Showing posts with label Resort. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Resort. Show all posts
Joyful Celebrations 4nd Timeless Traditions Delight Guests at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Season: The Holidays Part III – Downtown Disney & Resorts
[Walt Disney World News] – It’s the month before Christmas 4nd throughout Mickey’s house, the trees are all glowing, bringing smiles t0 The Mouse. Choirs are singing, bakers taking great care, sounds 4nd smells of the season are filling the air...
At Walt Disney World Resort in 2011, it begins t0 look a lot like Christmas as early as Nov. 8. Santa’s elves bedazzle every corner of the Vacation Kingdom for a seasonal spectacle filled with heartwarming stage productions, enchanting parades, garlands 4nd wreaths, millions of sparkling lights 4nd even the first flakes of winter.
4nd with a ho, ho, whole lot of cheer being spread over more than a month, guests have more choice as t0 when they join in the magical, one-of-a-kind celebration.
Downtown Disney
With dozens of shops that stretch from the Marketplace t0 the West Side (4nd plenty of taste-bud-tempting treats!), Downtown Disney is a shopper’s delight. There are one-of-a-kind boutiques such as TrenD, a sports shop at Team Mickey, plus enough toys, games, character merchandise, 4nd costumes t0 fill Santa’s sleigh at Once Upon a Toy 4nd World of Disney.
There’s also Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Ghirardelli Chocolates, Basin (soaps 4nd bath products), LEGO Imagination Center 4nd much more – including Disney’s Days of Christmas where guests can choose Disney ornaments 4nd decorations any season of the year.
School choirs 4nd bands often perform at the dock stage t0 ring in the season. Kids can pose for pictures 4nd sit with Santa Nov. 19 – Dec. 24, 2011.
Resort Hotels
Disney resort hotels are dressed up for the holidays, offering an ideal home-away-from-home during the season. An intricate, life-size gingerbread house cooked up by Walt Disney World pastry chefs is a must-see at Disney’s Gr4nd Floridian Resort 4nd Spa. The yummy sugar shack is baked with 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 35 pounds of spices 4nd more. It even has a chimney that puffs out delicious cinnamon smoke.
A magnificent gingerbread carousel complete with chocolate 4nd soft-candy ponies 4nd oversized candy-cane poles takes center stage at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Other hotels are spruced up with wreaths 4nd trees decorated with miles of garland, ribbon 4nd glistening ornaments. Check each hotel for holiday dining offerings 4nd special entertainment.
Mid-Week Special: Part I – Why stay on-site at Walt Disney World?
This is a Disney experience planning site, so here is a planning recommendation. There are a lot of reasons t0 stay on property when visiting Walt Disney World, not the least of which is y0ubecome immersed in a 24/7 Disney experience. Yes, it can be expensive, but it doesn’t have t0 be if y0uwatch closely for the discounts 4nd choose your resort wisely. But then, there are many benefits t0 staying on site that have financial savings 4nd convenience factors attached.
Mary Ann 4nd I stayed in Value, Moderate 4nd Deluxe accommodations. Yes, there are significant differences between different resort categories, but sometimes a less expensive room is better. For example, on our last trip we stayed at a Port Orleans French Quarter, which is a moderate resort, but we also stayed at Wilderness Lodge, which is a deluxe resort. But in fact, we preferred the less expensive Port Orleans, a story that we touched on earlier this year.
I recommend using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who are graduates of the College of Disney Knowlege. People who specialize in the many aspects of a Disney vacation are better prepared t0 advise you, but more importantly, will know how t0 get y0uthe best deal. And, if new discounts are offered before your arrive, they will help y0uadjust your itinerary t0 make the most of your vacation dollars.
Our last Disney vacation we used one of these agencies, MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel. We were quite pleased with our Independent Travel Consultant Michelle Cunningham. (This is an uncompensated endorsement, as are all of our recommendations.) But there are many Disney-endorsed agencies that y0ucan find easily online.
But the bottom line, there are real benefits of being in any resort on Disney property.
- - Extra Magic Hours offer guests additional time in selected parks, sometimes in the mornings 4nd other times after closing. Either way, it is only available if y0ustay in a Disney resort 4nd it adds t0 the value of your admission tickets.
- - Disney’s Magical Express Transportation is free pick-up 4nd drop-out t0 your resort 4nd back t0 the Orlando International Airport. This saves the money y0umight have spent on a rental car, cab, or other fare.
