New Year's Eve in Phuket and Bangkok and the floating markets...

Hello all,

We were having so much fun in Phuket, so the group decided to stay together for a few more days to enjoy New Year's Eve together.  We did the count down at the beach where we lit a lantern in memory of our loved ones and let it go off in the air. There were thousands of latterns that lit the night sky and there was a stage set up on the beach playing trance music.  People bought tons of silly string and sprayed complete strangers as they walked along the busy street.

We left Phuket on January 1st and headed to Bangkok for a few days.  I only had limited time in Bangkok so we were able to go to the Wat Pho Buddhist temple ( the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok) and see the famous, Reclining Buddha. This is a magnificent gold-plated piece which is an impressive 46 meters long and 15 meters high!!  The feet and eyes are engraved in mother of pearl and the feet display 108 characteristics of the Buddha.

I have never seen such an amazing and grand Buddha.  The pics that I have do not do it justice.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Pho

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293916-d311043-Reviews-Temple_of_the_Reclining_Buddha_Wat_Pho-Bangkok.html

We drove 2 hours outside of Bangkok and rented a private boat and went to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.  This is the most famous of all the floating markets outside of Bangkok.  You can buy everything from souvenirs, clothes, trinkets, food and much more.  We paddled along the River Kwai as we went to each vendor stall.  As we floated past each one, there were also several merchants in their boats that were peddling their colorful fruits, vegetables and other merchandise to us.
http://www.bangkok.com/beyond-the-city/damnoensaduak.htm

This was definitely a unique shopping experience on the water.  Here is a video to give you a much better idea of what the market was like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyd5bRqrH0c&feature=related

In the evening, we vistited Bangkok's tallest building, Baiyoke Sky Hotel.  This 88 story structure is the most scenic hotel and strategically located in Bangkok's largest downtown fashion district.  We visited the 360 degree observation sky deck and had drinks at the bar overlooking the magnificent view of Bangkok.

http://baiyokesky.baiyokehotel.com/

 This is the spectacular view from the observation deck.

Alas, My trip to thailand ended on January 3rd and I had to say goodbye to my friends and venture to Singapore alone.

To all of my friends in Thailand.  Thanks for making my trip to Thailand, fun, crazy, unpredictable, adventurous and unforgettable.  Love you all!