We're really enjoying Thailand so far, but it would be difficult not to get excited about the beautiful islands, gorgeous weather, and even the busy streets of Bangkok.
We landed in Bangkok on the 10th of January. We spent the first few days mesmerized by all going on around us in the busy streets. We stayed around the Khaosan Road area of the city, which is known as a backpacker haven. The area never sleeps. The streets are lined with guesthouses, bars, restaurants, street vendors, food stalls, internet cafes, and thai massage parlours. From the moment you wake up in the morning until the minute you go to bed, the streets are alive with people, animals, and tuk tuk drivers. We spent the first few days catching up on email, laundry, eating and organizing our trips ahead. We had to get visas for Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and India, which took some time to arrange.
We did manage to get to a few temples but we haven't made it to the Grand Palace or the Reclining Budda yet, which we plan to do. We were on our way, but then a local convinced us to go to less touristy temples around the city first. He then set us up with a tuk tuk driver (three wheeled motorcycle taxi - scary!) to take us around to his favourite spots. For a cheap price of 20 baht (60 cents) we knew that it would include a few stops along the way to his friends' stores, which it did, but nevertheless all part of the true tuk tuk experience.
Anyone who has been to Bangkok before knows that a tuk tuk ride is tempting death. I know I vowed never to get in one again after our first ride, but then they get you with their cheap price and convenience when no taxis are in sight. I don't plan to get into another one anytime soon.
During our first few days in Bangkok we also managed to go out to Damnoen Saduak where there was a floating market, one of three left in Thailand. Although quite touristy, it was worth the visit. You could buy anything from your daily groceries to every touristy item imaginable. We arrived early and our morning float with another Canadian family of four was quite peaceful. By noon, the canal became a game of long tailed bumper boats, which was actually quite entertaining.
We also took in a thai massage which was 140 baht or just over $4 for the hour. We didn't really know what to expect. They brought us to a room filled with others lying on mattresses on the floor, all fully clothed. They spent the next hour stretching, lightly punching, and massaging our entire bodies. They would use their legs and full body weight to stretch us out. It was almost like going to yoga but without having to do any of the work.
While in Bangkok we also went to visit my Aunt Margaret's friend, Christine. She moved from Toronto to Bangkok 25 years ago and is working for the Canada Fund (under CIDA), which is an organization that gives money to several villages across Thailand for development projects. She took us out for a delicious north eastern thai dinner. She was very interesting to spend an evening with since she had lots of great tips on places to go around Thailand and the rest of South East Asia.
Just over a week ago, we headed south from Bangkok to the Krabi area, known for its beautiful beaches and limestone cliffs, which attract many rock climbers. We started our island hopping adventure on Ko Phi Phi Don. It was absolutely stunning as we pulled into the main port. We had booked a bungalow on long beach so we immediately took a long tailed boat over to our spot, which wasn't as busy as the main beach. We spent the afternoon exploring and snorkelling around the next island called Ko Phi Phi Ley. This island became famous when the movie "The Beach" was filmed there a few years ago. It's only a spot to day trip since there aren't any hotels or restaurants on it. Bow and I had organized our own long tailed boat to the island which meant that when we were done with one snorkelling spot, our driver would take us to the next spot. It was like swimming in an aquarium for the afternoon as the fish were so bright and colourful.
After Ko Phi Phi, we headed over to Ko Lanta for a couple of days, which was a bigger island so all of us tourists seemed to absorb into the heaps of bungalows. We stayed at a beautiful spot right on the beach. We spent our days relaxing on the beach, swimming, eating, walking, and again we went on another snorkelling trip to four different islands around the area. We met a really nice Australian couple, Korina and Adam, who we spent some time with there and then again at the next beach, Tonsai.
From Ko Lanta we took the ferry over to Tonsai beach (beside Rai Lay beach), which is world famous for its rock climbing. This was a very social beach with everyone either rock climbing or watching the rock climbers. The minute we stepped out of our long tailed boat we had two different Canadians approach us right away to chat. They guided us to a great set of bungalows to stay at, which were more like quaint cottages. We stayed in that area for two days exploring the surrounding beaches, sea kayaking, and watching the hoards of rock climbers slither across the cliffs.
We are now back in Bangkok a little more relaxed and tanned than we were when we first arrived on the 10th. We are heading off to see the temples of Ankor Wat tomorrow in Cambodia. They are considered to be one of the great man made wonders of the world. After Cambodia, we'll head onto Vietnam and then Laos before returning to northern Thailand.
We hope everyone is enjoying the winter at home ... skating on the canal, skiing, snowshoeing!
Jill