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Published: March 28th 2009
Well its almost time to hit the road again...
...its been 14 long months since the last adventure.. and I have to admit this one is a little too short... but now I am in the real world and working its just gonna have to do...
Alot of people are always surprised when they hear I am planning 'another' trip to Thailand... why not go somewhere new and different? Well... Even I don't know the answer to that one... I definitely have other countries in my 'to do' list, but Thailand won my heart back in 2006 and its time to get a fix for my craving!
I am off for 3 weeks (I know.. devastating!) and traveling with a good friend who I met thru work a year ago.... Amelia aka Milly, Lloydy, Mighty Mouse, Meels... Our plan is as follows: April 5-8th Bangkok staying at the New Siam Guesthouse II (followed by my famous overnight train to the next destination)
April 9th - 13th Chiang Mai - staying at CM Blue House - here we are spending a day at Patara Elephant Farm , helping the Thai's bring in the New Year with their Songkran Festival and a few other adventures up the sleeve...
April 14th - travel day.. flying to Bangkok then overnight train south to Surat Thani followed by a bus journey to Khao Sok National Park... I always swore I would return there.... I can't wait!
April 15th - 17th Khao Sok National Park... doing a
Limestone Lakes Tours again (2 nights only though)
April 17th - April 24th Phuket... yeah I know.. I was going to go somewhere I havent gone before, but I cant resist the lure! Staying at the
Patong Mercure , spending a day with
Captain Mark and maybe just maybe making it to
Maya Bay Camping Trip April 24th - 25th Surat Thani ... off to my good friend Nok's wedding in her hometown... definitely the highlight of our trip... staying at
100 Islands Resort and Spa April 26th - 27th Bangkok staying at the posh
Pullman Bangkok So what is it exactly that keeps luring me back.... here are some of the amazing things I miss about Thailand :
~ Khao San Road and all its craziness ~
I can't wait to get back to Khao San Road... staying at my favourite guesthouse New Siam 2... eating their famous banana pancakes for breakfast... and downing a few of their mango shakes... the cheap massages down Soi Rambuttri... having lunch at Roti Mataba and dinner at Khrua Nopporat... Eating at my favourite noodle stall in Soi Rambuttri... visiting the Floating Markets with one of Tong's tour guides... the papaya salad from the boat lady is the most amazing salad I have ever eaten! Catching up with Tong and Chang and their adorable daughter Pear... catching a tuktuk to anywhere in the crazy smelly streets... visiting Suan Lum Night Bazaar (if its still open) for the best deep fried chicken in the world, while drinking jugs of frozen cocktails and listening to Thai Cover Bands sing western pop songs.....
~ Thai squat toilets ~
Yep as dirty and gross as they are.. its also hilariously funny and you always end up with one good story.... like the time at Suan Lum Night Bazaar on the last trip... did I ever tell you about that one?! ..... one to ask me over a Chang or two.. ;-)
~ Chiang Mai ~
I can't wait to see Tim from CM Blue House... shop for cheap watches and handbags at the Night
Bazaar... wander aimlessly through the Sunday walking markets... then get a cheap foot massage to ease the burn... visit my favourite hole in the wall non touristy restaurant that has only suckling pork on the menu and not a Westerner in sight!
~ Overnight train ~
As much as I have bitched and complained about the smelly dirty toilets in the overnight trains, I actually look forward to the adventure... getting a foot massage at the train station, buying KFC Thai style.. stocking up on cheap alcohol at the 7-11 and settling in for a long night in bizarre surroundings...
~ Khao Sok National Park ~
Staying overnight in a treehouse, while trying to not be attacked by wild monkeys... taking in the breathtaking scenery of Cheong Liew Lake, laying awake in our floating rafthouse, trying to sleep and hoping that a) our rafthouse will still be attached to the rest in the morning and b) that another snake doesnt decide to make its home in the roof of our rafthouse! Successfully avoiding anything creepy or crawly or BOTH!
~ Crazy Bus Rides ~
Paying the equivilent of $7 for
a 4 hour bus ride that is better than any scary ride at the Royal Adelaide show... winding down steep mountain roads on the wrong side of the road.. overtaking slow cars 3 abreast on the crest of a hill.... a white knuckled adventure that leaves you feeling relieved you somehow survived! The adrenaline rush!!
~ Massages ~
Anywhere and everywhere.. the only time I can afford a massage... and I take full advantage of that fact!
~ Phuket ~
The place I love to hate and hate to love...... dirty, touristy.. a feeling almost like you are on the Gold Coast... but cheap DVD's from Johnny, bundaberg rum with David at the Aussie Bar and shopping heaven at the O-Top markets.... oh and did I mention a luxurious hotel with a swimming pool to die for and poolbar that makes awesome cocktails.... wandering the smelly streets at night and hanging out in Bangla Road with all the bar girls.... taking a ride down to Rawai Beach and eating fresh seafood on the beach, followed by a night filled with fun at the Sunshine Bar with Richard and Megumi and new found
friends....
~ Food Glorious Food ~
Where do I start..... the thai green chicken curry, the chilli basil chicken... the famous Banana chocolate coconut pancakes from the street vendors... corn in a cup... marinated chicken off the street.... fresh seafood.... cheap alcohol... Chang beers.... cocktails in buckets... pineapple and lime shakes... banana shakes.. mango shakes.... the deep fried fish....
~ My dear friends Tong and Nok ~
Two of the most amazing and sweet people I have ever met.. who have stayed in contact and been my friend from the day we met in 2006.... and the privilege of being able to share in Noks wedding day....
Anyway that is enough of the memories.. time to get on with it... stay tuned and see what trouble we can find!! I am not sure when we will be back... Jetstar decided to cancel our flight over 3 weeks prior to flying out... (the plus side is we have to go a day early) but if its an indication of their customer service.. we could be stuck there waiting for a flight! (Now wouldnt that be a shame.. not!)... thanks shitstar!
Reet & Milly xx
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Lee
non-member comment
Not long now!
He He Reet, I knew you'd write something soon, looking forward to following your adventures through LOS yet again. Lee xx