5 weirdest foods only found in Thailand

Thai food has become so ubiquitous over the past few years that it's easy to feel like an expert eater, even if you've never been to Thailand. These are the strangest Thai foods you'll find—even if you are a bonafide expert!

Larb Dib

Even the more common variants of larb, a meat salad from Thailand's Isaan region, are surprising for many foreign visitors to the Kingdom. After all, while Americans love a salad with more meat than greens, most don't want to eat a salad that's only meat—unless it's smothered in mayo.

While relatively tame larb recipes like larb moo (pork) and larb gai (chicken) are universally loved in Thailand, one type of larb is a decidedly niche food: Larb Dib, which is made of ground raw, beef, often swimming around in its own blood.

Larb dib is not only one of the strangest foods in Thailand, but can be potentially deadly. That's because even as food sanitation standards in the Kingdom have risen dramatically in recent years, beef is particularly prone to parasites, bacteria and other sometimes-lethal pathogens, which means that larb dib diners are completely at the mercy of whatever happens to be inside the raw beef they slurp up.

Som Tam Pla Ra

The Isaan region is at once the source of Thailand's most beloved cuisine, but also its most puzzling. Located in the northeastern part of the country close to the border with Laos, its trademarks are fresh, simple ingredients and lots of heat—for many foreigners, way too much.

With that being said, Thais and foreigners alike tend to love som tam papaya salad, at least the "vanilla" version, which doesn't contain any particularly bizarre ingredients. Opinion diverges in lockstep with the additional ingredients you add to the salad, coming to a head with som tam pla ra: Thai papaya salad with fermented fish or crab.

Although the som tam pla ra faithful insist the unpleasant smell the fermented seafood exudes doesn't affect its taste, it's important to consider that the dish has different varieties of stinkiness, depending on how its prepared. If the person who makes it ferments fresh fish, it's som tam pla ra sot, which simply ends up being a bit sour.  On the other hand, som tam pla ra lom uses fish that's already dead (and, in some cases, decomposing), and has a smell many describe as being unbearable.

Khaaw Niaw Thu Rian

Speaking of stinky foods, every traveler to Thailand will have encountered the durian, a fruit so smelly it's banned in taxis and hotels, in spite of the fact that most Thai people love it. For most foreigners, durian is strange enough on its own, but a variation exists that's even less palatable for people who think the fruit smells like old socks or dirty feet.

Khaaw niaw thu rian literally means "durian with sticky rice," and is essentially the same concept as its more universally loved cousin, mango with sticky rice. Unfortunately, if you don't like durian in the raw, it's unlikely that drizzling it with sweet coconut milk (ga tii in Thai) is suddenly going to make the so-called "King of Fruits" more appealing to you.

Yum Khai Maeng Daa

Despite the fact that horseshoe crabs are a great deal stranger than ordinary crabs, they are eaten in certain parts of the world, including Thailand. One particular Thai preparation of horseshoe crab, Yum Khai Maeng Daa, is especially weird.

That's because the body of the horseshoe crab is simply used as a dish this salad, the base of which is actually roe, or eggs. Adding another layer of weirdness to this is the fact that the eggs served inside the horseshoe crab's body are sometimes not even its own, but rather those of the mantis shrimp, an equally weird animal. Let's not even talk about the fact that some people consider horseshoe crabs toxic!

Mae Lang Thood

It wouldn't be a post about strange foods in Thailand without including "bugs." Actual bugs, not horseshoe crabs (which in some ways have more in common with insects that less-ancient crustaceans) or the parasites swimming around in larb dib.

While it's difficult to determine which of Thailand's beloved bug dishes is the weirdest, mae lang thood (deep-fried insects) seem like an obvious choice. That's because if you didn't look closely at them before you eat them, you might not realize they're bugs at all.

Absent are the bitter flavors raw insects disburse into your mouth when you bite into them, not to mention their strange squishiness. The most bizarre thing about insects prepared in this way is that, like "normal" Thai foods, they actually taste pretty amazing!

