June 17 to July 01, 2013 15 Amazing Days in Thailand

Monday, June 17th  we hopped into a mini van with air con for 5 hour trip to Chiang Mai. The trip was comfortable and uneventful. We arrived in Chiang Mai Province at 14:23 pm and then arrived in the old City at 15:30 pm. we started to look for a place to stay. We arrived at Awana but it was full, then we tried Smile Guesthouse which was not so nice for the price at 700baht ($20.00) a night but had a nice pool area. We checked out a gay resort, QI68 nice rooms but 1450baht ($43.16) a night was pricey. We finally found Soho Guesthouse to fit 700 baht  ($20.00) with breakfast. It is a gay guesthouse run by a transgender woman from New Orleans, Shauna and her Thai girlfriend. They were so nice to take us.  We left to get our bags from Bonnie & Tom, since they stayed at Smile Guesthouse. 

Walking from Smile Guesthouse, through the walled City to the moot that surrounds the old City of Chiang Mai

Soho Guesthouse, this is where we stayed while in Chiang Mai

Soho Guesthouse just outside the walls of the old City

Just outside the old walled city center of Chiang Mai, the Wat Lok Molee is of the city’s older temples. Viharn and chedi of Wat Lok Molee

Wat Lok Molee

The massive chedi was built in 1527 when it must have dominated the area. It has been restored several times over the centuries and is in good condition.

Wat Lok Molee

 Showered then went to dinner at Lemontree had great Thai meal, went back to Soho had a drink then off to bed.

June 18th, Tuesday Chiang Mai woke 7.00 without the alarm, had coffee with Shauna (American Transgender from NOLA) then had New York breakfast at Amazing Sandwich. Rented motorbike for a tour of Doh Sutep Natioanl Forest. Got up to the Presidential Palace took photos of valley and mountains then went to Phra Boroma That Doi Stupa built 1386.

View of Chiang Mai from Doh Setup National Park

Wayne at overlook to Chiang Mai

Golden statue sits up near the Palace

First set of stairs to Wat Phrathat Doi Kham

Wat Phrathat Doi Kham or Temple of the Golden Mountain, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The sacred temple was built more than 1300 years ago, in 687 A.D. situated on a lush mountainside near Chiang Mai Town. It had been abandoned, but in 1966 villagers discovered a hidden chamber containing many ancient Buddha images of various sizes, and this find prompted a revitalization.

Bronze Buddha

Emerald Buddha

Stairs leading down from Wat Phrathat Doi Kham

View down to the valley of Chiang Mai

Wat Palad

White Buddha Wat Palad

Wat Palad

Falls were a bust after the temple and stupa.  Headed over to Smile arrived 21:30 saw Bonnie & Tom, their phone needed to be topped off and so did ours. Planned for them to go to Soho the next day. We went to Mamory Delicious for dinner. 

It's Wednesday, June 19th we are having coffee with Shauna and her partner then off to Amazing Sandwich for breakfast.  We hopped onto the motorbike  and rode to Mae Sa Falls, walked all 10 levels and went swimming in level 10.  

Mae Sa Water Fall - level 4 

Mae Sa Water Fall - level 4 

Mae Sa Water Fall - level 6 

Mae Sa Water Fall - level 9 

Wayne swimming at Mae Sa Water Fall - level 10

Ma Sa Waterfall - level 10 

Stopped and watched the elephants from the road. Went to Pat Va Cave which were in terrible condition, all statues removed, stairs washed out. Heading back to Chiang Mai stopped for ice cream Mae Sa Cafe. Went back to Soho, showered then met Tom & Bonnie for drinks, happy hour and free dinner at Soho. Went to the night market, foot massages for Keith, Bonnie and Wayne. Tom had neck and shoulder all for 100 baht each.  Lady started washing Tom's hyper-sensitive feet, he freaked out at first. So he opted for a back massage.  We bought sunglasses and ice cream, then we went to Tops Hauykaew to buy food and instant coffee items for 552 baht ($16.39) to travel.

elephant playing in the water, we watched him from the road above

Nice to see the elephant and no rider, the rider was on top of the bank watching him

Keith looking in Pa Ta Cave

This is what we found - Nothing. it was completely empty. 

