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Thailand 2020
  • We are Living the Dream
  • We are Living the Dream

Thailand 2020

This trip is about relaxing and visiting the Northern Part of Thailand. Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 29, 2020
    We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler

    It's that time

    February 29, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Time for our first holiday for 2020.

    We are going to Thailand to cover some previously visited places and some new. We start in Koh Samui, then go to the Full Moon party in Koh Phangan.

    Bangkok is the next destination of the adventure where we join a tour for 11 days which takes us to the Northern part of Thailand. Our tour includes a boat cruise on the River Kwai, the temple city of Ayutthaya, bike tour of Old Sukhathai, Chiang Mai, Chaing Rai, Golden Triangle and then home.

    Let the first adventure of 2020 begin.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler

    Changi Airport

    February 29, 2020 in Singapore ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Stopover in Singapore for a few hours.

    The flight was all good. I swear the planes are getting smaller, staff very nice, food reasonable but cold and 2 movies.

    Now in the lounge Not very busy. Food is Ok. Just catch up on email, reading and some colouring.

    Ridiculous just had our duty free small bottle of Maker's Mark taken at a security check before we boarded for Koh Samui but my perfume fine. I guess the security staff will enjoy a drink tonight.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    We are staying near Big Buddha temple top right.

    Koh Samui

    February 29, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Now in Koh Samui for a week.

    Time to relax.

    Ko Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand in the Chumphon Archipelago, it is part of Surat Thani Province. In 2012, Ko Samui was granted municipal status and is now locally self-governing. Ko Samui, with an area of 228.7 km it is Thailand's third largest island after Phuket and Ko Chang. In 2018, it was visited by 2.7 million tourists.
    Koh Samui attracts budget travellers staying for a month or two in simple beachside bungalows, to the wealthiest holidaymakers dropping in for a weekend at one of the many luxury resort or villa on the many white sand beaches of Koh Samui. I think John and I fall in the in between group we are staying in our Timeshare Resort.

    There are parts of Koh Samui we have not seen which is one of the reason we have come back. From the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach to the timeless feel of Bophut's Fisherman's Village to the tropical beach paradise of Maenam, Koh Samui is unique among Thailand's islands in maintaining a broad appeal for everyone    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Around our resort
    Our bedroom. Oops I am in the shot.Time to cool offResting my feet after arriving and unpackingPlanning the week's activities

    Around the Resort

    March 1, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Tides Samui is located on the North-East of the island in a tranquil enclave with an lovely view of the ocean and two small islands Koh Som and Koh Phangan. Tides Samui sits under the peaceful gaze of the 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai temple, a local landmark and is surrounded by picture postcard beaches.

    Our Resort is within easy reach of the airport and Bophut, traditional fishermans’ village is less than ten minutes away, with a great informal atmosphere for bars, cafes and shopping. The faster paced, more bustling Chaweng is just over ten minutes away, and offers a vibrant nightlife, shopping and more urban excitements.

    We have now unpacked and ready to start the day.

    The morning started with the unpack, a swim and breakfast.

    Getting ready to explore the area starting with a walk along the beach.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    A walk along the beach.Local fishing harbourLocal SightsResting in the poolTime to put my feet up

    Out and About

    March 1, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Today we walked along the beach into the local township which, according to my fitbit, is 6215 steps away.

    It was a pleasant walk along the beach with the sea breeze as the temp is up around 30. You can only walk for a short distance until you hit a wharf and a private Resort where the beach is closed off to everyone other than their guests. Back on the roads with the traffic where it is not as pleasant, we are now in amongst people, cars, smells and dust. It was a necessary evil as we needed a few groceries so we could enjoy relaxing for the remainder on the day.

    No tourist attractions today as the ones near us we have visited previously.

    Back at our resort for a swim. The pool is very refreshing and has a lovely view of the Gulf of Thailand.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Walk on the Beach
    Big Buddha PierWords of WisdomThe many colours of sunset

    Another day Relaxing

    March 2, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    The morning started with a walk along the beach before breakfast. What a way to start the day. Now for a swim and then breakfast.

    Another swim before we walked into town to purchase our ferry tickets to Koh Panghan. We did cheat today and caught a Tuk Tuk to Big Buddha Pier.

