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Published: June 16th 2010
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Our time in Bangkok was pretty relaxed. We found a hostel shortly after getting dropped of the minibus from the Cambodian border. It wasn't much of a rom but the price and location were right. We were about a block off of Khao San Road which is the well known backpacker spot in the city. The atmosphere was hectic late at night but we avoided staying out to late. The street is filled with street vendors, shops and bars. World Cup is everywhere so we watched a match or two and listened to a Thai singer play guitar and sing American folk/rock/pop rather well.
During the day we visited our fair share of temples and found ourselves in a bit of a scam. Our first morning out in Bangkok we intended to visit some of the main attractions in the area, namely Grand Palace and the recling Buddha at Wat Pho. Shortly after hitting the street a friendly local chatted us up and gave suggestions about what to see in the area. (Not sure that he was part of the set up.) He directed us to a tuk tuk driver who would show us around for the morning for only
20 baht, roughly 75 cents. As we were to find out later, the deal is that in addition to the sites you want to see, they must take you to a couple of shopping areas. We later discovered the government gives the drivers gas vouchers for getting tourists to these spots, more if we buy something. Even at one of the temples there was a security gaurd who was selling us on a jewelry story that was open 'today only' for tourists. It all worked out in the end, although we both ended up with some hand tailored shirts at about $30 each.
Our flight to Phuket was uneventful but the owner of our gesthouse was there to meet us at the airport and drive us the thirty minutes back to the hotel. We have been really pleased with his place "Cheap Charlie's" mainly because of the owner, Gregg. It's relatively close (15-20 minute walk) to the beach and the room is adequate. Gregg and Loz or Papa, as his friends call him, who is one of the regulars at CC have been great about giving us insight to Patong and our visit here as well as plenty of
good conversation.
Because of our late arrival on Monday night we weren't able to get on the boat to Phi Phi Islands as hoped for on Tuesday. We spent the day at the beach and shops here in Patong. We met up with Loz for a great Thai dinner down the street. Some Americans showed up at the guesthouse that night and decided to go out with Gregg, Loz, Chris and I for a taste of Patong nightlife.
On Wednesday we spent the day at Phi Phi Islands. It was a lot of traveling for a short time on the islands but well worth it. The only disappointing part was that we were only able to see Maya Bay from the boat. It was too massive to get to shore there so we simply pulled into the bay for a few quick photos. We did get in some snorkeling and some time on the beach. We're pretty spent after a late night followed by an early morning so tonight will be calm. Leaving tomorrow morning for Chiang Mai.
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Tulee
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Very nice. Brings back some memories!