I had not seen already to go to Chiang Mai but many farangs I Sukhothai meetings including me have spoken particularly of Doi Sutep. So, I wanted to go see for myself. Back to Phitsanulok to take the train to the northern capital. Finally, in theory because I finally opted for a way to get there the fastest with a few stops to visit temples crossed Started: me driving by Tik. She moved with me for three days over there and I accepted. And, you say: "It's always eager to learn English it is helpful if it happens or something between them?". I think you have the answer ...
In the morning, here we stand and we launch the "Go to Chiang Mai!" playful. And it left for a trip much longer than I thought. party at 8:30, we arrived destination 16h PAST. En route we stopped to buy a aan-chao (small-bf) and then to take the aan-tiang (reps pm) and visit temples because passing els we have touver beautiful. The first was evidently a newly built and nearly had a lot less charm but the second was more in the style of the north. Ie with higher roofs, with peaks greater. And every time we got back in the beige Toyota, we reproduce our battle cry: "Go to Chiang Mai!"

Once arrived, the time to take our neighborhoods in the hotel the night is falling. We Helona a sanglaew and assemble at the rear towards the Night Market. I buy a white shirt and we settle das restaurant where I ordered a plate of ox red curry, desiring to find the flavor that I took from time to time in the small, tiny Thai restaurant near my work. Some strolling through the alleys and subtly lighted walking back to the hotel for a well deserved rest especially for the driver. Tomorrow, "Go to Doi Suthep!"

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After a one hour journey by bus (30 baht), here I am in "Bus Terminal to Sukhothai". In fact, the city suffers from a personality disorder. There is the Sukhothai and its temples visited by tourists and a modern city New Sukhothai with its guest houses. This time, I opted for a bungalow at the Garden House.
Awakening at dawn. The first rays of sun made me emerge from my sleep. I swallow corn flakes floating in a bowl of milk with a touch of honey and gp for adventure. I take the bus to Sukothai Historical Park (20 baht) E

The Sukothai Historical Park is enclosed in a chamber of three successive walls with two moats that today, for what remains, have lost their character impassable. There are three major areas of access that each claim a right of entry to 100 baht. Generally visitors simply go in the The historical park in itself is pleasant and peaceful stroll in the alleys and the temples and stone Buddhas incredibly well preserved. You can rent bikes (made it once you are inside, otherwise it will cost you 10 baht per cycle to bring them in ) but you know my taste for walking and event if the plan they gave you at the entrance gives you the impression of a huge complex, you will can easily do it by feet.


There are few just a few visitors. This is surprising. And it's really a place where it is easy to make contacts with other travelers. They all go in the same places, including Poo Restaurant (where ice creams are delicious) and the bus to the historic city. I also have discussed with the only persons I met who were disappointed by Thailand and guess what, they were French!

Phitsanulok (do not pronounce the t if you want to say like the locals) is the nearest town of Sukhothai reachable by train. That makes it a qite mandatory way to the ancient main city of Siam kingdom. Tourists generally stay only for the night before taking the bus.
It is a big city with no taxi but with slamlaws, schools, temples and a very few cyber cafe or Internet shops, at least in the area I stayed. Because of its size and appearance, the agglomeration does not have the endearing charm of Lopburi and offers a limited number of attractions to tourists. The most famous is the Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat Buddha Chinnarat whose statue is the most revered and copied over the country.

That said if you have a car or a another vehicule, it is interesting to go outside the city to see the mountains and the numerosu waterfalls. In Phitsanulok, I did not get to do a lot of interesting pictures apart those of this military ceremony.

Saying that Lopburi's vestiges of the past, its Khmer-style temples worth the detour, would be a lie. Especially when you come from Ayutaya, they seem rather bland. Rest the monkeys thats are everywhere in the city like they own it. Nevertheless Lopburi is a charming typical provincial town.

Here I think I really discover what life is in Thailand. Not that like in Bangkok, the excessive Bangkok, the effervescent Bangkok, but the simple and calm. With its schoolchildren everywhere, its market that get installed in a few minutes in the streets, its fitness classes from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, its games of a sport I did not exactly grasped the rules, its food stalls along the main street , the dance of two wheels vehicules, the laughts and smiles of its students ... A simple city which comes alive each day differently.