    We now have our tickets for Koh Phangan and ready for the Full Moon Party on the weekend.

    There was a very nice cafe next to the pier where we decided a drink, lunch and rest was in order. We even purchased takeaway for dinner tonight. Cheated again and caught a cab back. We are on holidays so no exercise is really required. We did walk 6839 steps according to the Fit Bit.

    Back at the resort swimming, relaxing, reading for me and a puzzle or 2 for John.

    John also research our sightseeing day for Wednesday.

    We are now about to have a drink and watch the sunset.

    I love a relaxing holiday.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Boxing Ring and Carvings
    MassageEach day we have a slightly different sunsetLooking out over the water as the day draws to a close.Dinner

    Another day in Paradise

    March 3, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    The day started like any other day here. Swim, breakfast and a walk.

    Our first walk of the day was just a short distance just to see what was in the other direction. We found that there is not much up that street.

    Back at the Resort and guess what, a swim and some reading then lunch and more swimming and reading.

    Then another short walk this time for a massage. Nothing fancy but an excellent massage. I am now 2 inches taller and the girl found sore muscles in places I had no idea I was sore.

    After the massage it was time for a late afternoon tea watching another beautiful sunset.

    Then another short walk to a Resturant for dinner.

    Now to watch Netflix had have an ice cream.

    Today the step count was 9465.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Plai Laem Temple
    The Big BuddhaLad Koh ViewpointGrandfather and Grandmother RocksMummified Monk

    Sightseeing in Koh Samui

    March 4, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Today was Tourist Day.

    We started at Plai Laem Temple , it is one of Koh Samui’s most attractive temples. It is extremely colourful and was completed in 2004.

    Although some of the buildings are in traditional Thai architecture, most of the complex is build in Thai-Chinese style.

    Next stop was Big BuddhaTemple which sits on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s northeastern corner. We can actually see it from our Resort. Big Buddha is a golden, 12 metre tall seated Buddha statue built in 1972. Big Buddha temple is reached by a causeway that connects it to the main island. The Big Buddha is often the first landmark people see when arriving in Samui by air.

    Big Buddha sits in the Mara posture, with the left hand’s palm up resting on the lap and the right hand facing down, the fingers hanging over the knee and grazing the ground. It depicts a time during Buddha’s journey to enlightenment where he successfully subdued the temptations and dangers thrust at him by the devil-figure Mara by meditating and remaining calm. The pose is a symbol of steadfastness, purity and enlightenment.

    Both of these we have visited before but as they were on the itinerary we thought we might get some information about the sites from the tour guide but unfortunately he was not that good.

    3rd strop was Lad Koh Viewpoint, again we have been here before however it was at Dr Frog's restaurant for dinner so the view was at night. The view is breathtaking, the water is a turquoise colour and so clear, you can see right down to Chaweng beach and all the way across to the surrounding beaches and hills. I walked down the steps to the rocks to get the photo's.

    4th stop we have not visited before but we did know about the area. Hin Ta and Hin Yai are the highlights of some fascinating rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Beach on Koh Samui. They've been a source of giggles and wonder on the island since they were discovered by the locals many years ago. Known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai), the rocks look, respectively, like male and female genitalia. I only took photo's of the nice rocks.

    5th Stop we have been here before Guan Yu Shrine is a historic shrine of Guan Yu, god of war and faithfulness in ancient Chinese beliefs.

    Stop 6 Mummified Monk. Koh Samui’s mummified monk at Wat Khunaram is an unusual sight yet it offers a unique insight into Buddhist and Thai culture. The monk Luong Pordaeng died in 1973 in a seated meditative position, and ever since his body has been on display in an upright glass case at the temple. Remarkably, even more than 30 years on the monk’s body shows little sign of decay.There are other mummy monks on Samui and throughout Thailand, but Loung Pordang is among the most highly revered.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Na Muang Waterfalls
    Nathon TownTime for Lunch

    Sightseeing in Koh Samui

    March 4, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    No 7 on the sightseeing program was Na Muang Waterfalls, a majestic set of 2 cascades on Koh Samui, we did not feel that they were very majestic. More water pours down the hills on the Central Coast Freeway into Gosford. The falls flow down into a natural pool where a number of people were swimming. Again did not look that pleasant. Na Muang 2. Namtok Na Muang, or ‘Purple Waterfalls’, are so named because of the striking purple shade of their rock faces this one does sound more appealing but we did not visit. You could also go on a elephant jungle trek we chose not to as elephant rides are also something we have done before.