See more: Handle the heat with these spicy dishes in Thailand

Source: Internet

The eco-friendly destinations for this summer in Philippines

Each island group in the Philippines is blessed with bountiful nature, with several attractions encouraging travelers to connect with the environment peacefully and responsibly. Here, ecotourism activities range from coming face-to-face with fascinating wildlife to exploring colourful seascapes in Philippines.

Masungi Georeserve

Masungi Georeserve is a favorite go-to spot of adventurous Filipinos. It is a conservation area and rock garden located in the rainforests of Tanay, Rizal. Its name is derived from “masungki” or “spiked”, referring to the limestone structures in the area.

Guests can choose from an array of adventure experiences to do. The most popular one is called the Adventure Trail, which includes winding paths, rope courses and other unique stops. All experiences allow guests to not only have fun but also appreciate the area’s karst landscape as well as encounter various wildlife and plant species.

Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu is situated on the highlands of South Cotabato. Though located in Southern Mindanao, the town is utterly peaceful. Home to the indigenous T’Boli, Ubo, Tiruray, and Manobo tribes, Lake Sebu is known for its seven majestic waterfalls, three stunning lakes, and a lush rainforest.

Visit the Seven Falls zipline, one of Asia’s highest ziplines, and and get a unique birds-eye perspective of the gorgeous land. Trekking, on the other hand, will give you a chance for a close encounter with each falls, so take your selfie sticks with you and do the pose.

Kayaking and fishing in Lake Sebu, the lake of which the town is named after, should not be missed. If you are lucky enough, you might see the beautiful lotuses bloom.

Batad

Batad is a tiny village located in Banaue, Ifugao province, in the Philippines. It is one of the 5 clusters of rice terraces declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Batad features 2000-years-old rice terraces, hand carved by farmers, as part of an ancient agricultural practice.

Here, guests can stay in one of the homestays in the village and learn about the culture and history of Batad. They also have an option to hire a local guide to help them explore and trek across the rice terraces. Other places to visit in Batad include the Tappiya Falls and the Awa View Deck up in the mountain.

Malapascua Island

While its name means ‘Bad Christmas’, the tiny island of Malapascua will bring no humbugs to your holiday cheer. Unspoiled white-sand beaches, beautiful coral gardens, and a beaming marine life sanctuary have earned Malapascua the title of one of the best diving spots in the Philippines.

Take the chance to spot thresher sharks, enjoy unlimited scenic views and immerse yourself in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere. Be sure to order a San Miguel while you watch the sunset.

La Mesa Eco Park

The La Mesa Eco Park is a 33-hectare ecological park that provides outdoor recreation, forest experience, and a breath of fresh air for Metro Manila residents. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, this public park was established to save the La Mesa Watershed, which is a source of drinking water in the country’s capital.

After its reopening in 2004, this tree-lined paradise has become a popular tourist spot, especially for adventure seekers. Things to do here include hiking, boating, and fishing, among others. Apart from generating revenue, it also aims to promote environmental awareness.

Read more: The best things to explore in El Nido, Philippines

Source Internet

The complete guide to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is a city filled with temples. As you explore the Old City you can’t walk more than a few feet without seeing one and they are all well worth your time as a traveler. But one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, the one that crowns the Doi Suthep mountain on the western outskirts of Chiang Mai, is definitely something that shouldn’t be missed. Planning a trip up the mountain to see the temple is a fairly easy endeavor from Chiang Mai and there are various ways to do it. No matter which option you choose, the views from the temple and the beauty of the surrounding area make for a worthwhile day trip from the city.

History

Suthep itself is a district of western Chiang Mai city and one that gets its name from the adjacent mountain (doi means mountain in northern Thai), and the temple on the summit—Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is found on the mountainside. The mountain, plus neighbouring Doi Pui, form Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. In terms of the impressive temple, construction on Wat Doi Suthep began in 1386 and according to popular legend, the temple was built to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder.

