2012 Feb 24: Bangkok, Thailand - Day 20

Today was the last full day in Thailand, and therefore a day for shopping.  Thailand is notorious for gem scams, but one reliable place over 40 years in business is Johnny's Gems:

Some of the famous clientele over the years:

And a new famous client:

A break for lunch at the new Novotel hotel restaurant for the buffet:

Then back to Johnny's for some more serious business:

The sun sets on our last full day in Thailand, and we are in a Tuk-Tuk at the Great Swing.  Our flight leaves at 5:50am tomorrow morning Bangkok time. 

All in all a great time in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.

2012 Feb 23: Phuket & Bangkok, Thailand - Day 19

Today is a travel day from Phuket back to Bangkok.  We sadly said goodbye to The Old Phuket:

After checking in to the Baan Dinso hostel, we ventured out to Khao San road for some dinner and lots of Singha beer:

The hooka above was tobacco.  A couple of youngsters tried to save money by buying beer across the street at the 7-Eleven but the restaurant would not let them bring it in to the restaurant.

After dinner, a stroll down Khao San road for some dessert:

No doubt some of the "dessert" was caught and fried in the kitchen where we just ate.

Did you know that Mulligans opened a bar on Khao San road?

Back to the hostel and to bed.  Another great day in Thailand.

2012 Feb 22: Phuket, Thailand - Day 18

Today we booked seats on a speedboat to Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park.  From the hotel we can see Big Buddha on the top of the mountain:

The speedboat:

Not good enough for Judy:

 That's better:

And off to the some 150 islands that are in the park:

A stop at the Muslim floating village:

Judy bought a pearl and silver ring for $20:

Then off to the next island:

To James Bond Island, named for the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun:"

Off the boat to explore the island next to it:

A view of James Bond Island:

Moving on:

Then off the island and on to a raft to a cave that leads to two enclosed lagoons:

Inside the cave:

Out to the lagoon:

Into the next cave:

A jellyfish:

And away again:

To a beautiful beach to chill out for the rest of the afternoon:

Time to go home:

All in all, another great day in Phuket, Thailand.