So we've decided that we'd never recommend Bangkok as a travel destination to anyone. EVER. Seriously, as much as we were optimistic and understanding and flexible....we did not enjoy Bangkok. Especially Chinatown (as per LH). It was tough to find anyone that genuinely wanted to help us...everyone wanted money. We got scammed into taking a tuk tuk ALL OVER the city around the Grand Palace
....we didn't lose money, only patience and time, but still. We also got scammed into buying sarongs because we didn't have our legs covered, but found out after the fact that we could have borrowed clothing (as you will see by the dress shirts) to wear. The Grand Palace was worth the trip...and check out our hot little outfits that we had to wear inside. Mind you it was 8000 degrees outside and we had 2 layers of clothing on...SWEATING. Anyway...we've seen it, done the tourist stuff...and happy to be out of there. Unfortunately, the only way down to the south is through Bangkok...but we're trying for as little time as possible in the city :) We are now in the beautiful little town of Chiang Mai, which is in northern thailand. We arrived yesterday after our first night bus adventure...not too bad. We walked around and were happy to find that it is not at all like bangkok here!! WAY more laid back, and there is actual vegetation!! Today was probably our favorite day so far. 
We took a mini tour that involved trekking (hiking) up to see a hill tribe, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. It was so cool!! Despite the fact that it rained most of today, we LOVED the elephant riding and bamboo rafting. The trek was gorgeous, a little muddy and slippery, but very cool. The bamboo rafting managed to get us soaked...we had a crazy driver that took us over a mini waterfall. He also tried to get us all in the river at some point in time. Tomorrow we're taking a one-day massage course, and then we're off to the south, to Ko-Phag-Nan, a little island off of Surat Thani, where the Full Moon Party is. We're TIRED and want to go to sleep :) We'll keep you posted...next message will likely be from some white sand beach....aaahhh!!Love L and L
10 comments:
No pictures on the elephants?! Did you get the info from your dad about Ko Lanta? We saw a great documentary just after you left - its on the opposite side from the island you're going to and a little further south. it looks fabulous as well. happy Full Moon!
xox
auntie elb
No Pics? We saw a great documentary on Thailand just after you left and,yes, Ko Lanta is definitely a destination. Maybe a little pricier than what you are expecting though. I'm anxious to see the Grand Palace and the outfits you were wearing. The full moon is on July 31st I think. We'll be thinking of you then. Have oodles of fun and keep safe!
Love Jan
I have a couple of pieces of furniture made in Chiang Mai in one of the little lean-to's out of the Palomia wood trees.
Looking forward to seeing the pics of the sarongs, and the rafting andelephant rides.
Don't get lost in the crowds ladeez, --I know you want to stay as safe as we all want you to stay safe. Go Laurens. Even I can work this blog thing. Love it. Min
Hi girls - we're anxiously awaiting pictures - rafting and elephant riding - sounds wonderful!! Did you get Opa's message? Enjoy your Full Moon Celebration - Keep safe and Enjoy!! - Sar just called and said that the pics were on Facebook so we'll check there -
Lots of love and many hugs to you girls!!
Love Gail & CHris
Hey ladies!! Miss you lots back here. Your pictures so far are awesome!! Elephant riding...Bev=Jealous
I don't need to dibs first massage, but first taste of that food you made DEFINITELY!!
Take care of yourselves!
Love you!!
Bev
Hey girls, sounds like you're having a great time.
Check out the night market in Chiang Mai if you have the chance. They've got some really nice stuff! They'll often set up a little market around Ta Pae gate as well if you know where that is. There's a little town called Pai (pronounced 'Bye') north west of Chiang Mai. It's a really cool relaxed place. Definitely my favourite area in the north. It can be a pretty brutal 4 hour bus ride but if you've got a few extra days it's worth checking out. Oh, and check out some Thai kick boxing in Chiang Mai. They have a couple fight nights a week. You can just hang out and drink while watching the guys go at it. It's a pretty cultural thing...they'll fight to the rythym of a drum in the background.
Have fun at the full moon party. Make sure you get there a few days ahead of the party or book up your accomodation ahead of time or else you'll have a hard time finding a room in Surat Thani. Also, lock your stuff up that night. Everyone gets stuff jacked from their rooms on the full moon party night since it's pretty well known that everyone is out partying and not in their rooms! Oh, and wear shoes on the beach that night or you're going to end up with really badly cut up feet. I met some people who had to end their trips they got cut up so badly. If you're looking for a nice, relaxed place to stay outside of Surat Thani but still on Koh Phangan, there's a place called 'the sanctuary' that's really nice. They have a website if you want to check it out. You have to take a longboat to get there from Surat Thani and usually the waves are pretty bad on the night of the moon party so no guarantees you can make it to the party from there. Not a bad place to stay before or after though. Hmm, what else...I'd really suggest you go to Koh Tao and do some diving. An open water diving course is around $300 I think...it's 3 days and that includes accomodation. Koh Tao was one of my favourite places. Easy Divers is a good diving place and their people are awesome. Koh Tao is also a great place to buy bootleg movies if you're in to that at all. Check out Dirty Nellies if you're there...it's a decent little bar.
Also, the west coast is definitely more expensive so keep that in mind. Koh Lanta / Koh Phi Phi etc. were all quite pricey and booked up when we were there. It was a different time of the year but I think it's generally more of an expat community on that side.
That's it for now...if you've got questions or are looking for ideas just shoot me an e-mail at work - david_ingelson@nexeninc.com. I only spent 5 weeks there so I don't know it all, but I've got a lot of friends who live or have lived in Thailand so I can usually get some pretty good information on places to see and things to do.
Enjoy yourself!!
Now there are pics - AWEsome! You gals look stylin' in your sarongs. The Grand Palace looks impressive. What is it made of? Hope you found a good place to stay for the Full Moon Party. Have fun and keep safe.
Love Jan
YOU WERE ON AN ELEPHANT!!!!!!!!!!!! i am smiling from ear to ear!
Hi girls - the pics are beautiful - you both look wonderful and happy - I finally figured out the Facebook thing and saw more pics - keep them coming!!
Love and hugs
Gail XOXOXO
Hey Lauren it's Claire from Aus here...am reading up on your blog and it's bringing back lots of memories of when I went to Thailand...TOTALLY agree on the whole Bangkok not being a tourist-friendly city thing. You just about go insane with frustration from people trying to get your money through innumerable tactics. Despite that it looks like you two are having an awesome time! I really, really am looking forward to seeing you again and meeting Lauren! See you real soon, xoxoxoxo
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