kevlin

Friday 26 February We read that shopping is good at Patong beach, popular western resort of Phuket. We decide to flag a Tuk Tuk for 400 Baht, (£8), takes thirty minutes, over Challenging Phuket Hilll, very pleasant ride,which we thoroughly enjoy. On arrival, not nearly as much shopping potential as we thought and the beach, although long, was nothing compared with the Islands, so, shopped out after an hour we decide to return to Phuket Town, again agree upon Tuk Tuk as best option. Big mistake! We have to tell Boss man where and how much , He wants 100 more, we say no way so, after three drivers decline our fare, he procures the last Tuk Tuk driver in the lane, who again tries to ask more - Leo said no way, so he then ... read more

Wednesday 24 February Raili Beach be explored. Quick breakfast then 15 minute walk to the Long Tail boat ticket kiosk, where for 200 baht, we book our passage to and from Raili peninsular and the Phra Nang cave, minimum 8 passengers before pilot can leave, so we wait a few minutes before motoring off, just as well our Captain is a fast beggar as the caulking on the boat is terrible and we ship lots of water the whole journey. Mental note not to use boat A 88 on our return. Our fellow passengers are a Gay Russian and his Thai partner and 4 Brazilian girls/ Ladies who had just arrived after 25 hours flying and were very much in the mood for partying - Big Time! These girls are fun! (and will never see 40 ... read more

Tuesday 23 February Well,we were recommended to detour our schedule and visit Krabi and area, by friends Alf and Marilyn, and we are really glad we took their advice. Although Samui is fantastic and a real chilling place, it has nothing on the Similan Islands of South Western Thailand. Last year we visited Halong bay in Vietnam and were bowled over by it's beauty but the quality of beaches and dramatic tree clad limestone cliffs and islands here make it pale into insignificance. We booked, at huge expense,we may add, a four Island tour ( 400 baht) about £16 excl Park fee. The trip by long tail boats took in Raili Beach, ( a peninsular, not island), Chicken Island (fantastic snorkelling), lunch at 2-Island (named such, although only a shallow white-sand causeway separates them, and lastly, ... read more

Sunday 21 February Up with the Larks or whatever. Yellow and Black bird sings to us every morning. Early breakfast then off to reception to pick up our hire car to tour this Island. We are paying Bhat 400 extra for special insurance. On examining the car Paula notes the off-side spoiler is close to falling off and the car has some other body damage. The delivery guy says No Problem, you have full insurance cover! We question the damage issue several times before the guy says ' you have my word, no problems', We shall see! Setting off in a southerly direction we expect to circumnavigate the Island in about 2.5 hours, but Paula's map reading struggles to keep up with our progress. We manage to take a turnoff and view the island from its ... read more

Thursday/Friday February18/19 As we are half board, after settling in to our very comfortable bungalow, we walk a few metres to the beach-side restaurant and are firstly overwhelmed by the ferocious waves out at sea and blusterous skies, we immediately felt at home and recipients of Thai hospitality. For the first time this visit to the South East Asian area, the sea is clean, clear and refreshing. We order a simple Thai meal, listening to a Solo Singer Guitarist who would compliment any paid venue, awe struck by the Tempest of the waves and wind. Not looking to do much for a couple of days, chill out around the pool and lovely beach other than look after our waistlines....... read more