Dec 2017 – Jan 2018

New Year in Thailand

A 28-day adventure by BurdtToGo Read more

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Trip start
December 20, 2017
Traveler New Year in Thailand
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- Day 1
- Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 1:12 PM
- ☁️ 61 °F
- Altitude: 36 ft
- United States North Myrtle Beach 33.816006, -78.68001633°48’58” N 78°40’48” W
The Carolinas, USA
December 20, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
Dunbar here again. I'm supervising Dale and Cathy as they get ready for their trip to Thailand. Meanwhile, Glenna and Megan are planning their portion of their trip via WhatsAp and its fun to watch; Megan is talking elephants and going to the islands. It will be fun to see where they end up. We'll be joining them on Jan 2, 2018 in Bangkok.Read more
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- Day 12
- Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 8:57 AM
- ☀️ 81 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- Bay of Bengal 21.432509, 88.65152321°25’57” N 88°39’5” E
Catching up with Megan and Glenna, Krabi
December 31, 2017, Bay of Bengal ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
They are off on Krabi doing stuff. We'll meet up in Bangkok in a few days.
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- Day 12
- Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 3:05 PM
- ⛅ 43 °F
- Altitude: 26 ft
- United States Woodville 32.926483, -79.71457832°55’35” N 79°42’52” W
Charleston
December 31, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 43 °F
The New Years Eve excitement is ratcheting up as we hit the first of 2 New Years Eve airports. On the way we stopped at SeeWee roadhouse for Good southern cooking to send us on our way to Charleston, NYC, Dubai, and Bangkok airports. But first a beer for Dale and something chocolate is calling me.

Happy New Years Eve!Read more
TravelerDale had the she-crab soup
12/31/17Reply
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- Day 12
- Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 9:44 PM
- 🌙 12 °F
- Altitude: 49 ft
- United States John F. Kennedy International Airport 40.643044, -73.77891340°38’35” N 73°46’44” W
JFK airport
December 31, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 12 °F
We’re just about to board for Dubai but here’s some
Inspiration

https://www.reddit.com/r/woahdude/comments/7nbw…
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- Day 13
- Monday, January 1, 2018 at 12:49 PM
- ☀️ 75 °F
- Altitude: 20 ft
- United Arab Emirates Dubai International Airport 25.247659, 55.36334225°14’52” N 55°21’48” E
Short stop in Dubai
January 1, 2018 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
.......then onto Bangkok. Binged watched the second season of Victoria since it was available on the plane but not yet in US.

And checking out temperatures back in the US on this first day of January of 2018Read more
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- Day 15
- Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 3:07 AM
- ⛅ 75 °F
- Altitude: 49 ft
- Thailand Khlong Toei 13.728077, 100.57010913°43’41” N 100°34’12” E
Bangkok
January 3, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Staying at the Doubletree Hilton with Megan and Glenna in an adjoining room. Glenna is very dehydrated AND sunburnt AND has many mosquito bites so she is sleeping and drinking water with rehydration salts. Meg and the parents headed over to Siam Mall for people watching and coffee. Very upscale and fashionable with all of the Christmas decorations still up.

There’s a good expatriate restaurant/bar across the street with live music (80s cover music), very inviting, so takeout for dinner. Great food!!!Read more
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- Day 15
- Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 8:34 AM
- ⛅ 77 °F
- Altitude: 43 ft
- Thailand Khlong Toei 13.728067, 100.57015213°43’41” N 100°34’13” E
Doubletree is perfect to chill out
January 3, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
We split into 2 pairs today with Dale and Meg heading for the the Grand Palace and reclining Buddha and Glenna and I going low key at the hotel as she recuperates from her various maladies.

The pool area was wonderful with cabanas to lay in and recliners in the pool. Heaven....

But also interesting is all the construction underway across Bangkok. Sukhumvit is booming with new luxury condos, nightlife, restaurants. More about a favorite in an upcoming posting.Read more
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- Day 16
- Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 4:34 AM
- ⛅ 75 °F
- Altitude: 49 ft
- Thailand Khlong Toei 13.727949, 100.57009213°43’41” N 100°34’12” E
Traveling tips in Bangkok
January 4, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Cast: 4 people, including 2 pretty blond millennials, 1 62 year old with an artificial knee, 1 65 year old father benevolently discussing Marvel movies, hunting for good coffee in the morning
Tips:

1. It’s true about taxis and running off meter. From Grand Palace to hotel, taxi wanted to charge us 600 baht for a ride that was 120 baht on meter. Glenna profoundly expressed her displeasure as only a true Bostonian could, stopping the cab and getting out. She did not help this taxi drivers impressions of Americans as nice people but I was going “you go girl”