One of those bones was mounted on a sacred white elephant (an important symbol in Thailand) who then climbed Doi Suthep mountain and stopped near the peak. After trumpeting three times, the elephant laid down and gently passed away in the jungle. The place where he lay is now the site of where Doi Suthep’s temple was founded.

How to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

There are several ways to get yourself up Doi Suthep to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, including renting a car, a motorbike or scooter if you’re an experienced rider, hiking, getting a ride in a red songthaew (red trucks that act as shared taxis all over Chiang Mai), hiring a songthaew for the duration of your trip, or by doing a guided tour.

Driving: If you decide to drive yourself (either via car or motorbike), you’ll be taking the 1004 (also called Huay Kaew Road) towards the Chiang Mai Zoo and passing Maya Mall en route. The route is a straight one, but the road itself has some curves, so anyone with minimal motorbike or scooter experience should consider alternate transportation. But if you have your international drivers licence and feel comfortable riding, this is a good DIY option up the mountain. Drive until the road finally widens and you see the crowds and flags in the trees.

Taking a songthaew: One of the most popular ways to get to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is via the many red songthaews that ply the streets of Chiang Mai. If you want to take one to the temple, they leave from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo, costing 40 baht per person each way. Normally drivers wait for eight to 10 passengers before leaving.

You can also charter songthaews from anywhere in the city, which is a good option if you are traveling with a group. This should cost 300 THB for one way (as many people as you can fit), or 500 THB if you want the driver to wait at the top and bring you back down after visiting the temple.

Hiking: Anyone in the mood for some exercise can opt to hike up to the temple, via Suthep Road, past Chiang Mai University to find the start of the hike. When you see a green area, you'll notice some billboards and a sign reading “Nature Hike”. Turn right onto this narrow road, go straight for about 100 meters then take the first (and only) left. Follow the road to the trail head.

Once you get to the base of the temple, you have two options for getting up to it. You can walk up the 306 steps if you’re feeling energetic, or you can take funicular-style cable car, which runs from 6.00 am – 6.00 pm. The fee is 20 THB for Thais and 50 THB for foreigners.

Layout

Once you’re up the mountain (via whatever method you’ve chosen), you’ll see a large cluster of souvenir stands and stalls selling food and drinks before you head up to the temple. Grab a snack if you’re hungry, and then it’s time to climb the 306-step staircase (or take the funicular). The staircase is flanked by beautiful jeweled naga (ornate serpents) and as you walk, the majestic staircase is a great spot to take pictures.

The terrace at the top of the steps is where you’ll find a statue of the white elephant that (as legend has it) carried the Buddha relic to its resting place on the temple grounds. This is also where you’ll find various other shrines and monuments to explore. The temple is split into outer and inner terraces and steps lead to the inner terrace where there is a walkway around the golden Chedi (shrine) enshrining the relic. The grounds are lush and peaceful and there are many spots for good photo ops or just simple quiet contemplation.

What to Expect

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the temple and surrounding area and if you have more time, there’s the option to hike various trails and swim in waterfalls in the national park that is home to the temple. Entrance to the temple costs 50 THB per person and as you’re planning your trip, remember that dress needs to be respectable, meaning modest and shoulders and knees should be covered. If you forget, wraps are available if needed. You’ll also need to remove your shoes upon entering the temple.

Something else to remember is that Wat Phra That Doi Suthep can get very busy, so if you can, try to time your visit for as early as possible during the day. Otherwise, a day trip to the temple makes for a refreshing and culturally interesting day (or half-day) excursion from Chiang Mai.

Highlights

It’s no secret that Chiang Mai is home to many temples, which you may have seen several of on a visit to the Northern Thai city. But even if you’ve had your fill of temples (or think you’ve seen them all), planning a trip to see Wat Doi Suthep is worth your time, even if just for the photo-worthy views.

In addition to those aforementioned views, the golden, gleaming temple itself is a highlight, but don’t rush your visit. There’s something beautiful to see at every turn.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple also houses a meditation center, where both locals and visitors can learn and practice meditation.

Read more: Take a trip to Northern Thailand

Source Tripsavvy