Once Upon a Thai

Been There, Done That.

Here is a map of the places I have either checked off the list already, or have set dates and tickets to travel to! Can't wait to place even more little dots on this map!

Get outta here, Donald Trunk!

I can't believe that it is my last week in Thailand before heading off to Australia!

"Just Don't Look Down"

Views are much better with new friends!

A Climb Up Ghost Tower

Ghost Tower is the creepiest unfinished skyscraper in all of Bangkok. In order to climb the haunted tower, a few friends and I had to pay off the guards to gain access, climbing up a rickety, old ladder and through a hole in the concrete.

"Just Don't Look Down"

Well worth the energy and the fear!

Time for Treats!

Dinner at the Pullman Hotel was incredible for our CIS Abroad send-off. I feel no shame in trying absolutely everything on that desert table.

Do the Mike!

CIS Abroad crew lookin' all fancy at the farewell dinner.

Too Happy About Dinner

Farewell, Mahidol xoxo

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye!

Koh Sak South Beach

Koh Sak North Beach

Though I slipped and fell once, twice, or twenty times...the water looked beautiful from above the rocks.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Had such a great night in Bangkok with these lovely ladies for St. Patty's!

Jump - Jump - Jump

Spent the second part of the day in Ko Sak jumping off boats, being slightly reckless and what have you.

DZ Love in Koh Sak

Garden Leaps

Pattaya Garden Project

The mini-farm sits just behind the Birds & Bees resort, where different organic, agricultural techniques are pioneered and demonstrated for the benefit of rural communities in Thailand.

Slow Loris

- The slow loris is one of the rarest primates. - Muscles on a Nycticebus species allow them to remain still for hours at a time. - The movement of a slow loris is snakelike. This is because a slow loris has more spinal vertebra than other primates. - In parts of Asia, the slow loris is believed to be able to cure over 100 diseases!

Afraid of Heights?

Cheers!

Nothin' like feeling the sea breeze with a nice Coke!

Yoga Pose in the Ko's

Reach - Ko Chang

Feels Like Home

A big thank you to my baby sister, Kathryn, for making my day.

Ku De Ta

ladies night = free champagne!

Ko Chang Relaxation

Ko Chang is a small island off the Northern Andaman Coast in Southern Thailand (not to be confused with the more famous Ko Chang in Eastern Thailand - where we were the weekend before this)

Hikes in the Chang

Over two mountains and here you get views like this one. Too good to be true.

Rock Pool Studies

There are so many fascinating species of fish and corals living in rock pools. I am so happy we got to examine some in Ko Chang.

Ko Chang is Rockin'

Large rocks are scattered throughout the beaches in Ko Chang, allowing some fun climbing opportunities.

Thai Treasures

There is nothing better than eating Thai food right out of the palm of your hand.

Ko Chang Hangout

Ocean Views

Hammock Time

Swang - Swang - Swang

Khao San Road

Ladies Take Khao San

Broken Boats

Just Keep Swimming

Loving the GoPro in stunning places like Ko Chang.

Feeling Crabby?

Our long day was met with a lovely seafood meal...although I felt bad for the crabs, they WERE delicious.

Shady Paradise

Good Morning, Thailand

It isn't so bad waking up in the morning to this.

Good Times in Ko Chang

View From Above

This is a photo taken from high above Amphoe districe in Ko Chang. It is right where we stayed.

Hello Mr. Fishies

Islands Off Ko Chang

The crystal clear water made seeing fish and coral such a great time!

U.S.A. Loves Thailand

Sittin' on the dock of the baaaaay

Mornings in Amphoe

Not a bad view on a quiet morning, right?

Ko Chang Sunrise

View from the ferry as we crossed the open ocean to Ko Chang.

Clear Water, Full Hearts, Can't Lose

Ko Chang Market Time

We loved visiting the market in Ko Chang. To get there, we had to board these boats from our hostel.

Hostel Views

This is the view from my window in our hostel in Ko Chang! Not too shabby.

Say What?

MUIC Crazy

Thai concerts ARE fun...even if you can't understand a single word all night.

Bamboo Breakfasts

Valentines Surprise

A warm Valentines thank you goes out to my incredible Godfather, Uncle Preston! You truly made my week. Love you lots!

Errrrca!

Ferris Wheel Fun!

Asiatique

Spend the best afternoon with Fah and Peep at Asiatique in Bangkok!

Lunch Time

To start off the day, we ate lunch in the middle of the sea in Amphawa, in a large structure made entirely of bamboo!

Ahhh! Monkey!

Take a look at this vicious and bloodthirsty fellow.

Amphawa Goods

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa is the second most popular floating market near Bangkok!

Amphawa Pad Thai

For less than a dollar, we stopped for some yummy Thai food by the river and watched the boats go by!

Mangroves and Monkeys

To read more about this adventure, check out the journal!

The Group That Worked

Such fun working with my People & Org Business group this semester. I can't believe our work is done!

Bangkok Views

Beautiful city! Hold your breath....but really.

Feelin' on cloud 47!

Again!

Cloud 47 Pt. 2

Welcome 2016!

