Welcome to the Elephant Village said the signage. It was after about 1.45hrs ride in the van, from Khlong Nueng (in Pathum Thani), that we reached Damnoen Saduak. Bought tickets for the ride. (2 teenagers + 1 kid = Baht 1500). If you'd like to feed the elephants, bananas were also sold.
The weather was good, sunny. Much like our own in Malaysia. So, the ride was fine.
The elephant was rather hungry I guess...well, we didn't buy any bananas for them!
The kids without their mahout guiding the elephant...(he jumped down to take the pic.). On the RHS of the pic, is a canal that we traveled in later on to the floating market.
Our elephant decided to rummage for something to eat.
Leisurely ride by both of us .... on land and in the canal.... Err...actually, I was a bit terrified.
Getting ready to disembark the elephant!!! A landing was built at approximately the height of the elephant to make it easier for us to get onto and off it.
At the end of the ride (about 30 mins), each of us was given a cup of mineral water. Thanks...
On Wednesday evening, 22 Dec, 2010, we ventured a little bit further to Thailand's South-East, namely Pattaya. Went via Motorway 9, and after Tapchang Toll Gate and Suvarnabhumi Airport we took a left turn into Highway 7 to Chon Buri / Lat Krabang. Paid Baht30 at Lat Krabang Toll Gate, bypassed Lat Krabang and then made a 'pit-stop' at the Service Area (R&R). The area looks more like a small town when compared to Malaysia's R&R. With 4 lanes on both sides of the highway, the drive was smooth save for some bumpy ones when the road went over the small canals (I guess)
There was KFC, which daughter just had to content with looking at it only, 7 Eleven and few other local shops. A pick-up truck (yes, so many pick-up trucks here) with sea coconuts.... The landscape changed from what we used to in Pathum Thani, when it changed to a little bit hilly once we reached Sri Racha area. Coconut trees, tapioca and pineapples.... Once nearing Pattaya, we were greeted with a big signboard, welcoming us to Eastern Seaboard, Detroit of the East. Reached Pattaya after about 2hr 15mins drive from Khlong Nueng.
We put up at Valida Residence, off Pattaya South Rd. A residence run by a young Muslim couple. Breakfast was included but for other meals, we had to find them for ourselves.
We brought along our Ta-Pau food using my Tupperware Festive Tiffin (what a help... ;-)
Hubby had to attend to work the next day, so we ventured out to Big C to replenish our food stock. Walked all the way, to and fro. No songthaew for us.
The Pattaya South Rd (Pattaya Tai). This road will take one to Pattaya Beach and also Jomtien Beach.