2. Walking is great for 3 of us but the high curbs on sidewalk are a pain for bad knees.

3. The stairs up to the BTS are formidable. Megan sprints up them.

4. At the Grand Palace, watch for fake Thai police who are way too helpful. Kudos to Megan for spotting this.

5. Rooftop bars on the 23rd floor are amazing. Check out Sky on 20 at the Novotel. More on this later.

6. There’s a street we rode down that is all shops for intricate wooden doors. They are all out on the street and gorgeous. Hard to fit in luggage for souvenirs though.Read more
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- Day 17
- Friday, January 5, 2018 at 4:27 PM
- ⛅ 91 °F
- Altitude: 59 ft
- Thailand Khlong Toei 13.727631, 100.57060813°43’39” N 100°34’14” E
Grand Palace, Bangkok
January 5, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 91 °F
While our friends and family back I the US weather a massive snowstorm we visited the Grand Palace. Go early was the advice and it was good advice. But like so many wonders it surpassed my expectations so much that I’m adding an extra footprint so I can post more pictures.

First the buildings which were beautiful and intricate with their carvings.Read more
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- Day 17
- Friday, January 5, 2018 at 4:43 PM
- ⛅ 91 °F
- Altitude: 79 ft
- Thailand Khlong Toei 13.729171, 100.56850913°43’45” N 100°34’7” E
Grand Palace Murals
January 5, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 91 °F
The palace buildings were wonderful, built in 1780s but the Ramakien murals depicting the Thai version of Indian Ramayana story are engrossing. Pictures tell all.

Arielle, our “not the mermaid” friend should look for, yes, the mermaids.Read more
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- Day 17
- Friday, January 5, 2018 at 4:50 PM
- ⛅ 91 °F
- Altitude: 118 ft
- Thailand Khlong Toei 13.729348, 100.568513°43’46” N 100°34’7” E
A Mermaid Cafe
January 5, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 91 °F
Speaking of mermaids, yesterday Glenna led us to the Mermaid Cafe. Enough said. But they had good sugary cupcakes and lots of mermaid shirts and stuff. Catch Glenna’s mermaid queen photo.
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- Day 18
- Saturday, January 6, 2018
- ⛅ 81 °F
- Altitude: 1,020 ft
- Thailand Mueang Klang 18.787004, 98.99518518°47’13” N 98°59’43” E
Bang Pa-in Royal Palace, Ayutthaya
January 6, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F
Also called the Summer Palace it is beautiful and used as a guest house by the Thai Royal family. In order to hold off western countries who wanted to colonize Thailand, the King built these pavilions in western styles so as to say “we are civilized enough, not interested!” Thailand has never been colonized by western countries.Read more
TravelerThose are turtles being fed. They climb the steps to be fed
1/7/18Reply
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- Day 18
- Saturday, January 6, 2018
- ⛅ 81 °F
- Altitude: 1,030 ft
- Thailand Mueang Klang 18.78734, 98.99529718°47’14” N 98°59’43” E
River Cruise--Chao Phraya
January 6, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F
Via boat from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, we hung out with a chatty Australian just looking at the scenery. On the way to catch the boat the tour guide stopped for a delicious snack, sort of a light crepe wrapped around shredded sugar cane—delicious!

But cruising along for a few hours on the front deck was lovely. Our favorite building looks like it’s missing a few pieces, sort of lie a giant Jenga game.Read more
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- Day 21
- Tuesday, January 9, 2018
- ☀️ 82 °F
- Altitude: 1,076 ft
- Thailand Ban Mai Langmo 18.799667, 98.9648918°47’59” N 98°57’54” E
1
Chiang Mai, hipster center
January 9, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
What a great city! Night markets, art, great food, rides in tuk tuks and the ubiquitous red pickup trucks taxis.

We’re splitting our stay here into 2 different sides of the city. Our first stay is near the Old City, a mostly demolished ancient city wall that encloses restaurants, stalls, coffee shops and crowded streets . Our hotel, De Chai Decor is a newish, Art Deco meets 2017 style place with incredibly comfortable beds. You get to it through small alley-like passages lined with guest houses and hostels.

Megan took us to her favorite restaurant, Coconut Shell, for outstanding curry. And yes, I climbed into the back of a pickup truck outfitted with benches, which is the shared taxi that is used to get around.Read more
Traveler The baskets are handwoven and each have a live bird or two inside.
1/10/18Reply
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- Day 23
- Thursday, January 11, 2018
- ⛅ 77 °F
- Altitude: 1,079 ft
- Thailand Ban Mai Langmo 18.798518, 98.96828918°47’55” N 98°58’6” E
Nimman Harminda
January 11, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
I’m sure I am mangling the name, but we moved to a guest house hotel on the other side of Chiang Mai. Different from the bustle of Old City Chiang Mai, the is more upscale and trendy and not as crowded. Still it is under the flight path of the airport but we’ve gotten used to that.

We are staying at Nimman Mai Design Hotel and is so charming. The pool next to the lobby is designed for hanging out, with a waterfall wall and seats in the pool where you can sit in the pool to relax. Just lovely.