Bonnie and Keith getting their foot massages

Tom getting his back massage

On Thursday, June 20th, we had coffee with Shauna, Tom and Bonnie.  The four of us had breakfast together at Amazing Sandwich. We helped Tom and Bonnie load their new bikes and said our goodbyes. They are such great people and we will miss them.  

Tom, Bonnie with Keith and Wayne at Amazing Sandwich

Keith assists Bonnie with the load on the back of her bike

Their ready to make their trek by motorbike across Thailand

Bonnie is off right behind Tom

Got ready and toured the old City and Wats. Back for 13:30 returned the bike, showered, had lunch and paid our bill. Said good bye to Shauna and Kathari then got tuk-tuk to train station, arrived 14:45 then boarded car number 2 beds 21 & 22.  Off to Ayutthaya.

Three Kings Monument. The landmark honors the three who founded the city centre. 

Stupa (chedi) Wat Hwa Kuang

Wat Inthakhin Saduemuang, Temple of the Navel of the City, it is the former site of the original city pillar. This was the first brick pillar erected when the city was founded.

Wat Inthakhin Saduemuang

Door with gold engraving has glass over it in Wat Inthakhin Saduemuang

Wat Phan Tao,  means "The Monastery of a Thousand Kilns". According to the noted scholar Michael Freeman, this is probably due to the fact that the site was used for the casting of Buddha images intended for Wat Chedi Luang, which is adjacent to the monastery. 

Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan - Pra Buddha Attharos  

Wat Chedi Luang Wora Wiharn, was built in 1391 during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 8th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty. He intended the structure to house the ashes of his father, Ku Na. The massive reliquary was expanded over the centuries, until it reached its final form in 1475, when King Tilokaraj made it the home of the Emerald Buddha. 1545 earthquake during the reign of Queen Mahadevi then the Emerald Buddha was moved to Luang Prabang, in present day Laos.

Wat Chedi Luang Wora Wiharn

Wat Chiang Man

Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, older even than the city built in 1306. Buddha held by the temple is called the Phra Sila (stone Buddha) which is thought to have been carved around 900 AD in India.

The walls around the old City.

Sleeper train Chaing Mai station to Ayutthaya, we are in car #2 our hotel on wheels.  Great way to travel..hotel and transpiration all in one.

Keith in our cabin ready to go.

What we love to do, playing Scalla.

Sunsetting as we travel to Ayutthaya

Having dinner with Alice on the night train from Chaing Mai to Ayutthaya   

Lone monk sits at the train station

We arrived Ayutthaya at 6:30 am and could not find a guesthouse. We had a could to select from with addresses but could find them near or around the train station. Carrying three backpacks and loaded down we stopped at a Coffee Old City across from the ruins of the second Siamese Capital ruins. We toured the old city after the owner let us leave our bags behind, we were really lucky and grateful. We walked the Ancient ruins found a great painting in the former chamber.   Saw the ancient palace and met these really nice travelers, Vishna and Denim who were staying at Boxpackers.  Since we could not find a place to stay we continued our travels with them to Bangkok. We really would have liked to stay another day here.

Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center in Ayutthaya from Boon Kun Guesthouse                               

Wat Phra Maha That

Wat Phra Maha That

Wat Ratchaburana, the Temple of the Royal Restoration, was constructed in the 15th century by King Borom ratchathirat II (1424-48) as a memorial to his two elder brothers, who died in a power struggle following the reign of their father, King Intharatcha I (1409-24). The surviving brother, King Borom ratchathirat II, was the seventh king of Ayutthaya.                            

Wat Rajaburana - the principle prang

Buddha engraved in rock high on the prang, see photo below

Wat Rajaburana - the principle prang, The temple's central prang has undergone restoration. Original stucco work can be seen, for example Garuda swooping down on nāga. Other mythical creatures as well as lotus are featured. Four Sri Lankan stupas surround the main prang.

Buddhas and other figures found in rubble around the temple

Keith looking up at the temple

Wat Rajaburana - we climbed the principle prang to gain access to the crypt 

Inside Wat Rajaburana, prang's crypt, accessible by steep stairs, houses faded frescoes. These comprise some of the rare such examples from the early Ayutthaya period. The crypt's Buddha images, now housed in the Chao Sam Phraya Museum, exhibit both Khmer and Sukhothai influences.   

frescoes of Buddha in the crypt 

Looking from the top of the prang over Wat Rajaburana

Wat Chai Wattanaram in the background along the river with elephants, what an amazing sight.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Temple of the Holy, Splendid Omniscient,  was the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace in Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya until the city was completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. 

