Thailand day nineteen (Sunday) to Australia day twenty (Monday)
Well, that’s it! We’re home, back in chilly Melbourne. At least the sun was shining today when we landed, quite unlike last night when we took off from Bangkok! Our last day in Khao Lak was really a packing up and saying goodbye day. The kids had a last swim and Dan collected his tailor-made shirts. We tried to have a last drink at Peter Bar but unfortunately were defeated by the high tide, so settled with a drink at the hotel instead.
Our transfer to Phuket airport was at 1.30pm. It takes a little over an hour to get there from Khao Lak, and as always the drive there provided us with plenty to see through the minivan windows. We were taking a domestic flight up to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (the main airport in Bangkok). There was quite a gap between the arrival of our domestic flight and the departure time of the international one. However, this wasn’t an issue – Suvarnabhumi is MASSIVE! By the time we got off one aircraft, walked a massive distance to baggage claim to get our luggage, then found our way to the International departures area we were able to check our bags in.
The airport is very well signed, and all staff that we interacted with were extremely helpful. We quickly went through immigration and found ourself in a huge shopping complex. All the luxury brands were there, as well as other shops hoping to tempt you with last minute duty free shopping opportunities. There were also some fun things along the way – statues, fancy video screens – and by the time we had a light dinner it was time to make our way to the departure lounge.
The plane was late boarding and taking off – there had been thunder and lightning for some hours. Eventually we were in the air at around 11.00pm Thailand time, and attempting to sleep. Our flight landed in Melbourne shortly after 11.00am Melbourne time after a relatively uneventful night. Dan and I didn’t get much sleep – the air conditioning on the plane was freezing, and on a budget airline no blankets are provided – but the girls seemed to snooze for most of the night.
Immigration and customs at Melbourne was straightforward too, as was the taxi ride home. We were struck by how tidy and ordered the streets and traffic are here – it’s surprising how quickly you become used to the busyness and disorder and relative mess of Thailand. There were good things awaiting us at home – my latest copy of Threads magazine, Dan’s 50th birthday present from the girls, a warm shower and favourite toys.
The rest of the day has passed in a jetlagged haze, unpacking, doing some basic shopping and putting the washing machine through its paces. It’s hard to believe that this time yesterday we were still in Thailand. As Clare said before she popped up to bed tonight “I don’t think that I was home-sick while we were away, but I am a little bit Thailand-sick now that we are back”. Yes, we all miss it. What an incredible family holiday. There are lots of other things that I’d like to share about our time away and thoughts that I have about travelling overseas with a family and will hopefully get to that in another blog post soon. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed that the planets will align for us and in 2016 we will be able to visit Chiang Mai, Cambodia and Laos! Thanks so much for travelling along with us. Your interest and encouragement has been wonderful.
Lara i just want to say I’ve really enjoyed your Thailand posts. Glad you had a fantastic time
Welcome home! I’ve always said you get the best value for your dollar when spending it on holidays… the memories and experiences last a lifetime 🙂
I have LOVED your holiday as much as you have, I think!
I looked forward to each posting and the great photos. What a wonderful trip.
Welcome home! What a wonderful experience you and your family have enjoyed! What wonderful memories you have given to your daughters.
Welcome back and thank you for letting be part of our holiday.
Thank you for sharing your holiday with us x enjoy being home x
I just want to say thank you so much for allowing us to share your awesome vacation. I really enjoyed reading about your days and the wonders of your surroundings. Would love to visit Thailand but from canada it is such long flight. Coming home is nice los. No place like home. Welcome back.
Welcome home! And thanks for letting me live vicariously though you…I feel jet lagged too now 😉
Thanks for sharing about your trip, I really enjoyed following your posts.
I might be almost as sad as you that your holiday is over! I have looked forward to starting my day with you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing. Can’t wait to see what becomes of that lovely fabric!
I am sorry to see your vacation end. I have very much enjoyed (arm chair) traveling along with you and have looked forward to reading your blog posts every morning. So many wonderful pictures and so much excellent information. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip. It’s been so much fun traveling vicariously with y’all! And your girls are adorable…
I really enjoyed you vacation posts. What a wonderful adventure to share with your kids. It definitely encouraged me to think about a trip like this when my kids get a little older. Thank you!
I’ve had such a GREAT holiday! Thanks so much to you and your family for sharing it with us. There are so many incredible things in the world and it was great to see some of them through your travels! Now……….get sewing! Haha
I have really enjoyed the change of pace your holiday writing has provided. It has also given me much food for thought. Knowing your energy levels, normal programming will be returning very soon! I am pleased you all had a lovely time.
Thanks for posting! I really have felt your adventure. Melbourne does feel so quiet, peaceful and spacious after Asia.
Wow, I am also sad that your trip is over! I have so enjoyed living vicariously through you and your beautiful families travels of Thailand thank you so much for sharing it with us! Dan’s shirts look awesome, can’t wait to see what you do with your fabric purchases! I love reading your blog-:).
I came over specifically to say that each time I see V9022 (a new pattern); it makes me think of you!
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9022-products-48746.php?page_id=174
Thank you! I hadn’t seen that pattern and YES absolutely it is me! I’ll be buying that one for certain!
😀
Thanks for all these posts, they are a wonderful reminder for you and your family but I’ve really enjoyed reading them. Reminds me of our holiday in Bali last Christmas. Think next time we will go to Vietnam. I’d love to hear your tips as I have two children around the same age.
I have really enjoying reading about your holiday each day. Looks like you had a fabulous time.
I’ve loved reading your travel adventures!! I’ve looked forward to them, think Thailand has gone to the top of the list of places we need to take the girls.
Just to say that I enjoyed reading your holiday journal- thanks for sharing! You have the cutest little ladies!
Thank you for sharing your family holiday ,I really enjoyed revisiting Thailand via your blog posts. You have given me ideas of new places to visit next time! Love your fabric purchases and am looking forward to seeing the new outfits you sew up .
Thank you for sharing your pictures and experiences! I enjoyed every entry!
Thank you so much for sharing your family holiday with us. I have enjoyed seeing Thailand and all the wonderful things you did.
I’ve loved reading your blog posts on Thailand, thanks so much! We are also planning on going to Cambodia in 2016 – with two little boys though.