Returning to Thailand is always fun as the nostalgia of our first month here comes into play. Unfortunately the hostel we stayed overnight was infested with bed bugs. Let me warn you if you ever stay on Khoa San Road avoid Mom's Guesthouse. They really gave us the cold shoulder when we told them the problem and I'm positive we are not the first to let them know of these parasites. Regardless we revisited Ethos, Michelle's favorite vegan restaurant and set off for a day of shopping at the market!
We left the following morning to rendezvous with Michelle's parents to travel to Hua Hin. Her father had pulled some strings and was able to get us a 2 night free stay at Rest Detail, rated the #1 Boutique Hotel of Thailand for 2011. This place had everything: infinity pool, room service, massages, A/C, restaurant, all-u-can eat breakfast buffet, bar, complimentary snacks, turndown service, etc. We went from the worst place to stay to the very best. Karma has a way of always rearing it's head. Hua Hin is the home of the Royal Family's summer house. We could see from our resort navy ships guarding their estate from the ocean. It was also home to the greatest mango and sticky rice in the world! Hua Hin is the closest thing to Florida I have seen! Old couples and young families were everywhere. Fun place to visit and a good place for the "worrisome traveler" to avoid any culture shock.
The Rest Detail's Logo
Sweet infinity pool
Michelle in front of the private pool
Our room
The resort even had complimentary pajamas... me posing as Capt. Morgan!
In front of the Hua Hin train station
But as always good things must come to an end. Rest Detail is a place where we could have stayed forever. We took a bus to Prachuap Kiri Khan where we stayed two days. The accomodation was very nice and the town was sleepy but charming. We have noticed it getting warmer everyday and the humidity will have you pooling in sweat in seconds. We visited the local beach which was located on an Air Force Base. It was a local spot and the food was super cheap. Even had some time for some fried ice cream.
I like to call these two: SPF 50 and SPF 30
Fried Ice Cream w/ Man United pennant
Locals drying out fish for various foods
The following morning Michelle and her parents headed up to Wat Thammikaram (I slept in). From the top you got a great view of the bays. The monkeys were equally entertaining as they would go for a swim and dry off in the sun.
View of bay in Prachuap
Monkeys going for a swim
... and drying off
Lastly after a failed attempt to ride the local train (4 hour delay), we took a bus to Bang Saphan. We stayed in bungalows on the beachside and spent a few days just relaxing and checking out the town. Our beach was flooded with jellyfish so we had to find another watering hole. Luckily we found this picturesque location where we stayed for hours. Our train for Penang in Malaysia left at 9pm. Our first night train, choo -choo! We got our own bed but the ride was bumpy. 18 hrs later we finally made it to Malaysia.
Attack of the jellyfish
Michelle made fun of my last haircut and said I looked like a pineapple head. When she saw this group during a parade she couldn't resist to take a photo and tease me.
Night Train
We just arrived in Malaysia and it is HOT!! We will soon be crossing the equator. Visas are free for Americans. Looking forward to some Indian curry and vegetable samosas. We will catch you later! I hope it's not too cold in the Northwest, lol.
Are Michelle parent going with you everywhere now? Also mom says you're too skinny.
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