Entries about environment

Suspension of Khao Thep Phitak Bridge is another famous tourist destination in Surat Thani province. Located behind Wat Khao Phang close to the entrance of Ratchaprapha Dam (Chiao Lan Dam). The bridge uses a large wire rope stretched to a concrete pole. The floor is covered with wooden and metal planks on a steel frame. It is surrounded with natural scenery which is beautiful. Behind the bridge is a heart-shaped mountain. If taking pictures in the middle of the bridge will get the most beautiful heart shape.

The bridge is known for its unique design and engineering, as it is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Thailand, with a total length of 1.8 kilometers. The bridge’s main span is 320 meters long and is supported by two tall pylons, which are 117 meters high.

The name “Khao Thep Phitak” means “Mountain of the Angel’s Wings” in Thai, which is derived from the nearby mountain range that has a similar shape to angel wings. The bridge was named after this mountain range.

Overall, Khao Thep Phitak Bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering and a beautiful landmark in Surat Thani province.

During my recent visit to Bangkok, just after Songkran, I made sure not to miss this colourful canal walk between Chinatown and Rattanakosin

If you know me, you must be aware of my fascination for colorful and fascinating street art. I love to visit places that are noted for their vibrant graffiti and murals. And I am always up for arty experiences. Trust me, it is a lot of fun when you turn around the corner and find a beautiful piece of art.

Every artwork has a different story to tell, which is what makes this street unique. If you too enjoy stumbling on random art in nooks and crannies of different cities, this street will leave you mesmerized for sure. I had a great time clicking pictures of the countless murals, made by some of Thailand’s best street artists. And if you are looking for photo-ops, this is the place to find some!

Pran Buri Forest Park Walk
In this video you will see some of the mangroves but mostly the local colourful Crab population that has been allowed to thrive here.
Some were easy to see and some not so easy.......
Founded in 1982 under the majesty of Queen Sirikit, Pranburi Forest Park is located 25 km. south of Hua Hin and encompasses over 3.17 sq. km. of protected land. The park is known for its vast and dense forests of mangroves and twisty trails that lead visitors to all corners of the park. With its pristine views and natural beauty, Pranburi Park is the perfect escape from some of the urban centres in southern Thailand.

The nature reserve is an excellent day excursion from the Hua Hin area (and best of all, it’s practically free). Not only will you be surrounded by the tranquil and majestic scenery, but you’ll also get to see an abundant array of flora and wildlife, many of which are exclusive to Thailand.

The forest floor in the mangroves is covered by muddy sediments formed by the tides, densely covered by horizontally grown tree roots above and below the ground. This muddy habitat is an ideal place for crabs, mudskippers and shrimps. During the low tides, many crabs and mudskippers can be seen from the boardwalk.

Recently finished, Wat Bang Thong was built with donations from the locals who wanted a beautiful temple in which to worship closer to where they live. With its glittering golden central tower reaching almost 70 metres in height, Wat Bang Thong is easily seen from hundreds of metres away.

This Temple is just a beautiful on the inside as on the outside. Adorned with colourful paintings of Buddhas journeys. with a wonderful centerpiece focussing the worshipper on a magnificent Buddha statue.

Clearly a huge undertaking, with its various buildings and encircled walls with magnificent gates x4. Having all the features recognised for a Wat ; Ubost, Viharn, Sala,Prang, Mondop, Ho Trai and of course Kuti (where monks live). You can read more about them here, in an article I wrote: https://true-travels.com/2019/01/27/whats-in-a-wat/

Along with the beautiful grounds this was a great place to visit. I hope you enjoy it too!

Music free under creative commons licence from youtube music library
Title: Mer-Ka-Ba by Jesse Gallagher

During my December break in 2021, I was in Phang Nga on my road trip around the province.

I had seen there was this huge beautiful Limestone park and wanted to visit it. About mid morning was actually a good time to go and visit, still cool enough , but also busy enough. I say busy, but actually most of the visitors were locals doing their morning exercise and jogging.

As we walked around the main pathway through the park, it became apparent why the locals stayed within the main pathway. There, are we found out for ourselves, in due course, two very large troupes of Macaque monkeys. With the lack of tourists and people they have made larger areas of the park their home.

We did narrowly avoid a major skirmish between the two alpha males and their harems. Along with about 20 offspring. Nearly finding ourselves with our backs up against the locked railings at the other end of the park we stayed absolutely still and made no sudden movements or noise that might attract their attention.
Thankfully they all ran like a river of water towards the limestone cliffs and disappeared into the trees. We carefully made our way back , keeping to the main paths.

I did manage before that to get some interesting views of the cliffs, and the surrounding area, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Music free under creative commons licence from Youtube music library
Title: Anomalous Hedges by The Mini Vandals