Wayne sits along a wall at Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Keith sits along the wall at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, gives you an idea how large this temple stands and the size of the grounds. 

Serving as the Royal Monastery from 1350 to 1448, the temple occupies expansive grounds inside the walls of the now-defunct Royal Palace. The three iconic chedis – housing the royal relics of three Ayutthaya Kings – are among a few structures left standing in the temple grounds, which is itself a must-see ruin site.

We leave shortly after to head to  our host in Nonthaburi part of Bangkok. Phiseak Klanutai (Toom) provided excellent directions to his home. As soon as we crossed the pedestrian bridge and walked to the intersection with his street, people pointed towards his street.  The intersecting street we were looking for was clearly marked with a couchsurfing logo on a sign with an arrow towards his home.  Outside his home was another sign, we made it!  He came to the gate and greeted us with a big smile.  His place was large with plenty of room and many other couchsurfers visiting.

On Saturday, June 22nd we got up had coffee with Toom, then had lunch up the street from his apartment.  After lunch we took the bus and then ferry to Central Station. Went to Chinatown then it started to rain heavily, so we went for cover at Kaffee Link for a couple of hours until the downpours subsided.  Then we walked to Soi 1-4. Had dinner at a BBQ place, walked around the City then head back to Toom's. 

Lunch with Toom, Keith and another couch surfer up the street from his place.

Our lunch that Toom ordered for us.

King Rama XIII bridge was completed in 2002 and named after King Ananda, the King's older brother who died under mysterious circumstances in 1946 at the age of 21. The 475-metres long gold-painted cable-stayed span bridge is built with 84 cables supporting a single tower. 

Wat Rakhang (which means "bell temple") got its name from an ancient bell unearthed during construction. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya era

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is the image that often represents Thailand and is printed on the back of Thailand's 10-baht coin. At first only a 17th century monastery, it later became a royal temple called after Aruna, the Indian god of dawn, and one of the nine most sacred temples in Bangkok.         

Fort Vichai Prasit -  The white-walled fort of Vichai Prasit was built in 1688 as part of a defence line of forts to protect Thailand from foreign invasion. 

Wat Kanlayamit - One of the nine most sacred temples in Bangkok, this temple was built around 200 years ago by a rich Chinese nobleman and donated to King Rama III, who named it Wat Kanlayamit. 

Wat Prayoon (Wat Prayurawongsawas)  This temple is close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The first thing you see is its large white chedi in Ayutthayan style; it is the only chedi of this style in Bangkok.   

Guan Yu Shrine - During the Ayutthaya period Chinese foreign traders erected this shrine for the famous Chinese general Guan Yu to serve as god and protector of the their community in Bangkok.       

Sathorn Unique’ 50-Storey Ghost Skyscraper. 

Bangkok from the bridge over ferry station 9 over the Chao Phraya River

Lumphini Park

On Sunday, Toom earlier in the day moved us from the second floor with all the other couchsurfers into the third floor with a private room towards the back and our own shower.  Really nice quarters that would make a great apartment, 3 to 4 bedrooms, living area and kitchen. we went to weekend market, a great day of just eating, people watching and shopping. Yummy stuff to eat, ice cream and street food. Despite the rain we hiked through a  lot of green space in Queen Sirkit Park and Wachira Benchathat Park then the Chatuchak Market.  The market is a huge area the size of a large State Fair Grounds.Got back to Toom's, showered then went to dinner with Toom, Phillipo and a Thai friend of Toom's. They ordered 5 different dishes, amazing flavors and some a bit spicy but good. Tom Yum shrimp with red curry, fish, pork and morning glory. 

Wachira Benchathat Park

Walking in Wachira Benchathat Park and Queen Sirkit Park

Chatuchak Market, what else do you do on a rainy day? Shop!

Chatuchak Market, took this photo for Cal Smith and David Robert Citizen after our shopping in the Philippines.