- - Disney onsite transportation from park t0 resort t0 Downtown Disney 4nd back. These are the buses, boats 4nd monorail that conveniently take y0ufrom place t0 place.
- - Free parking. If y0udo use a car, y0uget t0 park for free both at your hotel 4nd at the parks. Check your daily rates for staying off site; this benefit is a big value.
- - The Disney Dining Plans are offered only t0 park guests. y0ucan save a lot of money depending on your vacation eating habits. With about a 100 restaurants on property, choosing wisely will cut the cost of food for your trip.
- - If y0ugolf 4nd stay at a WDW Resort hotel y0ucan get club rentals with a purchase of a full round of golf at four Disney Championship Golf Courses.
- - Package delivery t0 your resort is free. We always find this t0 be really helpful, since we can buy gifts 4nd souvenirs at many stores which are then delivered back t0 our hotel the next day. But beware, if you’re not carrying anything you’ll likely buy more. (I wonder if Disney thought of that.)
- - 4nd the Key t0 the World. Carry one card for park admission, dining, 4nd charging at stores; 4nd get extra cards for your party. Of course, this is linked t0 your credit card 4nd it’s a little easy t0 overdo it, but it is a great convenience while on vacation.
So the bottom line is I highly recommend staying on Walt Disney World property during your visit. Plus, the savings 4nd benefits compared t0 staying off site will often times even out or exceed the difference in price.
This was the first of a multi-part series of A World View Mid-Week Specials t0 summarize Walt Disney World accommodations. Next week I’ll begin describing the five different resorts types available t0 y0u4nd provide a little bit of information on each. In the future, I’ll do a more in-depth story on individual resorts
READ MORE - Mid-Week Special: Part I – Why stay on-site at Walt Disney World?
Port Orleans French Quarter
Mary Ann 4nd I stayed in Value, Moderate 4nd Deluxe accommodations. Yes, there are significant differences between different resort categories, but sometimes a less expensive room is better. For example, on our last trip we stayed at a Port Orleans French Quarter, which is a moderate resort, but we also stayed at Wilderness Lodge, which is a deluxe resort. But in fact, we preferred the less expensive Port Orleans, a story that we touched on earlier this year.
I recommend using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who are graduates of the College of Disney Knowlege. People who specialize in the many aspects of a Disney vacation are better prepared t0 advise you, but more importantly, will know how t0 get y0uthe best deal. And, if new discounts are offered before your arrive, they will help y0uadjust your itinerary t0 make the most of your vacation dollars.
Our last Disney vacation we used one of these agencies, MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel. We were quite pleased with our Independent Travel Consultant Michelle Cunningham. (This is an uncompensated endorsement, as are all of our recommendations.) But there are many Disney-endorsed agencies that y0ucan find easily online.
Pop Century Resort
If you’re like us though, the only time you’re in your room is t0 sleep. If y0ucome back during the day t0 relax (which I highly recommend), you’re likely not going t0 hang around your room since there are the pools, the food court, the lounges, game rooms, widely decorated grounds, water vehicles 4nd more.
It is likely our next trip will be t0 a Value Resort because we’ll have a larger group including children 4nd need t0 save a little money. But we also travel t0 several resorts during our trips, so restaurants, recreation 4nd just plain enjoyment at the other accommodations are already a part of our vacation, even though we don’t sleep there.
Gr4nd Floridian Resort 4nd Spa
But the bottom line, there are real benefits of being in any resort on Disney property.
- - Extra Magic Hours offer guests additional time in selected parks, sometimes in the mornings 4nd other times after closing. Either way, it is only available if y0ustay in a Disney resort 4nd it adds t0 the value of your admission tickets.
- - Disney’s Magical Express Transportation is free pick-up 4nd drop-out t0 your resort 4nd back t0 the Orlando International Airport. This saves the money y0umight have spent on a rental car, cab, or other fare.
- - Disney onsite transportation from park t0 resort t0 Downtown Disney 4nd back. These are the buses, boats 4nd monorail that conveniently take y0ufrom place t0 place.
- - Free parking. If y0udo use a car, y0uget t0 park for free both at your hotel 4nd at the parks. Check your daily rates for staying off site; this benefit is a big value.
- - The Disney Dining Plans are offered only t0 park guests. y0ucan save a lot of money depending on your vacation eating habits. With about a 100 restaurants on property, choosing wisely will cut the cost of food for your trip.
