4 Days Bangkok Itinerary with KKday

Aaaah Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital! This city is known for being the street food capital of the world. (NETFLIX will definitely agree with this—but let’s save that for another blog). Having said so, Bangkok is not only about street food, there are so many things to do around the country’s capital and also places close to it.

For my recent trip, I partnered with KKday (www.kkday.com) to explore Bangkok and other notable destinations close to it. These can be done in 4 days. Of course, you can adjust these suggested trips depending on the days that you will be spending in the city.

On my part, these were done on 4 consecutive days from Thursday till the weekend.

Here we go!

Grand Palace Half Day Tour

 First things first, before exploring things to do outside Bangkok, let us focus on what to do in the capital.

Exploring Bangkok in Style with TBS 1978 from Hit The Road PH

Before leaving Manila to visit Bangkok for a few weeks, I was able to get a hold of a shoe brand called TBS 1978. I was really excited to add it in my OOTD. Normally whenever I travel, I just bring my trusty hiking boots and a pair of flip flops. This time around knowing that I'll be spending most of my days in the city, it is fitting to dress up a bit and be stylish more than the usual "backpacker get-up" (tho the rugged look is still my comfort zone haha).



To learn more about this brand,

TBS 1978 is a ready-to-wear shoe brand that is proud of its French heritage and has been introduced in the Philippines via Hit The Road PH. It is best known for leather sneakers that bring to you comfort, style and versatility as it integrates its active lifestyle design with premium full- grain leather to marry the need for everyday stylish comfort. 

Each pair is crafted with a cushion in-sole to increase comfort, a Technogrip patterned sole to ensure grip and a full-grain leather exterior that outlasts the test of time.

So now that I got to test it, I must say that it is very comfortable. I walked the whole day thinking that because it was brand new, it needed a little break-in (based from my experience) and I was ready to get some little bruises from it, but amazingly nothing! It felt as if I've been using it for a long time already.

Yilan County Taiwan : How To Go, Where To Stay & Things To Do

I’ve been planning (or let’s say tempted) to visit Taiwan several times last year, ever since they have lifted visas for Filipinos entering the country. I came close to booking a flight during one of the local airline’s seat sale but unfortunately, things didn't really worked out as planned (dreamed). Good thing, before 2018 came to a close, I got a chance to visit Taiwan, though not the capital, I still  got to explore country's northeastern town, Yilan County.

To be honest, before being invited to explore Yilan, I really didn't have any idea what to expect in Yilan. Is it a city buzzling with tall buildings, a small quaint town infused with a smell of rice noodle soup everywhere or a town close to nature where every environmental enthusiast will be happy visiting?

My friend Valerie (@missvalirietan) and I arrived at the Taoyuan Airport in Taipei and welcomed with this placard

Here’s my attempt to tell you what are some cool and awesome things to do when you visit Yilan.

First and foremost, let me tell you some facts about Yilan:

Yilan is situated in Taiwan's Northeastern coastline. Our local guide mentioned that Yilan is regarded as Taiwan’s backyard or backyard garden because it is surrounded by ocean and mountains, making it a nature-destination trip especially if you are coming from a busy city like Taipei.

It Is a famous tourist destination for a lot of local Taiwanese and currently getting some buzz from foreign visitors as well, thanks to the Hsuehshan Tunnel, Asia’s second longest highway tunnel. This tunnel helped in reducing the driving time between Taipei and Yilan to roughly an hour.

#LiveMoreShareMore: Behind The Scenes of Filming a Global Campaign

I think most of you have seen a recent campaign I made for Western Union. It was indeed an amazing opportunity to showcase my passion in a global platform.



In this blog, I want to share with you my experience in working for this campaign ( which I can definitely say, one of the highlights of my 2018).

Now, let's backtrack a few months before its release.

