Di and I have a standard joke that every time we go somewhere new we think it's the best place ever.  Well we are back in Thailand and after exploring a whole new aspect of Bangkok, visiting Ayutthaya the former capital of Siam, travelling to Chiang Mai and going zip lining, hiking in the lush mountains and swimming in the hot springs of Pai we have come to the conclusion that there is no doubt; Thailand is the best place ever!!
Actually it may simply be the company I keep that makes every day better than the last.


Vito and Natalie, our new Aussie friends that we met in Sri Lanka, advised us to try the Khao San Road area in Bangkok, it's their favourite part of the city and supplied us with the name of their favourite hotel, the Rambuttri Village Plaza.  Taking their advice we booked into said hotel on our return trip to the city.  We last saw them in Ella in Sri Lanka and they were talking about maybe Malaysia next when who should waltz into the lobby but the aforementioned Aussies.  "Well, well, well ", says Nat "someone finally took my advice.  I wondered how that would feel".
I think we are developing a bad case of Aussiefication.


Some of the décor in the restaurants of Bangkok 
is downright weird.

Even late on a rainy evening the streets of Khoan San Road
are alive with revellers


The view from our rooftop pool 




A curved building that caught our fancy

Thousands line up to view the late king as he lies in state.
They dress in black and wait 4 to 5 hours in long lines
to see him.

The palace where the king lies in state

This bridge is an engineering marvel


We took a long boat ride through some of the many canals that crisscross Bangkok.  The ride was fascinating.  We had the boat to ourselves and explored canals that we would not have known existed.



There is a whole village life hidden in these backwaters







Toured the National Art Gallery.  Impressed by this because
it's made from carved stone

We travelled to Ayutthaya the ancient capital of Siam not far from Bangkok.  The site was abandoned hundreds of years ago but much of the ruins still stand.  It was a miserable rainy day but we made the most of it with the umbrella we bought while exploring Sri Lanka.



Raining cats and dogs, I almost stepped in a poodle.






Took the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.  Beautiful brand new train with comfortable beds and a dining car where we enjoyed great cappuccinos in the morning before detraining.

A new favourite bar in Chiang Mai

The Sunday market.  It was huge, stretching for block after block with 
amazing crafts and all kinds of goods.



Getting a fish pedicure.  Don't laugh my feet are all 
smooth and tender now and you can see many of the 
local women looking down as I pass.












Went zip lining in Chiang Mai.  Absolutely an amazing way to explore 
the forest canopy.  Some of the heights are dizzying but worth every shudder.




Lovers on a line or dope on a rope


Climbed a quazillion steps to explore the Wat at the top of the mountain



Pant, gasp, wheeze, sputter,








The view from the top, worth every step




Made the trip through the mountain passes to Pai where again it
was love at first sight. 



Sushi anyone, or as I call it 'bait'


The streets come alive after dark, food and music and new friends 
but unfortunately not good for photos after dark


Dianne exercising her shopping muscles

So much great street food

Me and the boys



Explored a cave on small bamboo rafts where local villagers carrying 
kerosene lanterns light the way





So many other caverns have coloured artificial lights all over
enjoyed seeing this cavern in its natural setting



View from the lookout on the mountain pass


Enjoying the hot springs near Pai

Frolicking in the waterfall

Hiked up to Pai canyon to watch the sunset


Had to cross narrow little ridges with sheer drops
on either side.  Knees quaking, teeth clenched,
Don't look down.



The locals like to make transformers out of old car parts

A field of rice in the lush farmland

There must have been over a thousand stairs to get to the famous White Buddha of Pai.



Or we could have taken a shuttle bus 



We trekked 8kms to reach the foot of the mountain then 
hiked up 800 metres of steps to reach the white Buddha.
But awe the view!!!

I don't think the Thais understand Flintstones humour but I'm sure the guys from Abu Dhabi do.
Next back to Bangkok by train and south to the islands for rest and relaxation and snorkelling

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