Next step: Phitsanulok, tomorrow or after tomorrow.

At the Baan Lotus guest house, behind the counter, there is a table with the rooms and for each the country of occupant and the numbers of days or it will be there. A little like the Eurovision contest. And fI have to admit that it is the Germans who occupied most places.
The first thing that impressed me here is that the nights are very cold and there is sometimes a strong wind. So, in the middle of my first night here, I rushed to my bag to take the two sweatersI have and put them on. And the next day, I requested for a blanket in addition to the small beautifully embroidered sheet I have in my room. And I was the only guest to do that.
Each day, after awakening because of the cockcrow (there are four of them) and taking a cold shower ( no hot water ), I went to the city and the temples. I did stop at the "the island" where the most popular temples are. For instance, the Wat Phra Si Sanphet and its three chedis that are on all the representations of the city. I slip through small roads, small bridges to discover the quieter corners like Wat Pho and the Wora Lokai Sutha a little behind these very popular temples.


In ayutaya, there are dogs wandering everywhere, they howl to death the night. We also can see a lot of different ways of locomotion, from the ride on elephant back to cyclotaxis or taxis or bikes people rent at their guest houses or small shops in the cityand of course the traditional tuk-tuk. Here, they are a little different from those of Bangkok. The front they have like a shark nose and a neater decoration. The benches are also disposed to accommodate more passengers. And until they are not 100% busy, the driver may stop at any time to complete his loading.

Outside the island, I mostly retained, Wat Naphra Meru that also has a head of Buddha imprisoned in a tree that guides do not mention ( the one guides talk about is at War Ratburana ).

But my favorite Wat here is the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol. In addition at 8:45 am, there is almost nobody. And to have this temple, its two great stone Buddhas on each side of the building and the square with smaller statues of Buddha around for yourself alone it is wonderful.


And at the evening, what's going on in Ayutaya ? Well it is quiet. Restaurants and bars (almost exclusively frequented by tourists) are on Soi 5. I have my habits at Tony's Place, which is also guest house (the beef with ginger, slurp slurp, yammy !). The owner is very friendly. It seems that there is a discotheque in Ayutaya Hotel but I did not go.

Since my first day in the Bangkok and my stop at Wat Po in late after-noon, I had in a corner of my head the idea of coming back a little after 5 PM to listen to the prayer of the monks and see the night coming slowly on the temple. Today is done and frankly, I recommend you to do the same!
Around teatime, I was back at Hua Lampong. I stayed a little in the station, photographed the few monks then rushed into the city. In fact, I did not found a taxi driver or tuk-tuk available so I said to myself "I'll walk and we'll see." Beautiful inspiration. I quickly found myself in Chinatown and in the avenue where I arrived, you'd really have the impression that you changed country by seeing the accumulation of signs in Chinese. I am fascinated by this area more alive at least at this time. Suddenly, to my left, I see a street that seems to be the beginning of a market which is more a bazaar that a market in deed. It is very dense and very common. The items are even more diverse than at the Night Bazaar and it seems larger. I crawl in the aisles with joy, capturing a little of this life and the excitement around me. I love these places where yo can sense the life of the city !



I finally get out the market and catch a tuk-tuk. I negotiate the price. Not long since it is already very reasonable for a trip to Wat Po. For people who do not know these special taxis: I think they're based on a motor of motorcycle but they have 3 wheels, a cockpit for the driver with a handlebar and not a wheel and a small platform covered in the rear with a seat for passengers. Quick, they also weave very well in traffic and you can get from one point to another in a record time. And it shakes. The suspensions are rudimentary. It is the way of transportation the most expensive (and loudest) that you can take in the Thai capital, but also the most typical.
It is already 5:20, I go directly into the temple where the monks make their prayer. There are many more people than the last time. The ceremony ended. I go out and walk in the aisles. There are only very few visitors. The place is almost as intimate as the light gradually decrease. It's peaceful, quiet, relaxing. Away from the heat and fever of tourists during the rest of the day. Really, I think it's the best time to visit this temple. Maybe not to take pictures but to visit. And tuk-tuk again to Hua Lampong station. A Singha, a dish of fried rice, a bath and go to bed! ;)


Tomorrow after-noon I go to Ayutatya.