[caption id="attachment_6039" align="alignnone" width="800"] Filming some clips in Marikina[/caption]

Back in June, after months of negotiations, I finally welcomed an international filming crew to Marikina, my hometown in the Philippines, to make two episodes about my life and journey for an award-winning project called #LiveMoreShareMore.

In a sea of influencers, from all over the world, it is still hard to believe that I was one of the few selected content creators to be featured in the series, showcasing inspiring people.

#LiveMoreShareMore was developed by RDB | Robin des Bois, an international Media agency focusing on Influencer Millennial Marketing and Branding Campaigns in Vienna, London and Manila, and the project is powered by Western Union - the global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement in over 200 countries.

After watching previous episodes of the web series featuring influencers such as Nuseir Yassin, creator of the one-minute daily videos channel @nasdaily; Mihaela Noroc, author of the project “The Atlas of Beauty”; Youtuber Maria (@LaCooquette); Filipino yo-yo champion Sean Perez and also videos featuring Mario Rigby, a modern explorer who spent two and half years crossing Africa by foot and kayak, it was my turn to represent my country, not only as a content creator, but also as an artisan, sharing with others how much love goes into each journal I made via my very own Surat Journals project.

[caption id="attachment_6041" align="alignnone" width="800"] With Marcio Delgado and Rainer Frick (briefing for our audio recording sesh)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6040" align="alignnone" width="800"] Marcio dicussing some questions that I needed to answer for the shoot[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6038" align="alignnone" width="800"] Shooting some dramatic shots with Rainer. You can definitely spot this in the final video[/caption]

The team of professionals spending three days with me in Manila and Marikina included German film director Rainer Frick, filming assistant Jan Pilny, Marc David Acob and the London-based Journalist and producer Marcio Delgado, a Global Content Manager and social Influencer Headhunter for RDB and whom signed me for the campaign.

Besides being part of a Global project like that for a brand that has been around for over a century, it is always fascinating to see how it is made by a crew that spends approximately 100 days on the road, each year – this is more time travelling than some of the travel bloggers that I’ve met in Asia or Europe during my own trips.

[caption id="attachment_6043" align="alignnone" width="800"] Been using Western Union ever since I started working abroad. Definitely one of the best options to send money anywhere in the world.[/caption]

“It takes a lot of work to film each episode, several hours per day, and few people realize that. We also have to deal with other challenges while filming abroad, from earthquakes in Mexico to lost luggage in the USA or heat of up to 46C in India, for example. But the end results make it worthwhile.” – says the series producer Marcio Delgado.

It gives you a sense of accomplishment when you hear the words ‘It’s a wrap’ after filming many different sequences that you even don’t know if it will make to the final video. And the best part is when you watch the episode live, again, months later.

All episodes are published across Western Union’s social channels, including Facebook and teasers on Instagram, and they are also made available to watch in a dedicated blog about the Live More project.

In case you haven’t seen my two episodes already, I invite you to have a look at: https://www.westernunion.com/blog/sharemore/#kenneth or by pressing play below

Live Adventure @KennethSurat | #LiveMoreShareMore #WUSharesKenneth

#Ad He designs his own future. Join us as we team up with Kenneth Surat on his journey to inspire positivity and share stories #RightNow

Who do you strive to inspire? #LiveMoreShareMore #WUSharesKenneth #CustomerStories

To find out more about Kenneth check out: http://on.wu.com/Kenneth

Posted by Western Union on Monday, November 5, 2018

Choose Passion @KennethSurat | #LiveMoreShareMore #WUSharesKenneth

#Ad He thinks global but his ❤️ remains local. Join us as we team up with Kenneth Surat to follow him on his entrepreneurial journey #RightNow

What do you aspire to be? #LiveMoreShareMore #WUSharesKenneth #CustomerStories

To find out more about Kenneth check out: http://on.wu.com/Kenneth

Posted by Western Union on Monday, November 12, 2018

 

Episodes of the current second season are published weekly on www.facebook.com/westernunion

Follow Marcio Delgado for some behind-the-scenes updates on Instagram: @marcio_delgado

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkJu1QnjrY4/

 



 

 

 

The Colors of Chiang Rai, Thailand

I first heard about the city of Chiang Rai during my month long Banana Pancake Trail trip last 2017. I was in Chiang Mai to celebrate the Yee Peng Festival (Lantern Festival ) and thinking of what else to do, I thought of why not take the 3 hour journey up north and discover the city of Chiang Rai even for a day.