Disney's Contemporary Resort © Disney
- - If y0ugolf 4nd stay at a WDW Resort hotel y0ucan get club rentals with a purchase of a full round of golf at four Disney Championship Golf Courses.
- - Package delivery t0 your resort is free. We always find this t0 be really helpful, since we can buy gifts 4nd souvenirs at many stores which are then delivered back t0 our hotel the next day. But beware, if you’re not carrying anything you’ll likely buy more. (I wonder if Disney thought of that.)
- - 4nd the Key t0 the World. Carry one card for park admission, dining, 4nd charging at stores; 4nd get extra cards for your party. Of course, this is linked t0 your credit card 4nd it’s a little easy t0 overdo it, but it is a great convenience while on vacation.
So the bottom line is I highly recommend staying on Walt Disney World property during your visit. Plus, the savings 4nd benefits compared t0 staying off site will often times even out or exceed the difference in price.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge © 2007 Disney
This was the first of a multi-part series of A World View Mid-Week Specials t0 summarize Walt Disney World accommodations. Next week I’ll begin describing the five different resorts types available t0 y0u4nd provide a little bit of information on each. In the future, I’ll do a more in-depth story on individual resorts
Sanaa Restaurant at Kidani Village is located at Animal Kingdom Lodge
PLANNING TIP: Staying at one resort at the World doesn't prevent y0ufrom enjoying the features of others. 4nd the Disney transportation options provide opportunties t0 travel from site t0 site. But some places are longer t0 get t0 than others. So there is an advantage of having a rental car during your vacation. Driving is much faster 4nd more convenient than the bus.
Sanaa in Swahili means “work of art”. The atmosphere, colors 4nd designs of the seating area, in addition t0 the presentation of the meals, clearly lived up t0 its name. [4nd during the holidays, there is caroling.]
The experience was altogether wonderful, particularly the exciting view. We lunched with a window table allowing us an amazing 4nd lively show during the meal. There are 30 species of animals among the four savannas, although from our window view, we saw about a half dozen. There are several viewing areas t0 choose from, inside 4nd out of the building.
Sanaa has wonderful menu with a range of selections having exciting tastes. Mary Ann had the Tandoori Shrimp, wrapped in Naan bread with minted greens, tomat0 4nd cucumber-yogurt raita. I had a Grilled Pork Chop glazed with ginger 4nd pickled lime sauce 4nd served with warm potat0 4nd spinach salad. I had Orange-Sesame Cake for dessert 4nd Mary Ann a slice of Chocolate Cake.
Since this was lunch for us, so we didn’t want t0 order too much; but there is an Indian-style Bread Service that looked very interesting 4nd had several accompaniments that apparently was very popular, especially with groups. We did make a dinner reservation at Saani for later in the trip, but cancelled due t0 other activities. But we loved this meal 4nd will be back.
There are web links (in purple) y0uwill find interesting t0 review. The Disney World official site has posted several menus (Jan. 2010). These include Lunch, Dinner, Wine 4nd Dessert. Three Disney fan web sites have reviews 4nd more photos. They are The SkitchKingdom.Com Review 4nd Photo galleries 4nd he DIS; also comments by guests who have been there within the All Ears site. [Post-Publication Update: Multiple Sanaa information on the The Disney Food Blog, a most delicious Disney-style web offering.]
Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, opened less than a year ago, as a DVC. Renting a car t0 travel from resort t0 resort lets us view the great holiday decorations all over the World, plus add t0 our options of really great restaurants like Sanaa. No matter where we stay, we get t0 enjoy the whole World. At Animal Kingdom Lodge we also ate twice at Boma, located in the Lodge building (a breakfast 4nd lunch), but that's for another post.
Below is a y0uTube video from the Jeff Lange DVD Channel that help illustrate this great place t0 visit as well as enjoy a meal. That site also links t0 another source of photos 4nd information at MouseSteps.Com.
My next column will be about my favorite ride in the Magic Kingdom... Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
# # #
Winter Skiing In Deer Valley Resort
Winter Skiing In Deer Valley Resort
by Chris Chew
Deer Valley Ski Resort is a top class vacation resort for skiing enthusiasts of all levels of expertise. It is situated in Utah's portion of the majestic Rocky Mountain Range.
