Fun Facts about Phuket, Thailand:
– 1 USD = 29.77 Thai Baht
– Thailand’s largest island, roughly the same size as Singapore.
– It was also hit by the 2004 Asian Tsunami, estimated over 5,300 people
died in Phuket.
– Thailand has the world’s longest reigning monarch, current the King has
been in power since 1946.
– Similar to the UK, the King is more of a figurehead but actually posses
some power in the government.

We went to a Brazilian BBQ which included an all-you-can-eat meat feast! One of the items on the menu was crocodile – something no one at the table had tried before. Rob and Jer thought it tasted like chicken, but Linds felt a bit differently. The best part was the entire meal totaled $30 per person – our most expensive meal of the entire trip, including the meal where we got ripped off in Hanoi! It all tasted delicious!

Everyone was keen on seeing elephants up close (a native animal to the area); however once we arrived at the local tourist attraction, it was clear the animals were not treated well. As an example, some baby elephants were chained to posts and trainers used a metal hook to keep them in line. Despite the cruelty, we learned how smart these animals really are and how well you can train them. It was still very fascinating.

The entire trip was a whirlwind. It went so fast, but we would’ve done it all over again. As the picture shows we hit 6 cities and 4 countries in a matter of 2 1/2 weeks – a very well thought out and planned trip! VERY happy to have JR and some friends from Sydney join us on the excursion.