the family.

Address: 13.764812 100.652406, Khwaeng Hua Mak, Khet Bang Kapi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10240, Thailand

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2) Walk around Khlong Toey Market

If you want to get off the tourist path and experience real local life, visit Khlong Toey Market. Immerse yourself in the sights and smells and enjoy every moment of it. Besides selling the usual produce, you can also find eels, turtles, ant eggs, water bugs, silkworms and snails.

Hours: 6 am – 2pm

Address: 1 Kasem Rat Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

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3) Eat insects at Insects in the Backyard

If you are afraid to eat insects, maybe this restaurant will change your mind. Insects in the Backyard transforms your everyday insects such as ants, silkworms, bamboo worms and crickets into fine dining dishes. Every dish is carefully thought out and incorporates the insects in a tasteful way. Not only did they look creepily nice, they tasted great as well. Do not let the idea of insects scare you away from trying them.

Hours: 2pm-11pm , closed on wednesdays

Address:  Chang Chui Market – 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Khwaeng Bang Phlat, Khet Bang Phlat, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700

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4) See animals at the animal section of Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak market is known for being one of the world’s largest weekend markets. It is easy to get lost in rows and rows of stalls. But, if you manage to make your way to the animal section, you will be rewarded with interesting sights. Snakes, rodents, dogs, cats, tortoises, beavers, lizards, rabbits – you can find almost any animal that they think are capable of being pets.

Hours: Weekends 9 am – 6 pm

Address: Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, Khwaeng Lat Yao, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand

5) Try to get in Sathorn Unique Tower

I have always liked going to abandoned places and after watching the show “The Promise”, I really wanted to see the tower. I read online that you could bribe the security guards to go inside but recently however, this practice has stopped. Also, some said that you could try jumping from a nearby building to get in but, I didn’t have the guts to do it. So if you are daring enough to take the plunge, you might be able to get in. If not, you’ll just be like me – admiring from the outside.

Address: 266/14-15, Soi Siam Square 3, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Khet Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, 10330, Thailand

6) Take a picture at the Abandoned Train Cemetery

Follow the tracks moving north from Bang Sue Station and you will reach the cemetery. To get there, you will have to cross the train tracks and that is an adventure by itself. Make sure to look out for trains coming from either direction and make your way quickly over. Also, climb over the fence if you want to take a closer look but be careful of anyone patrolling the area.

Address:104/35 Soi Liap Thang Rotfai, Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand

7) Eat Goong Ten at Rod Fai Night Market Srinakarin

Goong Ten literally translates to “dancing shrimps”. The name is aptly given as the shrimps will move in your mouth because you will be eating them alive. You will be scared at first but the shrimps die pretty quickly after they are taken out of the water – so don’t worry too much about them moving around too much.

Hours: 5pm – 1am , closed on mon and tue

Address: ถนน ศรีนครินทร์ Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250, Thailand

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8) Feed the catfishes in the Chao Phraya River

I really don’t know how many catfishes there are in the Chao Phraya River but I think they might have an overpopulation problem. It is easy to purchase fish food at the piers and you should be able to feed them anywhere along the river.

9) Eat Wattana Panich the “oldest” soup in Bangkok

This stall is about 60 years old and they have retained their soup in the wok every single night instead of throwing it away. While this may sound strange and maybe unhygienic, it is believed by the Chinese that the longer a wok has not be washed, the tastier and more flavorful the dish will be. We have tasted their beef soup and it tastes delicious.

Hours: 9 am to 9 pm (Closed on the last Monday of every month)

Address: 336-338 Soi Ekkamai 18, Sukumvith 63 Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok 10110

10) Visit the Slums

Khlong Toey Slums

Bang Sue Slums

Khlong Toey is one of the largest slums in the city. On the way to the train cemetery, we also discovered slum-liked settlements near Bang Sue train station,

Many of the people live illegally in these squatter settlements and most don’t own the homes they live in. In the 1950s, cheap labor was in demand and many people relocated to the capital. A rental system was established where the people moving in could settle on land at a low cost. However in the 1970s, landowners favored building condominiums and new developments and ceased to provide low housing costs. They also stopped collecting rent and without a payment system, these illegal squatter settlements continued to grow.

These people live in tin-roofed homes over polluted and stagnant water. The areas have also become more and more populated with houses being crammed right next to each other.

Do visit the slums to experience how some people can still be living in such conditions despite being in a modern and developed city like Bangkok.

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Top 9 things to do in Khao Yai Thailand

Khao Yai is often dubbed as the Switzerland of Thailand. Reasons being the cooler weather and picturesque surroundings. Here are the top 10 things to do in Khao Yai.

1) Khao Yai National Park

Go trekking in the jungles of Khao Yai national park and have an adventure you will never forget. Meet wildlife such as deer, woodlouse, leeches, monkeys and even wild elephants if you are really really lucky. Also, visit Haew Suwat Waterfall, the largest waterfall in the park. This waterfall was used in a scene with Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie “The Beach”.

