Amazing Adventure To Milford Sound

Many people say if you visit to New Zealand that’s not complete if you not go to the South Island. But there is another term, to the South Island is incomplete if you not see the Milford Sound.

Milford Sound

What kind of "Sound" is that? Sound is a mountain valley due to the pressure of the galcier melting thousands years ago resulted in a rise in sea water and inundate the valley. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound is an example the result of this process, and the entire area was named in fiordland.
Milford Sound itself is already pretty amazing, but the route to get there was more spectacular. So you should try to drive a car alone to Milford Sound instead of using bus tour package.

If you noticed that the journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes 5 hours by car, you’ll imagine how tired drive a car so far. But you wrong because we can say this is one of the amazing street to drive in the world.

Generally the trip is split become two, Queenstown to Te Anau (3 hours) and the Te Anau to Milford Sound (2 hours). Most of tourists indeed base in Queenstown or Dunedin to Milford, however we can also stay in Te Anau which beautiful and quiet if you want to save time.

From Queenstown just follow the highway number 6 to Lumsden, then turn right take the highway number 94 to Te Anau. Don't be afraid to stray, all instructions and directions the way plastered very clear, even without GPS.

Once out of the city along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Road will be winding down the mountain, on the left side, and on the right side are the abyss, due to a very beautiful view of this we must drive slowly.

Lake Wakatipu

After Kingston, then switch views into the expanse of hills and sheep. Well, the sheep are remarkable. See photo below, each point is the white sheep (sheep) and the black dots is a cow.

Sheeps Field, Milford Sound

Once arriving in Te Anau, this is your time to fill gasoline and buy some drinking. Make sure the fuel is loaded enough to return Te Anau-Milford Sound, because no service station anymore on this route.

After you out of Te Anau prepare the camera and the battery to the breathtaking views towards Milford Sound. Milford Road along the 120 km is already recognized as a World Heritage Highway, so no need to use sms voting like the Komodo dragon. Views will be alternated from the land of snowy mountain backdrop with ramps (imagine the movie The Lord of The Ring), a beautiful forest (green or yellow depending on the season), as well as lakes and rivers.

A lot of scenery along this road that allows tourists to do trail walk, hiking or camping, which unfortunately didn't get me to do because we have limited time.

On the way, there is a small lake called Mirror Lake, which is in the morning or in the afternoon when the wind is not blowing, the water of the lake “become” a mirror over the mountains. Unfortunately when I arrive the wind blows pretty fast, but the surface water was still looks good.

Mirror Lake

If the way we've started uphill and winding, this means we have closer to the Homer Tunnel. This is a small tunnel penetrating the mountain along the 1, 2 km. The car shall comply with the instructions of the lamp in front of the tunnel because only one direction for one period. So if the red light, it means that we have to wait (approx. 15 minutes) for alternating directions.

While waiting for this we can be pulled over and a short break while the Kea bird accompanied special seems to play at the mouth of the tunnel. Well, it should be noted this birds 'activity', because according to wikipedia this Kea bird eats rubber, especially here is the car rubber seal and the rubber of wiper. Also because it is perched on a car, the car's scratches risk could make the cost of rental swelled due to pay scratch damage.

Kea Bird

The tunnel is nothing special. The road is quite dark and decreased steadily (if towards Milford), slippery when winter/spring (due to melting snow that drip), so it is definitely not to be speeding.

The Next was 19 km trip down the slopes of the mountain, winding model horseshoe will be flat when entering the Fiordland. At the end of this journey is Milford Sound. A definite view on the way at the beginning of this spring for me is truly amazing.

In fact we could only buy tickets online at Milford Sound cruise, sometimes there are discounts up to 50%, but of course we will be hunted down time while driving a car in order to arrive at a specified time. So be safe is to buy upon arrival only.

There are some operator cruise tour here that we can choose. There is a Real Discovery, Southern Band, Jucy and Cruise. There is an hour, forty five minutes cruise, there are two hours fifteen minutes, for the longer time usual there will be a detour to animal life and underwater observatory option. Ticket prices are more or less equally among operators, ranging from NZD 60-85 per person. The price is dependent departs (the peak time 11am-1pm is the most expensive) and there are overnight cruise.

