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!
The de Windts and the Woodcocks arrive at Khun Yai's (my grandma's) house in Bangkok...
Day 2 | Chiang Mai
A quick one hour flight and we're in Chiang Mai. First stop, Wat Doi Suthep Temple...
Followed by a tour of the old Chiang Mai ruins by horse and carriage...
And a tour of the city by helicopter... because, why not!
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!"
We were separated from these animals by the basic chain fence you're seeing... so crazy!
Day 3 | Chiang Mai
We woke up to breakfast at the Mae Rim Lagoon Resort...
And head out to "The" Rice Paddy house!
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!)
All of our meals came from the garden...
Just a couple more :) I can't wait to bring everyone I know back to this place!
A little elephant trekking just next door...
Day 4 | Chiang Mai
So sad to say goodbye to the Rice Paddy house, but excited to explore the countryside...
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)
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...
Then tea by the river at Vieng Joom On Teahouse... (I loved their traditional thai furnishings and girly/floral details)
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...
Day 7 | Phuket
We arrive at the Blue Canyon Golf Club - home for the next 3 nights...
Off to check out Naga Noi (pearl) island where we spent the afternoon with the island to ourselves...
Day 8 | Phuket
The whole clan heads out to explore the sea caves...
Dinner at Appo Grand Marina... (these dishes were as delicious as they look!)
Day 9 | Phuket
An early morning boat ride out to the Similan Islands...
Beautiful clear, warm waters with massive rocks along pristine white beaches... so incredible...
Day 10 | Phuket
A lazy last day in Phuket. Lounging, reading, lunch and massages on Karon Beach...
Day 11-14 | Bangkok
Back to Bangkok to celebrate Khun Yai with MORE amazing food...
New Year's festivities in the city... (the tree from The Oriental Hotel is made completely of fresh flowers!)
A visit to Vertigo's roof top bar on the 59h floor. A perfect way to see Bangkok at night...
For our last meal in Thailand... all you can eat dim sum overlooking the river!
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!
