Pages

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Photo Journal: The Holidays in Thailand

This post is WAY overdue but picking from all the photos taken on the trip was nearly impossible. I spent 3 years going to school in Bangkok and almost every summer there until college, but I'm still blown away every time by the culture and beauty of this country.
It was incredible being able to spend the holidays with my family and great friends. If you ever get the chance to visit Thailand... DO IT!

Day 1
| Bangkok

The de Windts and the Woodcocks arrive at Khun Yai's (my grandma's) house in Bangkok...

Photobucket

Day 2 | Chiang Mai

A quick one hour flight and we're in Chiang Mai. First stop, Wat Doi Suthep Temple...

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Followed by a tour of the old Chiang Mai ruins by horse and carriage...

Photobucket

Photobucket

And a tour of the city by helicopter... because, why not!

Photobucket

Photobucket

To finish up our already GREAT first day in Chiang Mai, we were off to the Night Safari... "Give me a white tiger and put me to bed!"

Photobucket

We were separated from these animals by the basic chain fence you're seeing... so crazy!

Photobucket

Photobucket

Day 3 | Chiang Mai

We woke up to breakfast at the Mae Rim Lagoon Resort...

Photobucket

And head out to "The" Rice Paddy house!

Photobucket

The most idyllic Chiang Mai propery... (A private 3 room family owned resort, nestled in the mountains in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the biggest garden you've ever seen, built on a rice paddy!)

Photobucket

All of our meals came from the garden...

Photobucket

Just a couple more :) I can't wait to bring everyone I know back to this place!

Photobucket

A little elephant trekking just next door...

Photobucket

Photobucket

Day 4 | Chiang Mai

So sad to say goodbye to the Rice Paddy house, but excited to explore the countryside...

Photobucket

Photobucket

A visit to the local elephant hospital... (heartbreaking to see these crippled 60+ year old elephants, but amazing to see them out and about in nature and taken such good care of)

Photobucket

Photobucket

Back to the Lagoon to get ready for our big Christmas Eve feast! (Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, homemade french fries, blueberry pie and Uncle Billy!!!)

Day 5 | Chiang Mai

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We spent the morning back at the Lagoon for breakfast and the book of Luke and were off to visit to another beautiful Chiang Mai temple...

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Then tea by the river at Vieng Joom On Teahouse... (I loved their traditional thai furnishings and girly/floral details)

Photobucket

Day 6 | Chiang Mai

For our last day in Chiang Mai, we treated ourselves to brunch at the Four Seasons and an afternoon by the pool...

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Day 7 | Phuket

We arrive at the Blue Canyon Golf Club - home for the next 3 nights...

Photobucket

Off to check out Naga Noi (pearl) island where we spent the afternoon with the island to ourselves...

Photobucket

Day 8 | Phuket

The whole clan heads out to explore the sea caves...

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Dinner at Appo Grand Marina... (these dishes were as delicious as they look!)

Photobucket

Day 9 | Phuket

An early morning boat ride out to the Similan Islands...

Photobucket

Beautiful clear, warm waters with massive rocks along pristine white beaches... so incredible...

Photobucket

Photobucket

Day 10 | Phuket

A lazy last day in Phuket. Lounging, reading, lunch and massages on Karon Beach...

Photobucket

Day 11-14 | Bangkok

Back to Bangkok to celebrate Khun Yai with MORE amazing food...

Photobucket

New Year's festivities in the city... (the tree from The Oriental Hotel is made completely of fresh flowers!)

Photobucket

A visit to Vertigo's roof top bar on the 59h floor. A perfect way to see Bangkok at night...

Photobucket

For our last meal in Thailand... all you can eat dim sum overlooking the river!

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

To top off this unforgettable trip, I slept the 10 hours from Taipei to San Francisco :) and my husband didn't get food poisoning. I'd say it was a success! I'm already looking forward to getting back to Thailand. Who's coming?!

Happy Saturday all!

Photobucket

3 comments:

  1. I'm in !!! Beautiful pictures! looks like u guys had an amazing time :) now i wanna go there for my honeymoon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a fun post Meg! Loved it. How long did that take! daunting thought :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, your info is amazing. I would like to visit the place you mentioned in day 3 "The most idyllic Chiang Mai propery... (A private 3 room family owned resort, nestled in the mountains in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the biggest garden you've ever seen, built on a rice paddy!)".
    Would it be possible to tell me where it is. What's the name of the place?
    Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete