http://www.lechuaphotography.com Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:19:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/10/19/damnoen-saduak-floating-market/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/10/19/damnoen-saduak-floating-market/#comments Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:26:13 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=3231 After stopping at the Maeklong Railway Market, we continue on with our half day tour with our local guide from ‘Tour with Tong’, to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This floating market is situated about 100km southwest of Bangkok in Ratchaburi province. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is flocked with tourists, making it a chaotic yet colourful attraction. Market [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/10/19/damnoen-saduak-floating-market/feed/ 36 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/07/31/maeklong-railway-market/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/07/31/maeklong-railway-market/#comments Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:52:24 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2980 The unique attraction about Bangkok’s Maeklong Railway Market is the fact that a train literally runs through the market 8 times a day. We made a stop at the Maeklong market on our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and it was a fascinating yet bizarre sight watching the market vendors selling their goods laid out on both sides of [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/07/31/maeklong-railway-market/feed/ 24 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/07/06/chinatown-bangkok/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/07/06/chinatown-bangkok/#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:59:49 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2851 If you ever visit Chinatown in Bangkok, you will find an abundance of Chinese delicacies especially bird’s nest and shark’s fin soup (those who are strongly against shark’s fin, please skip this post!).  The price of shark’s fin on display ranged from 300 baht to as high as 8000 baht. We took a leisurely stroll [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/07/06/chinatown-bangkok/feed/ 21 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/06/17/tha-chang-wan-luang-pier/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/06/17/tha-chang-wan-luang-pier/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:08:24 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2752 To get to the Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace Complex, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat Service heading towards the upstream direction on the right. This public boat can be quite crowded and stops only for a brief moment at each pier for passengers to hop on and off. This proved to be quite [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/06/17/tha-chang-wan-luang-pier/feed/ 19 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/06/09/bangkok-grand-palace/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/06/09/bangkok-grand-palace/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:10:52 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2684 The Grand Palace, a pride of Thailand, is a must-see tourist attraction for anyone visiting Bangkok. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, this 60 acre landmark houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and was also home to the royal residence. the classic view of the Grand Palace complex from outside Upon entering the complex, we [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/06/09/bangkok-grand-palace/feed/ 34 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/05/10/ferringhi-beach-penang/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/05/10/ferringhi-beach-penang/#comments Sun, 09 May 2010 16:54:39 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2592 Apart from attractions such as its architectural heritage, traditional trades, and famous hawker and street food, Penang is known for its surrounding beaches; thus making it an ideal holiday destination. Batu Ferringhi Beach is the most popular beach in Penang amongst both locals and tourists, and the beach is usually full of activities including water sports, sunbathing or simply sunset watching. ]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/05/10/ferringhi-beach-penang/feed/ 27 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/30/penang-street-snacks/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/30/penang-street-snacks/#comments Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:24:10 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2486 As I take a walk along Penang Heritage Trail, apart from taking in the colonial architecture and cultural heritage and practices, I come across stalls selling some of Malaysia’s popular street snacks. Along Kimberley Street, just off Kapitan Keling Road where Chowrasta Market is, there is a stall selling ban chang kueh (also known as apom balik), [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/30/penang-street-snacks/feed/ 18 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/21/penangs-living-heritage/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/21/penangs-living-heritage/#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:15:53 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2449 The preservation of traditional trades and food of Penang, plays a significant role in keeping the history and culture alive in the UNESCO heritage city of George Town. However, with the emergence of technology and changing times, it has become quite a challenge today to find artisans still practising the skilled craftsmanship from the old [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/21/penangs-living-heritage/feed/ 30 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/17/chowrasta-market-area/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/17/chowrasta-market-area/#comments Sat, 