Existing Member?

The Road Less Traveled

Trip: Celebration of 20 Years

There are [19] stories from my trip: Celebration of 20 Years


10 November: Headed Home with Thailand In Our Hearts

THAILAND | Friday, 10 Nov 2017 | Views [493]

It’s that time. The time you dread; the end of vacation time. But at the same time, you look forward to the comforts of home.  Time to head back to reality. Wow….Freaking wow. 20 years of marriage celebrated with my beautiful ... Read more >

Tags: thailand


9 November: Last Day/Night in Bangkok Before Leaving

THAILAND | Thursday, 9 Nov 2017 | Views [491]

Today was our last full day in Thailand. Time to pack in as much Bangkok as we possibly could until around midnight.   That meant “Bangkok by day; Bangkok by night.” Our hotel, the Grand Sathorn, is located not too far from ... Read more >

Tags: bangkok, thailand


8 November: Goodbye to Phitsanulok....

THAILAND | Wednesday, 8 Nov 2017 | Views [552]

Phitsanulok, you came and went in a hurry. We had such a great time visiting with my wife’s family, seeing the local sights, and of course…. EATING!  This morning we grabbed a light breakfast at the hotel and set to packing up our ... Read more >

Tags: bangkok, phitsanulok, thailand


7 November: The Real Thailand with the Thai Side of Our Family

THAILAND | Tuesday, 7 Nov 2017 | Views [488]

Today was a day that was about getting together with my wife’s family at her father’s house and showing our friends what Thai life is like in a farming community. My youngest sister-in-law drove us out to the village where my wife’... Read more >

Tags: phitsanulok, thailand, village


6 November: Walking Through Thai History in Phitsanulok

THAILAND | Monday, 6 Nov 2017 | Views [560]

Today was a day to first explore history with some of the family and then spend time with even more family. Phitsanulok is rich with history. While many casual readers of Thai tourism books become familiar with the Kingdoms of Sukothai, Ayutthaya, ... Read more >

Tags: chinnarat, naresuan, phitsanulok, thailand, thailand, wat yai


5 November: Chiang Mai ---> Phitsanulok

THAILAND | Sunday, 5 Nov 2017 | Views [491]

Today was another day of transition. We were packing up in Chiang Mai and heading about 5 hours south to Phitsanulok – my wife’s home changwat (or province).  In the morning, our crew enjoyed breakfast at our hotel, the Loghome Boutique.... Read more >

Tags: chiang mai, phitsanulok, thailand


4 November: The Beauty of Chiang Mai... Old and New.

THAILAND | Saturday, 4 Nov 2017 | Views [480]

Today was a great all-around day. We had arranged our own private “song teow” (two rows) truck to take us on a private tour up the mountain today. Sounds expensive, but it isn’t. The funny thing is that a driver will charge 300-400 ... Read more >

Tags: chiang mai, doi suthep, night market, thailand, wat sri suphan


3 November; Hill Tribes and Loi Krathong Vibes

THAILAND | Friday, 3 Nov 2017 | Views [621] | Comments [1]

Today is the full moon of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. That means it is Loi Krathong here in Thailand. One of the largest holidays, Loi Krathong – as the name suggests in Thai – is when you “float a basket.” That ... Read more >

Tags: chiang mai, hill tribes, loi krathong, thailand


2 November 2017: A Window to an Elephant's Soul

THAILAND | Thursday, 2 Nov 2017 | Views [513] | Comments [2]

To look into an elephant’s eyes is to gaze through the window to its soul.   Beautiful. Majestic. Powerful. Gentle. I can’t think of another animal that I can bond with faster than an elephant and I’m not sure why.  ... Read more >

Tags: chiang mai, elephants, thailand, woodys


1 November: Temples... Feel the Spirits of the Past

THAILAND | Wednesday, 1 Nov 2017 | Views [440]

Today was our first full day in Chiang Mai.  We started our day by eating some breakfast at Sailomjoy Restaurant – yes, I ate Khao Soi again today. It was delicious yet again. After breakfast, it was temple time. Starting off on ... Read more >

Tags: chedi luang, chiang mai, temples, thailand


31 October: Chiang Mai. Of Khao Soi, Massage, and Markets

THAILAND | Tuesday, 31 Oct 2017 | Views [434] | Comments [1]

Happy Halloween!  Another day of transition for us as we leave beautiful Phuket for the northern charm of Chiang Mai.   We were so fortunate that the weather cooperated for us in Phuket. The rains held off on our boat tour to James Bond ... Read more >

Tags: chiang mai, khao soi, massage, night market, thailand


30 October: Lazy Day and Ladyboys

THAILAND | Tuesday, 31 Oct 2017 | Views [483] | Comments [1]

After a long day and a later-than anticipated night last night, the decision was made to sleep in.  All of us have been waking up too early – time to try to pay back that sleep deficit.   It worked. We were all able to sleep in.... Read more >

Tags: ladyboys, phuket, simon cabaret, thailand


29 October: Monkeying Around in Phang Nga

THAILAND | Sunday, 29 Oct 2017 | Views [416] | Comments [1]

All I can say is, “Wow!” What an incredible day from start to finish.  (There was a bump or two along the way, but nothing show stopping). And well, actually the start had me a little bummed as I woke up at 415 am and couldn’... Read more >

Tags: james bond island, phang nga, thailand


28 October -- Headed to Phuket!

THAILAND | Saturday, 28 Oct 2017 | Views [359]

Today was mostly a travel and transition day. Leisurely breakfast at the hotel started the day. I haven’t mentioned that our hotel was the Galleria 12 Sukhumvit. Overall, a nice place to stay, and we were able to get some great deals online for ... Read more >

Tags: bankok, phuket


27 October; The Jim Thompson Experience

THAILAND | Friday, 27 Oct 2017 | Views [423]

The highlight of today was touring the home of the famous Jim Thompson in Bangkok.  While I have spent a lot of time in Bangkok, I have always wanted to come here, but never had the time. Mr. Thompson’s story is a very interesting ... Read more >

Tags: bangkok, jim thompson, via vai


26 October Summary; Somber Day, Great Dinner

THAILAND | Friday, 27 Oct 2017 | Views [449]

Today was a somber day for the Thai people as it marked the funeral of beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The world’s largest standing monarch and known as largely to the people as “The Father of Thailand,” the city of Bangkok represented ... Read more >

Tags: bangkok


Photos: Thailand 17

THAILAND | Thursday, 26 Oct 2017 | Photo Gallery

20th Anniversary Trip
See all 20 photos >>
 


Flight Recap and 26 October Plans

THAILAND | Thursday, 26 Oct 2017 | Views [420]

International flying can always be challenging. Some itinerary changes a few months ago created a 6+ hour layover in Detroit for us. I was able to convince Delta airlines to give us miles to buy our way into the SkyClub lounge. This was a good move and ... Read more >

Tags: airline, bangkok, taxi, thailand, travel


Twas the Night Before....Departure

THAILAND | Monday, 23 Oct 2017 | Views [398]

It's here. Finally. I used to travel internationally for work almost every month years ago. Not anymore. My trips are the exception, not the norm. So when I travel now, it is for my wife and I -- and in this case, some great friends coming along as well.... Read more >

Tags: bangkok, chiang mai, phitsanulok, phuket, thailand