travel with film

Location

Thailand
[ ] Khao Sok National Park
[ ] Ao Nang
[ ] Railay Beach
[ ] Krabi Town
[ ] Bangkok

Travel Dates

2015.12.26 - 2016.01.04

Camera

Contax T2

Film Stocks

FUJIFILM Neopan 100 Acros(expired)

Travel Notes

I was blown away when my Japanese boss gave me 10 consecutive days off for the year end holidays in 2015. 10 days holiday to a salaryman is akin to a one year sabbatical in other parts of the world. I called my friend T and we decided on Thailand. This would make it my third visit and his first. I figured I could show him around some of my favorite places and get some sun and take some photos at the same time.

We decided to start at Khao Sok National Park. The town leading up to the main entrance of the park is lined with accommodation, bodegas, and restaurants. On that street is Pawn’s restaurant, whic has some of the best green curry in the world.

10 years earlier I befriended an owner of a simple hotel on this road. It's been amazing watching her business grow in the 10 years of our relationship, a personal story funneling to the bigger story of how well Thailand has grown their tourism industry. Since my last visit 10 years prior she had built up her original single Hotel to a group of tree house huts along with a set of floating huts situated on the Ratchaprapha Lake within the National Park, which we set out to for a couple of unforgettable days.

Other trip highlights include every sunset on the lake, a random freak show we stumbled upon in Krabi town, Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok for the best eats, and an amazing solo last supper at the acclaimed Nahm. Amphawa Floating Market was a bit too touristy for my tastes but fun to photograph.

I made the big mistake of bringing only expired BW film on this trip. Seriously, who brings BW film to a land full of colors and beautiful sunsets?