Compared to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a quiet city. As far as I can remember, I didn't see any building higher than 2-storeys.  Though quiet and simple, Chiang Rai has a very rich history. It was once the capital of the Mangrai Dynasty.

Traveling around Chiang Rai for a day trip is enough to get a glimpse the city’s famous tourist spots. The main attraction (which you will see in most of google searches) is a whimsical white temple called Wat Rong Khun, many tourists go to Chiang Rai just to visit this temple alone. Having seen the white temple gave an impression that this city surely got something to offer and worth another (longer) trip.

I was fortunate to be invited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to once again discover Chiang Rai. This time around, our goal is to discover the colors of the city.

DISCOVERING THE COLORS OF CHIANG RAI

I am sure that this isn't intentional, but amazingly some of the major tourist destinations in Chiang Rai are pretty much known for their colors. This is the reason as well that we called our trip "Colorful Chiang Rai 2018". So what are the colors of Chiang Rai? Here we go!

WHITE

Wat Rong Khun aka The White Temple

Chiang Rai’s most iconic temple. This Instagram-worthy temple was designed and created by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Most tourists go to Chiang Rai with the sole purpose of visiting this temple alone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BofhMT1nNLO/?taken-by=thelakwatsero







Wat Rong Khun serves as a place of worship at the same time a museum and gallery. The temple’s details are very much different from other temples you’ll find around Thailand. A (very) contemporary and whimsical approach of depicting one’s journey to the after life.

The exterior structure is full of white plastered sculptures and mosaic mirror tiles that makes the whole temple sparkle on a perfectly sunny day. The interior on the other hand is filled with colorful paintings of the artist's representation of the worldly-evil world and heaven.

BLUE

Wat Rong Suer Ten aka The Blue Temple

Another color themed temple is the Wat Rong Suer Ten also known as The Blue Temple. As the name suggests, this temple is predominantly blue in color with some golden accents. Designed by one of Chalermchai Kositpipat’s students, Wat Rong Suer is filled with unusually-imaginative details just like Kositpipat’s White Temple.



I find this temple a bit more peaceful than some of the famous temples around Thailand. I love how this temple doesn’t feel very monumental but enough to stand out compared to other temples you’ll see around northern Thailand.

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Note: Unlike most of the temples around Thailand, temples we've visited in Chiang Rai are not very strict with dress codes (of course, bear in mind that this isn’t the beach, so casual-public-appropriate clothing should still be practiced).

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BLACK

Baan Dam Museum aka The Black House

[caption id="attachment_6008" align="alignnone" width="800"] Black painted traditional Northern Thai Houses serve as museum galleries[/caption]

If Wat Rong Khun depicts heaven, our guide told us that Baan Dam Museum represents hell. This museums served as home and studio of the late National Artist Thawan Duchanee. The whole museum is a big park (compound) with around 40 structures serving as galleries which includes a number of black painted traditional Northern Thai houses.



[caption id="attachment_6014" align="alignnone" width="800"] Galleries are filled with exotic artworks from furniture and sculptures made of water buffalo horns and crocodile skin[/caption]

Some might not fancy the type of artworks displayed at the Baan Dam Museum. It really depends of what your taste is. If you find yourself appreciating eclectic and a bit of “curiosity-cabinet” type of person, this museum is definitely something for you. The displays are dominantly water buffalo horns made into a piece of sculpture or a furniture.

GREEN

What I love about Chiang Rai is how they value agriculture as part of their lifestyle. We visited 2 places which shows how this industry can be made into something sustainable.

