It really is funny how things happen sometimes. I showed up for a meeting with my good friend, Dave Magonigal, to discuss getting his home ready to sell in the next couple of years. I was making small talk and asked him if he had anything fun planned soon. "As a matter of fact," he said, "we are off to Thailand in November. You should come." I am not impulsive and I do not do things on the spur of the moment. Mary Margaret does! Wow, what a trip! It was 14 days of fun and adventures.
We spent time in Bangkok, Koh Samui (the third largest island in Thailand) and Krabi. We visited numerous temples/shrines, a floating market, zip-lined, took an off road excursion, walked several beaches, kayaked through caves, traveled by Thai Long-Tail boats through the breathtaking limestone formations off the coast of Krabi and so much more!
Wat Arun
(Wat means Temple)
Our first day in Bankok, we visited these two remarkable sites. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) was built sometime in the 13th or 14th century. If you look closely at some of the architecture, you will notice it was decorated with broken Chinese porcelain.
Wat Pho
This temple is similar in architecture as Wat Arun and is the oldest temple in Bankok. It features the giant, Reclining Buddha. This is also the historical home to the first school of Thai Massage and yes, I did experience my first massage ever a few days later. It was definitely an experience. There may have been a few tears involved. 🤣
The Floating Markets of Damnoen Saduak
I am not much of a shopper and I tried to talk Mary Margaret out of this one, but it was worth the trip. The river was crowded with Thai Long Boats. You surely want to keep your arms inside the boat! This market is over 100 years old.
The Havana Club
The Havana Club was located on the top of our Bangkok Hilton Millennium Hotel. It was a wonderful hotel with great morning buffets, but I wanted you to see the spectacular view from the top of the hotel. Please like, share and subscribe to my channel if you would like to see other videos from our trip. (note-to view my YouTube shorts, you may have to click on "Watch on YouTube" first)
Zip Lining on Koh Sumai
(Koh means island)
Guan Yu Shrine, Big Buddha and Wat Khunaran
Guan Yu was an ancient Chinese General legendary for his exploits over evil spirits. I just thought it was a very cool site! The Big Buddha is the most prominent shrine on Koh Sumai. Wat Khunaran immortalizes a monk that passed away in a seated meditative position. He is partially mummified. My friend asked why they keep sun glasses on him. I think that question answers itself. I really do not want to see those eyes.
The Ride of Our Life
This was an off road excursion into the jungles of Koh Sumai. We visited a mountain top temple, the Magic Garden and Namuang Waterfuall. It also featured the ride of our life. The trucks had two seats above the cab for any intrepid riders that wanted a little extra adventure. You know Mary Margaret. We had to do it. Just listen to her vivacious laughter on the YouTube Short below as the truck driver punches it going down hill. Oh yea, it was raining too! (note-to view my YouTube shorts, you may have to click on "Watch on YouTube" first)
Long-Tail Boat Excursion
I have seen so many incredible pictures of the limestone island formations off the coast of Krabi. This adventure, more than any other on our trip, made me feel like we were truly in an exotic land. It is so beautiful!
Sea Caves
This was another pretty surreal adventure as we kayaked to and through incredible caves. There were some ancient petroglyphs painted in the first cave we visited (over 3,000 years old).
Tiger Cave Temple
This was our last adventure and boy, what a challenge. It is 1,237 step to the top of this shrine and the steps are arduous. You are supposed to count each of the steps as you go to clear your mind for the site at the top of the mountain. All I could think of as I came close to the top was, "thank goodness it wasn't 1,327 steps to the top! It was a challenge, but it was worth every step. It was a breathtaking view and a beautiful temple.
It was a great trip and I am very thankful that my friend Dave invited us and that we were able to go. The food was incredible. We loved the people of Thailand. They are so nice! What a wonderful adventure and a bucket list trip for sure.
We did so much more on this trip and I have so many more pictures. If you would like to view more of our Thailand pictures, here is the link to my Dropbox file.
Our Beach Side Grand Finale
(note-to view my YouTube shorts, you may have to click on "Watch on YouTube" first)
Our Hosts
This trip was the 50th tour of Thailand arranged and led by our wonderful hosts, William and Worawan Driskill. Their itinerary weaves together an opportunity to learn about the culture, eat incredible food, go on adventures and just enjoy the beauty of Thailand. Their goal is to help you bring back "some of the peace and tranquility, some of the patience and happiness, some of the serenity and quiet beauty that is Thailand." They do that well. We are very thankful to have been on one of their trips. Check out their trip planned for 2023.
William and Worawan Driskill
bill@totalbodyfitness.com
916-202-3006
Facebook.com/TBFTravel
This is my third entry into this month's ActiveRain gratitude challenge. I find myself thankful for such a fabulous trip and my wonderful friends who invited us to go. I am thankful we still have the energy for such active trips and I am thankful for being able to experience some of the "beauty that is Thailand."
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