It is 20:06 local time, we are November 15th, this is it ( like the MJ ;ovie ) I am in Bangkok in my hotel room. I did not sleep for 30 hours. But I am not bad-tempered, no do not insist. I say : I AM NOT BAD-TEMPERED! ;)
After a train, an underground, the Roissy Bus, two planes including the famous Airbus A38O and a taxi, I can finally push the door of the room of hotel. During my two flights with a stopover in Dubai to tqke the A380, I had a place at the level of the wings. Strange, on the site, I could choose port or hall and I took port but choising the wingm I could not.
I am exhausted. I will tke a little tour in the neighbourhoodm eat qnd go to sleep....

In Koh Samui, if you walk the streets early in the morning, then it means early here before 11am, you'll meet more dogs than people. Not that there are hordes of canines that invade the island at this hour, it's just that their best friends, men are being pioncer. At the same time, for the most part they have joined their beds there a few hours. Because, yes, here, nothing is done to sleep that night. What a crazy idea at the same time awake at night, honestly! And by noon, nearly all shops and restaurants have their iron curtain for you. Lack of clients.
The night, therefore, there is something for everyone. Football fans and beer, will find many pubs offering matches in the first league (yes, English football, drink liquor stronger appreciation for the championship of France), for live music, there are also some places , with covers of the Beatles or group of horny girls in mini-skirts Coyote I know what worth more to the picture for the sound or the Reggae Pub in the early evening, for those who like girls who make you compliments and dress fairly short, there are two streets that almost no grouping hostess bars, to move the butt, there are several bars with dance floors and of course the famous Green Mango, you just love the house music that is apparently salt genre taught in school DJ Koh Samui. There's even an Ice bar if you miss the winter finally. With a cocktail called H1N1 served in a large syringe to really be like in Europe. No, just kidding but it would be an idea! Temperature inside -7 ° C. It provides you with the fleece jacket.
And the day well it beach, massage, drinks, shopping in the many shops. And you can also go see some temples on the island. I had promised myself to go to see at least one golden chedi sits atop a hill and you see from the airport runway. But before you head for the Big Buddha . He also is near the airport. Indeed there can watch planes land. A big stairs lead to the golden statue.


Hence, we have a view on the Bophut Beach where the sea is much calmer than Chaweng and the endless roll but a color less engaging. Probably because of the fishing boats, many over there. I am photographing a beautiful Thai girl in white dress with flowers that thought it had done discreetly. But nothing escapes I feel great developed. In front of Buddha, at the bottom, I noticed a small inlet with statues planted in water fun. Yes, I say fun because I do not know their meaning will have to do so.

Then I go back into the taxi with the owner which I agreed to fight it takes me high here and the temple on the hill before you abandon me like a poor sock for the modest sum of 300 baht.
From the top of the temple was a beautiful view of the airport and on the lake with a little further along the coast. Otherwise, the building itself offers no surprises. Small thoughts are written on wooden signs and planted trees along the steps leading to the building. Often translated into German, I am beginning to wonder if it's not the second official language of Thailand, and sometimes in English but not French. I was upset and down again after the capture view.


Back to my hotel on foot with little break to feed me a plate of pad thai. I recrosses the Thai Big Buddha makes me a big smile, I continued my way. A hundred yards away, behind me I hear a timid "Excuse me", she asks me why I walk so fast. I answered because I have great legs but I make her know that I have noticed that she took my picture this morning, she blushed. In short, we eat together, she tells me she is a nurse at the hospital in Koh Samui and did night shifts. She even speaks some French. She posed for some pictures on the beach before work. Ah yes, I forgot she is beautiful. I'm going to immigrate here me! I was never told that I am good looking as often as in recent weeks. Handsom and looking like Harry Potter. Must believe that the apprentice magician is the fantasy of all Thais.
I visited two other wat. The Kunaram where a mummified monk has kept the spirit of the island, not that dance to house music, he died anyway, but in meditation position, he wears nice sunglasses. as what we can be dead for 40 years and stay connected!

