Thailand

Ayutthaya Arrival @ Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand

2005-08-18T00:15:00.000Z

After arriving at the Don Muang Airport in Bangkok, we went straight north. The plan was to take a slow train ride all the way up to Chiang Mai, spending the nights in the smaller cities along the way.

The Countless Temples of Ayutthaya @ Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand

2005-08-18T16:04:00.000Z

Our first stop was Ayutthaya; we quickly found a guest house to spend the night in, took a short stroll around the city and (exhausted from the long fare) settled for some beer. Chok dee!

Ayutthaya is home to the many historic ruins from the days when it was the Thai capital. Bob (which is how our dedicated tuk-tuk driver introduced himself) took us to see the countless temples and Buddha images. It was also in Ayutthaya that we first got introduced the showers of the rainy season. But we soon got used to it.

Land of the Monkeys @ Lop Buri, Thailand

2005-08-19T18:31:00.000Z

Our next stop was Lop Buri. Home to some wonderful ruins as well, but best known for its very special inhabitants -- macaque monkeys. And we quickly found out our fellow primates mean business -- after seeing our bag full of lychees, we were immediately surrounded. Not surprisingly, we lost the battle (and the lychees).

At the guest house, we also met some very interesting locals. Among them an old Chinese man with a very unique view on the world: "Yankees bad, Indians stink, Chinese are the best!".

Night Train to Chiang Mai @ Ban Dong, Thailand

2005-08-20T11:46:00.000Z

Next up was the night train ride to Chiang Mai. As we woke up the next morning, the scenery changed considerably.

Chiang Mai and Doi Suthep @ Chiang Mai, Thailand

2005-08-20T20:34:00.000Z

Chiang Mai, still muddy from the recent floods, was the first major city we saw on our journey. After finding a guest house to stay at, our first stop was Doi Suthep, a mountain with a wonderful Buddhist temple and a great view.

Golden Triangle @ Ban Thung, Thailand

2005-08-21T13:50:00.000Z

When visiting the north, the Golden Triangle (bordering Myanmar, Laos and Thailand) is a must see. The speed-boat ride across the Mae-kong river alone is an adventure. To put it in the words of our good friend from Lop Buri: "DO IT!!!!".

Andrej also tried some of the infamous Laotian snake-whiskey. He lived to tell.

Long Neck Women @ Ban Pang Khwai, Thailand

2005-08-21T21:28:00.000Z

We had mixed feelings about the so-called Long Neck Women. While certainly interesting to look at, we somehow got the feeling they were put there in display. And seeing the hordes of tourists visiting their village didn't help either.

The girls are really something though -- those rings they wear around their necks weigh a ton!

Trekking in Doi Inthanon, Day 1 @ Ban Huai Sai, Thailand

2005-08-22T17:00:00.000Z

One of the things we were looking forward to on this trip was trekking. We initially wanted to travel further north, to Chiang Rai. Unfortunately, the floods prevented this, so we had to settle with a three-day trek across the Doi Inthanon National Park.

It was really something. After hours of walking through difficult terrain of the jungle we'd stumble upon a magnificent waterfall to cool off. While crossing the endless rice fields we'd cross paths with the villagers, this time in their natural setting.

Trekking in Doi Inthanon, Day 2 @ Ban Mae Sapok Nua, Thailand

2005-08-23T14:42:00.000Z

The exhausting days would end by setting camp in one of the villages. While our guides were preparing spicy Siam dishes, we played takraw with the locals.

Trekking in Doi Inthanon, Day 3 @ Ban Huai Rin, Thailand

2005-08-24T11:18:00.000Z

The final day of our trekking was more relaxed. Bamboo rafting and riding elephants, all we could think of was how soon it all ended.

Chiang Mai at Night @ Chiang Mai, Thailand

2005-08-25T00:30:00.000Z

Our final night in Chiang Mai.

Bangkok - Grand Palace @ Bangkok, Thailand

2005-08-26T05:32:00.000Z

From Chiang Mai we took a night train back to Bangkok. Our destination were the islands down south, Koh Phan Ghan and Koh Tao, but we decided to spend the day in Bangkok, sightseeing the magnificent Grand Palace.

Towards the South @ Ban Saba Yoi, Thailand

2005-08-27T11:31:00.000Z

The train ride south was once again a major change in scenery.

Partying Hard on Ko Phangan @ Ban Khai, Thailand

2005-08-28T05:07:00.000Z

We took the ferry from Surat Thani to Ko Phangan. This was our first glimpse of the Gulf of Thailand. And what a view! Sandy beaches laden with coconut trees, picturesque long-tail boats and adorable huts. The next few days are going to be so much fun!

Of course, many of these great memories were abruptly erased once we indulged in the night life there. Whose idea was it to sell Samsong buckets (aka 'buckets of joy')?

Taking it Easy on Ko Tao @ Ban Ko Tao, Thailand

2005-08-30T20:56:00.000Z

After three days of endless partying on Ko Phangan, we finally decided to take it easy on Ko Tao, the beautiful small island offering a great diving experience.

Life was slow on Ko Tao. We did some snorkeling and diving, but mostly enjoyed long meals and the excellent sea food.

Back to Bangkok @ Chumphon, Thailand

2005-09-03T18:36:00.000Z

From Ko Tao we took a ferry to Chumphon and a train back to Bangkok. The dark stormy clouds reflected our thoughts as we were leaving behind the two beautiful islands.

Chatuchak Weekend Market @ Bang Su, Thailand

2005-09-04T20:03:00.000Z

Back in Bangkok, we spent the day in the Chatuchak weekend market

Floating Market @ Bang Su, Thailand

2005-09-05T14:12:00.000Z

The floating market on the outskirts of Bangkok was crowded, but an interesting experience nonetheless.

Kwai and the Tiger Temple @ Bang Su, Thailand

2005-09-05T18:29:00.000Z

The bridge over the river Kwai is notorius for its death railway.
On that day, we also visited the Tiger temple in Kanchanaburi. Aren't those cats adorable?

This also concluded our trip. We were flying back to Ljubljana the following day. One thing is for sure -- Thailand, we'll be back!