On June 24th, Monday we grab Lao coffee then headed off to the Grand Palace by bus then boat. 
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the King of Siam since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based n the grounds of the palace until 1925.  The current king does have residence there today.

Wayne is really excited about the day and sharing with Keith a place he had visited on his 2006 World Tour. What a fantastic day, structures are so beautiful, art work on the inside wall surrounding the temple to the Emerald Buddha is just breathtaking. Palace is impressive in size, grounds have incredible trees done bonsai style. Spend 4 fantastic hours touring. Tried to take boat to Temple of Dawn but did not stop there, we walked around Chinatown. Went to Lumpini Park where we met Cass. Had dinner at Coyote. Had Mexican food. Walked around to find a Girly Boy show but could not find one. Keith and Wayne walked to Sphynx, Toom and his friend, Peter found us. We had a drink at Telephone then caught the last BTS and bus 134 back to Tooms'. Made it back for 1.00am.

Grand Palace Grounds looking at The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Phra Si Ratana Chedi 

Keith in front of The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Phra Si Ratana Chedi

Wayne in front of the Grand Palace Grounds looking at The Temple of the Emerald Buddha  and Phra Si Ratana Chedi 

Statue of a kinnara in Wat Phra Kaew in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha 

Keith looking up inside Phra Mondhop

Phra Mondhop, At the base of the Ordination Hall are Garudas holding Nagas. Garuda is the King of birds and mount of Vishnu, one of the greatest Hindu gods. Naga is the King of serpents and enemy Garudas holding Nagas of Garuda.                         

Monk in front of Prasat Phra Thep Bidon

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most sacred structure in the Kingdom and the repository of the spirit for all the Thai people. The history of the Emerald Buddha itself dates back more than 600 years and also represents the struggle of the Thai people to maintain their independence from foreign aggressors.

Ho Phra Nak, the hall for the relics of princes and princesses and Wiharn Yod, which, in a break from the colored mirror tiles of the other buildings      

Ho Phra Nak

Guardian of the temple

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha behind the chedis

Keith and Wayne at the central prasat of Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, The Dusitaphiron Royal Place, the Grand Palace                               

The Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat (Phra Thi Nang Chakkri Maha Prasat) is situated on the northernmost part of the Phra Thinang Chakri group. The throne hall forms the front or the façade of the entire building group. In front of the throne hall is the Rathakit Field; on either side of the throne hall are the Phrom Sopha Gates.                               

The Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawiharn, better known as Wat Patum is located in the Siam Square Area in Bangkok. It is a Royal temple built on an area that used to be the Sra Pathum Palace where King Rama IV used to live. The temple was constructed in 1857.

Soi 2 area, with Casandra took a jump shot under the enter to this club

Soi 4 is just a short walk from Soi 2, directly opposite Soi Convent (look out for California WOW Fitness). If you want to experience something a little more adventurous, the nearby shady Suriwong and Patpong areas reveal a naughtier side of things.

Ran into Toom at Sphinx at 100 Silom Soi 4

On June 25th, we packed all our things back into the two backpacks with all the electronics into another backpack then hung out with Toom and 3 other couch surfers (Oscar from Italy, guy from Argentina and one that just arrived, from France). Had lunch with Toom. He got us a taxi that took us on a joy ride then dropped us off several kilometers from the actual bus station. The people there were so nice to put us on one of their buses to the SouthBus Station.  Booked our bus at Phuket Central Tour for 1948 baht, left at 18.08 to Phuket. Sleeper bus with VIP, small cabin of 6 seats with 3 Thai guys. We watched Real Steel.

Keith eating a lychee, they became a staple for us while traveling.

Small cabin in the front with 5 people, chairs lean back and after the movie we went to sleep.  Hotel on wheels.

We arrive early in the morning of June 26th, Wednesday to the new bus station in Phuket, then walked 5km, and got a motorbike taxi to the bus for Patong Beach. We checked into the Aquarius Guesthouse and stayed in the building across the Paradise Complex. We rented a motor bike from the business three doors up then drove to several beach destinations, Kata beach, Kona Noi and Kona, Nan Ha then southern point for sunset. 

