Sweaty SEA: Two for Thailand

Finishing up in Korea left me with time, money, and quick, cheap flights to the rest of Asia. For my sister's birthday, we met up in Thailand, to soak in the sun and dilute our bloodstreams with delicious alcohol. Millions of people have visited Thailand, so I'll try to keep these entries short and sweet, with tons of photos included. :) I recommend going in the off-season, less people and on the east side it didn't rain much at all.

The first thing we did was leave Bangkok for the Eastern Islands - Koh Phangnam and Koh Samui. It was a good decision. Bangkok is the sweatiest, nastiest place in South East Asia, with a lot of traffic mixed in. Ugh Ugh Ugh! Clear water, sea breezes, and white sand are what Thailand is all about.

Koh Ma Beach - there are beautiful reefs - go snorkeling.

First, Koh Phangnam, where in addition to sunning ourselves by the shore, we climbed a mountain, swam in the Phaeng Noi Waterfall, played with a  baby monkey, and rode an elephant. We stayed predominantly in Haad Yao Beach.

My sister is being attacked by cuteness!

Phaeng Noi Waterfall

Hiking up a mountain is hard work in that humidity. All the trees below are predominantly coconut trees.

The baby elephant.

Dismount! The mama elephant.

Not content with chillin' on the beach, I had to climb something!

Big sis and me in the water.

 After a luxurious week of chilling by the beach, we decided that partying was in order. We headed to Haad Rin, the Half Moon Party, which is based in the jungle. A raver's dream, not to mention Thai ladies screaming "Come get your bukkkeeeets!" Buckets of booze, that is. Hang over was in order.

Prerequisite for entering Half Moon Party: getting painted.

...AAAnd the hangover cure.

Next stop: Koh Samui, the more developed island.

Development equals this.

But the view from the beach means this.

On the ferry heading towards the mainland.

Now for some orgiastic Thai food pictures:

Rambutan! Delicious!

A delicious breakfast.

The best of the best: Sticky rice and mango!

Now for some awesome randomness only to be found in South East Asia.

A gas station.

What not to do in a taxi in Bangkok.

And to commend the manifold, mangy, flea-bitten, beautiful dogs of Asia.

Charley, a puppy, and me.