Milford Sound Cruise

The key of this cruise is the surround sound up to approach the mouth of the Tasman Sea and then turning back. The primary icon photo postcard is Mitre Peak, mount 1492m which resemble tall mitre (Bishop's hat). Then there are 2 waterfalls on the right side, Stirling Falls (146 m) and Bowen Falls (160 m). And you can also watching sea lion habitat basking in the sun.

Stirling Falls New Zealand

Bowen Falls New Zealand

The weather play a role to the comfort of the cruise, so be sure not to come if the weather forecast says rain or snow. That is sure a cool breeze (though it's been spring) will hit us in the face, make your hands and feet be frozen. Be sure to bring a jacket and gloves here and we can get some coffee or tea arrangements provided in the ship.

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Try Your Adrenaline at Queenstown Newzealand

If you desire of naturally green atmosphere environment then Queenstown could be one of the “heaven” that you should visit, surrounding by valley and smooth wind will make your mind feel very fresh and relax in this place.

Queenstown is a small town, located on the edge of Wakatipu lake, the type of leisure and calm city. Car traffic like most of small towns in New Zealand was a little bit, very orderly and not rush due to maximum speed on the road only allow 50km per hour in the city.

Queenstown New Zealand

Queenstown is a base for tourists who are fond of nature or activity that requires a high-adrenaline. There are many walking trail outside the city, tramping and climbing is also available, you can select the length time you want it’s from 2 hours or up to 8 hours. Activities such as bungy jumping, rafting (white water rafting), kanoe, jet-boating, hang-gliding all available not far from the downtown.

The Queenstown downtown is not so big, just a few blocks. Most of the stores will be closed above 6pm to 7pm except the bar. You will find a special pedestrian strip called The Mall which many clothing store and souvenir there and also became a place for dinner.

The Mall Queenstown

There is no public transport which meaning just three lines to the Connectabus Fernhill, Frankton, and Arrowtown. Ticket prices start at $5.50. Day pass was $13.50 for unlimited ride. Generally we use car rental to get around town or out of town.

Parking in the middle of town (street parking) belongs to the expensive, i.e. $2/hour but start from 6pm this parking area become free.

If you have a chance, please take the time to ride the Skyline Gondola headed to Bob's Peak. The view from the top of the hill is very spectacular with the city, the lake, and flanked by mountains. It is very perfect natural view.

This skyline gondola tickets charge at $21, you can buy along with luge package. We can ride the luge (2 tracks), a small car/train controlled by hand, down the hill at speeds high enough (but it safe). You can also drink and eat a snack in the cafe at the top while looking at this beautiful view of the city. We can even take the gondola package along with the bicycle (rental separately), so you can careening by bike.

Skyline Gondola, Queenstown

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From Krabi Town To Beautiful Phi Phi Island

Krabi town is one of the gateway to the region and beautiful island in southern Thailand, such as Ao Nang or the island like Koh Lanta, and also Koh Phi Phi.

Krabi has an airport served by Thai Airlines and AirAsia. Direct flights are available from Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Krabi. Krabi International Airport (KBV) it is 15 km from the downtown, and there is a shuttle bus to the downtown as well as boat pier. Even you can go to Phuket with two hour car ride from Krabi.

Krabi Town

Ticket prices the shuttle bus towards Krabi town and Tharua boat pier (continue to Phi Phi island) is 90 baht. Tickets to the Ao Nang beach is 150 Baht. You can just buy it at the counter once in Krabi Airport. If you come with 4 people consider to use taxi at rates 350 baht.
If you have a lot of days, prior to the Phi Phi Islands, you could consider to stay overnight in the area of Ao Nang located in the southwest of Krabi.

Tharua boat from Krabi pier to Ton sai pier (pier at Koh Phi Phi Don) is an one hour and half by ferry. The schedule a day most free 3 times with a ticket price of 400-450 baht one way. Along the way we will pass through several small islands like Poda and Chicken Island. The island can be visited with the level rent long tail boat from Ao Nang or Tharua boat pier.

