November 13, 2011

Land of Smiles

Thai Airways:

Firstly, I’d like to say what a pleasurable experience this was. As flying goes, it really made an impression. 

Everything about Thailand and the people, for me, was about the little details. On the flight, we were constantly handed drinks and water and didn’t have someone walking around when the lights were turned off, shining a torch in your face (as I have experienced on other airlines) 

The food was great, (maybe my expectations of airline food is low..:) and even when they switched the lights on in the morning, they gently dimmed them on like a sunrise. It’s small things like this that make me smile :)

Bangkok:

Although we were pretty jetlagged, we did a boat trip on the river. It was slightly rainy, but I loved Bangkok. It’s almost hideously beautiful. One day was perfect for us. The streets were sandbagged but def no flooding.

We stayed at The Amari Watergate, which was fantastic. It is a beautiful hotel and everyone was very helpful and spoke good english.

We ventured out to Pat Pong in the evening where we sat at a corner bar and drank some Singha beers and watched the people walking through the night market. You could sit for ages just people watching, it was fascinating! 

Koh Samui:

The weather everywhere was humid and warm. Can’t believe that was going into their Winter. Thank goodness for aircon, and they used it shamelessly.

The Amari Palm Reef in Chaweng is lovely. We loved that it had a gym. We ate everything in site, so it made us feel less guilty to have an airconditioned run. The staff was very friendly and were very accommodating when we asked to look at other room options. (just curious) The food at the resort was great, and going to other places to eat, we noted how nice our restaurant was. It rained one morning for about an hour, then cleared. The sea was like bath water and shallow enough to walk along the beach front at waist height. There a dirt cheap Thai massage places all along the beach, and bargaining is mandatory. 

The main street up the road from our beach resembles a beach version of Bangkok - we named it, ‘Rape City’ - with cables hanging like washing line and wafts of smells as you walk. The place looks like it shouldn’t function, but somehow it does. Markets upon markets all selling the same things. Every third shop is a tattoo parlour. Small birdhouse looking temples are strewn amongst everything, where people will stop, light some incense, and say a pray with hands together, apparently asking for good luck, health, good fortune and even a good husband:)

Koh Pha Ngang:

The island is pretty rustic and the drive to Panviman Resort from the pier (20 min boat trip from Kho Samui) made me slightly nervous as there were mainly dirt roads and the driver couldn’t really speak english. We were told it was a 45min drive to the resort, which seemed really far, but it was more like 20-30mins. People weren’t as friendly here, or it may have been that they didn’t speak as good english.

The area we were in was pretty deserted, but made for a quiet, relaxed few days which was good. There only seemed to be about 6 couples staying at the place, so we made friends (Israeli’s and Dutch) and some had stayed on the island longer, so recommended some good restaurants and massage places. Longtail restaurant, close to Panviman (in one of the backpacker resorts) was fantastic. We had a local order various dishes for us, and I would go back just to eat there again. The other travelers had also said Panviman was the best, and some had moved from other resorts to Panviman. 

Thailand was amazing. Culturally so different to what i’ve experience before. They are kind and never expected anything from us being tourists. They were always on time and you were greeted with a smile. Anyone can afford to go here, so there is no excuse not to experience it. I would go back in a heartbeat.

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