All Entries in the "Northern Thailand" Category

EARTHQUAKE

On May 5, 2014 while working on my computer, the desk and chair started to shake.  I felt this a few years ago when there was a 3.2 earthquake so i knew what it was. After a short pause I heard a rumble and everything in the house began to shake and rattle.  I made […]

EARLY on Destination Thailand TV

I spent four days with a crew from Destination Thailand TV and my friend David Unkovich filming two videos for their TV show and websites. We traveled to Khun Sa’s former camp and skirted the Myanmar borders. If you have about 16 minutes to spare, please have a look.

Scorpion Queen

Scorpions are quite prevalent in Asia, but I found this to be especially true around my home.

Have you seen scorpions glow in the dark?

Have you ever seen a “Vinegaroon”?

I hadn’t. Have a look……..

Read how I “crawled” into a strange, but quite interesting hobby.

Buddhist Hell in Chiang Mai

There are some strange displays of Buddhist beliefs in Thailand. This is only a few kilometers from my home and for my friends that live here, it is worth a visit.

Hmong Kart Racing- New Year 2011

An unusual Kart Race in Thailand. Hmong Hill Tribes race wooden karts downhill at Hnomg New Year Celebration 2011.

Shrine of Japanese Soldiers-Ban Kat

We discovered a shrine to Japanese soldiers of the Second World War in a most unlikely place, but with a fascinating history. Photos and links.

Kachin Festival – Northern Thailand

I learned of a Kachin Manau festival being held near the Burma border, but I knew little of what it was about. It’s a nice village, with terrific views and friendly people, so I decided to make the trip.

U.S. State Department Travel Info-Thailand

This is the current travel and country information by the U.S. State Department. Click on their link to “Background Notes” for some interesting history of Thailand.

Wat Hua Mai Kham -Remote Temple Trip

I was challenged to find this remote stupa, so I couldn’t refuse. It turned into one of my more enjoyable undertakings…….

Chiang Mai- Rose of the North

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand and many times called by guidebooks (incorrectly) the second largest city in Thailand. A major tourist center, it is an area of contradictions and confusion.

Here is a photo collage and a ‘Map Jack” tour of the Jewel of the North…

Khun Tan Railway Station and Tunnel

A nice ride through the mountains and National Parks to a quaint railway station and tunnel in the mountains.

This is the main line from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and carries hundreds of passengers daily.

Where the Heck Are You??

Not everyone is familiar with S.E. Asia. Here you will find maps with waypoints to the main locations with links to an associated story. Just click.

The Legend of the Golden Horse Temple

There is a legend of a fighting monk (called “The Tiger Monk”) who lives in the Monastery of the Golden Horse. This monk allegedly gave up a successful boxing career, some 16 years ago, and took up the calling of the monkhood to start this remote temple. He fought and held off Khun Sa and his men until they relented and supported his teachings. He trains young orphans, Nens, in boxing and horseback riding. After hearing this tale I had to find the temple……

“Prince of Death” Road Trip-Khun Sa

“Khun Sa”. The name strikes fear in some, admiration in others. Was he a freedom fighter as his admires claim? Or was he the biggest and most famous drug lord in S.E. Asia as claimed by the U.S, DEA $1,000,000 bounty on his head. Watch linked video “Opium Warlord of the World – Burma”.

Hearing of his death and a planned memorial service, what should a former Narcotics Unit Commander do? Head for Thoed Thai of course………

4 J’s and a Hawk at Chiang Mai Speedway

Just south of Chiang Mai is the Chiang Mai Go-Kart Speedway. They rent go-karts and hold some organized Kart races as well as Motorcycle races. Really great is the fact that they also let you rent the track by the hour or the day at a ridiculously low price by Western standards. No worries about insurance or liability. just have fun and enjoy yourself.

Dirt Biking the Old Elephant Trail

What is sometimes called “The Old Elephant Trail” is dirt/road trail running from the town of Samoeng to Mae Hong Son. This entertaining story by two of my friends tells of a 3 day dirt bike ride.

Chasing Sunflowers

Every November the Sunflowers come into bloom around Mae Hong Son, Thailand. A popular year-round tourist destination, it is breathtakingly beautiful at this time of year.

The “New” 1252 Loop

It was a terrible dirt road. Now it had transformed into an asphalt road with breathtaking views………and mudslides, floods, and riders down!

Slippin’ & Slidin’ Thru the Jungle

This post is by my good friendJustin Sallows, a.k.a “Big & Tall”. So Silverhawk had heard about a wooden temple stuck in the forest in the Mae Wing valley somewhere. It sounded like a good enough reason to go traipsing through the jungle on motorbikes. The three wise men did not heed the call to […]

Chasing Floods

Our goal was to try and find some of the damaged areas from the recent flood and mudslides. Torrential rains has caused flooding and mudslides over a vast area in this region. Although the exact toll may never be known it is estimated at least 100 people are dead and missing and 100,000+ left homeless and entire villages wiped out.