The resort is just about 37 miles from Salt Lake International Airport, in the ancient mining town of Park City. The management team that runs Deer Valley Ski Resort prides itself on providing superb customer service, consistent good quality and attention to details of each and every customer. Skiers on vacation in Deer Valley have consistently voted the resort as one of the best, if not the best ski resort in the world especially in the department of customer service.
Deer Valley Ski Resort is huge and sprawls over four spectacular mountains. This means that skiers of every level from the beginner to the expert skier can find their own ski trails and runs.
Towering at 8,400 ft (2,560 m) is the Bald Eagle Mountain. This mountain offers exhilarating skiing terrain for the novice and experienced skiers alike. Beginners will appreciate the separate protected beginners' ski area known as the Wide West which is made accessible by two chairlifts called Burns and Snowflake.
Another Deer Valley mountain, the Bald Mountain, looms at 9,400 feet (2,865 m) and this area provides more challenging skiing terrain for the more experienced skiers. The view and scenery at Bald Mountain is simply spectacular. The skiing areas at The Sultan and Mayflower are filled with numerous runs and exhilarating trails. This area is a favorite for the more experienced skiers.
At the Flagstaff Mountain which peaks at 9,100 ft (2,775 m) are a variety of experienced and novice ski trails. Flagstaff Mountain skiing areas are also very suitable for family skiing because of several gentle gladed skiing areas. Skiers can glide into the Ontario Bowl which boasts of scintillating views of Park City and the Rocky Mountains.
The last mountain on Deer Valley ski resort is the Empire Canyon which stands at 9,570 ft (2,920 m). Empire Canyon offers intermediate and expert skiing terrain. It offers some of the most advanced skiing experience at Deer Valley which includes three bowls and eight chutes.
Deer Valley ski resorts not only offer varying terrain for different grade of skiers, it is also a ski resort built with family fun as its focus. Deer Valley ski school offers several coaching programs for children, teenagers as well as adults. It even have a licensed childcare center for non-skiing children when their parents are out there navigating the ski trails.
With so many fabulous features at Deer Valley Ski Resort, is it any wonder why this resort is often voted as one of the world's best ski vacation resorts?
Miami Playa; your guide
Miami Playa; your guide
by Chris Rowlands
Miami Playa is an often overlooked holiday destination on the east coast of Spain. Ideally situated only an hour's drive away from Barcelona and with its own golf course and the popular Port Aventura theme park nearby, what more could you ask for?
Well to answer that question, how about a selection of clean, white sandy beaches for a start. There are four to be precise, 3 coves and Playa Crystal. This is a 3km stretch aptly named as the waters are clean and clear and meet the gently sloping beach with a calm surf that makes it ideal for snorkelling.
In the height of summer the temperatures reach into the mid to late 20's. Add to this the fact that the resort basks in around 300 days of sun every year, it makes it a pretty attractive prospect. You can quench your thirst at the many bar's nestling along side the beach and then appease your appetite at one of the wonderful selection of restaurants that seem to cater for every taste you can think of, be it; Spanish, French, Italian, German, Argentinean or Chinese, its all here.
The resort gives you the best of both worlds as it is not too developed but near enough to some brilliant tourist attractions should you wish to visit them. You can enjoy a relaxing, peaceful holiday, listening to the tranquil splashing of the surf, enjoy a spot of horse riding in the mountains, there's even a superb golf course if you fancy spending a bit of time practising your putting. Why not opt for something altogether different and visit one of Spain's largest water parks; Costa Cariba or the theme park; Port Aventura both only 15 minutes drive away. This makes it an ideal destination for a family holiday and a vacation you will never forget.
For those of you with a penchant for history, especially that of the Roman era, a trip to the nearby town of Tarragona should not be missed. There is a brilliant; still standing Aqueduct, a circus and a magnificent museum based inside the Cathedral.
If you like your wildlife, birds in particular, you cannot afford to miss the wetlands of the Ebro Delta. Spanning an awe inspiring area of 32,000 hectares, the Delta is under threat and it is estimated 50% will be lost within the next 50 years due to man's intervention.
The accommodation in Miami Playa is of a brilliant standard, with much to choose from. Why not consider hiring a villa for a week or two, this can be very cost effective for a family group and give you much more freedom.
There are some beautiful properties to choose from; How about a relaxing holiday staying at Villa Bonmont, situated in the heart of the Bonmont golf club. A spacious modern villa with an 8x4m illuminated pool to take a dip in when it gets that little bit too hot. There are 3 double bedrooms, all with built in wardrobes. The master bedroom resides on a separate floor making it the perfect escape for the tired parents, especially with the en-suite bathroom all to yourself.
