Bangkok and Koh Samed July 2012
First few days if traveling in Thailand; before moving further east. Spent 2 nights in Bangkok, exploring the markets (have been to see the tourist sights in Bangkok on a previous trip). Bangkok has a great train/subway system; very clean and efficient; best way to get around and avoid sitting in traffic. Love the Thai food, especially Tom Yum soup, Curries etc. Had fried fish the evening we arrived, at a local seafood place. Things have become more expensive here than the last time we were here, which admittedly was a long time ago:). Some scenes from the streets of Bangkok below
Street Omelette breakfast outside our hotel was delicious
Commerce goes on in all forms
Interesting home on top of a street market
Beautiful models promoting some product
Behind our hotel a short 10 minute walk through the gulleys were multiple simple abodes right on the waterways; which were used for water taxi transportation. From the looks of it, many people live there with high people concentrations.
During this meander, we came across a nice street market with lots of fresh foods being sold
Giving blessings; and getting food
Monk getting some food etc form devotees. If the monk does not receive anything from his devotees, then he goes hungry
Thailand market; lots of vegetables and fruits
Yummy
Then drove over to Koh Samed (or Koh Samet) island, about 2 hours from Bangkok. This island is a small spit of land, which is a national park (the whole island). It is not popular with foreign tourists, who end up going to Phuket mostly. This island is more popular with Thai people, who tourist this island.
To get to the island, you have to take a ferry or a speed boat. We took the speed boat, waters were choppy and Dilshad screamed a lot (see pic; she is actually screaming, not laughing:)). The boat literally drops you on the beach; and you carry your bags over to the hotel which is right there. Beaches here have great white sand, and clean emerald green water. The island is very natural with a lot of natural beauty. Staying on Koh Samed at Samed Villas, nice clean rooms. Check out the pics.
Cute kid, waiting on the pier with us for the boat ride to Koh Samed
Boat ride was choppy; screaming choppy
The boat literally dropped us on the beach; beautiful white sandy beach
The island was very beautiful; with great flora and fauna; see below
Strange leaf on Koh Samed
Another interesting leaf design of nature
Plenty of coconuts everywhere
Interesting butterfly
Seaside cafe
Nice outdoor beach restaurants
Will leave on Tuesday to go to Cambodia by road. Wish us luck
Thailand to Cambodia next