    No 8 Nathon Town. Nathon is located on the island's west coast and is the seat of district officials. Once the town was the leading urban and economic center of Ko Samui due to its fishing and coconut industry. We stoppped here for lunch and only had a short time to wander around the shops.

    Nathon Town was the last stop of of the tour, however, we did drive around Chewang Beach dropping people off at their respective Hotels. We stayed in Chewang Beach when we visited last time but on the Hotel drop off there is so much more to see here. So I think on our next visit we may stay here again.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Another beautiful sunset
    Refreshing drink with dinnerTime for a break from Thai food for JohnI am still having Thai food.

    Back at the Resort

    March 4, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Our tour went for 7 hours. Not much walking and the step count today was only 10247. Lots of sitting in the minivan.

    Back at the resort for a swim and watching the Sunset.

    Dinner was at the same resturant as last night as it is only a 5min walk from the Resort and the food is not bad.

    Day finished and time for an icecream and a movie.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Local School
    Ordering takeaway for dinnerRelaxing by the poolToday's sunset

    Another Day in Paradise

    March 5, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Another beautiful and lazy day, morning swim, read, breakfast. I love this sort of morning.

    Then our little daily walk, we visited the local school this morning the kids are lovely and so appreciative of our gift of books, pens and pencils.

    Before heading back to the resort we stopped by our local resturant to purchase takeaway for dinner. Lazy is the best way to describe being on this part of our holidays.

    Lunch and more swimming and reading, I am on my 3rd book now.

    The afternoon was spent swimming, frying in the sun until I was crispy and of course reading. Basically doing nothing except thinking I would love this life permanently. In my head I have designed our house in the sun by the sea in a land somewhere.

    Then a short walk as it was time for a massage. Today the step count was only 3943.

    The day is nearing the end as we have a drink on the day bed looking out over the Gulf of Thailand awaiting the next sunset before dinner and a movie. Looking forward to tomorrow another day in paradise.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    At Tides
    Fishermans Village

    Fisherman's Village

    March 6, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    This morning was like every other day here. Swim, read, breakfast, swim, read, morning tea, swim and read. John is working on a poster for our Travel and Entertainment Room, more on the poster later. Lunch, swim, read, a short swing and more reading. Finished my 4th book.

    Today's adventure was to Fisherman's village for cocktails at Cocotam over looking the beach. Then we walked around the markets I was pretty good and only purchased a few items. Hilda we did get you coconut oil items the shop had changed locations but I still managed to find the store. Time for dinner and we decided on the street food rather than a restaurant. We sat basically where we sat last time in Fisherman's village except now it is a bar where you can bring in the street food provided you purchase a drink. The cocktails where way cheaper than Cocotam and you could actually taste the grog. It was a bit too strong but I managed.

    Back at the Resort and still a little warm so we decided on a swim before completing days activities on Find Penguins before a movie. Life is rough.

    Not much walking as we took a tuk tuk to Fisherman's Village and back. Total steps 6763.

    Tomorrow we leave for Ko Phangan.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Last Breakfast
    Goodbye Koh Samui

    Last Day in Koh Samui

    March 7, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    This morning was our last breakfast at Tides. We leave Koh Samui for Koh Phangan. It has been a lovely visit, so relaxing swimming, reading, massages, drinking and eating. We will be back.

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Waiting at the pier

    Big Buddha Pier

    March 7, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Getting ready to board our transportation to Koh Phangan. We chose the backpacker ferry as it disembarks closer to our resort.

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler

    Koh Phangan

    March 7, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Koh Phangan, with an overall area of 167sqkm, is Thailand’s fifth biggest island.

    Located 70km from the mainland and just 12km from Koh Samui, Phangan does not have an airport and relies heavily on ferries from the mainland and Koh Samui.

    Predominantly made up of granite, Koh Pha Ngan almost unspoilt beauty is accented by a hilly, lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites.

    The main disembarkation points are Thongsala and Haad Rin. We disembarked at Haad Rin.

    Transportation is mostly provided by ‘song teaows’, converted pickup trucks that ply the hilly roads and rental jeeps and motorcycles while private taxis can also be hired.

