Dec 4 Chiang Rai visit White Temple

As can be seen by the pictures, Dusit Resort is located in a beautiful location surrounded by water, which makes for some excellent views. It is about 1km from the city centre and therefore very quiet. 

View of big white budda from the hotel

Cat Cafe! Julie was so excited to find this cafe. These cats are not up for adoption, but live permanently in the cafe. They are pampered and loved by each customer to the cafe.

White Temple, what an amazing sight! It was like entering the movie set of "Frozen".

Dec 3 Travel Day to Chiang Rai

Bangkok Airways calls itself a "boutique" airline, and they delivered. Guest services in the waiting room with refreshments, and a light meal on board. Quite unexpected for a 1-hour flight.  We arrived to our hotel at about 4pm, and another unexpected surprise. Dusit Island Resort is a beautiful 4-star luxurious hotel. We had an amazing view from our spacious 8th floor room. Off quickly to explore the city before dark and managed to visit a temple along the way.

Dusit Island Resort

Large leechy nuts...many trees in the hotel grounds

Which way do we go?

Wat Klang Wiang Temple 

A very pampered cat in the temple

A Christian Church, very unique in a country where Budism dominates

Dec 1 Koh Samui @Big Budda

What a change from yesterday's torrential rain. We awoke to sunshine and a light breeze. What a beautiful sight from our balcony that overlooks the sea, and how quickly the pool area filled with guests deprived of sunshine for a few days. We quickly had breakfast and made our way to the next town to see Big Budda, a large 12 meter golden statue overlooking the sea. It sits high on a small island, connected by a causeway, and can be seen from miles away. 

The pose is a symbol of steadfastness, purity and enlightenment.

We met 4 Spanish visitors to the temple, one who took our picture.

I'm not sure the purpose of the statue at waters edge

The evening was ended with a visit to the Friday night market at Fisherman's Village. The fishermen and wharf are no longer, and replaced with trendy restaurants and boutique hotels. On Friday evening the narrow streets are filled with vendors selling various merchandise and many tasty foods.

A very unique design, with pool acess outside each door.

This was a very unique pub, attracting many people.

The bar stools were also unique. I'm amazed how creative some people are.

Picking some snacks