Address: Hin Tung, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District, Nakhon Nayok 26000, Thailand

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2) Ban Mai Chay Nam Restaurant

This is one unique restaurant you will never forget. Besides being a restaurant, it is also a museum that has a collection of antiques, old chinaware, creepy looking dolls, old toys, figurines, statues, arcade machines etc. You can also have a go at playing the pinball machine and air hockey. Besides that, they serve delicious food. So many things to see and so many things to do!

Hours: 10 am – 10 pm

Address: 21, Mittaphap Road, Tambon Pak Chong, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130, Thailand

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3) Mawmuek Cafe

If you love cats, you will absolutely love this place. For a small token such as buying a drink or a souvenir, you are allowed entry into the cafe. Besides playing with them, you can also purchase wet cat food to feed them. You will definitely have a great time here!

Hours: Tues – Fri 10:30am – 6pm, Sat – Sun 9:30am – 7pm, closed on Mon

Address: 146/1 ม .4 Palio Khaoyai ถนน ธนะรัชต์ Tambon Mu Si, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

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4) Primo Piazza

Primo Piazza combines stunning elegant Italian architecture with the beautiful backdrop of the mountains of Khao Yai. Get a chance to interact with the sheep and alpacas in this cozy farm by feeding them pandan leaves. While the alpacas are not allowed to roam freely perhaps due to their temperament, the sheep are able to do so. Besides visiting the animals, have a great time using the architecture to take beautiful photos.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm

Address: 861 Moo 6, Thanarat Road Tambol Nong Nam Daeng Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130

5) GranMonte Vineyard and Winery

We booked a tour with GrandMonte Vineyard and it was really fun and educational. Perhaps we went in the month with the highest rainfall thus we were the only participants for the tour and we were pretty happy about it. Our guide spoke English very well and she went though the different types of wine produced and the processes they have to undertake. While wine making isn’t something that is uncommon, what makes this place so special is that they found a way to make wine in a country that does not have a climate that is thought of as being suitable for making wine. Do visit them to learn how they did it.

Address: 52 MOO 9, Payayen, Pansuk-Kudkla Street, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30320, Thailand

6) Midwinter Green

Midwinter Green is a restaurant that looks like a magical castle. You will definitely feel like a prince or princess your own fairy tale once you step foot into the restaurant. Not only is the decor absolutely stunning, the food served was really scrumptious. Get really to be swept away by this amazing restaurant.

Hours: 10 am – 10 pm

Address: 10 88/88 Soi Ban Sai Thong Mu 24 Soi 2, Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

7) Wat Bu Pai

We initially did not plan to go here. But, on out way to Mister Mushroom, we passed by this temple and we were so impressed by the statue that we decided to stop and it was a great decision to do so. Coming here gave us a glimpse of local life. It was not a touristy destination and we did not see any other tourists. Besides visiting the beautiful temple, we walked through a local market that was right next to it. They had various amulets and trinkets, food, produce, clothes and even a blown up bouncy castle. If you want to visit a destination that is off the beaten path, make a trip here.

Address: 105 moo 5 Tambon Wang Nam Khiao, Amphoe Wang Nam Khiao, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30370, Thailand

8)Mister Mushroom

Mister Mushroom is a hidden shopping paradise in Khao Yai. There are just so many mushroom related products that you can easily spend an hour deciding what to buy back. They have spreads, snacks, tea, moisturizers and even ice cream – all made from mushrooms. Even though they do not advertise any tours, if you are interested to see how the mushrooms are grown, just ask the staff if they are available to give you a tour of the farm when you are there.

Hours: 8 am – 5 pm

Address: 155 Moo 2, Sukklao, Tambon Tha Samakkee, Wang Nam Khieo, Nakhon Ratchasima 30370

9) The Chocolate Factory

The Chocolate Factory is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Not only can you buy chocolate products and eat chocolate cakes, you can even dine in their restaurant which serves an array of western and Thai cuisine.

Hours: Mondays – Thurs 9:30 am – 9 pm, Fri – Sun 9:30 am – 10 pm

Address: Pak Chong, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

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Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket

Soi Dog Foundation is a shelter that houses both cats and dogs. It’s mission is to improve the welfare of stray dogs in Thailand by addressing the problem of over-population. The foundation is also working in several countries to end the inhumane and barbaric dog meat trade in Asia.

Road traffic accidents, poisonings, serious wounds and cruelty cases are a few of the main reasons why the animals are in the foundation.

Some animals are very affectionate while others are wary of human touch. This shows that although all of the animals had a difficult past, the affection and dedication given by the foundation has affected them in a positive way. The animals that are still sensitive may need more time to adjust and the environment provided is the best place they can be in.

There are many cats and dogs up for adoption on their adoption page. Even if you reside overseas, the process for adoption is easy. Once the adoption application has been approved, your pet will either travel as manifested cargo or as accompanied baggage with a flight volunteer. There is no adoption fee required, however, the travel costs incurred will have to be covered by you.

I had a great time at the foundation and if I lived in Phuket, I would definitely volunteer as much as I can. If you happen to be in Phuket, please visit the foundation and give your love to the animals who need it so much. If you can’t physically be there, you can always sponsor a dog or a cat through their website. 