    Parts of Phangan – especially between Ban Tai and Haad Rin – are extremely hilly with not the best road conditions so caution should be exercised – especially at night and in adverse weather conditions.

    Phangan’s main claim to fame is largely due to its many Full Moon Party, ‘Black Moon’ and just about any other moon beach parties, with the Full Moon celebrations attracting from 10,000 to 30,000 revellers at New Year’s Eve.

    Full Moon Party has become a world-famous institution, but its ancestral home remains the crescent cove of Haad Rin Beach on the southernmost tip of Phangan Island in Thailand. More than 12 powerful sound systems turn the 800-metre beach into possibly the most popular open-air nightclub in the world once a month, with a lively festival-like atmosphere, great music and huge quantities of alcohol. This one-of-a-kind event is routinely listed on bucket lists as one of the essential experiences in Thailand which absolutely must be seen to be believed.

    As many as 30,000 party people gather on the famous strip of sand to party in the glow of the Earth’s nearest celestial neighbour, right through the night and into the dawn. Due to the cost of cleaning up after such carnage, the local community implemented a 100 baht entry fee to access the beach on the night of Koh Phangan Full Moon Party.

    Fingers crossed as the articles we have read indicate that it has been cancelled because of COVID -19.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    The ferry to the island
    Our room for the next few daysThe ResortAt the tatoo parlourThe resort at night and pictures from the cafe.

    Cocohut Village

    March 7, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Now on the Haadrin Queen on our way to Koh Phangan. A driver is waiting for us at the pier ready to take us to Cocohut Village our home for the next 3 days.

    When we checked in it was confirmed the full moon party has been cancelled, however, the Resort will be holding its own party with free food and drinks from 7pm tomorrow night.

    Our room is quite nice and the resort is just as good. Cocohut Village is a much larger resort than the one on Koh Samui so more people and noise. All good though as it is the Party Island for a reason.

    Once unpacked we jumped in a cab and went into town. It was time for my tattoo. I researched a few places and came up with DNA Tattoo as the reviews were quite good and prices where reasonable. No pain and it was completed in just under 2 hours. I found it more painful being still on my side and leg twisted than the actual tattoo. I am very happy with the result.

    No swimming or reading this afternoon just watching Netflix while I rested my leg. Later in the afternoon we sat outside and enjoyed a drink overlooking the pool but soon the mozzie's were bad, so we went back inside and watched another interesting show on Netflix.

    Dinner time was a short walk up the hill to a local café for pizza as we are getting over the Thai food. Some Italian will be the next best choice.

    Back at the resort we went for a short walk around the resort, it is very pretty with all the lights.

    Now for icecream and Netflix to see out day 8.

    Step count for today 8616.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Beach and Pool Day
    Full Moon Party BeachSky Moon BarFull Moon Party Beach

    Full Moon Party Day

    March 8, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    The morning was nice and relaxing, back to breakfast, swimming and reading. We basically did nothing until after lunch. We thought we really needed to do something so a walk to where the Party is meant to be.

    The beach is very much like our Aussie beaches, very burnt tattooed people laying in the sand and swimming. Not a lot of people but it is a long beach so the people are spread out. I am sure if the party was on there would be so many more people. I cannot believe this is another one of those places we visit and the reason for coming is cancelled. So many people over reacting to the virus.

    Tonight we are going to a Full Moon cocktail Party put on by the Resort with free food and drinks for a few hours.

    The Sky Moon Hotel, where the party was held, was very nice with a lovely view over the beach. The food and drinks were plentiful.

    We are back at our resort thinking about going for a walk to the Full Moon Party Beach, we did come all this way for a good party but the beach looking down from Sky Moon seams pretty empty.

    We walked to the beach anyway and no there were not 30,000 people as usual but maybe 10,000. The music is pumping out and people are having a great time. The fire show was pretty good and the skipping rope on fire was really good. Lot's of people skipping and missing the rope but it was all in good fun.

    Not the real party atmosphere but I am saying close enough for this old couple. We enjoyed walking around, feeling like we were at the party without the hassels of a crowd.

