If You Like Piña Coladas (Part II)

What's it like to visit the beautiful islands of Thailand? Close your eyes and ignore the seasickness that's been harassing you since you stepped foot on the boat. It will be impossible, but try. Now, open your eyes and look ahead. Feel something incredible - it's what the explorers must have felt upon discovering a new land, something beautiful and seemingly virgin unlike anything they've ever seen before. The boat will dock on the blindingly white sand and you will step off onto it, feeling a softness reminiscent of innocence. Of course the tons of tourists around you will weigh that feeling down, but still you recognize true beauty not just in the sand but also in the giant rock formations that have been kissed by a natural, green beauty. Wade into the warm, lightly-tinted water and feel paradise. This is Thailand.

Of course, the warm, gorgeous waters of Koh Phi Phi and the surrounding islands made a fantastic setting for my first snorkeling experience. I have never in my life had so much fun in the water.

We also had the opportunity to see some big, gorgeous elephants whilst in Thailand. Unfortunately, Thailand does have huge animal imprisonment problems because of the tourist industry. Knowing this, I did a lot of research before picking an elephant sanctuary to visit. We went to Kok Chang Safari, where the elephants seemed healthy and well-treated. We got to take a bumpy ride on the back of an elephant named Yellow, and the mahout even let me sit behind her head. I had no idea that elephants were so hairy! But it was an extremely enjoyable ride, and again, part of the amazing Thailand experience. My suggestion would just be to do some research on the sanctuary you want to visit to make sure they are kind to those beautiful animals.

In Rawai, we checked in to an absolutely gorgeous hotel called Serenity. The hotel is situated on a calm stretch of beach alongside several other hotels. After Bali, I realized that once you go beachfront, you can't go back! There's something so relaxing about being able to see and hear the ocean as you take a dip in the pool or have a cocktail. It was such a great change from our previous, unimpressive hotel in Nai Thon. The service at Serenity was fantastic, especially on the part of the bartenders. Possibly the best thing about staying here was discovering (time and time again) a delicious cocktail called the Chilli Moon. It is lemon-y and refreshing and it leaves a spicy little tingle on your lips. Phenomenal. Serenity was a truly enjoyable oasis that I'd love to go back to someday.

After we checked out of our hotel the last night (it was with a lingering sadness that I left this gorgeous place), we asked our cab driver to take us to Phromthep Cape, a popular scenic outlook at the southernmost part of Thailand. Here, we joined the hundreds of locals and tourists in watching the gorgeous sunset. It was a perfect way to say goodbye to the beauty that is Thailand. 

Of course, every time I say goodbye to a gorgeous place like Thailand, I hope that it will not be "goodbye" but rather, "see you later." So I suppose I have to say bye, but only until I have the incredible fortune to visit you again, Thailand. Your places and your people were amazing to me.