last stop: bangkok

The last leg of our trip had come up too quickly. We needed more time! However, we saved the largest city for last- and had our hands full of things to do. We needed to end our trip with a bang!

Day 9
Today was another travel day. We were heading to Koh Samui! We didn't have to wake up too early, so it was nice to enjoy breakfast lofted among the trees before heading out. This time we took a van to a bus station to a bus to a speed boat to a taxi to our hotel. I have plenty of feedback on the services we used, and it's all good! Again, ~not paid~ so no info post for now, but if you'd like the tips feel free to ask personally! It's always more comforting to know someone who has had the experience.

Our trip was at the end of rainy season, and it had shown signs of rain the past few days, and maybe rained for an hour or so out of the whole day. So we splurged a bit for the last of our island itinerary and picked a hotel with the pool's view spilling into the ocean and private beach. We were going to finally do a typical relaxing beach vacation complete with fruity cocktails while lounging along the water's edge, and get Thai massages complete with the soothing sound of waves. Of course when we arrived at our last location, the rain decided now was the perfect time to start again. But for the entire day. For 3 days.

We both grew up in Florida and are no strangers to windy hurricane rains. We also lived in Seattle and knew that kind of incessant rain with constant cloudiness. However, this was nothing like that. We both kept waiting for news that a tsunami was coming. It was big, hard, rain drops that created muddy lakes where there were roads. The winds were harsh and sharp, the ocean was roaring with mad waves crashing. Talk about a total opposite from the low tide on the west side of the mainland. We were exhausted from all the commuting and were totally fine relaxing in our room for awhile. When we got hungry we did venture out for dinner as the rain slowed a bit. We felt at home, just like when we were kids wading in the ankle deep puddles after a hurricane. Rain jackets on, sandals on, no problem! We were totally safe and only just surprised at how strong the rainfall was compared to what we previously knew. The locals had everything under control, as this happens frequently, and were even continuing to ride their scooters like normal business. So, the next day, we did too!

Day 10
Yes, it was pouring all night and the next morning when we woke. We still wanted to do some sightseeing so we got dressed in our swim suits with raincoats atop and hopped on the scooter! Just a note for anyone who does this in the future: wear goggles. Sunglasses didn't cut it as the wind and rain combo was like getting hit with paintballs, all over your face and body. Constantly. With the rain already falling at some angle, the added wind of driving in it allowed for some sneaky drops to hit your eye. Ouch! At least Woj was the smart one and driving fully prepared, I could hide my face behind his back. Anyway, we drove by Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (aka Grandma and Grandpa.)  Pretty much boulders and 2 in the formation of a men's you-know-what and a women's you-know-what. We saw what we could through the opaque veil of rain and didn't walk too far on the slippery boulders because, well, it just didn't feel like it was the right day for death by beating crashing waves into rocks. Okay, tourist site, check! A positive- no one was there! Not even the locals, ha!

So we were soaked after our 5 minute drive and decided there was nothing we could do about it, so we continued on. At least it was pretty warm so we weren't going to get pneumonia. I had done some digging to find a cool Insta-worthy place to visit for a bit and take some pics, duh! We were headed to Na Mueang Waterfalls!

The plan was to swim in the base at the big waterfall (1 on Google Maps) and then take a small hike up to 2 and be able to sit in a bathtub basin atop the falls overlooking them. Score! Insta-worthy pics! God was giggling at our plans like oh-no-you-don't-not-today because there was definitely no way we were even going to stick our toes into that water. We would have been swept away!

So next intended to find Overlap Stone, another boulder formation but again, the big man had other plans for us. It was hard to navigate through my makeshift waterproof phone case (trash bag) and yelling directions to Chris as the wind was against us, so we wound up at this other tourist stop, Valentine Stone. Definitely a place designed to cater to bored tourists, we again were the only ones there. As we were also bored tourists, we took a little tour around the place.