17 Apr 2010 08:14:57 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2428 Chowrasta Market is a famous wet market facing Penang Road, in the centre of George Town. The market has an indoor section with market stalls spilling out onto the streets, mainly, Chowrasta Road, Tamil Lane and Kuala Kangsar Road (see map). Below are some street captures of the outdoor market activities that start to wrap up before [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/17/chowrasta-market-area/feed/ 24 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/07/little-india-penang/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/07/little-india-penang/#comments Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:01:24 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2398 In the centre of the Penang Heritage Zone is Little India, along Market Street, King Street and Queen Street (click here to see map). The atmosphere surrounding Little India is unique with its traditional music heard along the streets and specialised Indian stores selling beautiful fabric and jewellery, reflecting the Indian culture and lifestyle. There [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/04/07/little-india-penang/feed/ 20 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/31/penang-clan-jetties/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/31/penang-clan-jetties/#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:03:27 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2372 The clan jetties of Penang along the Weld Quay (click here to see map) are traditional Chinese fishing settlements and part of Penang’s heritage. Originally, there were eight clan jetties named their respective last names (Chew Jetty, Koay Jetty, Lee Jetty, Lim Jetty, Peng Aun Jetty, Tan Jetty, Yeoh Jetty, Mixed Clans Jetty), with the residents [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/31/penang-clan-jetties/feed/ 38 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/21/penang-heritage-trail/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/21/penang-heritage-trail/#comments Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:45:16 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2306 George Town, the capital of the state of Penang, is a city that bears a rich history with its well-preserved architecture and cultural traditions. In 2008, George Town, along with Malacca, was recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage city. Take a walk through the Penang Heritage Trail (click here for the map) and experience [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/21/penang-heritage-trail/feed/ 32 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/08/chiling-waterfall/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/08/chiling-waterfall/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:05:45 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2209 Sungai Chiling Waterfall is considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Selangor. Located 55 km from Kuala Lumpur city, near Kuala Kubu Baru, it is a highly recommended waterfall to visit for those looking for a leisurely nature trek to a waterfall within Selangor. With the recent hot weather, a group of us decided [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/03/08/chiling-waterfall/feed/ 42 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/17/thean-hou-temple-cny-2010/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/17/thean-hou-temple-cny-2010/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:15:00 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2073 On the morning of the 2nd day of Chinese New Year, we decided to pay a visit to Thean Hou Temple to join in the festivity of the new year celebration. Dedicated to the Goddess Thean Hou (the Heavenly Mother), this six-tiered Chinese Buddhist Temple is one of the largest temples in South East Asia. Located [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/17/thean-hou-temple-cny-2010/feed/ 29 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/13/siem-reap-closing-highlights/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/13/siem-reap-closing-highlights/#comments Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:16:48 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=2037 This marks my last post for Siem Reap. Thanks to all who have been following me on this enlightening journey through Cambodia. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed sharing the stories and photos taken. Here is a closing note and quick overview of some recommended must-see attractions. If anyone’s visiting Siem Reap [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/13/siem-reap-closing-highlights/feed/ 19 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/05/siem-reap-pub-street/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/05/siem-reap-pub-street/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:24 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1910 Head to Pub Street in the Old Market area, for a taste of nightlife in Siem Reap. A street packed with restaurants and bars, you may find practically all you need along and around this street, from street food, to pharmacies, to massage parlours to souvenir shops and so on. Although busiest at night, it is [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/02/05/siem-reap-pub-street/feed/ 12 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/28/siem-reap-%e2%80%93-artisans-d%e2%80%99angkor/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/28/siem-reap-%e2%80%93-artisans-d%e2%80%99angkor/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:39:51 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1858 Artisans d’Angkor, located on Stung Thmey Street near the Old Market, provides an insight to the amazing skilled craftsmanship of Cambodian traditional handicrafts. Originally established as an association by Chantiers-Ecoles, Artisans d’Angkor has grown to be a self-financed company today, having trained young Cambodians in recreating the arts of their cultural heritage and at