THAILAND

Arrived in Thailand Friday 22nd. Checked out downtown bars and the place looks more like Phuket ten years ago especially a place called “Crazy House”. Enough said.

Saturday afternoon I used the Show Local app and met Jantima. She showed how to use the train system it’s excellent, underground thus cool. Went to the biggest market region I have seen – Tor Kor Markets. Visited renown nightlife places around Sukhumvit road and Khao San Road, plus directions and how to get to various beach regions. I treated us both to a foot massage at the market then when we got home I shouted dinner.

Sunday visit to many bars. Returned to beer garden bar over the beach, nightlife much the same and found a great beer.

Travel to Phuket was “fun”. Getting out of Bangkok took over an hour for a 30 minute taxi ride. Good flight then a 75 minute taxi ride that should only be 45 minutes due to traffic and one way streets. But it’s a fun town visiting the Bangla Road walking street. THE VIP shot on the left above contained around 30 shooters for the table that ordered them. Glad I only watched.

Wednesday was a beach pool and beer day. The obligatory marijuana sales shop also added.

Thursday I booked a tour to Ao Phan NGA National Park which was declared following the 1975 making James Bond “The Man with the Golden Gun” a good section was filmed here.
However first stop was at the Monkey cave with the photos below.

We travelled in Longtail boats above. The geography is stunningly unique. As mountains stretch from the ocean in the form of towers which are made from Kharst limestone. Our lunch was at a self made village using the ocean and island to anchor the village. Apparently a family moved here from Indonesia 300 years ago and now the descendants are over 1800. Strictly Islamic and no alcohol.

Friday beach, beer, massage then watched the Dockers beat Adelaide Crows. Sports bar screen kept freezing so glad I paid for overseas access and watch the game on my iPad. Dined at our hotel and treated my self to Lobster Thermidor then off to listen to music and a few more drinks. Booked my ferry to Krabi 117 kms in 2 hours 15 minutes. Should be a trip!!

Saturday – Beach, beer and Massage but stayed away from Bangla Road after dark and visited the OTOP Market area about a 20 minute walk from my hotel. Very new area with lots of small bars, market food and a shoppers market. Bangla road is a place where it’s difficult to meet people as most seem to stay one or two drinks then move on, also seems to be filled with RussIans, Indians and Middle East types. Whereas OTOP Market seems much more Aussie, English and N American. Even has a Hooters and a Hard Rock Cafe. Still under development but may be the future.

Sunday morning checked out at 9:30am and headed to the Bang Rong Pier to catch fast boat service to Krabi. A bit disappointed in the ticketing supposed to arrive at 1:00pm but a change of passengers had us parked at Chong Lard Pier on Ko Yao island a little under half way there. After 75 minutes we were off again. These boats can move. Three Honda 250 4 stroke outboard motors as the boat easily reaches 40 knots.

once on land I “tuk tuked” to the Ao Nang Villa Resort and checked in. Great location and facilities. My Beach access small view, the backdrop and the pool.

April fools day Monday very humid judging by me sweating profusely. Probably worst I have come across.did the explore walked the monkey trail from our hotel – very friendly found a great restaurant with good wine closed the evening watching the fire dancers.

Tuesday an early start picked up at hotel for Phi Phi Islnds trip on speed boat. Boarded and away by 8:00 with Maya Bay the first stop. Made famous after its appearance in the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Absolutely stunning place. The day involved swimming snorkelling and viewing amazing island coasts/ hills. We visited Viking Cave (apparently a shipwrecked group lived their) Monkey Island, bamboo island (lunch and two hour break), chicken island, Ko Poda eventually dropped off at 4:30pm.

Temperatures in high 30s from 9:00am so bliss to get back into air conditioned room for a rest. Stunning sunsets which I missed first two nights. The sun was bright red as it sank over the hills.

Capped the night off with a nice bottle of Pinot from NZ, the food however was disappointing but the fire dancers were there again and I had front row seats.

Wednesday and Thursday mainly pool, walking, beer and massage. Did go into Krabi town on Wednesday but nothing special. Found Aussie sports bar checked it out for the footy and will go there for Dockers match on Saturday.

Friday picked up at 8:30am for the Ao Nang elephant Sanctuary visit. We fed and gave them mud baths before we scrubbed them clean in their pool. It was a nice experience. Six elephants all female and microchipped with ages ranging from 16 to 45 years.

Relaxing afternoon after returning from the elephants – very hot. best massage today will go to same place tomorrow. I headed out to a different restaurant I discovered on my walks called Umbertos. Great selection of wine and pricey. On the way it was sunset time and thousands of people go to the beach for photos. I have added a new set here as though there is little sky colour to speak of the sun itself is an amazing red orb.

arriving at the restaurant you are given access to their cellar to select your own wine. I chose an Amarone from the Valpolicella region of Venice (Veneto wine region) it was excellent as was a two course meal with double espresso to finish.

Today is my final day in Krabi although I don’t leave the hotel until 2:00pm for a 4:40pm flight to BKK. Will wander up to Risky Business Sports Bar to watch the Dockers Vs Carlton today.

Well things did not work out. Krabi lost power for 5 hours so I missed the game and at the end an umpire error and lack of discipline blew what the should have won.

Sunday. Tried for late check out to no avail so will park bags and go for massage and last lunch between 12 and 2:00pm. Arrived into BKK safely and checked into Chillax Resort.

wandered down Khaosan road after a feed. The loudest street music I have ever seen. I’d to be found in this walking street. The strong smell of marijuana permeated the atmosphere.

Taking advice from Peter who ran the Aussie bar I took a 24 hour trip to Hua Hin another coastal paradise. Hit the beach for lunch and beer then found the walking street on the Internet. It was different. Usual bar girls but lots of ex Pat’s and quieter music. After dinner on the pier I ended up at Reds Bar enjoyed music and chats.

Final day returning to Bangkok. I wandered round doing the daily usual and booked into The Marriott 45th floor sky bar for drinks and meal to cap off great holiday.