If you're after the ultimate family holiday, why not consider Villa Casa Lyse; this modern, spacious villa is situated in a perfectly sized complex of 16 properties. There's a large communal pool, BBQ area, bar and even a gymnasium for those fitness fanatics amongst you. It's perfect for the kids, who will be able to make many friends amongst the other families staying there (that goes for the adults too!). You can relax knowing your children are in a safe, self contained environment. There are 2 large bedrooms, the master with a luxury bathroom and second bedroom with its own shower/toilet room. You will even find a games console for the kids; just think of the peace and quiet you could have.
As a final choice, lets take a look at Miami Sol, a complex of 15 well appointed properties, all of which can sleep between 4-6/7 people. Each property has 2 bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower, even a small private garden. Add to this a large communal pool and lovely well established gardens, providing the perfect background to relax and enjoy your holiday. Whether you want to spend it by the pool or see the sites, you've got it covered.
With all that it has going for it, how can you not want to visit the resort of Miami Playa?
READ MORE - Miami Playa; your guide
by Chris Rowlands
Miami Playa is an often overlooked holiday destination on the east coast of Spain. Ideally situated only an hour's drive away from Barcelona and with its own golf course and the popular Port Aventura theme park nearby, what more could you ask for?
Well to answer that question, how about a selection of clean, white sandy beaches for a start. There are four to be precise, 3 coves and Playa Crystal. This is a 3km stretch aptly named as the waters are clean and clear and meet the gently sloping beach with a calm surf that makes it ideal for snorkelling.
In the height of summer the temperatures reach into the mid to late 20's. Add to this the fact that the resort basks in around 300 days of sun every year, it makes it a pretty attractive prospect. You can quench your thirst at the many bar's nestling along side the beach and then appease your appetite at one of the wonderful selection of restaurants that seem to cater for every taste you can think of, be it; Spanish, French, Italian, German, Argentinean or Chinese, its all here.
The resort gives you the best of both worlds as it is not too developed but near enough to some brilliant tourist attractions should you wish to visit them. You can enjoy a relaxing, peaceful holiday, listening to the tranquil splashing of the surf, enjoy a spot of horse riding in the mountains, there's even a superb golf course if you fancy spending a bit of time practising your putting. Why not opt for something altogether different and visit one of Spain's largest water parks; Costa Cariba or the theme park; Port Aventura both only 15 minutes drive away. This makes it an ideal destination for a family holiday and a vacation you will never forget.
For those of you with a penchant for history, especially that of the Roman era, a trip to the nearby town of Tarragona should not be missed. There is a brilliant; still standing Aqueduct, a circus and a magnificent museum based inside the Cathedral.
If you like your wildlife, birds in particular, you cannot afford to miss the wetlands of the Ebro Delta. Spanning an awe inspiring area of 32,000 hectares, the Delta is under threat and it is estimated 50% will be lost within the next 50 years due to man's intervention.
The accommodation in Miami Playa is of a brilliant standard, with much to choose from. Why not consider hiring a villa for a week or two, this can be very cost effective for a family group and give you much more freedom.
There are some beautiful properties to choose from; How about a relaxing holiday staying at Villa Bonmont, situated in the heart of the Bonmont golf club. A spacious modern villa with an 8x4m illuminated pool to take a dip in when it gets that little bit too hot. There are 3 double bedrooms, all with built in wardrobes. The master bedroom resides on a separate floor making it the perfect escape for the tired parents, especially with the en-suite bathroom all to yourself.
If you're after the ultimate family holiday, why not consider Villa Casa Lyse; this modern, spacious villa is situated in a perfectly sized complex of 16 properties. There's a large communal pool, BBQ area, bar and even a gymnasium for those fitness fanatics amongst you. It's perfect for the kids, who will be able to make many friends amongst the other families staying there (that goes for the adults too!). You can relax knowing your children are in a safe, self contained environment. There are 2 large bedrooms, the master with a luxury bathroom and second bedroom with its own shower/toilet room. You will even find a games console for the kids; just think of the peace and quiet you could have.
As a final choice, lets take a look at Miami Sol, a complex of 15 well appointed properties, all of which can sleep between 4-6/7 people. Each property has 2 bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower, even a small private garden. Add to this a large communal pool and lovely well established gardens, providing the perfect background to relax and enjoy your holiday. Whether you want to spend it by the pool or see the sites, you've got it covered.
