Palawan - Papua New Guinea

Having checked out most of the countries around Thailand, I started to explore farther destinations recently, notably the Middle East and North Africa. This holiday season I have a very strong desire to set my foot in Oceania. A friend of mine working in Papua New Guinea (PNG) invited me to see him and I made the decision quickly. The only airlines getting into the country is Air Niugini. They seem to have only one aircraft flying Asian destinations so frequency is a big issue. For me, transit in Manila is the cheapest and shortest route. Because of the frequency issue, I have 3 days to spend in the Philippines. I decided to check out Palawan, the so-called last frontier, on the way.

Dec. 28, 2008
Sabang

Ko Sichang

Having not traveled in more than 2 months, I decided to have a short break to Si Racha and Ko Sichang, perhaps the closest spots of interest to tourists from Bangkok.

Oct. 25, 2008
Si Racha

Okinawa

A few days ago, I almost fainted and went to hospital for a thorough check-up. They didn't find anything and sent me home. I figured it's probably due to too much hard work and time for some relaxation. Looking at the map, most places around Thailand where I live have been visited in the last few years. A news report that a China Airlines airplane had an emergency landing at Naha Airport reminded me of this part of Japan. Seeing the ancient Ryukyu kingdom has always fascinated me. Decision was made.

Aug. 10, 2008
Bangkok to  Naha

Middle East

Mediterranean Sea, Dead Sea, Jordan River, Suez Canal, the Pyramids, the mummies, Nile River, Sahara Desert… All the names sounded that familiar in the geography and history textbooks but in the mean time so remote, until this April when I had a chance to experience them all.

Apr. 6, 2008
Beirut

Phu Kradueng

Issan has always been my favorite destination in Thailand simply because of its people. My previous trips to Issan were mostly passing-bys on the way to Laos and Cambodia. This time I decided to use the newly introduced company holiday to visit Phu Kradueng National Park, perhaps the best in the region.

Mar. 9, 2008
Phu Kradueng National Park