New Year

A bright new year celebration by candlelight thanks to the nearby temples.

China Town, Bangkok

What a colorful way to ring in 2016 for the Chinese!

Dances with Dragons

Dragon dances are common during Chinese New Year. It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the Dragon or lion dancing aggressively can evict bad or evil spirits.

Doin' the Indiana Jones

Ayutthaya Kingdom

The city of Ayutthaya was founded by King Ramathibodi I all the way back in 1350!

New Friends

Many kids in Thailand love asking for a photo with travelers. I was that lucky traveler today, and made some new little friends!

Buddha in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya's main religion was Theravada Buddhism. However, many of the elements of the political and social system were incorporated from Hindu scriptures and were conducted by Brahmin priests.

Krung Tai

Ayutthaya was called Siam, but many sources say the people of Ayutthaya called themselves Tai, and their kingdom Krung Tai "The Tai Country."

Wat Phra Mahthat

Reaching the Top!

After a day hike, we reached tier 8 of Erawan National Park!

Even Rivers Need a Release

Park Buds

I owe this beautiful weekend to the lovely Evie and Natalie! xoxo

Mountain Park & Falls

View from a quarter of the way up the hike!

Erawan National Park & Falls

One of the most famous national parks in Thailand!

Always Falling for DZ

Mochi

Mochi ice cream is an Asian confection made from mochi (pounded sticky rice) with an ice cream filling.

On the River

Non Long!

A Chance of a Lifetime

Ups and Downs

In order to get on and off the elephants, we have to command them with the words, "non long."

Elephant Peace

Elephant Mahout training course! (Phase one of our time in Baan Chang).

Meet Tongjan

The Karen

The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. Overall the Long Neck Tribes live a rugged, tedious, and simple lifestyle, but the fruits of their labor are colorful and lively.

Buddhist Landmarks

Chiang Mai is very dedicated to its temples. Here is a very small example right next to our hostel.

Chiang Mai Temples

This city has over 300 Buddhist temples!

Panang Curry

Let's Cook!

Asian Scenic Thai Cooking School

Local Ingredients

You can't cook a traditional Thai dish without a quick walk to the market for the proper fresh ingredients.

Colors of Thailand

Pak Khlong Talat

This fresh flower market has become a tourist attraction thanks to its sheer size, beauty and exoticism.

Flower Market

Yodpiman River Walk, Bangkok

The most breathtaking river bend of the Chaophraya River.

May I see some ID?

Night Market Sushi

The markets here in Thailand never disappoint!

Zen

The surroundings of Wat Tham Suea consists of tropical rainforest including many old trees in the Kiriwong Valley.

Wat Tham Suea

The climb was far...but the view was well worth it!

Tiger Temple

Wat Tham Sua teaches a form of Buddhism called Vipassana (insight meditation), which is based on the teachings of the earliest Buddhist texts. Monks also live and worship within a maze of natural caves in the overgrown jungle valley.

Krabi Monkeys

In recorded times it was called the "Ban Thai Samor", and was one of twelve towns that used, before people were widely literate, the monkey for their standard.

DZ Love

Wat Tham Suea - Tiger Temple

Buddhist temple located northeast of Krabi, Thailand. One of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the province, the cave is well known for the tiger paw prints, tall Buddha statues and the strenuous flight of stairs to reach the tippy top of the mountain.

Krabi

The province includes over 80 smaller islands such as (Ko Lanta) and Phi Phi, well-known to adventurers, yachtsmen, scuba-divers, snorkelers, and day-trippers from Phuket

Floating Restaurants

In between islands, we stopped for some boat grub!

Krabi Boats

Phra Nang

Phra Nang Beach

Such a gorgeous view!

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

Thainapple the Pineapple

Hat Noppharat Thara

Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park - snorkeling here

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

Lonely Mountain

Pineapple Please!

Mahidol Morning Meditation

Buddhism in Thailand is largely of the Theravada school, which is followed by 90% of the population.

Breakfast Snacks

On Mahidol campus, students can buy fresh fruit throughout the day. Mango, guava, and watermelon on a stick are just a few of the delicious choices we have for breakfast.

Time to Relax!

Mountain with Three Hundred Peaks

Khao Sam Roi Yot was the first marine national park of Thailand!

Marine Life

The park covers 98.08 km², of which 20.88 km² are marine areas. Rare animals in the park include the Mainland Serow, Dusky Langurs, as well as many bird species. At sea, the occasional Irrawaddy dolphin shows up.

Splish Splash!

View From the Mountain

Only a short way through our hike, we could see the ocean below.

Boat Rides

On our way back to our bikes, a few friends and I caught the boat back to see the many views of the gulf.

Hat Laem Sala and Hat Sam Phraya

Phraya Nakhon Cave

After biking, we hiked Tian Mountain, right before a climb up another tropical mountain for about 430 meters to reach Phraya Nakhon Cave. The outstanding feature of Phraya Nakhon Cave is "thpone", a historic site built during King Chulalongkorn's reign.

Mountain Views

Park Market

Sam Roi Yot has a cute little market on the river sitting on the river between the mountains.

