Chiang Rai // The White Temple

After our three days in Bangkok we caught a night bus to Chiang Rai, which is in the North of Thailand. After some 11 hours scrunched up in a bus we made it! Rylee slept most of the night on the floor, and we took turns holding Zachery who also slept a good chunk of the trip... and when he was awake the boob was a sure trick to keep him quiet :)

Our first site to see in Chiang Rai was the White Temple. This is one very unique temple, it is all white and adorned with mosiac pieces of mirror giving it the look of glistening crystals from afar. Definitely a must see if in the Chiang Rai area. Also being a relatively new temple, built in 1997, it has very modern touches in design as well as some very odd features...like a mural within the temple that you will find images that seem quite out of place, like: Hello Kitty, Superman, Nero from Matrix, the planes crashing into the twin towers, and even a minion from Despicable Me... so wierd! (Also note you can go pee in class in a building that is entirely gold, not real of course, but definitely extravagent building just for toilets)

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Bangkok // Reclining Buddha

After our trip to the Grand Palace in Bangkok we walked around the corner and come to Wat Pho. Wat Pho is the home of the famous reclining Buddha, and is also one of the oldest and largest wats in Bangkok.

I can definitely understand why it is considered the largest, that is one big Buddha shrine, as you can see! The reclining Buddha is about 43 m long, painted gold, and has feet images on its big feet inlaid with mother of pearl. In and around the complex are many other intricately designed temples to see if your into that. I found it better to just take a break by the koi pond to escape the heat, rest my feet, and feed mr. Zachman.

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Grand Palace

Day two in Bangkok was solely devoted to being complete tourists taking in all the sights, something we had yet to do.

First up on the agenda was the Grand Palace! My sister and I had a good laugh when Dad and Sevio had to rent pants to put over their shorts, never would I have pegged those two to be the immodest ones (so, note to any men traveling to the Grand Palace...long pants are required). 

The general entry fee was 500 Baht and we spent about two hours walking around the grounds. It's absolutely amazing the amount of ornate detail put into the buildings, temples, and grounds. I can't imagine how long it took to place each and every one of those tiny pieces of mosaic glass, it's stunning.

Within the walls of the Grand Palace you will also find the temple holding the famous emerald Buddha (sorry no pictures allowed), which is made out of solid jade. Every where you turn you find something new, whether it be hand painted murals along the walls of the building, or stone statues, golden statues, or real life statuesque Thai guards. 

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Hua Hin Getaway

Thought I'd share a few more pics from our mini vacation to Hua Hin, Thailand. One moment worth sharing for sure is on the bus there Rylee just out of the blue shot chunky strawberry yogurt flavoured pukey all over herself and me! What do you do when you and your toddler are trapped in van that's been packed like sardines and are covered in throw up? Honestly I have no suggestions... Just don't throw up yourself! Thankfully I had packed a towel and could sop up most of the mess before pulling over at the next gas station, but let me tell you that sour smell sure does linger!

On a brighter note, we arrived safe and sound at our little guest house located a few minutes from the beach. It was lovely and so spacious! Rylee even got her own bed! We spent three days in this little beach town and had quite the relaxing time checking out the sights. The first night was New Years, but before partaking in those festivities we went to a local night market and ate a lot of great food.

New Year's Day we slept in, casually made our way out to a temple located at the top of a hill at the end of the beach called, Khao Takiab. This little hill is also known as "Monkey Mountain", and they're not kidding, there were monkeys EVERYWHERE (so many I was bit freaked out)! Note to the wise: don't carry any food or garbage, monkeys will attempt to get it from you (I know from first hand experience!). After climbing an absurd amount of stairs to see the temple and get a great view of the coast and Gulf of Thailand, we walked down to the base to a little fishing village, which is also where a giant golden Buddha statue stands. From there we walked the beach/hip waded back to our neck of the woods.

Our last night we went into the main town area to check out another night market. Again lots of food was consumed, hah we don't shop we just eat! Our last day we made one last trip to the beach, unfortunately the tide was up making for a short and sweet outing before heading back to pack and begin our trek back to Bangkok (with no more puke incidents I might add).

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Buatong Waterfalls

We got the opportunity to go to Buatong Waterfall not too long ago which is located about an hour outside of Chiang Mai. There are many waterfalls within Thailand but this one is specifically unique with its limestone surface making it possible to climb up and down the cascading falls easily...and most importantly safely (even for a almost two year old)!

It seems to be a hidden gem as its not filled with tourists making the experience even more relaxing and enjoyable! I only wish we had packed a lunch and come earlier in the day!

It Takes A Village...

 The final chapter from our "Escape From The City"

Our last stop before heading home was to an area where a variety of Thailand's hilltribes displayed their differences, handicrafts, and more rural way of life. It was a neat to sit and talk with the kids, men, and ladies and see how they make their handicrafts (absolutely amazing what they can do by hand!), but what this place was missing was the authentic feel of a real village, I would definitely make sure next time (even if it cost more) to visit a real village of one specific hilltribe.

My favourite hilltribe to visit was the Karen Hilltribe (also known as the Longnecks). This tribe is well known for their women who wear gold rings around their necks, calves, and wrists. It blows my mind the length of some of these women's elongated necks and how strong they are to live with the weight of them day in and day out (you will see a picture of me wearing a mock longneck which weighs 1lb which is nothing to some ladies who were wearing up to 3lbs of rings just on their necks!).

And that about sums up our little excursion out of the city, obviously a full day but a very fun day! I only wish Rylee was old enough to remember it all!