Long Tail Boat Krabi

Phi Phi Islands

In Thai language Koh Phi Phi, 'Koh' means island, actually consists of two islands Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh. Koh Phi Phi Don is the base for a stay while there are no occupant at Phi Phi Leh however many people come every day. The tourists here must be returned at least in the afternoon because there is no infrastructure at all other than a public toilet. Usually the main purpose of tourists heading to Phi Phi Islands is to go to Maya Beach.

Phi Phi Leh

Maya Beach became famous after the location filming “The Beach” starring by Leonardo Di Caprio. A calm beach and protected so that it resembles a hidden beach. The Turqoise green of water make it look more beauty. Phi Phi Leh island is actually just an area of 6 square kilometers, in the form of the limestone mountains of the material contains calcium carbonate, so the water here is colored green.

To get here, we can rent a speedboat or long boats of phi phi don. This boat can be rented from dozens of agencies that are scattered near the phi phi don ferry pier. So cheap, you can do a search for a partner sharing 8-10 people (before entering the office of the agent) or choose a common boat.

For convenience, we recommend that you’re better arrive here before 9 am. If you passing of this time, Maya Beach will invaded by hundreds of tourists coming from Phuket using large ferry then you can not freely to take pictures again.

Practically there is no infrastructure on the island other than the toilet, so if you come just want to take pictures it will done for 30 minutes. For memorable you should go for a swim or snorkel here don’t come here just for a selfie, bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent from Phuket or Phi Phi Don.
Completion of Maya Beach, squeeze your boat also stopped by to the other side which is called Pi-le Lagoon, the water is green, clear, makes people definitely want to plunge to swim.

Maya Beach

Phi Phi Don

If anyone say staying on Phi Phi Island, surely that means is staying on the island of Phi Phi Don. The extent of 28 square km, most of which are hotels, restaurants, and shops. There is no vehicle because the lane pavement made is only 1-3 meters wide. Explore the island by walking, it is up to you if you want to wear clothes or topless. One more thing, don't use wrong costumes here, no one wearing long pants unless a bellhop.

Phi Phi Don City

There are several beaches yet known is the Ton Sai Beach and Loh Dalum. Ton Sai Pier is the place of the boat and ferry rests, if you want to enjoy water sport and swim its better go to Loh Dalum. The beach line of Loh Dalum is long enough, want to sunbathe or swim until you happy. If you love hiking, you can go up to a viewpoint at the top of the hill.

If you get bored with the seafood here you can search for other menu at the downtown where there are many seafood restaurants and western menus, there is also all you can eat restaurant for only 300 baht and you can have a great dinner.

Phi Phi Don, Western Food

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8 Venue Which Can Make You Enjoy In Phuket

Talking about Thailand of course we’re not forget the single island of phuket, it is an island located in the southeastern part of Thailand, the name is derived from the malay ' the hill ' because few form are hill contour. As an island, it has several beaches on the west side facing the Andaman sea with the most famous beaches such as patong beach, kamala beach, karon beach, and kata beach.

The down town is called Phuket Town, it became a residence of local residents, while tourists mostly choosing to stay around the beach.
Transport for tourists is quite limited, but if you have a motorbike driver's license  then you can rent motorbike daily. Whereas if the groups of available taxis, tuk-tuk with a rate of 200 Baht for a one way ride far or near patong area. Most of us just simply walk away to the beach or for foraging.

Attractions in Phuket

The main purpose of tourists got to phuket is the nautical tourism, ranging from mere sunbathing, swimming and water game to water sports. Arguably the scorching heat of phuket that highly preferred by tourists from europe who are hungry for the sun.
Phuket has some of the beach with different characteristics, there are choppy, there are white sandy, but there is a rough and fine sand as soft as flour. If you had more day, take some time to try out each of the existing beach with a motorbike which can be rented about 100 baht per day.

Patong Beach

A sloping beach with good waves, patong beach is a place that should be visited if you are in Phuket. The atmosphere is like kuta beach in bali, but there are no traders and wandering masseur, making us able to calm and free here. Security also seems assured, I can put my bag on the beach without a care while I am free to swim alone. Dozens of hotels line the side of the beach and its surroundings make this area very crowded with tourists and activity.

