Thailand was such a wonderful place and not just because it was the place where we got engaged.

We flew into Bangkok and spent a couple of nights there, near Khao San Road. We visited the Grand Palace and hired a longtail boat to tour the canals. Bangkok is a feast for the senses. We did as much exploring as we could but could definitely have enjoyed another couple of days there.

A flight to Surat Thani and a boat to Ko Phangan. We arrived here late and spent on night in a cheap bungalow. We were on a mission to get to the smaller island of Ko Tao. Next morning we carried our backpacks along the beach to the small pier.



On Ko Tao (turtle island) we spent one night in Ao Tanote which was great for snorkelling, then another three days on Sai Ree, the main beach. It was busier than we thought, but not built up, and backpacker heaven.

We took the night boat back to Surat Thani (mats on the floor - what an experience!) to get to our next destination - Krabi Province and the resort of Ao Nang. Again this was busier than we thought, but we settled here, hired a motorbike and got stuck into some exploring. We went to Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, climbed through the jungle and swam in our own private waterfall. We went sea kayaking through mangroves and lagoons, getting pounced on by swimming monkeys.



We found a quiet beach with our own private sand bank at Hat Napporatara, which was beautiful. We watched a Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) match...



Rode an elephant...



and on our last day we went white water rafting - of course I was the only person to fall out the boat, get swept under other rafts and bashed against the rocks!

It felt like we were away for so long because we did so many things. The food was gorgeous - I do miss that. The people were friendly (but definitely the most disorganised in S.E.Asia!). I would definitely go back, but it is getting more and more developed and harder and harder to find isolation. If you are considering going - go now!

Labels: travel