Paradise Cove Complex is the gay area in Phuket

Patang, strip clubs and bars from the beginning to the beach

Foot traffic in Patang

Zag in Paradise Complex, guys dancing on 55 gallon drums.  Music is great but load, especially since they are competing with two other clubs down the alley.

Keith, our waiter and Wayne having a drink at Sundowner and watching the shows in the alley from across the way at Zag and Lady Boys at the club to the left.

On Thursday, June 27th we met Andre from France along our travels, we toured several different locations by motorbike. Incredible beach scares and vistas we would have not found on our own. When we were done touring we followed him back to Patong Beach then had dinner with him.  We back to the hotel, parked our motorbike and decided to go for a walk along the Paradise Complex. Stopped in front of Sundowner when we were waved over by a woman to join her.  She introduced herself as Kim from Brighton, UK. Sat and chatted over a beer and watched all the "craziness". Dancers at Zag Club on 55 gallon drums still not very good, lady boys from next door and cabaret in the street in front of My Way. Music was loud with two clubs trying to out do each other. Left around 12.30 am.

Karon Beach 

Kata Beach from Ska Bar

Karon View Point

Keith at Karon View Point with Karon, Kata Noi and Kata Beaches in the background  

Wayne at Karon View Point with Karon, Kata Noi and Kata Beaches in the background  

Sane Bay

Rawai Beach 

Buddhist Temple at  the lighthouse and monument

Admiral His Royal Highness Prince Abhakara Kiartiwonges Prince of JumBorn and Lighthouse 

Promthep Cape View Point

Promthep Cape View Point

We were all seated along the wall to watch the sunset at Promthep Cape View Point

Sunset through Polarized sunglasses

Andre and Keith watching the sun go down, Andre showed us a trick using sunglasses to polarize, see the photo above taken through sunglasses

Wayne and Keith selfie at Nai Han Beach

Following Andre back to Patong to get dinner

June 28th, Thursday up at 7.37, had breakfast then off to the beach at 9.00 stayed and swam, some great waves for body surfing at gay beach. Left there to get petrol then shower before leaving for Phi Phi. Fried rice with chicken for lunch, spent time chatting with the guys from Germany. Got picked up at 13.00 then we picked Kim up at her hotel, surprise to all of us. Off to Phi Phi we go, not the 'luxury liner' we were shown in the photo.

Patong Beach

Patong Beach looking past the gay beach area

Gay beach at Patong

Wayne at Patong Beach

Keith at Patong Beach

Got to Phi Phi, looked for hotel and could not find a place. We sat down at Unni Cafe for something to eat and use the wifi. We met dive master from Barrakuda, Eddy. Gave us the name of a couple of places and we researched TripAdvisor. Keith found a place at The White 2 for 1,000baht a night. We dropped our bags then walked with Kim to watch fire dancers along the beach. We found a long boat operator we booked for the next day to Maya Bay for 1,300 baht. Had Thai food for dinner then headed back to sleep.

Traveling from Phuket to Phi Phi

Keith on deck during our Ferry trip to Phi Phi    

Approach to Phi Phi

Our not so luxuries boat as promised

Approaching Phi Phi

Port for Phi Phi

View from boat overlooking harbor in Phi Phi

Unni Cafe, to the right where we sat had lunch and used their Wifi

Fire dancer on the beach

Where we found our long boat operator for the following day to Maya Beach

June 29th, Saturday took long boat to Maya Bay then around the island to 2 move coves to swim and snorkel. Amazing water and flying fish in emerald water. Beautiful day from 7.30 to 10.30 with no crowds and the beach pretty much to ourselves. 

Long boats at Don Chukit Resort at the dock at 7:00 am ready to travel

Our boat operator readying the long boat for Maya Bay, we leave Phi Phi Don for Phi Phi Lee. Phi Phi Lee is an island of the Phi Phi archipelago, in the Andaman Sea. 

Keith leaning back as we start to leave for Maya Bay  

Leaving Phi Phi Don for Maya Beach

Island ahead is where Maya Beach is located 

Maya Bay and Maya Beach, It is now part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park

Keith at Maya Beach

Keith and Wayne at Maya Beach

Keith and Wayne doing a jump shot on Maya Beach

Maya Bay has become the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi since The Beach was filmed here in 1999.

