Now, I would like to share with you the thrills and chills of our recent escapade in the land of free and smiles, Thailand. Much have been written about this wonderful country, famous for its rich culture, well preserve heritage, abundant natural resources, picturesque landscape and compelling hospitality.
Thailand has its own unique way of tattooing her beauty in your mind. For only 8 days, we were seduced not only by their long unblemished sandy beaches or immense cliffs of limestone or the endless array of fun and adventures but by the people itself.
I won’t wonder why Thailand tagged as the most popular tourist destination in South East Asia. Millions of tourists flocked to get their own sliced of paradise. It’s just unbelievable how they can be so inexpensive in exchange for world-class services.
As most tourists do, we started in Bangkok. This big, noisy and polluted place didn’t please us much, why? It was like Manila! Many hotels are available and ready to serve from shoppers to those who wish to explore heaps of magnificent temples or make Bangkok the starting point to visit neighboring provinces or country.
First day, we landed safely in Bangkok (thanks to China Airlines, we didn’t get a nice seat, although, Junvie managed to snatched the captain’s lunch). We stayed in Bangkok for a night. After settling our packs, we spent most of the afternoon hunting for bargains and food. Junvie bought this yummy-looking-vegtable-turned-to-waste-after-one-bite-that-burnt-his-mouth… and I guess you know what happened next! We walked, roamed and shopped around Pratanum and Siam Square till we felt tired and head back to the hotel.
Yepiiii, Phuket here we come!
We were up so early and took our breakfast ahead of the others. I had Nasi Goreng and instantly became one of my favorite foods. We rushed to Bangkok’s domestic airport because we should be there 2 hours before the flight to arrange everything… you know Air Asia, they might leave you behind or get a very unlikable seat (free-seating). But that’s comprehensible since airfares really are cheap compared to the other domestic flights. We’re quite impressed with their services, from ground to air crew… and what we really liked with our experiences with them is their ever smooth touched down! Wooahhh… amazing!
It was so clear that day (Thank God!), Junvie and I constantly poked each other shaggy dog stories and after some good laughs we saw spectacular aerial view of Phuket, we can’t forget the incredulity we felt.
We feasted at the magnificent scenery, the outlaying island and so clear blue water… I was wrong to stopped there because once you’re on the island, plenty of surprises are still waiting. Land the plane, and so we did! We rented a car and luckily, we met Mr. Rhom. He is around 60 years old man who is so helpful and kind…just what we hoped for. We stopped at one travel agency and met Ya-Ya who helped us get nice tropic-thai-style hotel. She also gave us reasonable yet fun-filled activities.
On the way to our hotel in Patong, we asked Mr. Rhom to pass by Bungee Jump Camp. He did and we were there, gasping in disbelief while signing the contract… can we really jump? It was only 60 meters above the ground but who has not the thrill to do this, eh? As soon as we signed and handed the payment, we approached these guys arranging safeties and ropes with our hearts pounding so fast. We decided to jump together. Crews we’re busy securing and checking all the details while we…struggling inside. As soon as we heard, loud OK… the steel-cage like started to ascend, and we started to feel the intensity of the adventure we have to endure within a minute or two. We managed to smile in front of the camera while inside me is crying out-load… I want to go down now! All I can hear was the loud and husky voice of this man, telling us what to do, and no… I can’t jump or at least give me a minute! He didn’t allow us to stay longer so he asked us to hug each other. And oh my God! As soon as we hugged, he pushed us really, really hard and there we are… floating in air, ropes tied around our legs and lagoon below to catch us. I tried to open my eyes but it wasn’t at all pleasurable. I decided to give myself to whatever force there is while hugging tightly my husband. It was one of the closest moments I had with Junvie. That time, he’s the superman, saving me from something unknown…and I just felt it all over me; I’m so safe with him.
First fall was the most painful and scary. It was as if all my intestines and blood are all over my brain. There were about 5 falls but the powers of each are gradually decreasing. A long bamboo pole had been stretched out for us to hold so they could get us to the platform. What a relief! I pinched myself it was real… and it is, over! While trying to get back our feet, it was the time I felt the vertigo all over me. Few minutes passed, it was gone but not for good. When I saw Junvie, his eyes were so red, as if he cried for hours. People around us applauded; some gave us thumb-up signs but I didn’t care at all. The appalling sensation urged me to immediately left the camp as soon as the jump certificate was awarded.
Mr. Rhom himself was so flabbergasted with what we did. He understood what we felt and offered help to guide us to his car. Funny thing is, due to his astonishment, he drove his car pretty fast at the curved-hilly road to Patong. I felt uncomfortable and after few minutes, there I am… hurriedly loosing myself at the sanitary bag. Mr. Rhom was so scared, immediately pulled off his car while saying so loud, “safety first, safety first”. I told him to continue driving but not fast, and so he did. Few minutes more, we were in Patong and there’s a relief I felt upon seeing the lush-tropic-thai-style hotel, my wish was granted.
We stayed in Hyton Leelavadee Resort; 5 minutes walk to Patong Beach. After everything was settled, we hurried to our room and dozed off. I rested my head for a while and I found Junvie so busy checking the room. Nice ambiance, just what we really hoped for. Late afternoon, we walked along Patong Beach and tasted the yummiest grilled corn. (I miss this so much!) Patong Beach for me, is mans’ dream. Wow! Plenty of string bikinis! I was hunting for topless but didn’t find any that day. Loads of activities are available during the day; rent water jet, or motorcycle or jeep to drive around the island, parasailing, rent long tail boat and wander neighboring beaches to name few. We witness a stunning sunsets in full view; the sun’s awesome glow painted the horizon with striking colors. As the sun gently settling beyond, explosion of colors became so inviting…so perfect for dreamy dinner setting. While another explosion of neon lights are waiting for you as soon as you turn your back, the Patong Beach turns into heaven of lights. There are lots of restaurant to choose from both Thai and European Cuisine. We searched the seafood restaurant recommended by a friend. It was superb! We decided to go back early since we had long day ahead of us.
3rd day of our trip was Junvie’s most favorite one. It was the Phi Phi Islands, Maya and Khai Island tour. They picked us around 7:30 in the morning. We arrived Marina Boat Lagoon around 8:30 and had briefing till 9:00am.
We explored one of the worlds most beautiful tourist destinations. It is part of Krabi Province that is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets, the Phi Phi Don and the Phi Phi Lei. In Phi Phi Don, you can find powdery white beaches that are ideal for swimming while in rocky Phi Phi Lei, you can find the Viking Cave that holds thousands of expensive, hard-to-get bird’s nest.
Hin Klang (Great Coral Reef) was our first stop for 45 minutes snorkeling and it’s we’re Junvie’s adventure begun. He helped me with my life jackets and snorkeling stuff before he started to explore the coral himself. I was so glad with the experience, being surrounded by hundreds of colorful fishes. There’s one time, I just stared and posed to enjoy them but this small fish bite me off. It frightens me at first, I thought it was some sort of jellyfish, whatsoever… and as soon as I realized they were like playing on you, I started to chase them off. Junvie amazed me by going down few meters; I can’t do that… not at that moment. The corals and fishes were so colorful, I saw Nemo there, haha. Poor me, I can only view from distance as I can’t go down much deeper, life vest kept me afloat all the time. Blame it on the safety first policy.Loud whistle warned us we’re done so we hurriedly go back at the boat. Nui bay (Camel Rock) was the next stop then we proceed to Monkey Beach but didn’t go down our boat. The inhabitant (monkeys) awaits tourist to feed them. We brought along bananas and throw some to them. A woman was attacked, luckily she manages to escape unharmed. We saw the Viking Cave; you can still trace Vikings distant past. Now, it is an Empire of bird’s nest.
We continue cruising, feeling so small with the towering picturesque cliffs of limestone at the same time adoring the perfect emerald water below us until we reached the Maya Bay. Its beauty bewitched everyone and suddenly we realized the reason why the Hollywood producer of movie “The Beach” was so inspired to shoot the film there. Unfortunately, they didn’t allow us to go down and explore the place; low tide is coming!
We proceeded to Pi Leh Cove, what a fascinating place. We helped ourselves for 45 minutes of swimming, playing, sightseeing and not to forget, taking photos.
We cruised along Tonsai Bay to carry on with our next destination, Seafood Restaurant at Phi Phi Don. After our lunch, tour guide allowed us to go around. Junvie and me, together with our newly acquainted Italian couple explored the place.
