Finally sea time again. While I really love the people over here in Udon Thani I do miss the sea a lot! So I was very happy to visit my former fellow student Susanne and some of her newly met mates during their vacation in Thailand down on Phuket.

The Travel to Phuket

My journey to Phuket was quite easy. I booked a direct flight wit AirAsia and after 2 hours Thailands number 1 low cost airline arrived on Phuket. With 45 minutes delay. But whatever….holidays! Then I went down to the airport bus that I luckily caught before it left (otherwise I would had to wait for about 1.5 hours – or pay a lot of money). One hour later I was in Phuket town and made me on my way to the phuket backpacker hostel. Together with my newly met fellow backpackers.

The Hostel

Expensive...

Since I gave a teaching recap after my first day and my first week (and talked a little about it during my recap of my first three months in thailand) I thought it is about time to talk in more detail about it – now, almost 4 months after becoming a teacher in Thailand.

Working with students

teaching in thailand - interaction in english class

Working with students is really great. Not just because of the fun part, but also because of the fact that you really can influence them. Try to give them something valuable on their way. Of course it kinda hurts when you see that students simply ignore your advice or that they are simply to lazy to make something more out of their current situation – but that’s the way it is. You can’t teach & reach everybody...

While I covered the ‘must sees’ and first steps in Bangok for Beginners during my last post about this wonderful big city, I thought it is about time to get a little more into history. Bangkok has so much to tell and the most people only know very little about the city with the world’s longest city name (no, not Bangkok) and since the big music hit on hot rotation right now is even called “Maha Nakhon” (Bangkok’s Thai Name – well part of it) this gives me a good oportunity to talk about it.

Bangkok – Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Bangkok is only the international name for this huge melting pot of immense diverse cultures and styles. In Thailand it is usually referred to as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon – or in short – Krung Thep. It’s complete name, in arabic letters, is: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rat...

On tuesday this week we (Udon Thani) celebrated the 118th birthday of our wonderful hometown (at least for now ). The celebration took place at famous Nongprajak Park and had an amazing highlight at it’s end. A huge firework contest with competing teams from all over Thailand.  So the nightly sky was lightened up by amazing fireworks for several hours combined with many ‘oooohs’, ‘aaaaahs’ and ongoing applause.

Besides the hot highlight there was also an artifical fountain (yeah fountains are alway artificial but this one was just installed for the festival) at the lake which showed different colors and various ways of spreading water – And since we are in Thailand, what else does it need for a party? Right! Food! Food stands everywhere alongside Nongprajak Park...

Even 11 days after the new year had started, we did not have enough parties. The college decided to set up another New Years Party for UVC staff and teachers. Even the rain (yes rain, even though it’s not rainy season. The first time that it was raining for a longer time since the beginning of november!)

food at the new years party at UVC

When comming to the party location the first thing that popped into ones eyes was – what else could it be – food! MUCH food! More food than the tables could handle so the hotel students, who served everything (and did a great job in doing so) during this night, had to stack the plates somehow. Looked kinda funny in some cases

From fish, seafood to pork, beef, sticky rice, salad and typical Isaan cuisine (e.g. laab moo) everything was available.

Besides ...

The Thung Sri Muang Festival is one of the biggest annual festivals and one the most important ones too. It happens every year in december and lasts for two weeks. During it’s duration it is host for many shops, food boothes, music acts, roller coasters and other entertainment possibilities.

Kebab at Thung Sri Muang festival

Much so much to much to much

The first time I went to Thung Sri Muang Festival (or Tung Si Muang) I was quite overwhelmed be the huge amount of possibilities and it’s pure size. Even some roads close to the festival area have been closed in order to host more boothes and stands. I even came across my first Kebab in Thailand which was actually not that bad at all! Even though they added to many sauces. Thai style!

Besides the Kebab wonder Thung Sri Muang has a lot more ...

Since I receive a lot of questions by friends and readers who are comming to Bangkok (oriental city!) concerning tips, tricks or any special advice for first time visitors, I thought I come up with a beginner’s post covering do’s and dont’s, musts and shoulds. It’s all based on personal experience. So if you disagree or want to add some advice, feel free to comment. Otherwise enjoy Bangkok for Beginners.

welcome to thailand – thai flag

Touch down – Suvarnabhumi – Bangkok Airport

When touching down in Bangkok you will enter the Land of Smile at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The first thing you will see, besides the toilettes, is the visa check counter. One more time to be patient. But after flying for a decent amount of time this should not bother you anymore.

After you passed...

Just came back from my first trip to Chiang Mai – the rose of the North. It all went a little different than planned (over 36 hours of B&B – Bed & Bathroom. Thanks to some bad streetfood) but was quite nice anyway.

in front of Tha Pae Gate, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Before going to Chiang Mai everybody here in Udon Thani kept telling me that I might not be able to come back in time since sooooo many people want to take the bus back on monday or that I might not find a place to stay because of the great amounts of travellers going to Chiang Mai for New Years. So, in order to be prepared, I decided to book online. Not a bad choice since our beds were safe, but not a to smart choice either. Chiang Mai has incredibly many hostels...