Shortly before, Wat Sammet, at the end of a path is particularly true for elements of its portico, the temple itself is small and not very interesting. It is here, a little further inland and found the quiet, nature and Thai smile at you a bit surprised that you came here rather than you sunbathe on the beach. But is that my pill, it is already quite gilded.
On the other hand, nothing is done to encourage you to come here. I first got into a taxi, telling him that I wanted to go to Wat Kunaram. He tells me with aplomb "1200 baht" to return. I have not even bothered to negotiate. I stood there and walked a few meters before getting to the back of a taxi who asked me 100 baht to drop me off there. Koh Samui Taxis to have all the flame "Taxi-meter" except that none of their meter and pricing are those who fear nothing. For 1200 baht, I can go to Chiang Mai! In short, do not ride in taxis and vans collective. It happens very regularly on major arteries.
Now I know the two faces of Koh Samui, one I would describe as Thailand and Ibiza Island quieter, more rural, where I found a contact with smiles, movements of heads with locals. For swimming, the beauty of the coastline, the prices also, I'd rather probably Koh Tao next time. Just stay to find someone to accompany me. Send your application with cover letter ...

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For people who are not fluent in Thai, like me, a little explanation is needed. Tao rai? " means " how much it co ๛ you? " of this title or incredibly subtle! One way to announce here on the island of Koh Tao literally Turtle Island ) prices are easily 50% more expensive than on the mainland. For food, given the difficulty of routing AC can be understood very well, for hosting, in my opinion, it comes over the influx of tourists.
To make me so on this island paradise, I first descended on the coast see Sean Penn, uh not Chumphon. So what good pun it works for people who know how to pronounce the city name that is to say no if there is no West German probably none of the readers of this blog but it does not matter. I walk 4 hours in this urban area that attracts the farang as for its shuttle buses to the islands. And actually, I detect no charm, no reason even the smallest linger. In addition, it rained all night the strings! So I wake with the chickens, the next day, the girls finally home from my guesthouse, I mean. Let a 5:30 departure for a boat at 7am. The weather is always overcast and it rains a little. A little bit of Britain.
The pier is about fifteen kilometers from downtown, a bus type school bus for tourists but not half asleep pimply students coming for me. As there were more places on the fine motor super fast catamarans company Lomprayah, so I go in the same type of craft than the Chao Praya Express Bangkok. The gateway to access the bridge is wider than 50 cm and has a ramp left side of my only good arm, and spans the water for nearly 3 meters. So I embarked on a number of balance is to carry my suitcase of 25 pounds larger than the Bridge has not hold me anything. Aware that if a one time or another I missed, or my bag or me or both of us end up to the sea I pass the test and qualifies me for the next round: a session of 2:45 rollercoaster. The sea is a bit agitated, Brittany I tell you! After 15 minutes, in fact, it is dealt with plastic bags and I do not think this is to store our shoes. Nobody will use.

Reaches its destination, everyone gets his luggage on the platform (no need for walking the tightrope) and engages on a small wooden bridge. In the end, strangely no horde of taxis, tuk-tuk no (there are apparently not on the island), that people who want you to dive. But I have nothing to reproach myself! Taxis obviously, there are only private too. So I'm driving in my dorm on the beach Hat Sai Ri. This is the closest to the pier and it seems most animated and furnished. Many parts of the island remaining a priori difficult to access as having no real road.


So, yes, Koh Tao's beautiful. These are picture postcard scenery with white sand beaches, turquoise sea and palm trees. For example it is very pleasant to eat in the restaurant of Dusit Buncha Resort and enjoy the view over the islands of Nag Yuan, destination of many diving clubs. It regularly crosses even small posters advertising for condoms home made and guaranteed for 20 years a certain MJ. I wonder how he handmade , I hope it's not knitting, and especially how we made the guarantee. Certainly, bars and restaurants on the beach offer an idyllic and pleasant. Although more than Chaweng in Koh Samui and the sea is calmer. And here they had the good idea not to offer jet ski rentals, the scourge of Koh Samui in my opinion. In short, for holidays, relaxing, the beach, go diving, because that's really the big attraction and specialty Koh Tao is great! However, I do not want to dwell here. Because ultimately if this is the territory of Thailand, here it really does not belong to Thai. I do not find what I like in this country. And then I probably want to continue my journey too, because STAY on this island is especially interesting when one does not come alone.

Next step: Koh Samui ...

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