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
Down the river
The Chao Phraya river divides Bangkok and provides excellent transportation.
Reine going down the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok
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
Entering roach territory
The crowded street where every single backpacker in Asia seems to end up.
Khao San road, Bangkok
One night in Bangkok
This was once a rice market, hence the name meaning "raw rice".
Reine dancing down Khao San road, 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
A green spot
This is a beautiful park at the heart of the city. In the morning hours, the lawns are brimming with tai chi exercise.
Lumpini Park, Bangkok
Back to the future
While being fast and reliable means of transportation, the skytrains also have eased the air pollution a bit.
Skytrain rails, Bangkok
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
Rush Hour
I admit the photo quality is quite underwhelming, but the danger of shooting this picture was far outweighted by the danger of this officer's daytime job.
Worst job in the world during rush hour in Bangkok
Dude, where's my car
There is a 90 percent chance of a "special prize for you, mista" hanging in the air here.
Street vendor, Khao San road, Bangkok
Living on the edge
Chao Phraya river, Bangkok
Show me the money
"If I should die before I wake, I pray the Manager my money to keep."
Muay Thai at Ratchadamnoen Stadium, Bangkok
The rock
While spending time above the surface to remove residual nitrogen, we stopped by at this beach and got ashore using a small rubber boat.
Diving at the Similan Islands, Andaman Sea
At the beach
Not your average morning shower. A great way to start the day.
Khao Lak beach
Life is good
This was long before the tsunami distaster arrived at these shores.
Reine having a cold drink at sunset in Khao Lak
Longtail boat at Phi Phi Islands
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
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
Fancy a roadkill?
Impeccable street market in Suratthani
Sea of sin
Even though the activities for foreigners in this town felt like humanity at its very worst, the beach and surroundings are nothing short of spectacular.
Patong beach
Waiting for the night to fall
Perhaps one of the most boring places in the world. Unfortunately we had 10 hours to spend there before boarding the train.
Suratthani
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
Reine on Tha Phae Road in Chiang Mai
Triple Rolex
Chiang Mai has over 300 wats (Buddhist temples), most of which are very beautifully ornate.
Chiang Mai
By the slope
The mountain of Doi Suthep in the west towers over the city.
Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Go with the flow
Reine at Chang Phuak road, Chiang Mai
Goldfinger
The oldest chedi was build on this mountain in 1383. It is said to contain a shoulder bone from Buddha.
Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Rolling thunder
These motorcycle versions of rickshaws are very common, very noisy and will choke you in a cloud of blue smoke.
Going by Tuk tuk