Bamboo Lake & Fish Farm

Dangerously walking across the bamboo bridge.

Khao Sam Roi Yot

Khao Sam Roi Yot means "mountain with 300 peaks.

Riverside Eats

Wat Don Wai Temple

Floating Vedors

This woman sells beautiful produce right out of the boat on the Ta Jenn River.

Wat Don Wai Market

At the bank of the Ta Jenn River, the Don Wai market is a hub for organic fruit vendors.

Let's Play!

Down the street from Bundit, there are often groups of kids and teens who gather for afternoon games of volleyball and soccer.

MUIC 5th Floor Computer Lab

First Day of School

A quick look at the uniform and this bright, sunny day.

Feeling Sweet

Fruit vendors line the beaches in Hua Hin! Such a healthy idea for a snack!

Riding Through Hun Hin

Pada and I spent our mid-afternoon galloping on the white and sandy beachside of Hua Hin! This village town is one along the Gulf of Thailand.

More Riding

Cha-Am Mountains

This coastal city has a tropical mountain view.

The Gang in Hua Hin

Had such a relaxing time with the Bundit ladies today!

Quick Beach Selfie...

Backpacks and Beaches

Eno

I would take sunshine and mango over 30 degree weather in the mitten any day!

Cricket Anyone?

The Thai people love their odd foods!

Phra Nakhon District

View of Wat Phra Kaew complex from Northeast Temple Complex of the Emerald Buddha

Feeling More Like Home

It's the little things in life that make a trip around the world a little easier to swallow.

Rooftop Crew

Though getting up to the bar was a close call, it was completely worth it.

On Cloud 47

Post cocktail candid!

47 Heaven

Cloud47 Rooftop Bar

Such a fun place and breathtaking view of the city!

Happy New Year!!!

Welcome 2016! We spent our New Year's watching fireworks in Pattaya!

Wat Pho

Buddhist temple complex in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand. Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.

Emerald Buddha

The Emerald Buddha housed in the temple is a potent religio-political symbol and the palladium (protective image) of Thai society.

Wat Phra Kaew

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace

Chang (Elephant)

Loving Ban Yai Cha, Chachoengsao

Buddhamthon Park

Lounging Around

Hanging out by the Sampran riverside was incredibly relaxing today!

Sampran Riverside

The Organic Farm project is in collaboration with the experienced local farmers of Nakhon Pathom who would like to either continue or return back to traditional agriculture practices and come together with the common goal to promote and create awareness on organic farming methods. It was another major step taken towards responsible tourism.

Bundit Squad

Fishing Boat Fiasco

We thought it would be fun to hop aboard a Thai boat on the Sampran River! That is...before the boat came untied.

Buddhamthon Park

Planting Pi Kun

MUIC students made a quick stop by the Buddhamonthon park to do some Pi Ku tree planting. These trees will eventually host pretty white flowers during the Summer months. Such a fun time giving to nature!

Elephant Fun!

I was so excited to visit Ban Yai Cha and play ball with this sweet, little girl!

Stunning Sampran

Across the other side of the Ta-Chine river lies a 10-acre organic farm where vegetables, herbs and fruits are grown.

Dinner on Khoa San Road

Tonight was our very first dinner in Bangkok! It was great to have the whole Bundit group together to explore!

A Stop for Ice Cream

International College

Here is one of the many buildings that make up MUIC (Mahidol University International College). Mahidol University is not only for international students, but is ranked the #1 university in Southeast Asia. I cant wait to begin classes on the 4th!

Khoa San Road

We had such a great time walking around Khoa San Road, located in Bangkok! It is a hub for backpackers and other tourists traveling around Southeast Asia. We were able to buy Thai food and drinks, and barter for other trinkits.

Breakfast Time!

- coffee in a can - dried Thai peas

Bundit House Pool

We have been loving the chilly pool here at our apartment!

Bundit House

This is one example of the many structures around the housing where Buddhist Thai people in the area can come to make offerings and pray.

Note to self: pack own lunch...

Well the food, though it may not look too terribly bad...let's just say that I may have had my hopes up a bit too high haha!!!

Aaaaand we're off!

A big thanks to my mom, dad, and Alex for taking me to the airport. I don't know what I would do without you guys by my side. I am already missing you so badly.

Yes, that is The Hobbit

Feeling sky high with my new coloring book for the flight! Hahaha! :)

Chelsie the Buddhist?

I just came across this silly photo! Who knows...maybe I always knew I would be a Theravada Buddhist! Hahaha!

Thai Cuisine

I can't wait to be eating delicious thai food every single day! Thai cooking places emphasis on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components with lots of spice. It is known for its complex interplay of at least three and up to four or five fundamental taste senses in each dish or the overall meal: sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy.

Monks in Thailand

There is no official state religion in the Thai constitution, which guarantees religious freedom for all Thai citizens.Yet, the main religion practiced in Thailand is Buddhism.

Loi Krathong

Loi Krathong is a festival celebrated annually throughout Southwestern Tai cultures. The festival takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar.