THAILAND
Simply put, Thailand was amazing.
This was my first time in Asia and I took a solo trip to Thailand and Cambodia (see next post). My goals were simple: eat, drink, be merry. This trip came about last minute and I had to take it alone. I'm glad I did. I needed the time to reset my mind and just be on my own schedule. Thailand offered me the mix of relaxation, fun and spiritual reset that I needed. Brace yourself, I have a ton of pictures to share!
Bangkok has many monuments dedicated to different kings and periods in the country's history.
There were several monuments set up to honor the beloved King Adulyadej who had just died last October. He was monarch for seven decades and was really loved. Thailand is in the midst of a year long mourning period. His cremation is planned for October 2018.
The first place I wanted to visit was the Bangkok Grand Palace. I read online that it can get pretty packed with tourists so I had it on my list a the very place to visit and set out right at 8 am with my tour guide. I'm glad I did cause the grounds were not as packed and I was able to see everything before the crowds came and got great pics. In addition, I was able to get a few minutes of respite from the Thailand humidity.
The entrance to the Grand Palace.
You need tickets to visit the temples on the palace grounds.
The first views are of magnificent temple doors, statutes and lotus plants.
These warrior statutes are the entrance to a courtyard at the palace and they signify protection.
The buildings on the palace grounds had many pinnacle style roofs
Lotus plant. I think this is one of the most beautiful plants ever and I love that it grows on water.
The ashes of previous monarchs live in these gold plated tombs.
Entrance to one of the palace temples.
Statues adorn every corner of the temples and buildings. This multi head statute is for protection.
There's a replica of Cambodia's Angkor Wat at the Grand Palace.
I loved these gargoyles and the details of their costumes.
There are places for prayer and devotion all over Thailand. I love the display of spirituality and the presence of places where people can maintain their religious discipline.
I think I could live in this palace. What do you think?
The Royal palace.
As previously mentioned, Thailand is in mourning because of the death of the king. I came across this bed of magnolias that are part of the homage tot he king.
Met these people who were building paper lotus flowers that will be used at the King's burial ceremony that's to be held at the end of the one year burial period.
Ok, so by this time, I was sweating buckets. The humidity in Thailand is 100%. I don't know how my Thai friends in the pic above managed to stay so cool but I could barely wipe the sweat before I'd be covered again. I thought i was prepared but it's so hot, beware! Still, I enjoyed that I was able to walk around Bangkok to see the monuments and went from The Grand Palace to the Wat Pho temple.
At the entrance to Wat Pho, the monks offer candles for burning as a way to raise funds to support their lives but also for people to burn as a way to release negative energy.
Burning candles with my tour guide, Oil.
Standing guards at the Wat Pho.
Now Wat Pho is also home to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha which is my absolute favorite buddha in Thailand. The 46 meter leaning buddha is so chill. I love the statute. It's tough to get a full pic of the buddha but it's something to behold.
Gorgeous
Just outside the temple, students read and learn. After school, they stop by the temple and practice some religious rituals. Here is a kid who placed coins in the bowls found at the temple. Legend has it that if you place coins in every bowl and set intentions as you go along, you draw prosperity to your home.
School child with coins
Ok, so yeah, there are a ton of Buddha statutes in Thailand for obvious reason. The government also does a campaign that requests that people be respect of Buddha and not tattoo Buddha on your body or disrespect the statues in any way. I approve the message. Buddha statues bring joy and conjure peaceful images. I appreciate that Thailand does a lot to educate people on showing respect for the statues.
This gold Buddha was located at the temple as well.
The grounds of the Wat Pho temple are equally beautiful.
This beautiful koi fish pond is on the grounds of the temple
The grounds of Wat Pho
Standing with the temple guard.
Temple of the Golden Buddha. This Golden Buddha is made of solid gold.
Thailand has amazing transportation. It was fun to take a ferry taxi ride across the Chao Phraya River. It was packed with people and a bit rocky but definitely super cool.
I took the ferry ride across town to visit the Golden Mount. It's beautiful at the base of the 300 steps. At the top of the steps, after enduring the humidity and heat, I was feeling a bit delirious but the view was totally worth it.
After all the walking, ferry rides, sight seeing, I was tired. I need a massage in the worst way and I wanted to get to it as soon as possible. It was great to hop in a Tuk Tuk and make it across time to the spa in a shorter time than riding in a traditional taxi. These pedicabs are fast. A bit scary too but I loved the thrill and adventure of it all.
Spa!
You don't understand the joy I felt when I saw this bed. A trip to Thailand will not be complete without a Thai massage.
After Bangkok, it was time to take the trip to the beach. Next stop Phuket. I was excited about the beach but I have to admit, I didn't love Phuket. The weather was great, my hotel was amazing, the beach is beautiful but there's a lot of soliciting and trading that happens in this seaside town and it took away from the relaxation for me. I tried to catch a nap on the beach but kept getting interrupted by people trying to sell a necklace or souvenir or something. All in all, I'm glad I went. It was a different experience that Bangkok and for that, I'm grateful.
Patong Beach, Phuket
I wish I tried this. Looked fun and scary at the same time!
Patong Beach is also party city.
Bangla Walking Street has all the bars and clubs in Patong. Brace yourself for the fun!
I decided to take a day to go to Phi Phi Islands. I had to find some R&R at another location.
Ah, sweet life. I enjoyed the ferry ride from Phuket to Phi Phi islands.
Beautiful Phi Phi Island
Water Taxis take you from the ferry docks to the smaller beaches around the Phi Phi islands
Until the next adventure,
XOXO
Moni