Welcome to Bangkok - Vacation in Thailand

I'm back! I returned to Melbourne late last night and woke up this morning running. It's May! Oh my goodness it's MAY! Well, Happy May!

After two hours of class, four loads of laundry (yes, four), groceries, errands, and photo loading, I eagerly pressed "new post". Blog time. But wait, where to begin?! I could dedicate each and every photo (over 200) to a post of its own, from our boat ride to Monkey Island, snorkeling at Kai Island, swimming at Phi Phi island, The Four Seasons, Tuk Tuks, Thai dining (which will get a post of its own), and the locals. Every photo frames an emotion, discovery, memorable meal, or bewildering observation.

Instead of attempting to dissect my vacation day by day, moment by moment, I'll do my very best share the highlights, beginning with Bangkok.

We arrived in Bangkok around 9pm. Customs was friendly and the airport was packed! After a 25 minute taxi ride through a congested and lively city, we arrived at paradise, The Four Seasons. The Four Seasons welcomed us with fruit, smiles, and a gorgeous room (with quite possibly the most comfortable in the world).

I slept like a baby and wanted to take the pillows back to Melbourne with me.

Every morning Alex and I would workout, eat breaky, and then explore the city. I wish I took photos of the breakfast spread because it was to die for! I typically had a bowl of muesli with rasins, sliced banana, and soy milk as well as a plate of fresh papaya and pineapple, and pot of chamomile tea. My belly was full, happy, and well sustained for a full day of explorations. 

I'm not the best with directions, let alone maps, so Alex was the chief navigator. I was the photographer and everything else girl ;)

We took the public ferry to the Golden Palace and saw many things along the way..

 buildings, boats, neighbourhoods, and people. lots of people.

The royal architecture was absolutely stunning, even from a far.

Once our ferry docked, we stumbled across a mini market and spotted some peculiar salted foods, mainly fish and insects. I'm sure it's delicious to some, but I squealed and held my breath.

We then hopped into a Tuk Tuk and the adventures really began. We went to a temple where I made a special wish, by lighting three inscents and bowing to a golden buddha, surrounded by flowers and candles. A Thai man, with very good English whom we met in the temple, then tapped my palms with a closed tulip and said "good luck to you, good luck to you". I gave him a silly band and told him the same in return.

After the temple we hopped back into our Tuk Tuk (our driver waited for us) and drove to the golden palace. Once inside, we were presented with a word of caution.

The palace grounds were busy and hot. I was melting and a little uncomfortable so we only lasted about 45 minutes.

I felt better once we arrived at the standing buddha, ten minutes from the palace.

The area was less crowded and we were able to refresh with some coconuts.

Happy and rehydrated on a 40 degree day!

For only 20 baht (less than a dollar) our Tuk Tuk driver drove us from the ferry to the temple, golden palace, and back to the ferry. He waited for us in between. His English wasn't very good, but he smiled the entire time and did his best to ask questions.

Unlike Australia, Starbucks appears to be popular in Bangkok. They had a Muan Jai blend, which I haven't been before. Mum, Dad, have you tasted this?

Since Nadine lived in Bangkok last year, we were able to get some inside tips and must-sees. We took her advice and went to JJ Market, Mo Chit. This market covers roughly 35 acres of land with over 15,000 stalls. It's massive and a little overwhelming. I'm actually surprised Alex and I didn't get lost!

I liked the flower stalls and traditional Thai decorations the best.

There was also an incredible amount of food, from coconuts to everything (and anything) deep fried. Alex and I observed in wonderment, but comfortably sipped our waters until supper time. Like I mentioned above, Thai dining will get its own post ;)

Our accommodations at the hotel were stunning. The Four Seasons felt like a resort as opposed to a hotel. The grounds included a beautiful outdoor pool, five restaurants, and wonderful hotel staff. We were spoiled.

I treated myself to a few special cocktails and enjoyed each and every sip.

Bliss...but then we flew to Phuket. Double bliss? 

I hope you all had a wonderful week and Easter holiday! Happy May! It's good to be back ;)

xo