How to get from Koh Chang to Bangkok

This trip was probably the most excruciating of all. 

What to do in Koh Chang, Thailand

Is a large island 310 km from Bangkok, on the Western Gulf of Thailand, and near the border to Cambodia. It is well-known for its mountains, wildlife, and beaches. 

WHAT TO DO IN KOH CHANG?

How to get from Siem Reap to Koh Chang

Most people would fly back to Bangkok then land travel to Koh Chang. But it’s also possible to get there by BUS from Siem Reap.

Where to stay in Siem Reap

There are plenty of affordable hotels and hostels in the area. But, I love this one:

A special experience in Siem Reap

Remember I said previously that I love the hotel (and its staff) we stayed at? Here's why.

I had been wanting to visit a Buddhist temple to see the architecture, the monks at prayer, and get a blessed red string bracelet if possible, but I never seem to get the chance. Even from my first visit here, I didn't get to.

7 Other Things to do in Siem Reap

Other things worth doing aside from visiting Angkor Wat:

Siem Reap: A little piece of Heaven in Asia

Michael's photo of sunrise in heaven

SIEM REAP is the capital city in northwestern Cambodia, and is where the Angkor region is located. The past 10 years has seen an increase in tourism due mainly to ease of access and travel to the ancient Angkor Wat complex or historical Phnom Penh through its neighbors Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. More so, affordable flights are now provided by airline companies.

How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap - Part 2

This part is about getting from the border to Siem Reap proper.

So you've gotten stamped, survived the chaotic crossing alive and all, and excited to get to the city and see the national heritages and wonders of the place. 

How to get there?

Crossing the Poipet Border Warnings

Many have experienced and written about their border-crossing horror stories, let’s hope through this you won’t have to write yours!

Poipet Boarder Crossing is the probably the busiest and most scamful of all the crossings into Cambodia. You really need your smarts to get through here. So when you're passing through, it's best if you're fully awake, sober, and in a good mood. Okay, maybe some alcohol might help ease the annoyance.  

How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap - Part 1

Many travelers make their way to Siem Reap after a stint in Bangkok, as the city is accessible by various modes of land transportation.

I’ve done the mini-van and the local train ways.

the Low-Down:

Fun DAY stuff to do in Bangkok

So you’re over the whole Khao San and Tani Road scenes, or were never really into that and would love to see BKK during the day.

Here are some FUN day stuff to do:

BANGKOK: Ways to get from the Airport to Khao San Road

Bangkok is the capital, most populous city, and the main business district in Thailand. For foreign travelers however, Bangkok is a shopping mecca for cheap fashionable goods, delicious Thai cuisine, a commuter hub that connects you to the many other touristy spots of central Thailand, and of course the infamous Khao San Road.

Khao San Road is where the nightlife in Bangkok is concentrated; about 30 km/ 30 minutes from Suvarnabhumi airport. This is where all the crazy ought-be-forgotten partying happens aka the thai vortex.

How to get  to KHAO SAN from SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

Got Kink? Kansai does.

Kansai, historically known as the Kinki Region, literally means "west of the border" that spreads all through the Kinki Plain and consists of seven prefectures: Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, and Shiga.

7 Fun things to DO in Osaka

I went to visit my good friend Andrew, who has moved here from Tokyo to work as an English professor at the beautiful Kwansei University. After touring his new school (definitely an upgrade from the language center we both worked for), we went around town to do some sight-seeing, eating, and of course partying!

What to DO and SEE?

5 Amazing Things to DO in Kyoto

Kyoto Imperial Palace

I had a few days off work so what better way to spend it than visiting ‘old Japan’ or what people call the ‘real Japan’ which is Kyoto. 

Kobe: 6 Things to DO in One Day

I had an extra day to spare so I decided to pay a family friend, the Sakoda Family, a visit. Sachiko and her daughter Aki gamely showed me around this little city.

What to do in ONE DAY??

5 Ways to Meet People in Tokyo

Life as a gaijin in Japan can be very lonely. If you’re male, you risk being called a pervert; for females, it may be a risk to your safety.

Coming up to other gaijins may come across as you being weird (unless you’re at a bar or club). More so, if you can’t speak the language well, it may get difficult for you to communicate and make local friends. 

So where do you go to meet people the safe or non-creepy way??

Here are 5 WAYS:

TOKYO LIVING

Living in Tokyo Town

Gaijin – slang and short for Gaikoku-jin. Modern meaning: Foreigner, alien, non-Japanese. Historical meaning: outsider, different people, barbarian. Yep, that’s you.

When I came to live and work in Japan, I didn’t know anyone or how to speak the language. Although, I didn’t learn the language (yeah, shameful, but I managed to survive. more on this in a separate article), I made many quality friends and learned so much about Japanese history and their way of life.

So, if you’re an Atarashii Gaijin (new foreigner) in the land of Nippon, you will need some essentials to help you enjoy your stay and survive Tokyo Town.

How to SURVIVE in Tokyo:

How and Where to find a Place To Live in Tokyo

photo courtesy of sakura-house

So, you’re about to move to Japan or have already moved but unsure of where to get help finding accommodations and such. 

Normally, your employer should help set you up. But if this isn;t happening and you're alone on your hunt, here are what you need to know about finding a place in Tokyo:

10 LESS POPULAR yet Cool Places to Visit in Tokyo

Yokosou Nippon!

I had the amazing experience living in Tokyo for 4 years. Despite my never learning Nihonggo properly, I survived and learned the ways of the people more than what I set out for.

I have so much to share about Japan but I wouldn’t want to bore you with my experiences. Instead, I’ve decided to provide helpful information in traveling within Japan and categorize it in the different ways you can enjoy plus share some information that is beyond what most travelers go there for.

Where to go in Tokyo?

HOW TO GET A TEACHING JOB ABROAD

Often, I get asked how I find my jobs abroad. Many assume I go with an employment agency or have a friend help me in. The truth is, I just do it the plain old fashioned way: search online. I search, search, and search. It can get frustrating and exhausting but, just don’t give up really.

Here are some suggestions:

HOW LIVING ABROAD CAN HELP CHANGE YOU FOR THE BETTER.

You’re on this page because you want to understand how and why living away abroad can make your life better, yes? Or, because you’re about to leave your comfort zone, your rabbit hole, your safety nest and you want an assurance that it you made the right decision.

This detachment to security is a scary fete to most especially those moving away for the first time. Not many are able to achieve this. Why would you leave familiar behind? Your home, your routine, your job, your family? Why?

“Everybody has to leave, everybody has to leave their home and come back so they can love it again for all new reasons.”   

-- Donald Miller, Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Roads