Khai Nai Island was our final destination. There we spent most of the afternoon, swimming, snorkeling, getting some tan lines and bonding with your love one and friends. Heavy rain are seen far-off and so we hurriedly go back. It was fine since it’s nearly be called, a day. Everyone seems to be in high spirits even though we bid goodbyes, it was an adventure that cannot be easily forgotten.
I’d like to call the next tour, my adventure! Oh, I just love safaris… wild animals like elephant. Junvie and I wake up early once again for this big day, really big day for us since it will be our first time ride to an elephant. We had a long trip going to Sealand Camp located in Phang-Nga Province by big bus. We changed to 4x4 drive since bus can’t pass through the narrow road going to camp.
The smell of the wildlife from a distant made me really so excited. We reached the Sealand Camp and everything was organized. We had our own lockers to keep our belongings.
Our adventure started with whitewater rafting and there we met our whitewater rafting master Mr. Kho. They have served thousands of rafting enthusiasts from all over the globe for 7 years now. Geared with life vests, helmets and paddles… Mr. Kho first taught us the basics in paddling at the shallow water. Frankly, other than excitement, I also felt apprehensive on trying this sport since I am not quite familiar with the pace of the stream.We’re lucky that the rafting master guided us together with his assistant. The remaining 4 including Junvie and me were all neophytes. We begun paddling, gathering speed from our first set of rapids (I wasn’t able to count how many), then our raft rumbled along rugged stream ledges. Veered off around the narrow gorge, we paddle fast and hard to control the raft and so thankful we escaped those fast-moving water.
There are parts when the stream calmed down, we perched back, relaxed and observed the rich foliage of the surrounding. We wandered on the liquid path in absolute appreciation for its greatness.
As soon as we realized its over, Junvie and I jumped out of the raft be drifted by calmer current. Took a nice photo then go back to the camp for lunch.
Junvie and I had one of the most rewarding adventures. Isn’t amusing how you set your mind with the notions about something that can be totally wrong, nah…can we have our lunch now.
After lunch, the 4x4 service brought us to Tone Pariwat Sanctuary Station and there we met the rest of the trekkers. There were about 8 elephants at the camp; all of them will trek through the lush jungle with us atop.
They taught us how to control the elephant. It is vital since the trek guide will give you the opportunity to direct the elephant. We started trekking and we felt uncomfortable at first since bobbing up and down, side-to-side could give you a little queasy feeling. After we tuned ourselves to the elephant’s body rhythm, we started to enjoy the ride. We crossed the jungle unknown to us; pass through the shallow streams, witnessing the place richly covered with gorgeous vegetation. It was overwhelming most especially when I first witnessed how huge elephants’ vagina is. Mind you, Thai elephants are very small compared to elephants of India and Africa. That sight leaves me wondering!
It’s time for Junvie to take the lead, at first I was kind of hesitant because Junvie sounds harsh with his commands. I kept reminding him to kept low tone as the elephant might get scared and run, it would definitely be a disaster! We had nice moments with the elephant until I’ve decided to take the lead for the sake of experience. I was very pleased the moment I stepped on his back. I savor the moment when the elephant skin touches mine. It was dreams come true! I wanted to pinch myself in disbelief but quickly realized it wasn’t a good idea. I have to hold on to his head so tight and synchronize with his movement. It’s different now since there is no strap around me anymore. I managed to bring the elephant to the camp, after which we fed them bananas cost 20 baht per small basket. Oh yeah, I smell like an elephant but overjoyed.If you think the fun stopped there, you’re wrong! We still have plenty of time left so we visited the waterfalls. We hiked about 10 minutes to get there. The falls wasn’t that huge as compare to what I saw in Philippines but that’s ok. We dipped in its nippy water. As I was starting to enjoy the water and the scenery, I realized Junvie was up the hill and about the jump off. He did and I even tried taking the photo of it but didn’t turn out well. The funniest among the sights we had was an inch and a half long, thick pubic hair all over the groin of this Japanese tourist wearing white string bikini. How was that, ha? (Sorry no photos for this…blee!)
We wondered how time flies. We got back Phuket wearing the wonderful smiles in our face. Junvie and I took our dinner and had foot and Thai massage while waiting for the photos. The massage itself was an experience one should not miss when visiting Thailand.
Fourth day in Phuket, we woke up early as usual. It was canoeing time and we’re so excited!