Have found some great restaurants; one near us is obviously a locals and backpacker spot and features crispy chicken and rice. Another favorite is Thevaros, where Dale had an appetizer selection of northern Thai dishes such as pork belly, pork rind, minced pork dish and some vegetable dishes. It’s also a cooking school.Read more
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- Day 23
- Thursday, January 11, 2018
- ⛅ 79 °F
- Altitude: 1,001 ft
- Thailand Chiang Mai International Airport 18.770416, 98.96811718°46’13” N 98°58’5” E
Hang Dong Furniture Market
January 11, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
This market, called Baan Tawai, is known for handicrafts and furniture decor. Dale is planning to build a table for our kitchen so we went to get ideas. I promised him no other shopping but didn’t quite make good on the promise.Read more
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- Day 24
- Friday, January 12, 2018
- ☀️ 77 °F
- Altitude: 52 ft
- Thailand Khlong Wat Thong Pleng 13.728825, 100.51126913°43’44” N 100°30’41” E
Up the mountain to Bhubing Palace Garden
January 12, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
We hired a car to visit Doi Suthep temple and the palace gardens. The drive is through the National Park and uphill all the way, sharing the road with red pickup-taxis and iron-legged bicyclers. A crowded village for the temple (we visited on the way down) and another 4 km to the Royal Palace. The day was foggy so the walk through had a hazy effect along with beautiful gardens and paths. They are more strict than the temples are about proper attire so I wrapped myself in my shawl to comply.

Alas, my right knee is starting to get very sore and walking is difficult. I used Dale as my human crutch.Read more
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- Day 25
- Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 6:00 PM
- ☀️ 73 °F
- Altitude: 62 ft
- Thailand Khlong Wat Thong Pleng 13.728682, 100.51115413°43’43” N 100°30’40” E
Farewell to Megan
January 13, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Our last night in Chiang Mai where Megan came over from Lampang to take us for pizza. One of her teaching colleagues, Nong, has a partner with an excellent pizza restaurant, featuring very good pizza—capers and bacon! Such a nice evening.

We’ll see Megan when she returns to the states this summer.Read more
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- Day 25
- Saturday, January 13, 2018
- ☀️ 73 °F
- Altitude: 26 ft
- Thailand Khlong Wat Thong Pleng 13.728621, 100.51125413°43’43” N 100°30’41” E
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
January 13, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
A beautiful temple about 15 km from Chiang Mai, located on Doi Suthep mountain. To access it takes 309 steps straight up; no way with my sore knee so I took the tram instead. The temple has elements of Buddhism and Hinduism and has many statues where offerings are made. Nice chat with a Portuguese family but mostly just soaking in the peacefulness.Read more
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- Day 26
- Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 9:16 AM
- ⛅ 64 °F
- Altitude: 1,030 ft
- Thailand Chiang Mai International Airport 18.770365, 98.96815518°46’13” N 98°58’5” E
Things we won't use for lawn ornaments
January 14, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
Our neighbors in South Carolina have lovely yards and lawn ornaments. During our travels in Thailand we have found interesting objects—but I don’t think we will be using these for lawn ornaments
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- Day 26
- Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 1:00 PM
- ⛅ 81 °F
- Altitude: 62 ft
- Thailand Khlong Wat Thong Pleng 13.728621, 100.51119213°43’43” N 100°30’40” E
2 Nights of Luxury in Bangkok
January 14, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F
We’re on our final stop before the 23 hour journey home, so we treated ourselves to 2 nights at the Millenium Hilton, on the Chao Phraya River in the middle of Bangkok. I headed for the pool and these great views.Read more
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- Day 26
- Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 9:00 PM
- 🌙 75 °F
- Altitude: 26 ft
- Thailand Khlong Wat Thong Pleng 13.728579, 100.51129913°43’43” N 100°30’41” E
And the evening river views
January 14, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 75 °F
Party boats and cruises on Chao Phraya, some quiet and elegant, others blasting music. My favorite: Sweet Caroline (da da daaaa). Massachusetts friends take note.
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- Day 28
- Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 4:13 PM
- ⛅ 88 °F
- Altitude: 62 ft
- Thailand Khlong Wat Thong Pleng 13.728732, 100.51124613°43’43” N 100°30’40” E
Awaiting the 23 hour plane ride
January 16, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F
Before leaving Bangkok, I indulged in a massage and facial at the spa. 90 minutes of sweet smelling oils and creams, massaging the kinks out of my body, followed by lemon grass tea. I can sleep for hours,I’m so relaxed.

Which I will be able to do when we catch our flight back to the US, via Dubai. 23 hours of travel.

But first, Happy Anniversary to The McFlinns from New Zealand who were our breakfast and beer buddies in Chiang Mai. We enjoyed their company while we talked about lifestyles, kids, and politics. Cheers and hope to meet again!Read more
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Trip end
January 16, 2018