If you kiss your loved one while touching the rock you'll be together forever! Of course we did, and then took a hike up to a viewpoint. We're always in incorrect footwear when we hike (Nike Frees on the PCT, bejeweled sandals up and into rock caves, etc.) so we just stuck with our trend and continued up the slippery rock path in our flip flops. Side note: I suppose it's primarily me who is in incorrect footwear. In my defense, we usually just go with the flow so I can't keep hiking boots on me at all times!

After making it to the viewpoint we headed back down and back to our hotel to finally get into some dry clothes. We probably went to an Australian theme restaurant for dinner. We still had a few days in Thailand and a few more opportunities for Thai food, but at this point we really just wanted a hunk of meat!

Day 11/12
Because of the rain, we were leaving Koh Samui without having seen the Big Buddha! That couldn't be the case! It was close to the airport, so we asked the driver if he could swing by there first. Again, we were the only ones there, wading through the lake on the ground to snap a quick pic. Shortly after, we did we saw a monk come out and put up chains across the bottom stairs that it was closed. We weren't about to climb up anyway as the stairs+water combo made for an interesting man made waterfall. I'm extremely clumsy on a flat surface, I wasn't about to experience angles in the pouring rain! Again, we did it, check!

The Koh Samui airport was beautiful! It was built to experience the outdoors, had ponds with lily pads, and had a refreshment station free for everyone. There was free coffee, tea, popcorn, sandwiches and other snacks. So nice!

We landed in Bangkok starving... for sushi! Our hotel was connected to a mall and we found a delicious restaurant where we proceeded to order 6 totally unique rolls with ingredients we've never had before... and edamame of course. We ate it all!

Bangkok is a huge city and traffic is insane. We didn't do all the touristy things we had on our wishlist, but we did manage to find time to explore China Town, the Buddhist Temple of Wat Phra Chetuphon, Kaho San Road and night market, take the sky train, sample some cocktails from sky bars in different parts of town, and enjoy a lush retreat in the middle of the city at our hotel's pool.

Bangkok is currently nowhere near my favorite city, but I also know we had minimal time to explore all that it offers. I would go back to give it another chance, but I would bring those medical face masks. The air never cleared of the smog, and it could be seen like clouds while at the sky bars. It also kept the city very hot, and a different kind of humid-hot I grew up with. However- the lights, the buzzing activity, all hours of events, the friendly people, intricate designs, rich history, architecture, and so much more- made it worth it!

I still have some places flagged as "want to go" so who knows how soon I'll be able to return and check them off. My first destination from Bangkok would be to Ayutthaya, about an hour north. It is a Historical Park with ruins from the old city, and we all know how much I love old things, especially ruins! (Insert heart eyed emoji.)

Day 13
We headed off to London bright and early in the morning. We kept saying we wish we had "just one more day." I think we probably could have done with an entire week more- at the least- but we got a huge chunk explored! There's always more, and honestly my favorite places are ones that are mostly overlooked, and this was a total tourist trip. Next time!

To wrap up, here's some things we learned:
- do NOT ride the elephants!
- bring only a small wheeled carry-on and backpack, nothing more and do laundry if needed (it's inexpensive!)
- bring a Kindle (and lots of portable chargers)
- make sure you have a lot of money in your debit account
- there are 7-11s are on every corner, buy lots of bottled water and bring it with you daily
- learn how to say hello and goodbye in Thai
- hail a taxi with your arm 45 degrees down and wave your hand
- if you don't have a plan, it will be okay
- bring a raincoat
- ladies, keep a light scarf in your bag. Can be used as a scarf when it's chilly, a cover up when entering temples or to show respect, and a small pillow when balled up during transport/transfers
- try the local food, drink, fruit, everything!
- when in doubt, ask! The Thai were the most hospitable and welcoming I've ever encountered.

I hope my travel diary was a good read and worth the wait! Feel free to reach out with questions if you would like some pointers for planning your own Thai trip.

Until my next travel diary entry, I hope you feel inspired and stay full of wonder of this world's beauty.