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After a long (but incredibly comfortable!) flight, we arrived in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon. We were taken to the D'MA Pavilion, our hotel whilst in Bangkok, which was right in the city centre. A quick dinner from the local Seven Eleven (mmmm cheese sandwiches), we chilled out in our room and got an early night.
The next day we were picked up for a boat trip along the Chao Phraya river, just the two of us and our guide. First we visited the local flower market, selling flowers (obviously) and hundreds of kinds of fruit. We tried the local delight, Jak-Jak fruit, and then set off on a journey, via long-boat, through Thai villages to a Orchid farm, were we were shown how Orchids, Lemon Grass and Trees, Coconut Trees and Banana Leaves are all grown and harvested by hand. On the way back we stopped at a fish farm, basically a spot in the river where all the big fish wait to be fed by the tourists.
After a quick freshen up at the hotel, we headed out to find the World Trade Shopping Centre, and had out first experience riding in a Tuk-Tuk of death, you have to be crazy to drive in Bangkok. We finally got there, but only after Rachel shouted at the driver not to take us to any other tailors, where if we browse the Tuk-Tuk driver gets his petrol paid-nt a fun experience when you don't want to have any clothes made!
On Saturday after a bumpy three and a half hour bus ride to the coastal town of Ban Phe, and a half hour boat journey we arrived at the national park island of Koh Samed. We stayed at the Ao Prao resort in a very stylish wooden hut, right by the beach, which was dotted with palm trees. Our resort was in a perfect location for watching the sunset over the ocean from the open-air restaurant (very romantic!). It was the complete opposite to busy Bangkok, and we made the most of the fantastic weather and lovely food. We left three days later completely relaxed, and headed back to Bangkok.
On our last full day in Bangkok, we headed out into the city to visit the Grand Palace. It is a massive place, full of grand designs or as Rachel put it 'big sparkly gold buildings', difficult to describe, check out the photos (when we put them on). We did manage to see the 'Emerald Budda', but no photos unfortunately, as cameras are not allowed inside the temple. We then Tuk-Tuked it to Khao San Road, the backpackers central, where we had lunch (Thai food is so cheap) and explored the market to pick up some bargins (Diesel t-shirt (real!) for Dave, 3 pound!). We were quite good at bartering when we left!
We have enjoyed our short stay in Thailand, it has certainly been an experience, but definately a good one!
Until the next journal entry....
Dave and Rach xx
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