Patong Beach

Kamala Beach

If you want a beach atmosphere but the more lonely, please take the road towards the north of patong beach (they should ride a tuk-tuk because quite far from patong beach). Kamala Beach has not been so developed, not many hotels that are on the side of the beach, and also this is not along the coastline of patong.

Kamala Beach Phuket

Bang La Road

This road is the heart of phuket. Daytime is just an ordinary street yet so the sun began to set, the street is closed to vehicles, woke up and became a center of night life. The road 500-meter serves a shop right in the left, souvenir also pubs and go-go bars.
Down a set of bar with scantily clad dancers that pool might be appropriate for the men. Invite a friend who has a super eye that is able to distinguish between the original and the woman knockoff, it turns out they are all ladyboy, so beware don't be tempted. But you could just sit enjoying music and beer. A bottle of heineken beer in the bar cost you 100-150 baht.

Bangla Road Phuket

Island Safari Phuket

Island Safari is the place to enjoy the attractions of animals ranging from elephant, monkey, cow, and chickens bangkok race. The location is quite far from patong, you should rent a car or taxi to get here.

The main attraction is the elephant ride, where you ride on an elephant and enjoy a tour around 30 minutes. Your body will be shaking because of an elephant moving unevenly.
In addition we can watch live entertainment animals such as elephant, monkey, or riding in the chariot and pulled by two buffalo. It's like a regular gig but in thailand it successfully packaged and sold to foreign tourists who have never felt the atmosphere of the village.

Island Safari, Phuket

Simon Cabaret Show

A show that is very popular in the form of cabaret ladyboy (men who are already “reform” become a pretty women), with the costumes are beautiful, this is performed approximately in the simon cabaret show. Tickets is 700-800 Baht. You can buy on the spot but mostly is raise, like happen with me, or purchased at the travel agent or hotel where you stay. In one day just 2 times, at 07.30pm and 09.30pm.

The location is on sirirach road, go to here you can rent a tuk-tuk (200 Baht far or near to patong area) or walking for around 20 minutes from bang la road.
At the end of the show, we had the opportunity to take a picture along with the 'characters' that exists in the simon cabaret, so make sure you have pick one while watching the show. This photo session is certainly need regular tips 100 bath for a ladyboy.

Simon Cabaret Show

The Big Buddha

At the highest point of the Hill Phuket Island built an area for worship for Buddhists, with a giant white Buddha statue was erected in a sitting position. This Buddha image is easily can seen as you come from the ferry pier. To go here at least you need to rent a car or taxi due to travel far enough.
This area is still under construction, but we can climb up to the base of the holder. We could give a donation in the form of money, which will be shaped like a stone plate that will be affixed to the under construction or you can also donate by purchasing a souvenir.

The Big Buddha

Wat Chalong

If you are drawn against Thailand architecture or want to serve the Buddhist Wat Chalong you could become one stop in the trip tours in Phuket.

Wat Chalong

Phuket Old Town

If you have longer time don’t forget to visit Phuket's Old Town its look like chinatown in Singapore, what “sold” here was old architecture building.
As usual if we visit our tours to new place we will take time to buy gifts in the center of souvenir shops and seafood snack which called pornthip at phuket.

Old Town, Phuket

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7 Hidden Exotic Places in Bali Island

You may not ever know that there are still a lot of tourist spots in bali you've never visit, most tourists just visiting the same places in bali, please try places we mentioned below, we guarantee you'll feel addicted to come again to this beautiful place.

Tegenungan Waterfall, Gianyar

For those of you who love waterfalls, you will be offered a view of the waterfall here. where is waterfall Tegunungan ready entertaining you with the glamour, even though it is located not so far from downtown Denpasar. just come to the village of Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency. It is only 16 km from Denpasar.

Tegenungan Waterfall, Gianyar

Hillside Atuh

This beach is located in Banjar Pelilit, village Pejukutan, Nusa Penida Klungkung Regency. Very similar to the beautiful island of phuket Island, it got a view of a cluster with coral unique stylish, so you will regret to miss it.

Hillside Atuh

The Devil's Tears, Nusa Lembongan

Bali also had a coastal location with a spectacular water blow. There are two locations you can visit the water blow, one of them is the Devil Tears located on Nusa Lembongan. Experience the excitement of its own then the sea waves crashing against the reef. High water blow this can reach more than 10 meters.