Rai Reun Rom Farm Stay

Visiting the Rai Reun Rom Farm Stay inspires me a lot. I personally dream to have my own farm someday and offer fresh organic produce to guests. This is what Rai Reun Rom is currently doing. Started with a small hut, now it expanded into a sustainable farm and glamping site. We had our lunch here and the food is exquisite. There is something about fresh farm to table dishes that makes any food special. I am sold!!

[caption id="attachment_6017" align="alignnone" width="800"] Glamping site at the Rai Reun Room where guests can stay overnight.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6006" align="alignnone" width="800"] We hopped on an open truck to access the farm. Let's say that it is part of the whole "farm stay" experience. My truckmates: @thelakwatsero @jaysoncayabyab[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6018" align="alignnone" width="800"] Freshly made farm to table lunch[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6013" align="alignnone" width="800"] You can definitely taste how fresh these organic produce are. Super filling and hearty[/caption]

We also had a chance to create our own batik (of course using organic colors from flowers). It was so much fun designing our own batik in the middle of the paddy fields.

[caption id="attachment_6009" align="alignnone" width="800"] My attempt to create my own batik scarf[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoF2BZMH3nm/?taken-by=thelakwatsero

Chui Fong Tea Farm

Another place that we visited is the Chui Fong Tea Farm. Tea is one of the biggest industry in the northern region of Thailand. Probably because of its temperate climate that is suitable to grow plants for tea production. Chui Fong Tea Farm is owned by the biggest tea company in Chiang Rai and known to produce oolong, jasmine and Chinese green tea.

[caption id="attachment_6004" align="alignnone" width="800"] Trying to get that "tea plantation" Instagram shot. Thanks to @thelakwatsero[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6007" align="alignnone" width="800"] Chui Fong Tea Farm's own cafe[/caption]

To enjoy the variety of teas they offer, aside from buying a pack for yourself (to take home) you can also enjoy a fresh brew in property's own “artsy” café in the middle of the plantation. You can get your tea hot, cold and even a frappe. You can also try their matcha or Thai tea flavored cakes, which I highly recommend.

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Getting to Chiang Rai from Bangkok

If you are coming from the Philippines, the best way to go to Chiang Rai from Manila is a connecting flight via Bangkok. There are a number of airlines that fly direct from Manila to Bangkok. For this trip, took an early flight via Philippines Airlines and connect it with Bangkok Airways which will fly direct from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. I love flying Bangkok Airways because you can access their airport lounge for free (which includes complimentary drinks and snacks)...I repeat, for free!

[caption id="attachment_6011" align="alignnone" width="800"] Bangkok Airways' Airport Lounge[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6012" align="alignnone" width="800"] Free access to all Bangkok Airways' passenger. Yipeee!!![/caption]

Another option is to travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (as far as I can remember, this took me around 10 hours) and take a bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The travel time from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai normally takes around 3 hours drive.

There are also several tours operating around Chaing Rai, for our trip LOK BAI KEK 2018 arranged all of our itineraries. If you plan to stay in Chiang Mai and just want to explore Chiang Rai on a day trip, you can book a guided day tour from KKDAY which will take you to several famous spots around Chiang Rai.

Contact LOK BAI KEK 2018

Email: j.lokbailek2018@gmail.com

Tel: +66819034434

Compared to other tourist destinations around Thailand I can say that Chiang Rai is still finding its spot to the must-visit places in the country. It isn’t your typical tropical paradise, but there is a certain charm about this quaint northern Thai province which makes me want to comeback and explore over and over again.

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This trip is in collaboration with Tourism Thailand PH and Tourism Thailand SG.  Follow their instagram pages at @tatphilippines @tatsingapore and @tatchiangrai.  All editorials and photos are my own unless mentioned or sighted from sources.

Read also: 10 Not the Usual Tourist Spots to Visit in Bangkok