Soi Dog Foundation is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 15.30.

Guided tours run at 09.30, 11.00, 13.30, and 14.30 and do not have to be booked in advance. The shelter is open on Saturday mornings for tours at 9.30 and 10.30.

The shelter is closed on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday.

Webiste: https://www.soidog.org/

Address: Soi Dog Foundation, 167/9 Moo 4, Soi Mai Khao 10, Tambon Mai Khao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

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Mawmuek Cafe @ Khao yai

Mawmuek Cat Cafe is situated in a Tuscan themed village in Khao Yai. The village is a picturesque shopping district that is filled with restaurants, cafes, souvenirs and many opportunities to take beautiful pictures. However, the highlight of this place is definitely this cat cafe that sits quietly in the village. 

The Cafe is divided into two sections – a cafe section and a play area for the cats. There is no specified entrance fee but in order to play with the cats, you would just have to purchase either a drink or a souvenir. You may also purchase wet cat food to feed the cats. Look at how excited they are to see the food!

I tried to be fair by trying to feed most of the cats there. But, some cats were just more aggressive and they will push their way through. Haha

Look at how cute their paws are.

There were a variety of cats there like scottish folds, bengals, persians, short hairs and garfields? When the food was finished, most of them returned to their chilled state. They went back to either lazing around or sleeping. If you were looking to play with them, they would be rather uninterested. It is best to make use of your time there by sitting quietly and immersing yourself with their everyday lives.

This was the cutest cat we saw just because it loved to sleep on its back and it looked really funny.

If you happen to visit Palio Village in Khao Yai, don’t just spend your time shopping or eating! You have to stop by Mawmuek cafe, I promise you will have a great time here!

Hours: Tues – Fri 10:30am – 6pm, Sat – Sun 9:30am – 7pm, closed on Mon

Address: 146/1 ม .4 Palio Khaoyai ถนน ธนะรัชต์ Tambon Mu Si, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

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Conquer Khao Chong Krajok monkey temple with 396 steps in Prachuap Kiri Khan

This temple sits quietly on top of a steep hill in Prachuap Kiri Khan. If you’re looking for an “off the beaten path” experience, this place is for you! 

Looking up the steps can be quite daunting especially when you’re only at the beginning.  If you notice, the locals who frequent the temple brought sticks and bananas with them. We were just glad that they would get all the attention from the monkeys and not us!  

I know that in the pictures, the sky looked cloudy. But it was actually sweltering. Every step we took grew more  difficult as we got higher. We were told by some ladies who seemed to be selling bananas at the foot of the hill to not bring any bags or loose items up. While we were climbing up, the monkeys would brazenly sit at the steps or pass us by closely. They also seemed to be looking out for food – most likely bananas. It was a good thing we didn’t bring much with us up. 

Finally! Honestly, 396 steps wasn’t that difficult after all.

Great views from all around the temple!

If you are visiting Prachuap Kiri Khan, climbing up this temple is a must if you would like to enjoy great panoramic views of its surroundings. Just be wary of the monkeys who have made the temple their home!

Address: RQ8X+48R, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77000, Thailand

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Abandoned Airplane Graveyard in Bangkok

Situated just a little north east from the city center of Bangkok lies a hidden gem – a graveyard filled with abandoned airplanes.

It was not difficult to find the place as it was right in the middle of other buildings and stationed next to a main road. When you get there, it may seem like the place is out off bounds to visitors as the gates to the compounds were locked up. We almost thought that we could not go through. But, after standing around the gates and trying to look inside, a man came up to us and we asked him if we could go inside. We knew from reading various reviews on the internet that they family who lived there charged a fixed 200 Baht per person to enter. Of course we tried to be coy and asked if 200 Baht for two people would be possible. But, it was firm no. It may seem like a ridiculous amount of money to get into a place that is supposedly abandoned but you won’t regret it as the views inside were amazing.

Getting into the plane was a little difficult for me but perhaps easy for people who like climbing things. We found an open door on the right side of the plane and this was the easiest way to get in.

After going through the entrance, there was a ladder that we climbed to reach the second level of the plane. It was a little dark and cramped inside but it was quite easy to get here. Well it seems like the plane has been stripped of almost everything it once had and what was left were scraps.

This was the cockpit of the smaller plane. It was really cool to see that the chairs and the frames were still intact.

Another entrance into the plane but obviously it’s a little higher and harder to get through. 

Having sunlight would have been better, unfortunately we reached when the sun was close to setting. 

There seems to be a family who stays here. We saw a few kids playing around, adults after having a shower and there were chickens walking around as well. I tried to ask the man who let us in if he stayed there but he told me he was the security guard. Well maybe he was really the security guard or maybe he was part of the family staying there, we really didn’t’ know

Anyways, if you do have 200 baht to spare, you will not have any regrets visiting this place!

Admission fee: 200 Baht as of 12th August 2018

Address: 13.764812 100.652406, Khwaeng Hua Mak, Khet Bang Kapi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10240, Thailand

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