Blogs from South-West Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 9

The train arrived at Chumphon early in the morning. I had to wait a few hours for the ferry. Luckily there was a stand nearby where they sold coffee and some fried dough that tasted like churros/oliebollen. a 65 year old man sat there in his bikers clothes, having his breakfast. He spoke very well english and told me how he traveled through different countries on his bike. When he isn't traveling, he rides his bike every morning through Chumphon and has his breakfast at the stand. It was very impressive. The bus finally arrived to take us to the pier. On the ferry, I sat on the deck to feel the breeze. I was instantly happy to see the sea again! The ferry took about 2 hours to get to the island. My next host ... read more

No blogging for a few days, just went to the beach, so nothing to report. I was really comfortable at Best House, except for the wash basin being on the balcony. That was a pain in the neck. Otherwise it was a real bargain, in a great location and the owners were so nice and helpful. Today was a travel day. I booked the 9am minivan. They go every hour from 6-4pm and cost 300b, hotel to hotel service, although I’m always a bit anxious that I’ll get dumped at the bus station and have to get a tuktuk for the last bit. For Long Beach the time was 9.40 as they start from further down the island. Be ready early, mine came at 9.30, then we waited 15mins round the corner for some guys who ... read more

Despite being super tired after the animal rescue experience, I managed to stay awake long enough to go to the Thai boxing stadium (grand word, in this case) at the end of the road. This was achieved by eating cake and drinking fresh limeade. I think some places make the farangs buy the VIP seats right in front of the ring, but I managed to get a cheaper one for the tiers. Still a farang price, 800b. It was very uncomfortable sitting on the shonky planks with huge gaps in them. It was supposed to start at 9 but was about 45 mins late, by which time I was regretting it. I could see some young boys warming up on the other side and there was an Aussie guy giving the English commentary and explaining the ... read more

Today was a beach day. I was up super early after being disturbed by some loud Germans chatting away in the reception area until midnight. Not really their fault, just wished they’d bugger off to bed already! I had breakfast at Aleena’s Minimart, lovely porridge and banana, a cup of tea and a sandwich to takeaway for lunch. Fab, fab selection of food there, but there’s no shortage of options along the lane. I chatted to an Italian guy who’d been in the same restaurant last night, recovering from a few days of being ill. I was the first English person he’d been able to understand. My training must have stood for something, then.... There are sunbeds on the beach with trees for shade, in front of a minimarket and massage place. What a contrast to ... read more

Today was a trip to remember, not for all the usual reasons. I decided to go to Chicken Island, 300b plus 400b National Park fee. I’d been told there was a restaurant but picked up supplies from 7-11 ( note to self: if they’ve run out of hard boiled eggs do NOT buy soft boiled ones. They’ve been in hot water for 2 minutes only and everything is soft. They explode all over your towel and sarong when you tap them even gently). Otherwise it’s a great one stop holiday shop and has everything you could possibly need. I bought my ticket, even though it had clouded over and started to rain a bit. It wouldn’t rain all day, for sure, and it cleared up before we set off. The boat was number 75 and there ... read more