Thailand {One Day in Bangkok}

Our last day in Thailand we spent it in Bangkok.

How I wish we would have had more time there, one or two more

days would have been great.

We spent that last day going to all of the historical sites such  as the Golden Buddha, 

The Royal Palace &, The Reclining Buddha. 

While walking around these beautiful historic sites I couldn't 

believe how intricate the details of these places were. There was so much gold, 

and so many elaborate details that it was hard at times to take it all in.

After walking around for hours and taking in the rich culture 

we went to a swanky restaurant {at our tour guide's suggestion} for a late lunch.

We rested our feet and ate up before going to our last stop, the MBK mall.

We'd saved our shopping until the last day so that we didn't need to carry all 

of our purchased items from hotel to hotel and could really do some damage

shopping for all the things we'd wanted to get.

 MBK is a huge mall that is filled with silks, leather goods, 

clothes, electronics, traditional Thai souvenirs and food.

The best part, it was a bartering mall.  We got there around 6 pm and didn't leave

until about 11 pm and we had only covered one of the vast eight floors.

The next morning we were on our flight home.

I will always have the fondest memories of Thailand, 

it truly exceeded my expectations on most everything.

The kindest people, the most picturesque and exotic scenery 

and a rich history that is evident in each place you visit.

To say I was smitten is an understatement.  If you haven't been, make

it a point to go one day. I know I've made myself a promise I'll be going

back again one day, and perhaps this time with more empty duffle bags 

so I can do a bit more damage in that MBK mall :)

^^ The Golden Buddha

^^Entrance to the Royal Palace.

^^With our guide Mana.

^^Look at all of that gold!

^^Typical tourist moment...we couldn't resist.

^^It down-poured as you can see.

^^All of us seeking shelter.

^^The Royal Guards.

^^The massive reclining Buddha.

Until next time Thailand :)

Thailand {Floating Villas & Erawan Falls}

After playing with elephants we drove
north about another 30 minutes and arrived
to another section of the River Kwai. When
booking our hotels we decided we wanted to splurge
and stay in a really nice place in the jungle. Upon looking at different
reviews we saw that the Float House River Kwai got
excellent reviews and was in our price range.

We arrived by long tail boat and were just in awe at how
enchanting this place was! We kept pinching ourselves
because the thought of staying in a lush jungle was cool enough,
add the fact that we got to stay on floating villas, I was ecstatic and giddy altogether!

Our rooms were breathtaking, every detail in the rooms was well thought out.
Our showers were located right outside our bedroom, with the ability to look up and see
the sky, since there was no roof,  so we could get the full jungle experience.

That night we lounged around, then went for a hike into the forest.
Afterwards we ate dinner and got ice-cream sundaes because
with a day like we'd had, it was worth celebrating.

The next day our guide took us to the much anticipated Erawan Falls.
If you plan on going to Thailand put this place on your must-do list.
It's a hike into the jungle with different waterfalls that you hike to along the path.
In total there are seven waterfalls that you can hike to. We decided we would
do all seven and it was worth it. The last waterfall is breathtaking and just beautiful.
We were allowed to swim in some of the natural made pools along the way. We decided to
jump into the pools on our way back down. There were 'doctor fish' that nibble on the dead skin.
That part freaked me out a bit, but all I could feel were little stings.

^^Our boat taxis that took us to our villa.

^^First sights of the villas.

^^Our bedroom.

 

^^Early morning gearing up for the hike to Erawan.

^^The view from the villas.

^^One of the first falls.

^^One of the many bathing pools.

^^The last waterfall!

Up next...back to Bangkok to the temples!