♫ I hear it calling you..Swimming closer to you ♫-All Saints

THE BEACH!!!!!! 

It was a dream come true to be able to visit this Paradise. Though it was really crowded, still it was beautiful. The pristine waters and long stretch of white sand welcomed tourists from all around the world.

Hi everybody!!! 'Twas a pleasure sharing this speedboat with all of you.

Postcard-ish pose by the hubby.

Let's hit the water!

To enjoy the islands, tourists have the option to go for the speed boat or the not-so-speedy boat as you can see here. The slower one could take you maybe twice the time to go around the islands but it is also more private as you can take control of your time in each stop.

Here's our short trip to Monkey island. Always be careful and listen to your guide's instructions.

From one enchanting island to the next!

This was were we laid down on the colorful beach chairs and enjoyed some fruit shakes. 

We also did some snorkeling.

While I was afloat on the water, I looked up and saw this...heavenly.

Apparently this is where they collect the bird's nest for that famous soup.

Pretty much sums up our whole island hopping experience! Haha! Til then!

Relaxing All Day Long in Patong, Phuket

It was such a pleasure to be able to visit this world famous resort town of Patong.

From the colorful accommodations to the exciting tour packages- we just can't wait to get started.

And what better way to start off our honeymoon than to head straight to the beach!

Roads leading to the beach are lined with souvenir shops and restaurants.

We grabbed some ice cream to cool down after walking under the scorching afternoon sun.

Hello everyone!

It's great to be here! Finally! 

Someone is very thrilled to start our people watching sesh at the beach.

 This is a long stretch of white sand beach.

honeymooning :D

Of course..we couldn't afford to miss Phuket's lovely sunset.

<3

 The sun's out, it's time to welcome the night life. Where else? but...

 Bangla Road

 All the pubs have opened with loud party music ready to lure everyone.

 We did get to see the lady boy show later that night but we can't show it here.

 You all should go and see them yourselves haha ;-P
Next up: Ko Phi Phi and Maya Bay in Krabi

Of Elephants, Boat Rides and Thai Food

Years back, we watched a TV show that featured the wonderful tourist attractions in Bangkok. We were both enticed and we promised each other that one day we'll go there. We kept that promise and we made it here! We're so excited!!!!!

We started off in the elephant village where we get to enjoy a few minutes riding an elephant.

Yes. It was a BEAUTIFUL day!

The whole village was packed with tourists and we all had to wait for our turn. But we didn't really mind.

This guy right here was just outside inviting tourists to take a picture with the elephant (for a tip).

You can also feed these gentle creatures with bananas after their hard work.

'til then! To the floating market we go..

We might've expected a little more from this place but still we enjoyed the ride.
A quick pose with this lady who was in charge of the ticketing. She also sells souvenir items such as a plate with your faces on it (hmmmm).
After we got our tickets, we hopped on our boat and hope for an enjoyable ride.

It was quite a hot day, good thing rainbow umbrellas were installed on the boat.

It wasn't an organized traffic though but it was indeed a real floating market.

Atis (custard apple) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Drool!!!!!!!!!!!

What's in that pot of yours Mr. Thai?

This is as real as it can get. Very hot, very noisy and yes very crowded. But it was fun!

A whole day's tour made us tired and hungry. So we headed to the famous Khao San Road to experience the real deal and here's what we found:

Thai food is <3! 

Bangkok, Thailand: You Are Gold!

Sawadee Ka Bangkok!

Welcome to The Grand Palace! A ginormous tourist attraction in the heart of Bangkok that was built in 1782. This used to be the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government.

It was a loooooooong walk to get to the main entrance. Good thing you can find sellers of  hats, umbrellas and scarfs just outside.
The number of tourists who flock to the Grand Palace is MASSIVE. There were lots of people! Seriously!

We had to learn to navigate our way through the crowd and still be able to get decent usies. Thanks to our ever reliable selfie stick.

Thai culture is proudly revealed in golden intricate designs in each of the temples located inside the Grand Palace complex.

One very special temple, called
 Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha
houses the immensely revered Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century.

By the way, because these temples are sacred to Thai people, there is a very strict dress code. Women need to cover their legs with long skirts or pants. Polo shirts are also available for women with revealing tops. There is a deposit which you can claim after you return the shirt.

 Amazing statues!

 Hey you!

 Absolutely beautiful Royal reception halls which are used for important functions.

 What Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha

This is a good 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace. Considered as one of the largest complexes in the city, it is  home to the 46-meter long giant reclining Buddha. This place is very impressive!

 I loved this part of the complex. Notice the group of tourists being led by this guy with the amp.

 This part of the complex is more 'liberal' in terms of dress code.

More golden Buddhas in the background.

This is only the first leg of our adventure/honeymoon in the Land of Smiles.