Wayne and Keith with the opening to Loh Samah Bay behind us

Kim looking down when we walked on the small beach near Viking Cave

Viking Cave

Looking out towards Loh Samah Bay

We walked back across the island to Maya Bay

Wayne swimming with the fish near Viking Cave, our boat captain was throwing Keith's cakes in the water feeding the fish and stirring them up.  That was our breakfast he was throwing overboard.

Pileh Lagoon

Keith swimming in Pileh Lagoon

Pileh Lagoon on Phi Phi Lee. A spectacular and exhilarating experience. Thanks to Kim we got out there early as the boats started coming in when we left.

Got back packed then headed to Capulatte for breakfast. Booked the next boat to Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand.

Kim and Keith at breakfastat Capulatte.

Mama's Beach, Phi Phi Don

Keith found a swing at the end of Mama's Beach

We walked around the Mama's Beach then caught the boat for 15:30. Listened to this 23 year old Californian saying "the best time of his life was getting drunk and having shrimp at age 12, then all the travelers are really young like under his age or old like over 29." He was raised in California then he came over and chatted with us.  We stopped at Railay Beach to drop passengers off then sailed to Ao Nang. Tried Ao Nang Pearl but to far from beach and in the jungle.

Traveling through the Straits of Malacca to Ao Nang

Scenery from the ferry 

Beautiful scenery from the ferry to Ao Nang

Ao Nang

Ao Nang

Ao Nang Pearl, Gay Resort we opted out. Keith checked it out while Kim and Wayne remained in the taxi with the luggage.

View of the beach and water from high on the hill where our hotel is going to be

Aonang Top View Hotel - our room

 Keith and Kim found the Top View hotel for us. Got showered and walked down to the beach. Stopped had pizza for dinner. Headed back to the room after exploring some shops and having our photos taken with a monkey on the street.

Kim wanted a photo with the monkey

We took one too.

June 30th, Sunday sat downstairs booked flights from Penang to Singapore and Singapore to Manila. Kim left for Ko Samui. Keith and Wayne headed to the beach for the day after lunch. Went swimming and then laid on the beach under a tree. Got massages just off the beach after then walked up this wooden walkway to a cove. On the way there were monkeys all over playing.

Walked back to our towels and back into the water to get the oil off. Watched the sunset set and off to the hotel with two shells. Bought some thank you gifts on the way back.

Got ready to go out and off to Cabaret, lady boy show at Ao Nang Center Point. Wayne was called up to the stage to mimic the dancer. Lots of laughs and fun.  Had mango and chocolate pancakes and banana honey pancakes before heading to hotel. Packed all our stuff for early departure to Malaysia.

Phra Nang Beach, Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

View from Phra Nang Beach

View from our seats on the beach

Phra Nang Beach

Phra Nang Beach, woman approached with mangos and asked if we wanted a massage.  We will go meet her later.

There is a "walking" path called the "Monkey Trail" that connects the hotel with Ao Nang Beach

View from the "Monkey Trail"

Elevated walk from the beach to the other side

Sunset and another day is ending, after our not so good massage. We head back to the hotel.

Ao Nang Center Point has been the heart of nightlife entertainment since 1999 in the most popular resort town in Krabi Province. Ao Nang Center Point is a modern three-storey entertainment complex featuring a great choice of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

At 5:00 am on Monday, July 1st we are  up, packed and ready. Our mini van was late for pick up arriving 6:11 am. We made 3 stops for added passengers then a stop at bus station for no one, store and then a red bull/ cigarette break at 7:33 am. Another stop 8:06 then 10:11 for 15 minutes, grabbed spring rolls and iced coffee for breakfast. Keith moved to the front on the next break and Wayne chatted with a guy from Germany and lives part time in Naga, Luzon, PH.  We arrived Hatyai, Thailand at 11:45 had lunch and waited for transport to Penang, Malaysia to cross border.

Songkhia, Thailand border crossing to Malaysia.  Soon we say good-bye to Thailand.  

What an amazingly beautiful country. We have met some really nice people along the way and made some life long friends. Toom you were a great host, stay in touch.  Bonnie and Tom thanks for the laughs and time together in Chiang Mai.  Kim was nice to travel together from Phuket to Ao Nang.  Cassandra so glad to bump into you inn Bangkok, you are a hoot.

Wayne & Keith