DIY/BACKPACKER Bangkok, Thailand

In our itinerary, we only have less than a day to tour the city.  Unfortunately our flight got delayed and then we had to wait for the check-in time in D&D Inn before we could tour because our bags were too heavy.  So the "less than a day" became less than 3 hours to tour the temples. #squeezeit

While waiting for our check-in Kaye and I ate in Nat Guesthouse which was just along Khao San Road.

Pork with Sticky rice and Seafood Pad Thai

With just a map in hand and our cameras Kaye and I explored the temples in Bangkok.

We left the hotel past 2 pm and hurriedly went to the first Wat(temple) thats just at the end of Khao San Road. The beauty of our location is that its close proximity, walking distance level, to the famous tourist spots in Bangkok like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Grand Palace and National Museum. If in case you get lost just follow where most expats go because they too are heading to the tourist destinations or you can also ask around. Thais are nice and approachable. Nobody shrugged us off when we were asking for directions but there was a bit of a language barrier so be patient and smile. 

*Watchana Songkran

This is just in front of the Police station at the end of Khao San Road. 

*City Hall Shrine

*Ministry of Defense

Not a temple but one you'll take photo of because of the beautiful facade and the big cannons. 

*Wat Pho(100Baht)

With free bottled water

Reclining buddha

Stupas inside the temple 

Welcome to Wat Pho!

Ariela Arida, 24, Philippines!!

*Chao Praya River

2.50 Baht to cross the river to get to Wat Arun from the boat terminal in Tha Tien. 

*Wat Arun (50Baht)

Excuse the metal railings. The temples are under construction. 

Closer look of the stupas design. 

More buddhas. 

There were actually a lot of things we weren't able visit while in Bangkok like The Great Palace, Clubs in Silom and Patpong to name a few. We went to Siam but it was almost closing time so we just ate at a Thai Restaurant inside Siam Paragon. After our dinner we went out to the sidewalks in Siam for the night market.

*The Grand Palace

We were not able to get inside the palace because it was already past 4pm when we finished Wat Pho so we hust took a photo from accross the street.

*Siam Paragon

The curry was so spicy that we curse it. 

*Hello Kitty Cafe

Located at the back side of Siam Square if your'e coming from the train station.

Meow

*Siam Square

Entrance from the train station. 

For our nightly shindigs, Kaye and I would just cruise along the street of Khao San with a Chang beer in hand and watch the expats dancing and fliriing and getting crazy. 

Backpacker zone

Massage Spa everywhere. 

This taste better than their Singha, another brand of Thai beer.(100Baht)

Fave bar in Khao San. People rally outside the bar to party.

Maxima Aquafun and Hagimit Falls in Samal Island, Davao City

How to get to Samal Island from Britania Island? 

Salvacion > San Frans > Davao Sasa Wharf > Samal Island

Ride a Van from Salvacion crossing going to San Frans, travel time is approx 45 min. From San Frans Terminal, transfer to another Van going to Davao City, travel time is approx 4-5 hours depending on the driver. Alight in Panaca and them ride a jeep going to Sasa Wharf. Boats in Sasa Wharf run a 24 hours transfer to and from Samal. Travel time is approx 10 minutes. 

Samal Island

The travel time from San Fran to Davao took longer than expected because the driver had to fill the van so he makes a stop in every town terminal that he passes. It was irritating at some point but we cant complain because its not a private van and the guy was just making a living. We alighted in Panaca and then had dinner in Edong's restaurant before heading to Sasa Wharf.

Boat transfer to Samal Island

Bluejazz Resort

I booked our stay in BlueJazz while travelling to Davao from San Frans. We stayed in their Dormitory Non-Aircon room for P400/pax which I think is a good deal for budget travellers. The room was clean and tidy. The downside was it doesn't have an indoor bathroom. You have to go outside to use the resorts public shower and restrooms. 

I was looking forward to our stay here because they have different pools and their very own giant slide but to my dismay it was all under construction. I guess I won't have an infinity pool in this trip. Sigh. We were just glad because during the evening they had a local band performing good music and then after that was a fire dance. 

The beach is clean and white but there are sea shells and pebbles so its kinda hard to walk around barefoot. 

Maxima Aquafun

This was the highlight of our Samal trip. It was so much fun and although our bodies were sore from all the falling and heavy splash we'd still want to do it all over again. 

A very unique tranfer to get to the waterpark

Maxima Aquafun is a must-visit when you're in Davao, especially if you're into extreme-fun water activities. They have 2 giant slides (but only one was working when we visited), 2 levels for Cliff jump and their famous Blob where you jump off the cliff to a big inflattable and then you move to the other end of the inflattable then someone else jumps so you can take off in the air. This is more fun if two guys jumps at the same time so you'll be thrown away really high up in the air. My brother and I,  we did this and he soared really high and fell to the water gracefully. Whereas for me, yes I was high up there but landed on the water with my face first. It was really painful to the point I was having a hard time breathing but I got myself back together and swam back to the surface. The Blob is a bit risky so you need to be extra careful.

The slide

Cliff jump

Its a must in Maxima that you wear lifevest everytime you try their water activities which is good to avoid accidents. They have lifeguards everywhere so feel safe to swim around and they're really nice. They will cheer you when your too scared to jump. 

His first time. 

Love my sibs. 

Hagimit Falls

The falls is a short distance from Maxima. We made a quick stop just to see what it looks like and took a few photos. We didn't get to swim because we needed to check out from our hotel. The are two falls and both looks clean and well maintained. 

A few constructions are made that time to better the falls sorroundings and make it more attractive to tourist. 

After our check out we stayed a few hours at the resort to freshen up and then we boarded the boat transfer back to Davao City

 10 pax minimum passenger.