2018 - Thailand - Oct 19 - 1 - Phuket

On to Phuket - we ferried back to Koh Samui and then flew to the west coast of Thailand to its largest island.  Phuket , after being on the other islands was very hustle bustle.  On our ride from the airport we came up behind this truck.

Elephants are not meant to ride in trucks through the middle of town.  I only hope they were taking him to a sanctuary.  Made me cry.

We stayed at the Marriott on Merlin Beach only a short ride from Patong Beach.

This is off our patio (spoiled!).

Every day they made us more towel creatures.

The sign said "Please Keep Off the Grass" - even the lizards show respect.

When tide goes out - it really goes out.

Patong Beach - again with the food

and the wiring -

and tuk-tuks that turn into discos at night -

but a bar where you can surf?  Seriously?

Then there was the nightlife -

and it's "jiggle" bars.

Or you could have your feet nibbled on by fish -

and if you need a little time to shop without your mate looking over your shoulder - there was always "Husband Day Care".

Even Ronald McDonald gives you the official Thai greeting.

2018 - Thailand - Oct 17 - 18 - Koh Tao

Koh Tao is an island just a short ferry ride north of Koh Samui. This was, hands down, the prettiest of resorts we stayed at, Jamahkiri. Our room was on the side of a cliff with incredible views and amazing snorkeling. 

Lightning -

Our room is the one in the very middle of this picture.

This person built into the surrounding rocks and then camouflaged it - 

2018 - Thailand - Oct 13 - 16 - Koh Samui

The morning of the 13th we spent relaxing in our private pool and watching young Thai men climb up the palm trees to trim the tops.  Unbelievable.

The rest of the day was spent at Tamarind Springs Spa way up in the jungle.  Can you imagine 5 hours of pampering?  The first hour and a half was spent going between 2 herbal steam caves, 3 rock plunge pools, sugar scrubs, and fresh organic refreshments.  Then came the 1 hour foot massage and 2 1/2 hour full body massage.  We were barely functioning when we came back to the resort for dinner.

The next morning we spent at Wat Plai Laem a more modern Buddhist temple just across the street.   

Its main statue is Guanyin, the "goddess" of compassion and mercy.  There is also a white statue of Budai and smaller shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva and Sakka.

The beach was so much fun. You could eat, get a massage, and shop right from your beach chair. The sunsets and boats just added to the ambiance.