Thailand - In pursuit of the perfect beach

Backpacking through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Similan islands, Khao Lak, Phi Phi islands, Patong, Suratthani, Phun Phin and other strange places.

  • Dawn

    Early morning arrival at the train station. I have always loved train stations with the constant buzz of people on the move.

    Hualamphong train station, Bangkok

  • Entering roach territory

    The crowded street where every single backpacker in Asia seems to end up.

    Khao San road, Bangkok

  • The beach

    The place where the movie The Beach was shot can be quite crowded, but the water provides fine snorkeling and the surrounding limestone cliffs are nothing short of spectacular.

    Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands

  • Down the river

    The Chao Phraya river divides Bangkok and provides excellent transportation.

    Reine going down the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok

  • At the beach

    Not your average morning shower. A great way to start the day.

    Khao Lak beach

  • Longtail boat at Phi Phi Islands

  • Shiny happy people

    A normal day in Chiang Mai, the biggest city of northern Thailand. Life is full of journeys and each one will take you somewhere. Better make sure to enjoy the ride.

    Morning traffic in Chiang Mai

  • Raft draft

    This was the "still dry" moment, before the bamboo raft got stuck on evil rocks and we had to get in the eel-infested brown water up to the hip in order to lift it off.

    Mae Wang

  • Kiss my feet

    This statue of Buddha is 46 metres long and surrounded by large pillars, making it impossible to get a good look at it.

    Wat Pho, Bangkok

  • The local spa

    Refreshing showers along the way are very appreciated, especially after several hours of rough up-hill terrain.

    Mae Wang

  • Fancy a roadkill?

    Impeccable street market in Suratthani

  • Rise and shine

    As soon as I woke up, I started looking for the rooster that started in 4 AM and just wouldn't shut up.

    Staying with the Karon tribe

  • The drop

    Phi Phi Don is the largest of the Phi Phi islands and features impressive limestone cliffs. Notice the boat for scale.

    Phi Phi Don

  • Reaching for the stars

    This is a well-known temple in Bangkok with its spectacular Khmer-style tower, surrounded by four smaller ones. The temple once served as a host of the Emerald Buddha.

    Wat Arun, Bangkok

  • How fragile we are

    The vendors take pride in having something in store for everybody. Shurikens, butterflies and katanas - the perfect Christmas gift.

    Streetmarket stand in Khao San road, Bangkok