With all that it has going for it, how can you not want to visit the resort of Miami Playa?
Thailand Adventures
Thailand Adventures
by Spencer Neal
Wilderness Adventure - Thailand
Thailand has always held a special place in my heart. I first travelled there in 1991, a wide eyed kid wet behind the ears with a bucket shop one way ticket to Bangkok. My grand plans of a short beach break before heading down to the east coast of Australia joining the 1000's of Pommie pilgrims earning a right of passage didn't exactly go to plan. I left Thailand eleven months later to return home penniless, emancipated and full of great stories, which my friends soon got bored with.
I returned a few times mainly to Bangkok and Koh Samui happy to be back in the land of smiles but feeling slightly disappointed at all the changes. The old story of development being good for the locals but not good for my sense of adventure. That didn't deter me from joining the Imaginative Travellers Wilderness Adventure two years ago.
Arriving in Bangkok this time was different. I had a hotel booked so no lugging my pack in Bangkok's suffocating mixture of exhaust fumes, heat and humidity looking for a clean bed. I had a group to meet too, this was also good, eating Pad Thai on your own looking for a fellow traveller to strike a conversation with can be hard work. There were 10 of us, a mix of Poms, Aussies, a Canadian, an American and a South African. We all met for dinner and shortly after my first Thai beer I knew this would be a fun trip
Bangkok to me means food and shopping and the best place to find both is the Chata Chuk weekend market. I headed there with belly empty and wallet full destined to reverse the two. The market is huge, really huge, 35 acres of cheap goodies huge and sells everything from furniture to genuine fake designer clothes. The street food is fantastic but remember the Thai's like it hot. I left my shopping with the hotel to keep safe as I would be returning there once I finished the trip.
Off to Chiang Mai on the overnight train. I like travelling like this, sleeping while moving makes sense to me and the train is clean, functional, safe and fine. I think Chiang Mai is the perfect place to escape hectic Bangkok. It's a peaceful, happy place and that reflects in the locals. Sight seeing will take you to the Wat Pratat Doi Suthep temple - stunning and golden on a sunny day. The next stage of the trip was trekking in the surrounding jungle, I decided I needed a massage before we set off.
A trek in the hills of Northern Thailand is a chance to escape everyday life and clear your head. The going is not too difficult for someone with fairly good fitness although if it rains the mud can be tricky. I was enjoying my own head space when we arrived at the first village of wooden homes, pecking chickens and lots of smiles, basic but I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather have been. Chan, our guide, was a local from a neighbouring village and before long he had us divided amongst our village hosts before the sun set and got too difficult for us city people to do anything without electric light. That night, with the noise of the surrounding jungle lying on a mattress roll on a bamboo floor, was maybe the most peaceful night's sleep I have ever had.
The next day's trek was shorter and we covered ground quicker, maybe we were getting used to the trekking but I think it was the excitement of the elephant ride to come that afternoon. Lunch was delicious but we were too busy watching the elephants wash in the river to notice. Elephants are brilliant creatures and being on one journeying deeper into the jungle is a fantastic experience.
The next morning Chan had us up early helping him and the village men build our rafts to take us down river to civilization. It is all part of the experience helping the guys and by helping I mean staying out of their way while they expertly craft our rafts. A serene float down to the nearest small town where our bus was waiting to take us to a hot shower and another massage.
We left Chiang Mai and headed back to Bangkok where we broke the journey up to the south with an over night stay in the city of angels.
I had heard a few good things about Khoa Sok national park, not too popular with tourists or backpackers alike due it not having a major bus stop. To get there you need to stop the bus by the 3rd banyan tree after 17th stream near the big hill and you will find a bakkie waiting to take you into the park. I'm glad we had a tour leader. The first night we slept with the birds in tree houses the second and third we stayed in raft houses on a man made dam. It is a truly beautiful area and a few of us spent the days swimming in waterfalls, flooded caves, kayaking and hiking and some of just sat back and took it all in.
How to finish this Thailand trip? On the beach of course. The islands around Krabi are what we visualize when we think of a Thai beach and they do not disappoint. The Thai's have a word called sabai, loosely translated it means an inner happiness and contentment. I woke one afternoon from a napping on the beach and understood exactly what sabai means.
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