the [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/28/siem-reap-%e2%80%93-artisans-d%e2%80%99angkor/feed/ 11 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/22/siem-reap-kompong-khleang/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/22/siem-reap-kompong-khleang/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:11:27 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1767 Kompong Khleang is one of the largest Tonle Sap communities with over 20,000 people. Located about 45km south east of Siem Reap town, pass Damdek town, this village is less visited by tourists and thus offers a more traditional insight to Cambodian village life by the lake as compared with Chong Khneas. Kompong Khleang We take a half-day [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/22/siem-reap-kompong-khleang/feed/ 14 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/17/siem-reap-banteay-srei/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/17/siem-reap-banteay-srei/#comments Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:56:05 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1657 Banteay Srei meaning ‘ Citadel of Women’ is best known for its intricate carvings and is truly a temple displaying Khmer art at its finest. Situated 30km north of Siem Reap town (18km from Kbal Spean), this fairly small temple of pink sandstone is usually entered via the east entrance and there is a causeway [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/17/siem-reap-banteay-srei/feed/ 17 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/15/siem-reap-kbal-spean/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/15/siem-reap-kbal-spean/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:12:11 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1619 From Roluos Group, we continue on our full-day Outlying Adventure Tour to Kbal Spean. Kbal Spean literally meaning ‘Headwater Bridge’ is named after a natural stone formation resembling a bridge across the Kbal Spean river (a tributary of Siem Reap river that rises from the Kulen Mountain, through Siem Reap and into Tonle Sap lake). [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/15/siem-reap-kbal-spean/feed/ 11 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/13/siem-reap-roluos-group/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/13/siem-reap-roluos-group/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:27:02 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1586 The Roluos Group lies south east of Angkor Wat and comprises of the three oldest temples during the 600-year Angkorian Period: Preah Ko, Bakong, Lolei. Roluos (known previously as Hariharayala) was established by King Jayavarman II as a capital of Khmer civilization and remained as the capital during the reign of his three successors. The three [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/13/siem-reap-roluos-group/feed/ 7 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/08/siem-reap-angkor-thom/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/08/siem-reap-angkor-thom/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:31:54 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1466 Angkor Thom meaning ‘Great City’ comprises of a group of temples within a walled enclosure surrounded by a moat, and is situated north of Angkor Wat. entrance to Bayon The Bayon, known as the ‘Temple of Beaming Faces’ and the most famous sight within this compound, is located in the centre of Angkor Thom. This three-tiered pyramid [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/08/siem-reap-angkor-thom/feed/ 5 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/06/siem-reap-angkor-wat/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/06/siem-reap-angkor-wat/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:51:20 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1417 Angkor Wat is without doubt the symbolic icon of Siem Reap. Literally translated as the ‘Temple City’ (Angkor means ‘City’ and Wat means ‘Temple’), this awe-inspiring monument is located in the middle of the complex of Angkor. With its front entrance facing the west, this grand temple forms an amazing silhouette at sunrise. Enclosed by a [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/06/siem-reap-angkor-wat/feed/ 7 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/05/siem-reap-angkor-temples/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/05/siem-reap-angkor-temples/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:37:16 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1522 The vast temple complex of Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South East Asia. It is a pride and treasure of Cambodia and is an immensely popular attraction for tourists from all over the world visiting Siem Reap. Exploring all the temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park could take a week or [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/05/siem-reap-angkor-temples/feed/ 7 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/04/siem-reap-chong-khneas/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/04/siem-reap-chong-khneas/#comments Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:39:40 +0000 lechua http://www.lechuaphotography.com/?p=1370 The floating village of Chong Khneas lies at the edge of Tonle Sap lake, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. This fishing settlement, situated just 10km south of Siem Reap, is easily accessible and is a must-visit attraction for an insight to the lifestyle of village folks in Cambodia. We take a tuk tuk [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/04/siem-reap-chong-khneas/feed/ 11 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/25/naples-about-naples-city/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/25/naples-about-naples-city/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:12:10 +0000 lechua http://lesnapshots.wordpress.com/?p=469 After the many stories (mostly daunting ones) I have heard about Naples, I’m glad that we did make a stop for a day to have a feel of this ‘interesting’ city. Never have I heard as much honking or seen as much graffiti on buildings and monuments in a place. However after spending the day [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/25/naples-about-naples-city/feed/ 10 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/23/naples-about-pompeii/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/23/naples-about-pompeii/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:03:22 +0000 lechua http://lesnapshots.wordpress.com/?p=428 Pompeii, a city buried from the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD, is considered by many as one of the top archaeological sites in the world. The excavation efforts made to uncover 6 metres high of ash and rock have led to the rediscovery and restoration of this ancient city. Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site covers 66 hectares of [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/23/naples-about-pompeii/feed/ 9 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/22/naples-about-amalfi-coast/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/22/naples-about-amalfi-coast/#comments Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:46:43 +0000 lechua http://lesnapshots.wordpress.com/?p=374 The Amalfi Coast, famed for its beautiful coastline with towns and villages perched on jagged cliffs, attracts tourists from all over. Stretching 50km south of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the towns along the coast are linked by a narrow road with sharp twists and turns. With limited options to travel by bus or boat during the off [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/22/naples-about-amalfi-coast/feed/ 9 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/18/exploring-andalucia-cordoba/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/18/exploring-andalucia-cordoba/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:28:11 +0000 lechua http://lesnapshots.wordpress.com/?p=336 Day 4: Cordoba – Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, Calleja de Las Flores  On our last day in Andalucia, we take a day trip to Cordoba, a 45 minute train ride north-east from Seville. The centre of Cordoba city together with its greatest attraction, the Mezquita that is marvelled for its remarkable architecture, is a World Heritage site. The [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/18/exploring-andalucia-cordoba/feed/ 0 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/18/exploring-andalucia-seville-2/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/18/exploring-andalucia-seville-2/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:21:51 +0000 lechua http://lesnapshots.wordpress.com/?p=249 There is quite a difference between Seville the capital of Andalucia, and Granada. The sight of Santa Justa train station itself with its many platforms, shops and extra long elevated elevators illustrates a more developed side of Andalucia as compared to the isolated Granada station. Day 3: Seville – Cathedral & La Giralda, Alcazar, Barrio de [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/18/exploring-andalucia-seville-2/feed/ 8 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/15/exploring-andalucia-granada-day-2/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/15/exploring-andalucia-granada-day-2/#comments Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:15:05 +0000 lechua http://lesnapshots.wordpress.com/?p=109 Day 2: Granada – the Alhambra Our 2nd day is spent visiting the Alhambra, the large medieval Moorish palace-city, admired for its impressive Islamic architecture. Having pre-booked and purchased tickets online (highly advisable since there is a restricted no. of visitors allowed to enter each day), we hop onto a bus (no. 30 or 32) from Plaza [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/15/exploring-andalucia-granada-day-2/feed/ 5 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/14/exploring-andalucia-granada-sacromonte-albaicin/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/14/exploring-andalucia-granada-sacromonte-albaicin/#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:26:25 +0000 lechua http://lesnapshots.wordpress.com/?p=68 Andalucia in the south of Spain is indeed a region rich in history, architecture and culture. The big three World Heritage cities in this region: Granada, Seville and Cordoba are home to Andalucia’s most outstanding medieval Islamic sites. Day 1: Granada – Sacromonte, Albaicin, Cathedral, Plaza Bib-Rambla, Alcaiceria We make a quick stop at the tourist information centre [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/11/14/exploring-andalucia-granada-sacromonte-albaicin/feed/ 3 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/10/21/batu-caves/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/10/21/batu-caves/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:30:37 +0000 lechua http://lesnapshots.wordpress.com/?p=9 Batu Caves is undeniably amongst the top 10 attractions in Kuala Lumpur as quoted in most, if not all travel guide references. The caves are 400 million years old, situated in a natural limestone hill. In the 1800s, the caves became a place of worship for the Hindus, with the largest cave being the Temple [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/10/21/batu-caves/feed/ 5 http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/10/16/road-trip-to-malacca/ http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/10/16/road-trip-to-malacca/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:55:00 +0000 lechua http://lechuaphotography.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/road-trip-to-malacca On my first day of ‘freedom’, I set off on a road trip to Malacca. Packed into 6 cars, we made our way to attend a fellow ex-colleague’s wedding in Muar, stopping overnight in Malacca to explore the endless list of food destinations all planned out by the food enthusiasts. In between the many makan [...]]]> http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/10/16/road-trip-to-malacca/feed/ 5