As soon as we arrived Ao Po Pier, we transferred to this big jetty boat, the ride to hop around the islands of Phang-Nga.
Boat was pretty slow, as if it was trying to waste our time. I guess it’s their way of allowing tourist to take pleasure in viewing the magnificent shapes of mountains and valleys. I quickly recovered from infuriation as soon as we spotted fantastic shapes of rock formations scattered around the area. That is the aerial view I described on the early part of this writing.
Tuk, our tour guide introduced us with the canoe guides, who became our guide throughout the day. Kush (we fondly call him now, 100 baht) was assigned to us. He managed to win our 100 baht at the end of the day, pretty good guy!
Our first stop was the Hong Island. Hong means, “Room” in Thai. In Hong Island, there’s a hidden lagoon and to get there, everyone must pass through cave tunnel and tide level must be right. Everyone must lay down flat to the canoe as sudden appearance of stalactites might hit you. Be warned if you’re claustrophobic. Inside the lagoon were mangrove trees. We’re lucky that time we saw 2 monkeys at the mangrove branches.
The island was indeed roomy! We explored, passed through different tunnels. Beware again not to be caught with low or high tide. Low tide means no water in the lagoon and you cannot paddle out the tunnel while high tide could mean entrapment inside the lagoon for hours. There are unusual inhabitants inside the lagoon that should not be disturbed for long. We proceeded to Panak Island. The place is lovelier than we thought. It was so fascinating how place as such could exist. We explore, canoe, pause for picture until its time for lunch aboard.
We had a very good lunch again! It may be the nth time we had sweet and sour fish but we don’t care, the fish was lip smacking freshly cook.
After the most needed lunch, we carried on sailing to James Bond Island. This one particular island called Khao Tapu (Nail Island) situated in National Marine Park became so famous after Roger Moore made his “The Man with the Gun” movie here where he blew up to battle his nemesis in an eerie aquatic landscape. The odd shaped rocks were not really blown to smithereens; you can see them in their splendor up to this day.
We trek along the jagged path to Khao Ping Kan for sight seeing. There, we witness different shapes of stalactites and stalagmites. It looks like the island is trying to jut out. One remarkable wall leaned to its neighbor leaving a seemingly perfect triangular shape.
After the island exploration, Kush brought us to the nearby market. There we again met Ya-Ya, our good friend who arranged our wonderful stay in Phuket. Kush allowed us to canoe on our own while we wait for others to come.
We spent the whole afternoon in Naka Island, a perfect place to master canoeing. We lounged on its powder-soft white sand beach where we play, swam and bonded over and over again.
As we were heading to Ao Po Pier, a great ad unexpected experience happened to us, we passed through this vivid-amazing-newly formed rainbow. Ahh…water may be everywhere at that moment yet we felt glorious about it, it was heavenly.
Next day was a total rest day…good gustatory delights, good massage, good conversation with locals and great bonding with my husband immediately appeased the tiredness due to successive activities. What a blast!
We can’t believe time was up for us to go back Bangkok and spend the rest of the trip there. “I don’t want to leave Phuket”, that’s what I kept telling Junvie. Phuket indeed has it’s own charm that will make you fall-in-love and we swear to come back as soon as time and chance permits.
Bangkok welcomed us back in its full glory. After we arrived from Phuket, we decided to to call it a day and rested early after feasting on tropic fruits and large pizza.
It was a very hot day when we had an exemplary experience during heritage/historical exploration at the Grand Palace and Vimanmek Mansion. Don’t forget to put on sun block.We decided to explore the Chao Phraya River instead of The Royal Regalia and Bureau of Grand National Treasure. Grand Palace and Vimanmek Mansion was a great attestation of Thai’s unparalleled adoration to their history, heritage, culture and traditions.
In Chao Phraya River, we rented a private boat that toured us around. We had a great time most especially when we passed by the fish farm. It may looked like big and yummy but I won’t take a risk of eating it… the water is so filthy though we spotted few people fishing. Junvie had his time with the lady at floating market vendor and I never wasted time to capture that lovely moment. We did a bit of sightseeing and shopping on our last day. We knew there were many things yet to see and experience, its just we were out of time to do so. Surely, we will be back to continue exploring what we missed or who knows... it might be the starting point for our future onward travel to neighboring countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
No comments:
Post a Comment