Bangkok

We just got back from Thailand. We had the time of our lives and are so happy that we went while we were living in Hawaii (already almost halfway there). We started planning the trip back in the Fall. My parents asked if they could join us, and it was fun to spend time with them since we've been living away from home for awhile.

The trip involved a LOT of traveling - 6 plane rides, endless taxis, tuk tuks, busses, a river boat, ferrys, long-tail boats, a 15 hour overnight train ride, and more. It was all worth it to see this beautiful country. There is so much color and culture. The Thai people are so nice and friendly, and the food was amazing - although we might not want rice for awhile.

While in Thailand, we went to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi Don Island. We went during the "off season," which meant it was blazing hot and humid, but there were no crowds ANYWHERE. We only saw probably less than ten American tourists the whole time, and not a ton from other places either.

Both coming and going, we had a one night layover in Manila, Philippines. I don't think I would travel all the way around the world just to go to Manila, but it was fun to see a little bit of a different country (and get another stamp on our passports).

Manila Bay

Baywalk in Manila

Our first stop was Bangkok and it was a big, crazy city. We loved our hotel though, it was tucked away in a quiet side street by one of the many canals.

Tanya and I went to see the Grand Palace, but it was closed for the day. A Tuk Tuk driver wanted to take us around the city to see some sights for 40 Baht (around $1.50), so we agreed. He was swerving through traffic and barely dodging oncoming cars, it was insane.

He took us to some temples. There are amazing temples and palaces EVERYWHERE all over the country.

Then came the catch. He started taking us to places like a jewelry store and a suit shop. You see, he got commission if he brought people to the shops. We was tricked. I actually ended up buying a suit because Tanya and I decided months ago that I should get one while we were there. For our wedding, I had my shirt custom made in Thailand and I love how it fits. They measured me for a suit and shirt and delivered it to our hotel the next day. I love it.

That night we relaxed with a nice cold

and the first of many amazing Thai meals

Sunrise over Bangkok

The next day we went on an all day excursion. We started by driving through rice fields

We went to the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, where Thai royalty used to spend a lot of time. It had lots of cool buildings and gardens

Then we went to Ayutthaya, which was the capitol of old Siam hundreds of years ago. It had a lot of old temples and ruins.

That afternoon we went on a river cruise back to Bangkok, passing a lot more palaces, temples, and neighborhoods along the way.

That night we took an overnight train to Chiang Mai in the North. This is something I've wanted to do for a long time, and I was happy to cross it off my bucket list. We had pretty nice bunk beds and it was air conditioned, which was good since we were on the train for 15 hours! We played lots of hearts

We learned how to use this terrible toilet

and survived the night!

Riding through the countryside in the morning was beautiful.