The Devil's Tears, Nusa Lembongan

The Hill of Campuhan, Ubud

Ubud is one of the places in Bali that became a favourite destination due to the glamour. But no matter, here you can enjoy the peace that is irreplaceable. Try to trace the Campuhan Hill tiles where you can feel the embrace of verdant hills and valleys.

The Hill of Campuhan, Ubud

Pinggan Village, Kintamani

Bali not always have to be about the beach that's why you must try go to the village of its dishes in Kintamani and discover a amazing panorama that inspires. When the sun started to peek from the eastern horizon and the fog began to descend to the village, a magical atmosphere will bewicthing you, making you grateful ever set foot in this place.

Pinggan VIllage, Kintamani

Broken Beach

Beautiful beach Pasih Uug or also known with the name Broken Beach where you should enjoy it. This beach is ocean "trapped" between coral cliffs, forming a giant pool of Java. Above the entrance of water, lies a natural bridge from the Rocky Reef that you can cross. This beautiful beach you can also find in Nusa Penida, precisely in Banjar Sumpang, the village of blooming flowers.

Broken Beach Pasih Uug, Nusa Penida

Angel's Billabong

Still located in Nusa Penida, not far from Pasih Uug. There is a river estuary with the surface of the water was calm and clear and overdraft which form natural pools that are extraordinarily beautiful. This place is called Angel's Billabong. So look crystal clear like mirror, you would certainly not be able to resist the desire to swim in this pool.

Angel's Billabong

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Tourist Places That You Must Visit in Bangkok

Thailand tourist destination, one of the countries in Asia are very attractive and can't be overlooked by every tourist that come, if you visit to Thailand especially in Bangkok  make sure you visit the attractive places below:

Wat Phra Kaew (Grand Palace)

This place with the most expensive ticket but it is very good place, magnificent, shining. There is a museum about the kingdom. Priced at 450 baht. Don't forget to wear long pants here, because the clerk will intercept you when scantily clad, the solution is rent a cloth there.

Wat Phra Kaew (Grand Palace)

Wat Pho

It is located quite near the grand palace, it's just that here there is a giant sleeping buddha statue even your camera may only be photographed the head alone can not form a whole. Temple in the monastery are also different, when in the grand palace of Golden, white and majestic, plastered with small flowers and soft color.

Wat Pho Bangkok

Wat Arun

It is located near the wat pho, just that we have to cross by boat it's cheap tickets once departing 3 baht. wat arun passes 50 baht. much cheaper than at the grand palace. Actually this wat arun was grayed out, but the specialty was that we can climb up the top. Look the chaopraya river and surrounding landscape. But if you are afraid of heights you should not ride because the stair has a slope very steep. old people and children are strongly encouraged not to ride, simply take pictures only. Here also it is advisable to wear long pants because there are officers who maintain and charge rent the cloth of 20 baht.

Wat Arun Bangkok

Wat Traimit Witthayaram Wora Wiharn (5.5 Tons of Golden Buddha)

The monastery is not too large and its location in china town area. The statue of buddha is coated with real gold weighing 5.5 tons. The story at the time thailand was about to colonized foreign people (Thailand never colonized) from stolen then this golden statue coated in clay. In modern times many people did not know the contents in the image. When the statue would move it was accidentally knocked down and broken, then people look that is a golden statue of the buddha.

Golden Mount

It is quite unique in that visitors have to climb the ladder of new high can get to the top. Once there we can see the sights around Bangkok. It is located near Chinatown.

Golden Mount Bangkok

The Four Face Buddha

This is the most famous many people away from the country come here to pray because a lot of  people trust if they pray here they will be answered but don't think the image a huge well, the image is quite small and is located at the intersection of big street and around it was the mall is large so the image looks more tiny.

The Four Face Buddha, Bangkok

Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery (Maddam Tussaud, Siam Ocean World)

This is one of the most favourite mall in Bangkok. branded goods, especially if there is a particular event decoration for this mall is quit well that this name was Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery and Siam Center. At siam Discovery 6th floor there Maddam Tussaud wax i.e. are there in Hong Kong as well. Then at Siam Paragon there is Siam Ocean World i.e. the underwater world oceanarium kind of Jakarta, but in my opinion the hell much cooler at Bangkok. If a direct ticket to buy 1 package of Tussaud Maddam and Siam Ocean World could be cheaper.

Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery (Maddam Tussaud, Siam Ocean World)

Chatuchak

If you want go to market just remember the chatuchak market where is only open at saturday and sunday. You get what you want here, all there, it’s big place but also narrow. So if you go there with many people don’t get scramble, because you will get lost and it’s hard to found.

Chatuchak Market, Bangkok

Pratunam, Platinum Mall, Pantib Plaza

Well here is the shopping centre of the garment. If you want to buy clothes, trousers, skirts, etc for kids, teens, man and women all is available here. The price is also relatively cheap. Here is the center of clothing. If platinum mall were regular mall anyway, it’s located opposite pratunam road just get to ride on the ship's bridge. The stuff fairly cheap also. If some people who likes gadgets and buy mobile phone knick knacks you can go to Pantib plaza next to Platinum Mall.

 

Pratunam, Platinum Mall, Pantib Plaza

Terminal 21

The coolest mall this mall that we have ever gone. How not, we invited seemed to be at the airport. the Interior of each floor is different, even to the toilet there was not the same. each floor has a different theme. There are Japan, San Francisco, Istanbul, London. It's a nice place for selfie. For those who love shopping the stores in this mall it’s a local brand instead of famous brand but the quality is good.

Terminal 21 Bangkok

Emporium Mall

Emporium Mall is more or less similar to Siam Paragon. High class Mall with branded goods.

 

Emporium Mall Bangkok

Dinner Cruise River

For those who love culinary tour or try dinner at the ship past the Chao Phraya River. the food is ok, but it depends what you climb aboard, it's time we took a White Orchid. the food is ok, the boat is also pretty great, there was a live band and there was a transvestite too. Want take a picture also no need to pay, not like in pattaya the pansy was bitchy and money oriented. Above the ship we could take a look at the sparkling lights of the city of Bangkok at night along the Chao Phraya River.

Dinner Cruise River

Ancient Siamese City

Here we can see a beautiful park, but to get here you need a car or rent a bike, because the course considerably but for you who like take a picture this place had a lot of places that are nice in the view.

 

Ancient Siamese City

Siam Niramit Show

In my opinion this is the best show in Thailand. stage, the decoration is truly remarkable. Here you really can see the culture of Thailand and its glory. But for the price is indeed expensive, I recommend the heck join tour package only, if you buy yourselves it cost more expensive. If  you join the tour package the price is already pressed and get discount. But yes we should smart to choose a good tour.

Siam Niramit Show in Bangkok

Chinatown

Here you can see the atmosphere of chinatown in the city of Bangkok and the average person in the region here could speak mandarin. Here is also the center of the gold sales If you are interested in buying gold here.

China Town, Bangkok

 

Khaosan Road

Here is the same as Kuta or Legian Bali. Techno music everywhere, beer, pubs, scattered. Westerners also grieved here. In khao san road there’re a lot of massage places and not too expensive. 100 baht for a half an hour but don't be surprised reply massage into the path of so many chairs provided outside. Don't worry if you want a full body massage in Thailand you not have to open your shirt. Just wear your clothes and you’ll feel the hand massage which is very comfortable, especially if you have tired all day long.

Khaosan Road Bangkok 

Vimanmek

If you go to the grand palace (wat phra kaew) then for the admission to the vimanmek is free. If you don’t then you have to buy tickets in advance. And keep in mind for this place you should wear long pants or long skirts and not allow to wear a tank top.

This place is pretty unique, spacious garden, and there is a large teak house is the Palace of the King of Thailand 5, inside you can see the luxurious furnishings, including jar jar China, since at the time of King 5, the China entry to Thailand, so there is a mixture of Thai-Chinese culture.
This place is very closely guarded, you should not be carelessly touch or sit on chairs in teak House Vimanmek. for photos of the inside of the House is also not permitted. A camera or mobile phone, even your bag should be included in the lockers.

Vimanmek Bangkok

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