Sparks Fly: Our Honeymoon {Part Two}

{Part Two} Koh Samui, Thailand 

  On day three we traveled by quick plane ride to the island of Koh Samui. We checked into our unbelievably gorgeous hotel, The W Retreat. Relaxed by our private bungalow pool for a little while and then had some drinks at SIP while watching the sunset, before we headed out to enjoy some of the island night life. 

 Day four was our first tour on the island. We boarded a boat in the early morning and started the day snorkeling among the giant limestone rocks that make up the different islands in Ang Thong National Marine Park. We saw lots of these beautiful rock structures, many of them names for their shapes, see below for the "Praying Monkey". Our next stop was to see the island Lagoon, there is no beach access to the lagoon, it's feed entirely by caves below water level! The panorama from the view landing was incredible. After a delicious thai lunch we toured around a bit more of the islands before returning to Samui. It was a beautiful day full of new experiences and such wonderful memories. 

The Praying Monkey

 Our fifth day was also a tour day, we were picked up at our hotel by Mole, our 4x4 driver. Our island jungle tour started with a visit to a coconut farm, where we got to try some fresh coconut and see how they are farmed. Our next stop was at the Samui adventure park were we had a brief encounter with some tigers, and then went Zip lining! Brian got a bit more creative than I did with this part. Our tour took us to see many beautiful status and jungle ruins. After a nice swim in a beautiful waterfall, we headed up the mountain (the bumpy, off road, part of the day!) to our lunch location, Woodland Park View, where the view was spectacular! Our last stop of the day was to see the Big Buddha Temple. We were excited to document that we had the dirtiest 4x4 at the end of the day, so we must have had the best tour guide!! 

 Our last day on the island was a relaxing one! Spent on the hotel's private beach enjoying the last few hours of our time on Koh Samui. 

Part Three coming soon...

xx,

Amanda

Sparks Fly: Our Honeymoon {Part One}

It's been five months since we returned from our honeymoon, and as I begin planning our next big international adventure I realized that I never posted about it! Whoops! Here goes...

{Part One} Bangkok, Thailand
We arrived at SF airport early and enjoyed some relaxing time in the United First lounge as we waited for our plane to board.

Once on board we made ourselves comfortable in our fancy first class seats with a mimosa to set the mood for our twelve hour flight to Tokyo Narita Airport, where our layover was. 

 Pretty skies over Japan

We were delayed in Japan for a few hours, by the time we arrived at our hotel in Bangkok is was 3am.

After a good nights sleep, we were ready to explore the city. Our first stop was the Grand Palace!

 And boy was a it Grand!

We took a tuk tuk tour of some other parts of the city and had some very delicious street foods! 

 Our last stop of the day was, Wat Pho, the reclining Buddha.

Our second day took us out into the countryside beyond Bangkok city. We visited a thai market.

 Home made curry spices

 Lots of dried peppers, fruits, meats and other goods.

 Our tour guide asked us if any of us had tried Durian before, none had so he purchases a few bags for us to enjoy with our lunch later. It's considered one of the smelliest fruits! But tastes wonderful.

 Our next stop was into the thai rice fields for an Ox cart ride. I personally loved the very stylish hats they provided us with.

 Just before lunch we headed into the national park for a brief hike to a beautiful waterfall!

 These were the steepest stairs I've ever climbed.

 Saw some monkey's on the road and in the trees, on the way out of the national park!

 To round out our day we spent about half an hour trekking through the jungle atop of Cherry the Elephant!

Part Two coming soon...

xx,

Amanda