    Steps today a low 6573.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Pontoon
    Walk along the BeachWalk into TownSetting up Netflix

    More Relaxing

    March 9, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Today is just like the other days, not much happening just relaxing, we will be very well rested by the time we get to Bangkok tomorrow.

    After breakfast we went for a walk along the floating jetty, it was really weird walking on it as the waves keep making it move. It was difficult because I was a little scared my knee would give out but it was OK. Back on land we walked along the beach to a walkway which hugs the side of the rocks over the water. Once at the end you find a rather chilled out Restaurant and some cabins, not our style of cabins but the location is great.

    Back at our resort time for a swim and you guessed it more reading.

    Lunch time and more relaxing and reading before we head into the Jetty area for a check of my tattoo, it is all part of the service to go back a few days later for the artist to check that everything is going well.

    Another great massage I must be getting taller with all the stretching and pulling, my muscles are quite relaxed.

    Back in the room and watching Netflix we have started watching a series where Forensic Science is the main tool in ascertaining who the murderer is each episode only goes for 20 min or so which is great for holiday watching.

    Dinner time we walked up the hill of the Resort for about 3 min to a nice Thai restaurant, then back to our Resort for homemade ice cream for dessert.

    Now maybe a movie.

    The step count today is 10570 although not high it is the most we have walked since arriving. I guess that is what a relaxing holiday is about.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Breakfast the same every morning
    Lovely view of the Beach

    Goodbye Koh Phangan

    March 10, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Today we are leaving The Full Moon Party location for a much busier section of our adventure.

    Morning was packing, breakfast, doing my blog and some reading before we catch the ferry back to Koh Samui.

    Not much relaxing for the remaining 2 weeks. We are off to Bangkok for a few days before we join a tour group.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler

    Big Buddha Pier

    March 10, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Back in Koh Samui after a lovely few days on Koh Phangan.

    Very disappointing that the Full Moon Party was cancelled. I guess that means we just may need to come back this is not the first thing we have missed.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Our PlaneWaiting for our bagsOur pick to our HotelAirport

    Bangkok Airport

    March 10, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Arrived in Bangkok, pleasant enough flight only took just over 1 hour. John fell asleep while I continued reading. Bangkok Airways even fed us with a nice chicken stir fry and sorbet.

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    Wall behind reception
    Hotel courtyard

    Anantara Siam Hotel

    March 10, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Home for the next 5 days. This hotel is more luxurious than Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

    All unpacked and ready to walk around the area. It appears we are staying in an upmarket area, not sure we will be near any street food stalls or laundries that charge 50 Bhat per kilo. Some very nice looking shopping malls including all the designer stores. Just as well I do not need to purchase anything. However, you just never know what I may see so I will take the credit card for those just in case purchases.

    We did not make it to the nice shopping centre. We decided on a short walk and noodle soup for dinner in a food court and finished with dessert at Starbucks...

    Total steps today 12667.

    Bangkok adventures tomorrow.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamThailand 2020Traveler
    The Hotel
    Shopping Mall - Central WorldPoolsideMenu we selected Set BDinner

    Adventures in Bangkok

    March 11, 2020 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Yummy breakfast, so much selection but we both decided on a small breakfast, being lazy and eating all the time will make us heavier than we already are.

    We then walked around the Hotel grounds, it is lovely with so much open space and heaps of restaurants. The pool area even has a children's playground that Charlie would like.

    John will now plan our activities for the next few days during the remainder of the morning while I will continue reading my 6th book.

    Back from our walk to the huge shopping mall. Apparently it is the largest shopping mall in Bangkok and 3rd in the world, it has 500 stores mostly the same as back home. We also just had to have coffee and cake at a very cute cafe, I had an Oreo Shake and John a cold Caramel Macciato and brownie cheesecake, very yummy indeed.

    Next we went poolside doing puzzles and reading as well as swimming. The pool was nice and refreshing, not with a spectacular view over the Gulf of Thailand, but still pleasant. The pool staff set up our sun lounge and umbrella, gave us a cold bottle of water and a lemon shot drink each.

    Back to the room resting and watching TV before going out to dinner.

     Now for dinner, it was provided by the Hotel Club we are in, We could select a tour of the area or a few different places to eat or drink. We selected the Thai dinner at the Spice Market in our Hotel. I am glad we did, Dinner was sensational, so much food.

    Step count today is 9531.    Read more

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