Thailand

The artisthouse with gallery and café is housed in a charming century-old open teak building. In 2010, it was founded by Thai artist and environmental activist Chumphon Akhpantanond. Throughout the building, artists work on a variety of pieces and visitors can purchased the work. A large selection of traditional masks is also on offer.

A special recommendation is the performance of the ensemble for traditional puppet theater. The performances take place daily on a donation basis. The puppets as well as all the costumes are elaborately handmade by the artists themselves and are based on traditional examples. They are made of eye-catching fabrics that shine and glitter. This is how the costumes were more visible in the past, when there was no electric light. The dolls are usually carried by several players, who in turn are dressed completely in black, so as not to distract from the movements of the dolls.

A trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express is not easily forgotten: from Bangkok to Singapore it takes about 40 hours, three nights in a luxury train compartment, breakfast in the cabin, 3-course lunch, afternoon tea and 4-course dinner. The Express is also the only train where alcohol is allowed, so guests are supplied with wine and spirits. The compartments exude the charm of the 1930s while offering modern comfort.

Flying dealers in wood class

Although the third class of the State Railway of Thailand is much less luxurious, the open windows provide fresh wind and a good view of the passing landscape. An absolute highlight are the merchants who walk through the corridors and provide the travelers with typical delicacies.

A route with history: Death Railway

In addition to the regular train routes there are some extraordinary highlights, for example the “Death Railway”. The route was built by the Japanese military during the Second World War: almost 16,000 prisoners of war and 100,000 forced laborers died of illness or overwork during the construction of the 415-kilometer-long route, giving the route its eerie name. Today, a large part of the “Death Railway” is closed, only the approximately two and a half hour stretch from Kanchanaburi to Namtok Sai Yok is still passable: Through tropical forests and along the wild Kwai Noi River it is a truly spectacular ride. It is worth staying in Kanchanaburi for one night before returning to Namtok Sai Yok to learn more about the local history at the war museum and especially to enjoy a dinner in one of the restaurants along the river, which became famous through the Oscar-winning film from 1957 “The Bridge on the Kwai”.

Shopping on the tracks

An exciting spectacle can be seen at the railway market in Mae Klong: For decades there has been a market on the rails, but eight times a day a train passes through. As soon as the train announces itself with a loud honking, the traders routinely pull their stalls off the tracks, fold in the tarpaulins that serve as protection against sun and rain and wait at the edge of the tracks while the train slowly moves forward – only a few centimetres away from traders, visitors and the goods!

On the way to the morning

Overnight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai it is worth taking a first or second class sleeping berth. While the sun slowly rises, the train rolls towards the mountains and forests of northern Thailand. On the way there it makes a few stops, which can certainly be used for intermediate stops on the journey.

Ever since their childhood, Achi and Mint have explored Thailand’s hidden gems. Because of their local expertise they were often asked for recommendations for local activities.

With HiveSters, they live their vision to share and promote sustainable Thai travel activities and hence contribute to a sustainable impact in Thailand tourism industry.

The team works directly with local communities, social enterprises and individuals to create and promote their projects.

While providing fun authentic adventures for the traveller, it is aimed to create positive impact by increasing the locals’ income, preserving the endangered cultural heritage, protecting the environment, and creating positive social changes.